Thank you to NetGalley for this Arc! This one is more of a slow burn for me. I find it to be a little unnecessarily wordy in some parts. Nevertheless, an intriguing thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat.

In *Late Checkout*, we dive into the intriguing world of Mess Hopkins, a motel proprietor whose kindness often outweighs his business acumen. The Fairfax Manor Inn becomes a sanctuary for those in need, but everything changes when Mess’s cousin, Finn, unexpectedly reappears after years of presumed death. This gripping tale of loyalty, danger, and redemption weaves a compelling narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

The plot kicks off with a bang as Finn arrives, bringing with him a harrowing secret that threatens both his life and the safety of those around him. The author skillfully crafts a sense of urgency as Mess, alongside his girlfriend Lia—a determined newspaper reporter—and their friend Vell, rush to uncover the truth behind the crime Finn witnessed. The stakes are high, and the suspense escalates with each chapter, making it difficult to put the book down.

Character development is a highlight of the story. Mess’s selflessness and dedication to helping others shine through, providing a stark contrast to the dark forces they face. Lia’s tenacity as a journalist adds depth and resourcefulness to the investigation, while Vell brings a touch of humor and camaraderie, balancing the tension with moments of levity. The dynamics among these three characters create a relatable and engaging team that readers root for.

The setting of the Fairfax Manor Inn is vividly described, almost becoming a character in its own right. The cozy yet eerie atmosphere sets the perfect backdrop for a mystery filled with twists and turns. The author does a fantastic job of immersing readers in this world, making them feel the tension and urgency as the characters race against time to protect Finn and solve the mystery.

*Late Checkout* is more than just a thrilling mystery; it’s a poignant exploration of family bonds, the consequences of past choices, and the lengths to which people will go to protect their loved ones. The writing is sharp and engaging, with a well-paced plot that keeps the reader guessing until the very end.

Overall, this book is a must-read for mystery enthusiasts and fans of character-driven narratives. With its blend of suspense, heart, and relatable characters, *Late Checkout* is sure to leave readers eagerly anticipating Mess’s next adventure. If you're looking for a gripping tale that combines intrigue with emotional depth, look no further than this captivating novel.

Great time to pick up this book for your early holiday reading pile. It’s got all the right ingredients for the perfect holiday escape - mystery, thrills, twists, complex characters who will delight and enrage you, and an ending which is not quite expected. I found Finn an interesting character, in particular, especially when he first showed up and it was not clear what the motivations were and what had happened. Very interesting book.

Motel proprietor Mess Hopkins is more interested in helping others than turning a profit, so he opens the doors of the Fairfax Manor Inn to those seeking refuge from a bad situation. But when his cousin Finn shows up in trouble, his world is rocked, because Mess had thought Finn was dead, having run away six years earlier! Good book! This book had suspense, intrigue, action, murder, mystery, a great who done it and a few twists and turns. The story was interesting, it wasn’t one of my all time favorite but still worth reading! I would recommend reading this book! Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for sharing this book with me!

This was a decent book! It had the mystery and suspense that keeps the reader wondering what exactly happened. It was a bit messy with a lot going on at times, but other than that I enjoyed it! It felt like the ending was kind of rushed/ missing some info so for that I was upset.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publishers, and especially the author for this ARC in exchange for my honest review of the book!!