The Strand

by Ellen Vaughn

Anne Lorelli has it all. A successful husband. A beautiful home. And a life running right on schedule. But underneath the smooth surface, dark undercurrents are about to sweep her into a nightmare. Powerfully written and masterfully paced, this contemporary page-turner is both a sophisticated mystery with twists that defy formula fiction and a rich story simmering with subtle truths.

Genres: Christian, Mystery, Fiction, Mystery Thriller, Christian Fiction

323 pages, Hardcover

First published May 22, 1997

About the author

Ellen Vaughn is a New York Times bestselling author and speaker who has written or co-written 23 books. Former vice president of executive communications at Prison Fellowship, she collaborated with the late Chuck Colson on a number of his seminal works. She speaks at conferences, often travels to interview Christ-followers in hostile parts of the world, and serves on the board of directors for ICM, the global church developer. With degrees from Georgetown University and the University of Richmond, Ellen lives in northern Virginia with husband Lee, a regional pastor for McLean Bible Church, a daughter and two grandchildren, and one clueless dog. She enjoys reading, hiking, drinking coffee, and staring pensively at the ocean.

Reviews

[Justin Meyring · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good message, quick read. But I gotta say, if this lady can write a book, anyone could. The dialogue was tacky, the story was predictable, and the characters were shallow.

[Beth Peninger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great piece of Christian based suspense and mystery.

[Katrina Laude · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this book attempted to show the unity in human suffering, in this case that of those in the Holocaust during World War II, a rich white woman whose husband is killed in front of her, and inner city black people. The story is about a woman who's trying to refind herself after her husband's death. I like that she chose to go and work with children in the inner city because many there can relate to a deep pain and loss through violence that most of her rich white friends would have no understanding of. I think the addition of the Holocaust survivors perhaps did not flow as well with the rest of the story. I would have preferred instead to have a greater development of the characters in the school / church where she volunteered. I also wonder how much experience the author has with working with people, especially children, in the inner city. it would be interesting to have someone from the inner city, specifically an African-American individual, to read this book and give their feedback. I was exceptionally annoyed that the ending left all kinds of questions. But maybe that was the point of the book? That we never know the ending because our stories keep going and changing and life continues to throw things at us until the day we die.

[Grace Feldpausch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anne Lorreli has what seems to be a perfect life, however, that quickly changes when her husband is murdered in front of her eyes. This suspenseful mystery is filled with turn after turn, as we follow Anne along the long road of finding herself again. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book due to the unforeseen challenges that tend to follow Anne wherever she goes. I admired how Vaughn was able to capture the feelings of hopelessness and loss. For example, after losing her husband, Anne feels “Horror, anger, confusion, and guilt.“ (Vaughn 33 ). She also says “When someone goes suddenly, at the very time you’re most in shock, you have to make dozens of choices you’ll remember for the rest of your life.“ (Vaughn 35). This really captures Anne's emotions and helps you sympathize with her character. This book is geared more towards adults, but as a teenager, I am able to find this book equally as enjoyable as the intended audience. Go ahead and give this book a read, I am sure it will have you on the edge of your seat as well.

[Cindy Kirkland · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this up because I though it sounded like a good story. It was.....okay. Anne was a pain in the ass, through the whole book. She was so shallow and ridiculous it was hard to root for her. After the "accident" she is basically blah. She comes to realize that she has some power over her own life. Her mother, of course she is the reason for Anne's inability to live, is an even worse character than Anne. Her dad, not so bad. What I feel was so predictable was Anne's mothers story, The "affair", and the detective. Then there are the Father and his Sister and their story. There was so much going on, no one really came to life. It was a quick read I was suprized by the religious element. It was not shoved down your throat so that was good.

[Craig · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought it was pretty dull and that the plot (or lack thereof) didn't hang together very well. "We need some more excitement? OK. Now we'll have a character get kidnapped!"

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Anne's life is just about perfect. Then situations develop that sends her into a nightmare. This is a quick read.

[Jacque R · Rating 1 out of 5]

Unable to “get” interested in this novel, so much back and forth

[ANNETTE · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy to follow story . Thought it was good

[Yolanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vaughn has written one of the most believable evolutions of character I've read in a long time.

[Judy Constance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent work of fiction - couldn't put it down!

[Sandy Holmes · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good story. I had read it years ago and decided to read it again. In addition to a murder mystery, this book addresses social injustice and human failings.

[Lisa Rathbun]

I really enjoyed this mystery. Anne's growth is interesting to see. I did feel that the ending came almost too soon, would have liked to have a chapter or two more.

[Jackie Simons]

Read 5/98

[Melissa]

Too contrived; too dramatic to be realistic.