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Last Laff Mystery #1
Killer Routine
Comedian Channing Hayes survived a tragic car accident that claimed the life of his fiancee Lauren. Physically and emotionally scarred, he's put his performing career on hold, resigned to getting laughs vicariously as co-owner of The Last Laff Comedy Club. There, he instructs Lauren's sister Heather in the fine art of stand-up. When Heather skips out on her set during the club's comedy showcase, Channing searches for his AWOL protege. Then Heather's ex-lovers start turning up dead - and Channing must fight to keep Heather from being the next hit in this deadly line-up.
- GenresMystery
302 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2011
1 person is currently reading
119 people want to read
About the author
Alan Orloff
58 books148 followersBefore Alan stepped off the corporate merry-go-round, he had an eclectic (some might say disjointed) career. As an engineer, he worked on nuclear submarines, supervised assembly workers in factories, facilitated technology transfer from the Star Wars program, and learned to stack washing machines three high in a warehouse with a forklift. He even started his own recycling and waste reduction newsletter business. Now he writes fiction.
His debut mystery, DIAMONDS FOR THE DEAD, was a finalist for the Best First Novel Agatha Award. He writes the Last Laff Mystery Series: KILLER ROUTINE (#1) and DEADLY CAMPAIGN (#2), and has three e-book originals, THE TASTE (horror/thriller), FIRST TIME KILLER (thriller), and RIDE-ALONG (suspense).
He wrote the thrillers RUNNING FROM THE PAST and PRAY FOR THE INNOCENT (winner of the ITW Thriller Award for Best E-Book Original).
His novel, I KNOW WHERE YOU SLEEP was a Shamus Award finalist for Best First P.I. Novel.
His YA thriller, I PLAY ONE ON TV (Down & Out Books), won the Agatha Award and Anthony Award for Best YA Novel.
His novel, LATE CHECKOUT, is an Anthony Award Finalist for Best Paperback Original.
His short fiction has appeared in numerous publications, including JEWISH NOIR, Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine, CHESAPEAKE CRIMES: STORM WARNING, Mystery Weekly, NOIR AT THE SALAD BAR, Black Cat Mystery Magazine, five consecutive issues of the BEST NEW ENGLAND CRIME STORIES, THE NIGHT OF THE FLOOD, MICKEY FINN, and MYSTERY MOST GEOGRAPHICAL.
His story, “Rule Number One” (SNOWBOUND, Level Best Books), was selected for the 2018 edition of THE BEST AMERICAN MYSTERY STORIES anthology, edited by Louise Penny.
His story, "Dying in Dokesville," won a Derringer Award, and his story "Rent Due," won an ITW Thriller Award.
Alan recently moved to South Florida. He loves cake and arugula, but not together.
For more info, please visit his website: www.alanorloff.com
Alan is sorry he wrote this bio in the third person.
His debut mystery, DIAMONDS FOR THE DEAD, was a finalist for the Best First Novel Agatha Award. He writes the Last Laff Mystery Series: KILLER ROUTINE (#1) and DEADLY CAMPAIGN (#2), and has three e-book originals, THE TASTE (horror/thriller), FIRST TIME KILLER (thriller), and RIDE-ALONG (suspense).
He wrote the thrillers RUNNING FROM THE PAST and PRAY FOR THE INNOCENT (winner of the ITW Thriller Award for Best E-Book Original).
His novel, I KNOW WHERE YOU SLEEP was a Shamus Award finalist for Best First P.I. Novel.
His YA thriller, I PLAY ONE ON TV (Down & Out Books), won the Agatha Award and Anthony Award for Best YA Novel.
His novel, LATE CHECKOUT, is an Anthony Award Finalist for Best Paperback Original.
His short fiction has appeared in numerous publications, including JEWISH NOIR, Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine, CHESAPEAKE CRIMES: STORM WARNING, Mystery Weekly, NOIR AT THE SALAD BAR, Black Cat Mystery Magazine, five consecutive issues of the BEST NEW ENGLAND CRIME STORIES, THE NIGHT OF THE FLOOD, MICKEY FINN, and MYSTERY MOST GEOGRAPHICAL.
