Checking Out — Clair M. Poulson

Keene Tempest was born to be a cop. After years spent preparing for a career in law enforcement, he's finally working his dream job with the LAPD, and his criminal justice degree is almost within reach. The last thing he wants to do is return to his sleepy Wyoming hometown to run the family hotel after the death of his mother. But at the insistence of his older siblings that he honor his late mother's wishes, what choice does he have?

When Keene arrives at the Tempest Hotel, it quickly becomes clear that all is not as it seems. He's shocked to learn that his mother's death was anything but natural -- foul play was almost certainly involved. As Keene becomes embroiled in the investigation -- and in his budding relationship with lovely local law enforcement Officer Chaille Donovan -- the body count rises: another murder victim is discovered, and there is no doubt that this bizarre string of crimes is somehow tied to the hotel -- and to him. Against a chilling backdrop of family feuds, shootings, and armed robbery, Keene must draw upon his years of training to unearth a killer. And in a town this small, no one is above suspicion . . .