Mess, the proprietor of a motel he inherited from his parents, is more concerned with help those in need than turning a profit. He is a very heartwarming character. His network of friends/contacts are all well developed and likable as well.

I almost skipped this one due to the description involving domestic abuseas I tend to not be entertained by this new domestic thriller genre that seems all the rage. However, after seeing one review that mentioned Robert Crais' Elvis Cole/Joe Pike series I couldn't brush it aside. (Absolutely delighted to see a reference to them in the story as well).

I think this could be the start of a very long and successful series of novels. There is so much potential for character growth and an so many different ways this whole motel/charity case plot and progress.

Overall I think this was a great read. I didn't care for the hasty wrap up in the very last section of the last chapter, but I can see potential with the storyline carrying over to a next book. Should the author decide to expand this idea to a series I'm definitely without a doubt going to snag a copy as soon as possible.

Thanks to Netgalley and the author for providing this advanced copy in exchange for my unbiased opinion.

n Virginia there is a 14 unit motel with 11 rooms available to rent. The owner, Mess, has a big heart and enjoys to help people. He will give you a place to stay for free or for very little to get you out of a bad situation and back on your feet. Mess knows that everyone is different and some are there longer than others. Nicole and her son Kevin arrive at the motel and things get crazy. Nicole vanishes and Mess takes it into his hands and his network to find her and figure out what is going on. Throughout this whole ordeal Mess uncovers a huge story within the community.
Mess really grows as a character throughout the book. In the beginning he is very carefree and just wants to help but towards the end he still loves helping and it just felt like he matured and saw a new perspective. Mess will go through great lengths to help anyone who needs it and he even has certain people who will do the same. He doesn’t care about making money but he cares about helping those who come forward asking for it.

Mess Hopkins is not a particularly ambitious man, but he wants to do something worthwhile with his life. He accomplishes his goal by offering a helping hand to several people-in-need at a time. Running the Fairfax Manor Inn, his parents’ less-than-luxurious motel, while they travel the world isn’t the most glamourous job, but it’s comfortable and provides Mess with a place to live, as well as the perfect opportunity to provide refuge to those suffering hardship. At least it will be until his parents discover their beloved business is losing money.

When his friend, Vell Jackson, brings a bruised woman fleeing from an abusive husband and her surly fifteen-year-old son to the motel, Mess has no choice but to give them a safe, no cost place to stay until they can make other arrangements. But, no good deed goes unpunished, and it isn’t long before his life becomes an even bigger mess than that of his childhood nickname.

Soon after their arrival, the mother vanishes, leaving her recalcitrant son, Kevin, behind in Mess’s care. With the help of Lia Katsaros, a beautiful newspaper reporter and his friend Vell, Mess scrambles to uncover the truth behind Nicole’s and Kevin’s complicated story before an all-too tragic ending is written.

With its well-crafted characters, interesting plot and satisfying ending, award-winning author Alan Orloff’s “Sanctuary Motel: A Mess Hopkins Novel” is everything I look for when choosing a book to read. Thanks to Level Best Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an advance reader’s copy.

This book was the definition of a page-turner. I flew through the novel and was barely able to put it down at times!

The mystery and suspense kept me on my toes. The plot was engaging and felt genuine. And the characters were incredibly believable.

Initially it felt a little unrealistic for Mess and Vell to not call the police as soon as they discovered Nicole was missing, but, as the story unfolded it made more sense. Life isn’t so simple, especially for those less fortunate.

The writing itself was no frills! This helped keep the pace and made it a super quick read! I personally really appreciate this style of writing in a mystery/suspense; there’s nothing more frustrating than unnecessary ‘fluffy’ dialogue when you’re bursting to find out what happened!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

"Sanctuary Motel" by Alan Orloff is a gripping and heartwarming tale that explores the enduring power of compassion and community in the face of adversity. Set against the backdrop of the slightly worn Fairfax Manor Inn, Mess Hopkins, a compassionate innkeeper, embarks on a mission to provide shelter and hope to those in need, despite the objections of his profit-driven family. Orloff artfully weaves a story that blends elements of mystery, suspense, and social commentary.

The novel's central plot revolves around the mysterious disappearance of a mother and her teenage son, who sought refuge at the Sanctuary Motel to escape an abusive husband. As Mess becomes entangled in their plight, the story takes a thrilling turn, introducing readers to a cast of intriguing characters, including Mess's friend Vell Jackson and local news reporter Lia Katsaros. These characters are brought to life with depth and authenticity, making it easy for readers to connect with their struggles and triumphs.

One of the book's strengths lies in its exploration of the complexities of family dynamics and the clash between altruism and financial gain. Mess's dedication to helping those in need, despite the objections of his profit-focused relatives, adds depth to the narrative and invites readers to reflect on their own values and priorities.

Orloff's writing style is engaging and evocative, creating a vivid sense of place and atmosphere within the Fairfax Manor Inn and its surrounding neighborhood. The story's pacing is well-crafted, with a perfect balance of suspenseful moments and heartwarming interactions, keeping readers eagerly turning the pages.

"Sanctuary Motel" is not just a mystery novel; it's a story that delves into the complexities of human relationships, the importance of empathy, and the resilience of individuals in the face of adversity. It highlights the significance of community and the lengths people will go to protect those in need.

In summary, Alan Orloff's "Sanctuary Motel" is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant read that combines elements of mystery and social commentary to create a compelling narrative. It is a testament to the enduring power of kindness and selflessness, leaving readers with a profound sense of hope and appreciation for the goodness that can be found even in the most challenging circumstances.

Mess inherited the motel from his parents. He uses the motel to help others in their time of need. Mess gets himself involved in quiet a situation and works to figure out exactly what sent this mother/son duo into his motel.

Written with very good detail. The characters are written in a way that you can actual picture them. I love how detailed he was in his descriptions. I found myself able to paint a picture of the motel as well as the surrounding town. The story line was thrilling and exciting and just when I thought the story was over, there was one final twist at the end. Highly recommend this book to any thriller readers.

My review was provided in exchange for an ARC. Thank you to Netgallery and the publisher for the opportunity.

Mess Hopkins is the proprietor of The Fairfax Manor, a slightly run-down 14-room motel in the city of Fairfax, Virginia. While not good on the business end for the motel, Mess has earned a reputation for keeping people safe and helping them out. His willingness to help brings Nicole and her fifteen-year-old son, Kevin, to The Fairfax Motel. She is escaping an abusive relationship and needs a place to hide until it is safe. But Nicole goes missing shortly after arriving, leaving Mess to care for a teenage boy. Coinciding with Nicole’s disappearance, several people show up at the motel, destroy the room she was in, and leave an ominous message. It is up to Mess and his vast network of friends to find out where Nicole is, who is behind her disappearance, and why. Can Mess do it without risking his business and his life?

When I was approached to read and review Sanctuary Motel, I wasn’t taking review requests because of a considerable backlog of ARCs that I have. But, since I have reviewed for the author before, I decided to accept the request. I had enjoyed his last book (a YA thriller mystery) and figured I would like this one. Well, I was right; I enjoyed this book.

Sanctuary Motel is the first book in the Mess Hopkins series. Because this is the first book in the series, you don’t have to read previous books to understand what is going on.

The main storyline for Sanctuary Motel centers around Mess, the motel, Nicole and Kevin, their situation, and the mystery that unfolds. It was a sharply written storyline that did take some time to get going. But I didn’t mind that. The author was setting up Mess’s background and relationship with the book’s other characters. By the middle of the book, it did pick up steam and continued at a medium pace until the end.

The mystery angle of the Sanctuary Motel was well written. I did figure out who didn’t have Nicole after she disappeared. But, I was surprised at who did have her. What also surprised me was who was behind everything and where the money was.

I liked Mess, but man, he was a, well, a mess. He made avoidance an art (poor Cesar). But he had a huge heart, and I did agree with his philosophy. His vast circle of found family seemed to grow with every page. His immediate family were, for the most part, jerks (I didn’t like his uncle or brother-in-law).

Kevin tugged at my heartstrings. As a fifteen-year-old boy’s mother, I laughed over how much Kevin was eating during the book. He had a hollow leg. But he was also damaged. What he heard and saw between his mother and her ex was awful. And I get why he did what he did at the end of the book.

The secondary characters added extra depth to the storylines and the book’s main character. Some I liked (Mama and Vell), some I didn’t know what to think about (Cesar), and others I couldn’t stand (the brother-in-law and Nicole’s ex-husband).

The end of Sanctuary Motel was typical, except for who was ultimately revealed to be the bad guy. As I said above, I did not expect that person to be exposed for who and what they were. It took me by surprise.

I would recommend Sanctuary Motel to anyone over 16. There is language and violence but no sexual situations.

Many thanks to Level Best Books, Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Member’s Titles, NetGalley, and Alan Orloff for allowing me to read and review this ARC copy of Sanctuary Motel. All opinions stated in this review are mine.

This is a solid, heart-felt, everyday detective type of story. I really appreciated the focus on the teenager. He was realistic, difficult, and loveable all at the same time. I also loved the set-up of a motel for people that are down on their luck, and how the main character, Mess, truly cares about making the world a better place.

I ate this book up!
A handful of fun characters, my favorite being Vell. A riveting storyline. Mystery, comic relief, and a bagel shop; what more could you want?

Mess runs a hotel, his family is focused on how much money he isn’t making, while all he wants to do is help those in need. Helping has led him into the midst of a mystery, where is Nicole? And when her son also disappeared…

I realize that this book says book 1 on it, so I’m really looking forward to what Mess is up to next time.

In Fairfax, Virginia, there is a small motel with 14 units, 11 available for customers. Of course, paying guests are welcome. The vital thing to know is if you need a temporary roof over your head, make your way to the Fairfax Manor Inn. Mess is the man to see. He'll take care of your needs, beginning with a room, a port of refuge, providing sanctuary if you're in a storm of life and have nowhere else to turn.

Mess is aware that every story is different. Needs are different. Anticipation of Nicole and her 15-year-old son Kevin's needs is off base as the newest arrivals test Mess and his network of friends beyond first impressions. That first turn is the captivating moment when the reader becomes gripped by the trauma and begins the harried pace.

I loved Mess and his network of friends, who all have networks too. The character development gives just enough to tell their stories – those that help and those in need. Together they are a motley bunch. All are easily underestimated.

One more thing. As part of the welcome spiel, Mess will advise you to get food next door if you're hungry and put it on his tab. When he shares the place's name, he's telling you about all of it – the motel, the café, himself, his friends – Hole Lotta Love. Meet up! #Tbr or better yet, #preorder. You'll think so too!

Thank you to Alan Orloff, #LevelBestBooks, and #NetGalley for the opportunity to read an eARC of this book.

#SanctuaryMotel #NetGalley

Mess has been charged with running the motel while his parents are seeing the world. He hates to see abused women and is always trying to give them a place to stay to avoid abusive relationships. Escaping the beatings and abuse is not easy for the victims and Mess is risking his own life at times to aid these unfortunates.

The Fairfax Motor Inn is not exactly the pride of Fairfax. His current charges are a battered woman and her son. The son, Kevin, is not happy with the situation and causes many problems.

The rub is that the mother does not want to be saved either. There are those who seem to feel that the two might be hiding a bag of cash and now both mother and son have disappeared. Things could get messy indeed.

This book is a fun read about a do-gooder and a fifteen-year-old dropout. Anyone tasked with raising a fifteen-year-old never-do-well will identify! Enjoy! 4.5 stars – CE Williams

"Sanctuary Motel" by Alan Orloff is such a good story. We follow Mess Hopkins, a big-hearted innkeeper who opens his doors to the needy despite his fam not being into it as much as he. After a mom and her son seek refuge, they vanish under mysterious circumstances, leading to Mess, alongside friends Vell Jackson and Lia Katsaros, diving into an action-packed pursuit, with twists and turns, and a load of danger. Orloff's “Sanctuary Motel" is a gripping read that kept me on the edge.
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to provide an honest review

Alan S. Orloff’s SANCTUARY MOTEL

It was a pleasure to read this excellent, smooth, clever prose, and with such a satisfying ending! Mess (nickname, seems to fit) shelters those who need a safe spot for a fresh start, somewhat to the detriment of the motel’s bottom line, but he values helping others more. Mama sends her son Vell to bring a mother and son to safety. Sandy feeds them at her bagel shop, Hole Lotta Love . . . so many people to admire and love here. Ordinary people can be heroes!
The bad guys are scary. What happened to Nicole? What will happen to son Kevin, barely in his teens? All is not quite as it seems, and getting answers is risky and difficult . . . and fun to read about.

SANCTUARY MOTEL is a book readers will be glad to know is the beginning of a new series. Mess Hopkins is the owner of a motel in Fairfax, Virginia. He has taken it over from his parents, and along with their manager, Cesar, runs the place.

The thing is, Mess really wants to help people, and make the world a better place, so he has a "sliding scale" charge for the rooms that goes all the way to free when necessary. Such is the case when his friend, D'Marvellus Jackson (Vell to his friends) shows up with a woman named Nicole and her son Kevin. The woman has a bruised face and the son, a teenager's commitment to his phone. Vell says Mama has sent him over with the woman who needs a place to get away from her husband.

