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Hotel Detective #2
The Fat Innkeeper
When a doctor investigating fraud in a visiting New Age cult winds up dead, hotel detective Am Caulfield scours the premises for clues while struggling to keep a group of swingers under control
339 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1995
93 people are currently reading
105 people want to read
About the author
Alan Russell
24 books290 followersFollow Alan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/alanrussellmysteryau...
Alan Russell is the author of The Last Good Dog, the sixth book in the #1 bestselling series featuring LAPD detective Michael Gideon and his K-9 partner, Sirius.
In 1990 Walker & Company published Alan's first book, No Sign of Murder, which received positive reviews, including a standalone rave from The New York Times. The work was followed up by The Forest Prime Evil and comedic mysteries The Hotel Detective and The Fat Innkeeper, which won him the Lefty Award, given to the best humorous mystery of the year, and a Critics’ Choice Award. His novel Multiple Wounds, a psychological thriller, earned him a nomination for both an Anthony Award and the Macavity Award for best novel of the year. Russell then published Shame, a novel of psychological suspense. His novels Exposure, Political Suicide, A Cold War, and The Homecoming, have been categorized as suspense novels. Alan is also the author of St. Nick, a Christmas Cop Novel, and the Gideon & Sirius novels, which include Burning Man, Guardians of the Night, Lost Dog, Gideon's Rescue, L.A. Woman, and The Last Good Dog.
Alan Russell is the author of The Last Good Dog, the sixth book in the #1 bestselling series featuring LAPD detective Michael Gideon and his K-9 partner, Sirius.
In 1990 Walker & Company published Alan's first book, No Sign of Murder, which received positive reviews, including a standalone rave from The New York Times. The work was followed up by The Forest Prime Evil and comedic mysteries The Hotel Detective and The Fat Innkeeper, which won him the Lefty Award, given to the best humorous mystery of the year, and a Critics’ Choice Award. His novel Multiple Wounds, a psychological thriller, earned him a nomination for both an Anthony Award and the Macavity Award for best novel of the year. Russell then published Shame, a novel of psychological suspense. His novels Exposure, Political Suicide, A Cold War, and The Homecoming, have been categorized as suspense novels. Alan is also the author of St. Nick, a Christmas Cop Novel, and the Gideon & Sirius novels, which include Burning Man, Guardians of the Night, Lost Dog, Gideon's Rescue, L.A. Woman, and The Last Good Dog.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
September 18, 2016
Light and fun, that's what I was looking for when I picked up this book by Alan Russell. But the I worried that it just might be a little too silly but this cute story about a venerable old hotel in the beach side community of La Jolla where former general manager and now head of hotel security Am Caufield is beset with missing grunions, a dead whale - as well as a dead man - and a convention of swingers.
Alan Russell has recreated La Jolla in all its glory as well as I'm sure what it is like to oversee a popular hotel, from the antics of its employees to those of its guests. This was indeed a fun read as Am struggles to contain the bad publicity of the whale on the hotel grounds, his attempts to send the swingers packing and finally, to beat the cops at solving who killed Dr. Kingbury. And along the way, he gains insight into the mindset of the Japanese owners and finds love. Its a lot to pack into this tale but Russell does it very well.
Alan Russell has recreated La Jolla in all its glory as well as I'm sure what it is like to oversee a popular hotel, from the antics of its employees to those of its guests. This was indeed a fun read as Am struggles to contain the bad publicity of the whale on the hotel grounds, his attempts to send the swingers packing and finally, to beat the cops at solving who killed Dr. Kingbury. And along the way, he gains insight into the mindset of the Japanese owners and finds love. Its a lot to pack into this tale but Russell does it very well.
November 21, 2021
Cute and silly little story about a California hotel detective that needs to solve the mystery of a murdered guest amidst the chaos of daily hotel life.
This is 100% a light read and firmly in the cosy mystery category as the main focus is the little side stories of the hotel guests and staff not the murder.
I originally wanted to give this four stars but as the tale went on I got tired of listening to an American man spouting Japanese trivia and stereotypes at me. The characters seemed... how do I describe this, like they were written in the early 90s. In other words walking stereotypes of stereotypes with affirmation bias sitcom style.
The bell boy is black and always trying to be a comedian... and hustle on the side.
The Japanese boss is always thinking about pride and saving face.
The 20 year old girly girly is wide eyed and innocent, the damsel in need of saving.
