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

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.

A Great Surprise

This audiobook was extremely interesting and entertaining. I found myself caught up in the mystery and intrigue, trying to figure out what Sam's next move would be and how all of the pieces would be connected.
I would gladly recommend this book to anyone.