Tango Down: A Sam Acquillo Mystery

The discovery of the body of wealthy Victor Bollings in his new Hamptons home propels Knopf’s exciting eighth outing for former corporate troubleshooter turned carpenter Sam Acquillo (after 2016’s Back Lash). When Sam’s fellow carpenter Ernesto Mazzotti becomes the top suspect in Bollings’s murder, Sam calls on attorney friend Jackie Swaitkowski to represent him. Sam meets with Det. Tony Cermanski, who explains he has zeroed in on Mazzotti because the guy was charged with assault and battery a decade earlier. Worse, police chief Ross Semple warns Sam not to get involved. Sam realizes this isn’t an ordinary case when a phony reporter calls; an armed man posing as a government agent delivers a vague threat; and his house is invaded. Sam’s wealthy patron, Burton Lewis, provides money, information, and hands-on assistance. The suspense builds as tiny ripples become waves and the fallout from Bollings’s death threatens to sink Sam and friends. Series fans will enjoy getting major news about Sam’s girlfriend, Amanda Anselma. (Dec.)