I do want to point out that it this wasn't bad, far from it, the writing style was fun and lighthearted. Not bad so much as dated and more than a little weeaboo (If you know what this means then why???).
EDIT
Looking more closely this was first published in 1995 with it being re-published in 2018. Checks out, I do hope the writer grew from this as it's very much a product of it's time.
This is 100% a light read and firmly in the cosy mystery category as the main focus is the little side stories of the hotel guests and staff not the murder.
I originally wanted to give this four stars but as the tale went on I got tired of listening to an American man spouting Japanese trivia and stereotypes at me. The characters seemed... how do I describe this, like they were written in the early 90s. In other words walking stereotypes of stereotypes with affirmation bias sitcom style.
The bell boy is black and always trying to be a comedian... and hustle on the side.
The Japanese boss is always thinking about pride and saving face.
The 20 year old girly girly is wide eyed and innocent, the damsel in need of saving.
I do want to point out that it this wasn't bad, far from it, the writing style was fun and lighthearted. Not bad so much as dated and more than a little weeaboo (If you know what this means then why???).
EDIT
Looking more closely this was first published in 1995 with it being re-published in 2018. Checks out, I do hope the writer grew from this as it's very much a product of it's time.
May 2, 2021
Since I have left such a low rating, I feel I should explain why. The author clearly has a worldview that infuses all his characters. I have never met as many judgmental, racist people as he fills these chapters with. Multiple characters use racist slurs against multiple races, gleefully share stereotypes, and have generally awful attitudes throughout.
The idea that a hotel, particularly a high-end one, would willingly sabotage the stay of convention-goers to “punish” them for their patronage is outlandish. This book felt like a catharsis for the author to get abhorrent content out on the page and then attribute it to the characters speaking.
I hope I am wrong about this, and/or that the author has either grown since then. Women are more than lust objects or damsels in distress, and knowing trivia about Japanese culture does not mean it’s okay to call Japanese characters by those terms as a matter of casual description.
I picked up this book because I like mysteries and live in San Diego, but I couldn’t begin to get past the thick coating of slime that covered most of the characters. I do not recommend this book.
The idea that a hotel, particularly a high-end one, would willingly sabotage the stay of convention-goers to “punish” them for their patronage is outlandish. This book felt like a catharsis for the author to get abhorrent content out on the page and then attribute it to the characters speaking.
I hope I am wrong about this, and/or that the author has either grown since then. Women are more than lust objects or damsels in distress, and knowing trivia about Japanese culture does not mean it’s okay to call Japanese characters by those terms as a matter of casual description.
I picked up this book because I like mysteries and live in San Diego, but I couldn’t begin to get past the thick coating of slime that covered most of the characters. I do not recommend this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 29, 2025
A Very Good Sequel
This book is the second installment of the Hotel Detective Series. The main character, Am Caulfield, is working at a hotel that was bought by a Japanese company. In addition , he has been reassigned as the Head of Security. Along with his new responsibilities, he is still looked upon by the staff as "The Fixer" for all the problems that arise.
There are some fixes that are harder to accomplish:
• Learning the Japanese language and culture,
• Maintaining a long distance relationship,
• Dealing with a beached whale on the shoreline.
Plus a mystery novel is incomplete without a murder mystery.
Some of the capers of the hotel guess are hilarious. It lightens the seriousness of the deceit and scams.
If reading Japanese bothers you because you are unsure of the pronunciation and phonics, I suggest the audio book.
This book is the second installment of the Hotel Detective Series. The main character, Am Caulfield, is working at a hotel that was bought by a Japanese company. In addition , he has been reassigned as the Head of Security. Along with his new responsibilities, he is still looked upon by the staff as "The Fixer" for all the problems that arise.
There are some fixes that are harder to accomplish:
• Learning the Japanese language and culture,
• Maintaining a long distance relationship,
• Dealing with a beached whale on the shoreline.
Plus a mystery novel is incomplete without a murder mystery.
Some of the capers of the hotel guess are hilarious. It lightens the seriousness of the deceit and scams.
If reading Japanese bothers you because you are unsure of the pronunciation and phonics, I suggest the audio book.
July 24, 2018
"The Strange Kingdom Of Hotel California"
Well, the bedlam, mayhem, and mysteries still survive in Hotel California. It may be a posh, beach front hotel, but there are many weird people working there and weirder guest groups. Security boss Am Caulfield feels hotels are like a circus without the tent. He's right, as the new hotel owner is Japanese, and there's now another murder. The humor is intense with funny, memorable characters. You'll rollover laughing about this story!
