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Sam Acquillo Hamptons Mystery #9
Deep Dive
Sam Acquillo has spent most of his time in the Hamptons hanging out with the other half of the moneyed wonderland: cops and bartenders, carpenters, store clerks, and firemen. He couldn't care less about the concerns of the 1 percent, until his best friend Burton Lewis, a certified billionaire, is dragged into a high-profile death investigation.
A former corporate superstar brought down by the machinations of the grasping class, Sam's not entirely unfamiliar with the cultural norms of super wealth. It's why he retreated to his cottage refuge at the tip of Oak Point Peninsula jutting into the Little Peconic Bay. But in the intervening years, he's engaged with all forms of low-life tough guys and connivers looking for that edge, an easy path into a social order besotted with unattainable yearning. A world where the best revenge is one with no consequences, no penalties, or costs.
For some, there is no power without prestige, and no prestige that can't be bought. They see no distinction between corporate profit and high-minded nonprofits, charity being the currency of social preeminence. In Deep Dive, Sam discovers just how right he is. The rich can achieve a level of depravity and hate both invisible, and incomprehensible, to the rest of us.
A former corporate superstar brought down by the machinations of the grasping class, Sam's not entirely unfamiliar with the cultural norms of super wealth. It's why he retreated to his cottage refuge at the tip of Oak Point Peninsula jutting into the Little Peconic Bay. But in the intervening years, he's engaged with all forms of low-life tough guys and connivers looking for that edge, an easy path into a social order besotted with unattainable yearning. A world where the best revenge is one with no consequences, no penalties, or costs.
For some, there is no power without prestige, and no prestige that can't be bought. They see no distinction between corporate profit and high-minded nonprofits, charity being the currency of social preeminence. In Deep Dive, Sam discovers just how right he is. The rich can achieve a level of depravity and hate both invisible, and incomprehensible, to the rest of us.
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Published December 31, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
August 6, 2019
First sentence: "I know I should call the police immediately, but I wonder if you wouldn't mind popping over for a moment to discuss before I do."
Sam Acquillo, cabinetmaker, part-time private investigator, and full-time resident of Eastern Long Island, used to be part of the one percent and still has some friends who are. Burton Lewis was a houseguest of Joshua and Rosie Edelston. Another guest, Elton Darby, a fundraiser for the charity Volunteering with Love, aka the Loventeers, has been found dead with Burton's watch in his hand. What begins as an investigation to clear his friend, grows to a case involving the FBI, a trip to post-Hurricane Maria Puerto Rico, and a journey back to Long Island to unmask a killer.
Knopf provides an excellent short history of Sam which segues nicely into his current relationship with Amanda Anselma and Sam's trusty dog, Eddie Van Halen. Sam's background is what makes him such an interesting, well-rounded character. He is fully capable of taking care of himself in a dangerous situation but is just as inclined to toss in the appropriate Latin phrase, and introspection—"You've heard it noted that time is a river, though what is overlooked is all the sediment the river leaves behind, diverting the path, obscuring recollection. Experience emboldens when it's not taxing resolve, eroding vitality." Having been part of both sides of the socio-economic spectrum has given him an understanding not found in everyone. He can even be forgiven, perhaps, for one point where he could be perceived as a bit of an idiot about his relationship with Amanda, but that's up to one's own opinion.
Sam's trip to Puerto Rico is a turning point in the plot and presents a hard view, and real understanding, of the conditions there today. It also takes the plot into a deeper, very serious and relevant issue. What's nice is that Knopf offsets the serious with occasional well-done, well-placed humor, such as his description of air travel—"…park in a long-term lot about one hundred miles away, ride a tram with nervous, unhappy people, get stripped nearly naked by the TSA, find a bar near your gate, drink too much, but still get on the flight with more nervous, unhappy people…" and it goes on in perfect form. One of Sam's other attributes is the way in which he applies engineering and design to problem solving.
"Deep Dive" has great characters and a good amount of tension. It is a very well-done book, particularly the final chapter.
DEEP DIVE PI-Sam Acquillo-Long Island, NY-Contemp)- VG
Knopf, Chris – 9th in series
Permanent Press, July 2019
Sam Acquillo, cabinetmaker, part-time private investigator, and full-time resident of Eastern Long Island, used to be part of the one percent and still has some friends who are. Burton Lewis was a houseguest of Joshua and Rosie Edelston. Another guest, Elton Darby, a fundraiser for the charity Volunteering with Love, aka the Loventeers, has been found dead with Burton's watch in his hand. What begins as an investigation to clear his friend, grows to a case involving the FBI, a trip to post-Hurricane Maria Puerto Rico, and a journey back to Long Island to unmask a killer.
Knopf provides an excellent short history of Sam which segues nicely into his current relationship with Amanda Anselma and Sam's trusty dog, Eddie Van Halen. Sam's background is what makes him such an interesting, well-rounded character. He is fully capable of taking care of himself in a dangerous situation but is just as inclined to toss in the appropriate Latin phrase, and introspection—"You've heard it noted that time is a river, though what is overlooked is all the sediment the river leaves behind, diverting the path, obscuring recollection. Experience emboldens when it's not taxing resolve, eroding vitality." Having been part of both sides of the socio-economic spectrum has given him an understanding not found in everyone. He can even be forgiven, perhaps, for one point where he could be perceived as a bit of an idiot about his relationship with Amanda, but that's up to one's own opinion.
