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, down to earth, detective mystery.

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

To many people have given up on this story too soon. For me, when I've had too much of the SF, Armageddon, magic, and other thrills, and just want a good book with a character I can get to know and respect, as well as great dialog - read by a narrator who makes it real, you can't beat Chris Knopf and Stefan Rudnicki. There may not be a lot of earth-shaking twists, but it is a good comfortable read that you just enjoy going back to.

What does Stefan Rudnicki bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Rudnicki has great rhythm. I liked his read of Ender's Game and thought he was perfect for telling Sam's story.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Sometimes a good retirement is interrupted by little things like murder.

Any additional comments?

If you need non-stop action, don't read this series. But if you like a good story with great characters you can really get to know - and a few surprises, give the Sam Acquillo series a try.

great narration

Really enjoyed the story. Being from the Connecticut area it was nice to hear landmarks that I Could relate to. The boy said the voice of the narrator makes it a joyful book to listen to. The narrator fits Sam to the T

Enjoyable

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

What does Stefan Rudnicki bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I thought Stefan Rudnicki was an excellent narrator, he has a very nice voice and did a great job of doing many different characters.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

laughed a lot, Sam is quick with his comebacks. Reminds me a bit of Elvis Cole novels.

Any additional comments?

downloaded the series after listening to this book.

Good

I really enjoyed this mystery with its blunt down-to-earth main character, humor as well as serious plot and some other interesting characters. Description of nature and scene is good and it was a fun and (I think), realistic visit to the Hamptons where I've never been. Thanks Mr. Knopf and Audible for making this a freebie -- otherwise I probably wouldn't have discovered Knopf.

Rather boreing.

Too much insignificant information makes this a long listen. Good to fall asleep to, though, because narrator has nice soothing voice!

Debra, FL

Hmm. Not sure what I think. Long and wordy. So much jumping around the place.

Awesome book

Great story and great narration. Sam is an interesting and likable character Stefan brings him to life in a wonderful way.

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