His story, “Rule Number One” (SNOWBOUND, Level Best Books), was selected for the 2018 edition of THE BEST AMERICAN MYSTERY STORIES anthology, edited by Louise Penny.
His story, "Dying in Dokesville," won a Derringer Award, and his story "Rent Due," won an ITW Thriller Award.
Alan recently moved to South Florida. He loves cake and arugula, but not together.
For more info, please visit his website: www.alanorloff.com
Alan is sorry he wrote this bio in the third person.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
July 1, 2011
“Killer Routine,” the second mystery by Alan Orloff, certainly has a provocative title. The first in Orloff’s Last Laff Mystery series, I wasn’t sure if there was a serial killer lurking among its pages. What a relief to find out that he was writing about comedy routines instead of mass murder and mayhem.
But comedy, I discovered in this book, is a serious business. In fact, many of the people trying so desperately to make a name for themselves in the field of stand-up comedy are really troubled souls. This is especially true of “Killer Routine’s” leading character, Channing Hayes. Hayes has survived a tragic auto accident that claimed the life of his fiancée, Lauren. Physically and emotionally scarred—he lost several fingers in the accident—he’s put his own promising comedic career on an indefinite hold and becomes co-owner of The Last Laff Comedy Club.
One of the most promising up-and-coming comics at the club that Hayes mentors is his dead fiancée’s sister, Heather. Then Heather disappears right before she’s scheduled to make her comedy debut and Hayes, fearing he pushed her too far too fast, begins a search to find her. When Heather’s ex-lovers start to turn up dead, well, as I said before, comedy is serious business.
In Alan Orloff’s first mystery, “Diamonds for the Dead,” Orloff’s protagonist goes on a journey and discovers things about a close family member that he never knew. In his second mystery, Orloff’s protagonist goes on a similar journey, but this time discovers things about himself. Well plotted, great characters, and a promising beginning to a new series.
Reviewed by Susan Santangelo author of “Moving Can Be Murder” for Suspense Magazine
But comedy, I discovered in this book, is a serious business. In fact, many of the people trying so desperately to make a name for themselves in the field of stand-up comedy are really troubled souls. This is especially true of “Killer Routine’s” leading character, Channing Hayes. Hayes has survived a tragic auto accident that claimed the life of his fiancée, Lauren. Physically and emotionally scarred—he lost several fingers in the accident—he’s put his own promising comedic career on an indefinite hold and becomes co-owner of The Last Laff Comedy Club.
One of the most promising up-and-coming comics at the club that Hayes mentors is his dead fiancée’s sister, Heather. Then Heather disappears right before she’s scheduled to make her comedy debut and Hayes, fearing he pushed her too far too fast, begins a search to find her. When Heather’s ex-lovers start to turn up dead, well, as I said before, comedy is serious business.
In Alan Orloff’s first mystery, “Diamonds for the Dead,” Orloff’s protagonist goes on a journey and discovers things about a close family member that he never knew. In his second mystery, Orloff’s protagonist goes on a similar journey, but this time discovers things about himself. Well plotted, great characters, and a promising beginning to a new series.
Reviewed by Susan Santangelo author of “Moving Can Be Murder” for Suspense Magazine
February 6, 2015
Honestly this novel is just that, a well written novel. Mr. Orloff's story telling abilities are amazing, however, I just didn't feel like it was a 'Murder Mystery.' Why four stars? Because I could read his novels continuously and do.
This book is about the life and re-gaining a life of a comedy club's co-owner, Channing Hayes. We are taken to his noble fight to climb out of his fears, physical disabilities, and loss of his future wife. And, oh yes, there is a death or two including his career as a stand-up comedian who just isn't laughing since the 'accident.' Now, a dear friend goes missing and Channing finds himself compelled to find her.
I was finding myself reading this book like a person knowing they are heading for a crash. The truth was the ending was fantastic. The secrets lay with the missing person.
The book has me, as a reviewer confused. I loved this novel as a novel but the murder mystery came way too deep in the book and I almost was saddened enough by Channing's struggles to not finish it. Thank goodness, I did. There was twists at the final portion that made the book a true four stars.
This book is about the life and re-gaining a life of a comedy club's co-owner, Channing Hayes. We are taken to his noble fight to climb out of his fears, physical disabilities, and loss of his future wife. And, oh yes, there is a death or two including his career as a stand-up comedian who just isn't laughing since the 'accident.' Now, a dear friend goes missing and Channing finds himself compelled to find her.
I was finding myself reading this book like a person knowing they are heading for a crash. The truth was the ending was fantastic. The secrets lay with the missing person.
The book has me, as a reviewer confused. I loved this novel as a novel but the murder mystery came way too deep in the book and I almost was saddened enough by Channing's struggles to not finish it. Thank goodness, I did. There was twists at the final portion that made the book a true four stars.
November 17, 2011
I read Alan's last book and loved it. Then I found out he's going to do a series about a comedy club and I knew I had to read it. We in Sheepshead Bay are still mourning the loss of Pip's. It was one of the most famous stops on any rising comedian's club circuit.
Killer Routine is far from being a routine cozy or even mystery. I laughed till my sides hurt at some of the things Channing was going through with Art the senior partner of the club. Book 2 is going to have to really rock to get a stop up on this one.
Killer Routine is far from being a routine cozy or even mystery. I laughed till my sides hurt at some of the things Channing was going through with Art the senior partner of the club. Book 2 is going to have to really rock to get a stop up on this one.
March 3, 2015
After many weeks trying to get into this book, I finally gave up around page 70.
October 23, 2011
I got an ARC of the 2nd book in the series ("Deadly Campaign" - Jan. 2012) at Bouchercon and had to read this one first. Enjoyed it a lot! Looking forward to reading more of Alan's books.
October 15, 2018
Lost his fiancé in a auto accident along with three fingers and his nerve, comedian Channing Hayes is threatened by his finance's father, spooked by the murder of friends, and hesitant to return to the stand-up stage until.......
June 5, 2021
Nice comfortable read. Gives insight into comedy world.
December 5, 2021
I love his character development Found the world of comedy and comediennes interesting.
August 17, 2022
Cleverly set in a comedy club, this mystery was a fascinating insight into the characters behind the scenes, as well as the challenges that must be met by the performers. Scarred by tragedy, the lead character remains supportive of his friends as he attempts to build his own courage to again step into the spotlight himself. A murder and the disappearance of his once future sister-in-law, kept me guessing until the end.
August 10, 2011
Look at the people around you. Repeated national surveys say the people you’re looking at dread speaking in public more than flying, illness, terrorism, and even death. Comedian Jerry Seinfeld once summarized the data by quipping, “In other words, at a funeral, the average person would rather be in the casket than giving the eulogy.”
If the notion of speaking in front of any crowd intimidates you, imagine it’s your job to make a paying audience full of expectant strangers ranging from mildly skeptical onlookers to immoderately inebriated hecklers laugh at your jokes. Keep that in mind when treating yourself to author Alan Orloff’s mystery novel, “Killer Routine.” Set mostly in the northern Virginia suburbs of Washington, D.C., “Killer Routine” is the first entry in Orloff’s “Last Laff” series, spotlighting the amateur sleuthing of troubled stand-up comedian and comedy club-owner Channing Hayes. This well-written novel bursts open with the alarming disappearance of Heather Dempsey, Hayes’ protégée (and sister of his late fiancée, Lauren), just before she’s to make her debut appearance at Hayes’ struggling suburban comedy club. Still reeling from Lauren’s untimely death and while battling a hostile takeover attempt aimed at his nightclub, Hayes maneuvers among an escalating pile of lies and murders to find Heather and save her life before she’s victimized in a twisted plot of cold vengeance. This is no funny story, no amusing satire -- the book's tone is dark, as are the natures of many of its principal characters. In addition to spinning a gripping mystery story, “Killer Routine” gives readers a fascinating glimpse into the daunting world inhabited by the men and women who stand alone sweating under piercing floodlights on unforgiving comedy stages the world over, desperately lunging for every laugh they can get.