Sam's trip to Puerto Rico is a turning point in the plot and presents a hard view, and real understanding, of the conditions there today. It also takes the plot into a deeper, very serious and relevant issue. What's nice is that Knopf offsets the serious with occasional well-done, well-placed humor, such as his description of air travel—"…park in a long-term lot about one hundred miles away, ride a tram with nervous, unhappy people, get stripped nearly naked by the TSA, find a bar near your gate, drink too much, but still get on the flight with more nervous, unhappy people…" and it goes on in perfect form. One of Sam's other attributes is the way in which he applies engineering and design to problem solving.
"Deep Dive" has great characters and a good amount of tension. It is a very well-done book, particularly the final chapter.
DEEP DIVE PI-Sam Acquillo-Long Island, NY-Contemp)- VG
Knopf, Chris – 9th in series
Permanent Press, July 2019
May 14, 2019
The Sam Acquillo mysteries, set on the darker shores of the Hamptons, are always a delight, and Deep Dive is an enjoyable addition to the collection. Sam’s rich friend is in trouble, and Sam is quick to reply to a call for help. But philanthropist Burton Lewis’s predicament leads to mysteries upon mysteries, with threats to those Sam holds dear (including the dog) and a side-trip to post-hurricane Puerto Rico, where thoroughly believable characters struggle to rebuild lives. Genuine generosity of rich and poor comes face to face with devious deception in this tale, and America’s luxuries take on a different hue. Mistakes on the path to giving and receiving help are hauntingly drawn. And their implications for resolving the mystery are pleasingly obscure.
Acquillo knows that the rich are different—he was one of them once. But he also knows the poor are important. Seeing through clearer eyes perhaps than most, he puts clues together even while acknowledging distractions, and finally, satisfyingly, finds that final key. His narration draws readers into his world and interests, and offers surprisingly lyrical descriptions, self-deprecating humor, great dialog, and enjoyable relationships, making for a captivating read.
Deep Dive is a novel of contrasts, inviting readers into the depths of co-existing realities, and perfectly balancing characters and opinions on the way. Like a dog that sometimes eats pate and enjoys it (as Sam’s wonderful Eddie might) the rich really are both different and the same, and opportunity rules. A thoroughly enjoyable read.
Disclosure: I was given a preview copy and I offer my honest review
Acquillo knows that the rich are different—he was one of them once. But he also knows the poor are important. Seeing through clearer eyes perhaps than most, he puts clues together even while acknowledging distractions, and finally, satisfyingly, finds that final key. His narration draws readers into his world and interests, and offers surprisingly lyrical descriptions, self-deprecating humor, great dialog, and enjoyable relationships, making for a captivating read.
Deep Dive is a novel of contrasts, inviting readers into the depths of co-existing realities, and perfectly balancing characters and opinions on the way. Like a dog that sometimes eats pate and enjoys it (as Sam’s wonderful Eddie might) the rich really are both different and the same, and opportunity rules. A thoroughly enjoyable read.
Disclosure: I was given a preview copy and I offer my honest review
December 1, 2023
Sam Acquillo is a strange man.. Highly intelligent, college educated. Was a senior manager in a large corporation until he punched the CEO in the nose. He moved back to the quiet Oak Point area of New York and became a cabinet builder. He has developed friendships and stayed away from those that try to be something they are not.. His friends are normal in that they too have issues to come up with and, sometimes, ask Sam for help. Sometimes, his help leads to more trouble for himself.
In this story, one of the most successful Lawyers in the area is accused of murder. This attorny happens to be the best friend of Sam Acquillo and Sams knows that the atty is being railroaded and jumps in the help exonerate his friend.
the author continues to entertain his readers with these stories.. This, the 7th of the Sam Aquillo series is no exception..
In this story, one of the most successful Lawyers in the area is accused of murder. This attorny happens to be the best friend of Sam Acquillo and Sams knows that the atty is being railroaded and jumps in the help exonerate his friend.
the author continues to entertain his readers with these stories.. This, the 7th of the Sam Aquillo series is no exception..
May 17, 2024
It was interesting to have a closer look at billionaire Burton Lewis, who is until this book mostly a plot device. For once, I felt like I had a handle on the mystery. To me, the one flaw in the Sam Acquillo mysteries is that the solution seems to come out of the blue. Even this one could have used more foreshadowing, but at least I wasn't saying, "Huh? Who the heck is this guy?" at the theoretical resolution of the novel.
December 22, 2019
These Sam Acquillo books are always enjoyable. This one has a lot of action, some international travel, a bit of violence and considerable danger and suspense. All works out in the end, though there were victims.
January 11, 2020
Just moved from Long Island down south and this made me homesick for all the places I recognized. There is a lot I miss (ability to find anything without resorting to the big box store on the net, beaches, friends), and a lot I don't (traffic, rudeness etc)
October 17, 2022
Sam Acqillo’s friend Burton Lewis is arrested for the murder of a fellow guest at a house party in the Hamptons. Burton tells Sam that he is not guilty, so Sam and his friends combine to dig out the truth and free Burton.
August 24, 2019
Have enjoyed all of the Chris Knopf Sam Acquillo books. Picked this up at our local library yesterday morning and literally could not put it down. Finished it this morning.
March 29, 2023
Good listen may need to try another one
May 10, 2025
Sam seems to have finally quit drinking the awful flavored coffee.
September 2, 2019
I found myself wandering as I was reading this book. There are some excellent subtle points if you are familiar with the landscape. Was hoping for more.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews