The Last Refuge

By: Chris Knopf

Narrated by: Stefan Rudnicki

Length: 10 hrs and 59 mins

Publisher's summary

Sam Acquillo is at the end of the line. A middle-aged corporate dropout living in a ramshackle cottage in Southampton's North Sea, Sam has abandoned friends, family, and a big-time career to sit on his porch, drink vodka, and stare at the Little Peconic Bay.

But then the old lady next door ends up floating dead in her bathtub, and it seems that Sam is the only one who wonders why. Despite himself, burned out, busted up, and cynical, the ex-engineer, ex-professional boxer, ex-loving father and husband finds himself uncovering secrets no one could have imagined, least of all Sam himself.

Meanwhile, a procession of quirky characters intrudes on Sam's misanthropic ways, the likes of which you never knew inhabited the hidden corners of the storied Hamptons: the haves, the have-nots, and the want-to-have-at-all-costs, some of them deadly.

©2005 Chris Knopf (P)2006 Blackstone Audio Inc.

Critic reviews

"Knopf's effortless narrative style and sense of humor bode well for the further adventures of Sam Acquillo." (Publishers Weekly)
"Though the mystery drives the plot, it's Sam's rediscovery of himself in middle age that is the real focus in this accomplished debut novel, which also boasts outstanding dialogue and a vividly rendered setting. Expect to hear more from Knopf; he is definitely a writer to watch." (Booklist)

Good story

I really liked the narrator. He kept me going. The story was hard to follow at times but I managed to understand the plot for the most part and the ending was a good build up.

Too much superfluously filler / detail.

The base story mystery was pretty decent, but way too much unecessary detail pertaining to stuff that had absolutely nothing to do with the story.. Thought the narrator did a good job with voices, though some of the inflection,s were a little weird.

Even Better

Second time around was even better. Audible keeps renewing my books as unread. I listen to the ones I liked. These are good. Fleshed out and full.

Binge listening

I am really enjoying this series. Interesting characters and yes a little dated, but so is the Edmund Dantès, doesn't mean he isn't still outrageously entertaining. No, I am not really comparing the Count of Monte Cristo with The Last Refuge, or am I...

Seriously, just a good mystery without being too serious, just the right amount of quirky.

Sam Acquillo, the postmodern Sam Spade

What did you love best about The Last Refuge?

There's an underlying, depressive comedy. How grownups don't have to take themselves or their lives too seriously.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Last Refuge?

The ongoing exposure of Sam's failed career failed marriage and almost-failed relationship with his daughter.

Which character – as performed by Stefan Rudnicki – was your favorite?

Sam.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Not necessarily. I'm more of a multiple-dispersed listener.

Good one

Good mystery, great narration, good description and inclusion of the few remaining old time native Eastern Long Islanders, long may they last, if possible amongst the invasion of the rich

Needed a better editor.

This story gets too bogged down in details that slows the story to a crawl. Too much emphasis on alcohol lessens the value of the story.

Low key but very likeable

This is the first book I have read by Chris Knopf. I'll be looking for more,

Quirky characters and complex, interning story.

Loved the dower and Sarcastic main character. Very well written and conceived. We'll do again

Liked it,first time by author

Read very well like the book and the reader ending not great would read more books by the author.