Knuckle Sandwich

From the Casefiles of Nick Paras and Associates (Nick Paras Discreet Investigations)

By: Justin DiPego

Narrated by: Nick Paras

In Knuckle Sandwich, years of drought come to a crashing end, but when it rains in New York, people get wet -- when it rains in L.A., people get killed. Ne’er-do-well punk rocker, Nick Paras accidentally becomes a private detective and has to find a missing goth girl. From ivory office towers to no-name clubs, the rain slick streets of Los Angeles won’t give Rachael up without a fight. Her family wants Nick to find her. But someone wants to kill him for trying.

Justin DiPego says: “I want to take people into parts of the city they’ve never seen, or maybe only think they know, and shine a flashlight shaking with adrenaline into the dark corners."

DiPego loves Los Angeles, and the city itself is a character in his stories, sometimes as a friend, as a neutral observer, and sometimes as an antagonist, because LA doesn’t always love you back.

©2025 Justin DiPego (P)2025 Justin DiPego

Critic reviews

“A slam dance of a detective novel—KNUCKLE SANDWICH is an explosive neo-noir thrill ride through L.A., from shambling hillside mansions to seedy cocktail bars to pulverizing mosh pits. Slip on your brass knuckles and lace up your Doc Martins. This is one hell of a tale.” - Eva Leigh, USA Today best-selling author

A punk rock masterpiece

This is my first indie author narrated audiobook and it was simply excellent. I grew up around the NY/Philly punk scene during the 90s and it's fascinating to get a fictional glimpse into the California scene. Well-written and well narrated!

Fantastic! Classic noir with an LA punk twist

This is a great book. A very engaging story that has you caught in the tangled web of crime, family dynamics and a mastermind punk detective sorting it all out. The narrator couldn't be more perfect for the tone of the book. I was caught up in the story from beginnjng to end, and wow what an end. Highly recommend!

Compelling storytelling with excellent voicing

Knuckle Sandwich is the well done auditory journey of reluctant investigator Nick Paras - transcribed by Justin DiPego. Rich characters (voiced with precise delineation) are set against the vibrant landscape of Los Angeles - and some of its shadowy, lesser known surroundings. The story takes the listener inside a twisting, engaging plot… that makes you want to binge it all in one sitting. Add this to your list today and enjoy the ride!