J. Will Baxter Strand

Annotation

The Strand is a classic mystery with one important difference. The investigation produces more twists and turns than a sports car racing chicane. The setting is Southern Californias South Beach area, where an unprecedented bank robbery occurs. The robbery is unusual. The solution is equally unexpected. There are so many twists and turns in the story that the authors working title for it was Chicane. The story begins with the upheaval in the life of a senior Los Angeles Advertising executive Mr. Peter Decovilles comfortable but lonely life. It continues with a travelogue type introduction the beach area and life. California South Beach life in the 1960s is pleasurable describe in humorous detail. Then a monumental city event occurs: a bank is relived of its cash. The bandits modus operandi is almost as twisted as the tale of his discovery. Peter Decoville decides he is the man to solve the crime in hopes of further his fading career. The task is not easy. He is aided in his efforts by a Mensa-level newspaper manager, a donut-infested police department, a silent auto mechanic, an automobile entrepreneur, and a less than precocious friend. The writer does not scare want to alarm people, but the story does have a light under tone of values. It is not intrusive, however, but the reader must not expect one who has seen the world, written plays, poetry, and history to avoid any hint of morality in his writings. Can you?