Reviews
“Lovers of the storied Mid-Atlantic coast and the region’s rich maritime culture will devour Dave Strang’s gripping debut novel, a taut political thriller that introduces characters as nuanced and complex as the brackish estuaries of this story’s artfully drawn setting.”
Ellie Storck
“Eyes of the River has all the hallmarks of great fiction: memorable characters, a unique setting, authentic dialogue, and a thrilling storyline. Dave Strang compassionately captures the shared anguish and enduring friendship of three Vietnam Veterans ravaged by the lasting trauma of war. The warn-down marina they run, with its eclectic boatyard warehouse, adds to the intrigue. As a mysterious disappearance unfolds, the tumultuous search by friend and foe hooks you early on, keeps you on the line as it twists and turns, and reels you in completely with a dramatic climax. My only regret is that the exciting adventure had to come to an end, but what a wonderful ending!”
Jeff May
“In Dave Strang's beautiful debut novel, Eyes of the River, a rundown marina on a neglected riverfront holds so much more than the ancient bits of nautical life collected in an old shed and curated by Tre, a gentle, homeless Vietnam veteran. Rick, also a vet, is a sentry, keeping Tre safe from the outer world while trying to navigate it, haunted by his own demons. These two men are the heart of this political caper about a young girl's disappearance. Dave Strang juxtaposes the resilient human hearts of these two veterans upon the soulless power elite of Washington as the search for Allie intensifies. This novel sensitively reveals triumph over that which can break us, with language that asks the reader to pay full attention to the observable and to ponder what lies beneath. Beautiful!”
Nancy Burke, author of Only The Women Are Burning
“A haunting and deeply moving tale of friendship, redemption, and the enduring bonds forged in war's crucible. Eyes of the River is a masterful exploration of how three Marines—Rick Larson, Tremaine Wilson, and Adrian Dumars—navigate the long shadows of Vietnam while building an unlikely sanctuary along Washington D.C.'s forgotten Anacostia River. Dave Strang has crafted a gripping thriller that transcends genre boundaries, weaving together elements of political suspense, family drama, and profound meditation on trauma and healing. At its heart lies the extraordinary friendship between Rick and Tre—an honoring and heartbreaking portrayal of PTSD and veteran brotherhood. The novel's vivid setting along the Anacostia transforms a forgotten corner of the nation's capital into a character unto itself, while the author’s unflinching examination of power, corruption, and the price of survival resonate with startling relevance. Both intimate and sweeping, Eyes of the River is a testament to the possibility of redemption and the healing power of human connection. Dave Strang writes with the heart of a true storyteller, delivering a novel that will stay with readers long after the final page.
Sarah Corley
“In Eyes of the River Dave Strang weaves an intricate narrative which, as the title would suggest, flows steadily with interest as the reader discovers hidden tributaries that appear along the stream. There is steady and ever increasing current in the writing to keep things moving along when unexpected eddies and rapids envelop the characters along the journey. The reader is in for a detailed and thoroughly enjoyable voyage through the literary waters.
Major John G. Soule, USMC/USAF, Retired
“Eyes of the River is a story that will keep you turning pages, reluctant to put it down. A novel layered with rich detail, as each character’s past unfolds and weaves together. Dave Strang is a master storyteller, crafting scenes that evolve with both subtlety and emotional depth, immersing you in a world that feels vivid, textured, and alive on the page.”
Delia Sullivan, contributing author, Deserts to Mountaintops, Vol. 2, Choosing Healing Through Radical Self- Acceptance
“Much like the Anacostia River it depicts, this beautifully written novel is a haunting portrait of two veterans suffering from the psychological scars of combat, trying to survive in a world that has passed them by. Dave Strang crafts a richly atmospheric and intricately layered setting that mirrors the characters’ inner lives and circumstances, building steadily toward an intense and character driven finale.”
Rob Wood, SSGT, USAF, Retired
“In Eyes of the River, Dave Strang delivers a gripping story of loyalty, sacrifice, and the enduring bonds of military brotherhood. As past and present collide, long-buried truths surface, revealing the unseen cost of war carried quietly by those who served. Blending emotional depth with the tension of a compelling mystery, this powerful novel pulls the reader into a world where honor, memory, and redemption flow beneath every page.”
Adora Winquist Soule, Co-Founder, MilSpec Formulas
“I loved this story! What an adventure, from DC to Maine and back to the eerie marina setting, which was such a wonderful and safe sanctuary until it wasn't. Dave Strang has told a wonderful story about friendship, companionship, trust, connectedness and devotion, which results in redemption for some and justice for all.”
Howard Snyder
“What an incredible read! A powerful, character driven novel with emotional urgency that pulls you in slowly and then doesn’t let go, moving you to the edge of your seat. Underneath the story, it’s about connection, atonement, and how people carry, and sometimes overcome, the weight of their past. An impressive and engaging debut work with a strong sense of place and purpose. It’s a great story and definitely worth the read!”
Dolan Sullivan