Black Swan

Sam Acquillo and his girlfriend are delivering a sailboat to a friend when a fierce storm blows them to Fishers Island, where murder transpires. Knopf has mastered the verbal drill for tough guys in tight situations, and like Sam’s nautical know-how, his banter with imperfect strangers is a cut above the norm. (Called out on a tactless remark and asked what’s wrong with him, he replies: Chronic inappropriateness.) This unexpected sail into danger makes for a stimulating story. —Marilyn Stasio, New York Times