If the notion of speaking in front of any crowd intimidates you, imagine it’s your job to make a paying audience full of expectant strangers ranging from mildly skeptical onlookers to immoderately inebriated hecklers laugh at your jokes. Keep that in mind when treating yourself to author Alan Orloff’s mystery novel, “Killer Routine.” Set mostly in the northern Virginia suburbs of Washington, D.C., “Killer Routine” is the first entry in Orloff’s “Last Laff” series, spotlighting the amateur sleuthing of troubled stand-up comedian and comedy club-owner Channing Hayes. This well-written novel bursts open with the alarming disappearance of Heather Dempsey, Hayes’ protégée (and sister of his late fiancée, Lauren), just before she’s to make her debut appearance at Hayes’ struggling suburban comedy club. Still reeling from Lauren’s untimely death and while battling a hostile takeover attempt aimed at his nightclub, Hayes maneuvers among an escalating pile of lies and murders to find Heather and save her life before she’s victimized in a twisted plot of cold vengeance. This is no funny story, no amusing satire -- the book's tone is dark, as are the natures of many of its principal characters. In addition to spinning a gripping mystery story, “Killer Routine” gives readers a fascinating glimpse into the daunting world inhabited by the men and women who stand alone sweating under piercing floodlights on unforgiving comedy stages the world over, desperately lunging for every laugh they can get.
September 12, 2016
Well. Color me surprised. I now have spent some 300 pages empathizing with a comedy club owner/standup comedian and watching him unravel a mystery and re-ravel his life. I have nothing in common with a comedy club owner/standup comedian. Especially a male one. Nothing. But a great mystery writer can cause you you empathize with anyone and everyone without even trying. To quote another reviewer, "Oroff is gifted when it comes to developing full blown and realistic characters while telling an edge-of-your-seat story."
I simply won't finish a book if I don't care what happens to the characters, and I cared deeply here and settled in to read in two long and enjoyable sittings. I want to mention especially the suspense and twists in the last few chapters. Edge-of-your-seat indeed. And an uplifting bit at the end that wrapped it up nicely for this serial reader.
A wonderful tale and a coming-back-to-life book. This is a supurb, often touching, well-crafted mystery and thriller that makes me want to read more--and I will. Next up: Deadly Campaign.
I simply won't finish a book if I don't care what happens to the characters, and I cared deeply here and settled in to read in two long and enjoyable sittings. I want to mention especially the suspense and twists in the last few chapters. Edge-of-your-seat indeed. And an uplifting bit at the end that wrapped it up nicely for this serial reader.
A wonderful tale and a coming-back-to-life book. This is a supurb, often touching, well-crafted mystery and thriller that makes me want to read more--and I will. Next up: Deadly Campaign.
March 2, 2014
Channing Hayes' is trying to help his almost sister-in-law begin a solo stand up comic career while he recovers from the accident that took his fiancee. On the night of her big break, she vanishes. Why? Can Channing find her? The characters were enjoyable, especially Channing, but the plot was a series of events with no real detective work involved.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
April 12, 2011
I really enjoyed Alan Orloff's Diamonds for the Dead, so was thrilled when he turned his hand to a series. From the moment I cracked Killer Routine open, I felt Channing's deep personal pain and anxiety. Oroff is gifted when it comes to developing full blown and realistic characters while telling an edge-of-your-seat story.
May 5, 2011
For a book about stand up comics, there's really no humor to be found in KILLER ROUTINE. I realize that the main character is recovering from a tragic accident, but the book itself doesn't seem to ever go anywhere for pages and pages.
There's far too much repetition and too little action. I never really got into the book much, though I did finish.
There's far too much repetition and too little action. I never really got into the book much, though I did finish.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 2, 2012
I am very curious how the author came to his setting -- a scruffy comedy club in a strip mall somewhere in Northern Virginia and his focus on this world of stand up comics. The strength of this is in the characters and the setting and not as much the plot. I will be looking for another Last Laff Mystery.
April 30, 2011
Fun mystery with very likable characters. This is the first in a series centered around a comedy club, and I'm interested to read the follow-ups. While reading this book, I went to an actual comedy club and I felt like I had inside knowledge!
January 25, 2012
I love this new series!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews