Back Lash

The Sam Acquillo Hamptons, Book 7

By: Chris Knopf

Narrated by: Keith Szarabajka

As Sam Acquillo tells us in the early part of Back Lash, "Not everyone gets to live their adult lives orbiting a central mystery." But that's how it's been for Sam, whose entire existence has been defined by a single horrific event. Now that event has reached out from the deep past, an unwanted visitor, and Sam is forced to unpack, like a Russian doll, secrets within secrets, each more ominous than the one before. What is revealed would be disturbing enough were it not also so personal - not a welcome development for a man who once said, "Avoidance, rationalization, and denial are highly underrated coping strategies."

The action moves from Southampton to the Bronx, where Sam once prowled in the part-time care of his father, owner of a truck-repair business and of a temper that stood out even on the mean streets. It's here that Sam learns that evil history doesn't only repeat itself, it can improve upon the original; that no matter how things change, the world of cops and criminals, priests, power brokers, wise guys, and even wiser old bartenders stays the same - or gets much, much worse.

©2016 Chris Knopf (P)2016 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Best yet in the series

I’ve experienced 3 others in this series. Love the characters. Having listened to them out of order led to added mystery! I recommend listening to a few of Knopf’s others first to add to the suspense!

Love this series

Chris Knopf never disappoints, and Keith Szarabajka is the perfect narrator for Sam Aquillo books. A thoroughly enjoyable read . . . er listen. Love this series.

Narrator and author in sync

Narrator is clicking with the story which is excellent. Once again the merge of old characters and new is excellent and the new characters that may become semi regular are great.

love love love Sam Acquillo

I was totally excited waiting for this book to be available. I love these books, this narrator and Chris Knopfs work in general. The story and new characters are interesting, while the old characters feel like good friends.

Long Island Noir

Sam Acquillo finally has an opportunity to learn more of his father's murder. But even 40 years later, there are folks who want this murder case to remain colder than cold, and one way to do that is to silence Sam, too, forever. The book is filled with back flashes into Sam's youth, and the listener comes away with a better understanding of a complex and fascinating character. Knopf still manages to move the plot along quickly, never diverted for more than a minute or two from the forward motion of the plot. A terrific listen, well performed by Keith Szarabajka!

I love the series

I love the series and this narrator. The plot and the dialogue are excellent. I am very disappointed that he has not written another book for this series in years.

terrific story

great story made double secret great by the reader who is perfect and far better than most

Intelligent and entertaining.

Fully unexpected developments of the story line. Love the fresh , erudite vocabulary, as well as the French connection. Great, great narration. How did he manage so many different voices! Have enjoyed other audiobooks by this author and will look for more. Downplayed love scenes were a welcome approach. Also appreciate no reliance on gore or violence to make a good story. Refreshing, skilled writing.

Questions answered

Finally a resolution to what happened to Sam’s father. A good read for anyone following the story.

Love this series...!!!

Listened virtually non-stop to this one. A great unraveling of Sam's mysterious backstory in a great telling. even found out about the 67 Grand Prix. Yes there are lots of names, it's complicated.. and of course Sam gets himself beat up and shot in a couple of eye rolling scenarios but as usual the finale is quite fine and satisfying. Mr Knopf is a master Wordsmith and I'm jealous of his vocabulary but really appreciate having Google to expand mine. the narration is among the best you will get to hear, bar none. short and sweet this one is terrific 👍👍👍👍👍