Well, the bedlam, mayhem, and mysteries still survive in Hotel California. It may be a posh, beach front hotel, but there are many weird people working there and weirder guest groups. Security boss Am Caulfield feels hotels are like a circus without the tent. He's right, as the new hotel owner is Japanese, and there's now another murder. The humor is intense with funny, memorable characters. You'll rollover laughing about this story!
January 26, 2018
A San Diego hotel detective, a pretty laid-back surfer, investigates the murder of a sceptic at a convention for survivors of near-death experiences as the new Japanese owners of his hotel (the Hotel California) plus some unusual guests and a whale carcass make life difficult. It’s all moderately amusing if fairly generic and light. 2.5 stars.
December 19, 2019
A sure Winner
I thought this book brought out the characters and their quirks very well. The mystery is solved and along the way there are swingers, a gold digger (man in this case), and a young Japanese owner of the Hotel. Very well written with some humor and a very satisfying ending.
I thought this book brought out the characters and their quirks very well. The mystery is solved and along the way there are swingers, a gold digger (man in this case), and a young Japanese owner of the Hotel. Very well written with some humor and a very satisfying ending.
March 8, 2020
Quite entertaining!
Russell weaves in arcane and interesting facts from many far flung topics. From cetology to Japanese culture to mysticism and blends them together with a delightful batter of humor, making for a lovely layered dessert.
Russell weaves in arcane and interesting facts from many far flung topics. From cetology to Japanese culture to mysticism and blends them together with a delightful batter of humor, making for a lovely layered dessert.
October 20, 2024
Being a long-time San Diego resident, it was fun to read a novel set in this area. The sprinkling of Japanese phrases and cultural tidbits was also enjoyable. I liked Am, the Hotel California detective as the protagonist and the story moved right along.
October 2, 2017
Slow starter, almost fast worth the wait ending.
June 13, 2018
Another great read from Alan Russell, amusing and entertaining, ideal for a relaxing afternoon or two.
September 27, 2018
I love his stuff he is one of my favorite authors this was one of his earliest works and not my favorite way too much going on in it at one time. I still find his characters extremely likable.
December 25, 2018
Refreshingly witty and funny....
Refreshingly witty and funny. Read this on my flight and was laughing in my seat. Love all the pieces. It’s like Erma Bombeck meets Sophie Kinsella
Refreshingly witty and funny. Read this on my flight and was laughing in my seat. Love all the pieces. It’s like Erma Bombeck meets Sophie Kinsella
September 3, 2019
More please!
Mr. Russell should be on more people’s radar. The Gideon novels are great, but I would live to see more from the Hitel Detective! Maybe a joint novel?
Mr. Russell should be on more people’s radar. The Gideon novels are great, but I would live to see more from the Hitel Detective! Maybe a joint novel?
April 14, 2020
Read book 1 first
This and the first book should be 14.00 books. A great read. I really liked both books and wish there were more.
This and the first book should be 14.00 books. A great read. I really liked both books and wish there were more.
September 10, 2020
More laughs and mystery
Great fun at the Hotel California as the new owner comes to check things out! Lots of laughs and hotel high jinx.
Great fun at the Hotel California as the new owner comes to check things out! Lots of laughs and hotel high jinx.
January 1, 2021
Could be a 3.5. Got better toward the end! Interesting story about a hotel detective.
January 26, 2021
Just fun
Alan Russell is just simply good. This work can best be described by me as fun. A fast entertaining read.
Alan Russell is just simply good. This work can best be described by me as fun. A fast entertaining read.
April 27, 2021
Very entertaining
Excellent writing combined with interesting trivia. I recomend it highly. There is humor but not so much. Overall a fun read.
Excellent writing combined with interesting trivia. I recomend it highly. There is humor but not so much. Overall a fun read.
February 12, 2022
First one in the series was cute and funny. This one was disappointing.
October 13, 2009
Lefty Award for humorous mystery 1996
May 9, 2015
Dear publishers,
These 20+-year-old books really need to be proofread after they're scanned.
These 20+-year-old books really need to be proofread after they're scanned.
November 21, 2015
RATING: 4.0
May 22, 2016
What a backward, bigoted book.
January 31, 2013
Even better than the first book! Fun read.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews