After the security director of La Jolla's Hotel California resigns, assistant general manager Am Caulfield can add temporary security director to his list of assignments – just in time for a crime spree at the hotel. With the help of an attractive but mysterious intern and the Bob Johnson Society, Am investigates the apparent suicide of a man who jumped from his 7th floor balcony, the murders of a lawyer and a Jane Doe in one of the rooms, missing truffles, and stolen undergarments.

Readers know the murderer's identity from the beginning. The only mystery is whether or not Am will figure things out. The book is more of a tribute to the hotel business than a crime novel. The San Diego setting doesn't receive much emphasis since most of the action takes place inside the hotel. Readers interested in a somewhat dated behind-the-scenes look at the hotel business might want to pick this up. Others can safely give it a miss. ( )