Sanctuary Motel by Alan Orloff caught my eye because of the colorful cover and the title. What kind of sanctuary? When I read the blurb, I loved the premise. He’s not rich and powerful, but what he does have, he is willing to share with those who are less fortunate and in need of a helping hand.

Many, like his parents and uncle, may think he really is a Mess, but Mess marches to the beat of a drummer they can’t understand. With the help of Cesar, who keeps the place running, and a few other unique friends, they are willing to put their life on the line when a woman and her teenage son come to stay. They never anticipated it would be as complicated as it became and the danger level rises with each turn.

The description of Sanctuary Motel by Alan Orloff being a noir crime novel fits to a T. It’s more than a cozy and less than a suspense/thriller.

Myself, I love staying in motels. Sure, they may not be the best accommodations, but I love that you can park your car right outside your door. No muss, no fuss getting to your room. They can have everything hotels have, just easier access to it. And….if they had an owner like Mess, it sure would make it interesting.

The story, for me, was Mess. A man that goes above and beyond. A man who gives more than he gets. Isn’t that outside the norm we hear about? Sure, it may seem like he lacks ambition, but I think he’s on hold until his true ‘mission’ in life appears. Could it be in the form of a woman? We shall see, since this is Book I in the Mess Hopkins series.

There is nothing wrong with Sanctuary Motel. It has all the elements for a good mystery. For me, it seems, well, not enough. I do enjoy a lighter story, a relaxing read, but I revel in white knuckled, life or death urgency that makes it impossible for me to put the book down. All that being said, I will have my eye on future Mess Hopkins novels.

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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, pre-order. You'll think so too!

Thank you to Alan Orloff, Level Best Books, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an eARC of this book.

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