Mess has Cesar set her up with a room for at least a week, and arranges for them to eat at the bagel place next door (Hole Lotta Love) for meals and he'll cover the cost.

The very next night, Nicole leaves the motel and her son, and seems to disappear into thin air. Mess finds himself sharing a room with the teenager, and begins searching for his mother. Eventually this leads Vell and Mess to the husband who seems to think they are looking to collect money he owes "Coach."

The mystery gets deeper as Nicole can't be found, the son seems to know more than he's saying, and Mess finds himself having conversations with some very unsavory sorts - and his motel appears to be under attack by men who are searching for Coach's money.

Mess's desire to help others is honorable, but he may be getting himself into something he is genuinely not prepared for this time. Instead of a homeless guy who needs off the streets for a few days, or sisters needing a low cost room while one looks for a job, he's brought himself to the attention of a man who either collects a debt, or he gets pieces of a body, or someone's life.

While this is going on, he's trying to develop a relationship Lia, a newspaper reporter doing an article on the Fairfax Manor Inn. This could bring good publicity to the Inn, which it sorely needs since Mess's good deeds don't generate any income. It's a twofer of good luck as far as Mess is concerned.

Sanctuary Motel has a deeply satisfying mystery, a dry sense of humor, and a good man at the center of the story. The characters are well-drawn, and often off-beat. The book comes to a satisfactory conclusion, and the good guys win - though the motel still isn't making any money.

I will be looking forward to Mess's next adventure.

Sanctuary Motel was a truly mesmerizing and engrossing novel! One of the aspects I loved the most was exploring the strong relationships that Mess had with various characters. In addition, the introduction of Nicole and Kevin as new charges at the motel brought a new dynamic to the plot, making the story even more exciting.

The book's pace was quick, which made it a enjoyable and easy read, with the jaw-dropping twist at the end. Unlike many mystery novels, it also shows the intricacy of several viewpoints, and emphasizes the importance of standing up for the people you care about. It's always wonderful to discover such brilliant authors. I enthusiastically look forward to reading more from this talented writer.

Whether you're a fan of romance novels or just seeking a poignant and beautifully crafted story, this is a must-read that will leave you with a warm and hopeful feeling, even after the final page has been turned.

Sanctuary Motel was a truly captivating and engaging novel! One of the aspects I loved the most was exploring the rich relationships that Mess had with various characters throughout the story. His friendship with Vell, in particular, added a beautiful layer of depth to the narrative. Additionally, the introduction of Nicole and Kevin as new charges at the motel brought a fresh dynamic to the plot, making the story even more intriguing.

While I thoroughly enjoyed the book, I couldn't help but wish for a deeper exploration of Mess's relationship with his hotel manager, Cesar. Their business relationship/friendship showed promise and had great potential to contribute even more to the overall storyline.

The book's pace was quick, which made it a delightful and easy read, and the jaw-dropping twist at the end left me in awe. It's always a pleasure to discover such talented authors, and I eagerly look forward to reading more from this gifted writer.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to both NetGalley and Level Best Books for providing me with an advanced copy of Sanctuary Motel in exchange for an honest review. Rest assured, all opinions expressed here are entirely my own.#SanctuaryMotel #NetGalley

Sanctuary Motel
By Alan Orloff
Pub Date Oct 24, 2023
Level Best Book
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
I enjoyed reading this book, I recommend it for thriller fans. However, the characters are underdeveloped.
4 stars

I loved the motel and Mess. I wish the mystery/suspense had started a bit sooner, because I nearly stopped reading as it was so slow to start. But once things get going I had to hang on white knuckled. Great twists and shady characters.

Mess Hopkins, the protagonist of Alan Orloff’s new series, is compassionate, some might say to a fault. As the proprietor of Fairfax Manor Inn, a name that doesn’t capture the “charming”, but somewhat run down, no-frills motel’s true essence. Unlike his profit driven uncle, Mess takes in the homeless, providing sanctuary without hesitation and often without payment. Nicole, an abused wife and her teenaged son, Kevin, settle into their new temporary home , discovering a supportive “family” that includes a delightful cast of off-beat characters, each with their own unique backstory and issues (D’Marvellous Jackson/Vell, Cesar, Griff).

When Nicole suddenly vanishes, leaving Kevin behind, Mess struggles in the role of surrogate parent while trying to track her down and solve the mystery of how she might be related to missing money some very bad men claim she has stolen.

The setting, the cast of ancillary characters and Mess himself all add up to a very enjoyable read.