A corrupt judge in a mob murder case. A disillusioned pastor, hungry for power. A cynical reporter, sniffing for a scandal. A gambling addict whose secret tape threatens the lives of everyone who hears it. New York Times bestselling author Lee Strobel weaves these edgy characters into an intricate thriller set in a gleaming, suburban megachurch, a big-city newspaper struggling for survival, and the shadowy corridors of political intrigue. The unexpected climax is as gripping as the contract killing that punctuates the opening scene.
The Ambition: A Novel
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Editorial Reviews
Review
Bestselling nonfiction writer Strobel (The Case for Christ) makes his fiction debut with a legal thriller that draws on his background in legal journalism. In Chicago, which specializes in deep-dish corruption, the mobster Bugatti brothers want a murder case steered to the right judge, so they send a payoff to Judge Reese McKelvie. McKelvie is a candidate for a U.S. Senate seat vacated as a result of corruption; his rival is pastor Eric Snow, who heads a suburban megachurch and who has developed political ambition. One member of Snow's congregation is Gina D'Orazio, girlfriend of investigative reporter Garry Strider. When Gina's faith prompts her to move out of Strider's apartment, the cynical Strider takes Snow's megachurch as his next investigative target. The much published author writes with great confidence and plots like a screenwriter. The book's ending has a rushed feel, as if some major developments are dropped rather than resolved. On the whole, however, Strobel succeeds in his new direction; his nonfiction fans will certainly want to check this out. ---Publishers Weekly
About the Author
Lee Strobel was the award-winning legal editor of The Chicago Tribune and is the best-selling author of The Case for Faith, The Case for Christ, and The Case for a Creator. Visit Lee's website at: www.leestrobel.com. SPANISH BIO: Lee Strobel tiene una licenciatura en periodismo de la Universidad de Missouri y una maestria en estudio de leyes de la Universidad Yale. Fue el galardonado editor legal del periodico Chicago Tribune y esceptico espiritual hasta el ano 1981. Es autor de exitos de ventas del New York Times de casi veinte libros y ha sido entrevistado por numerosos programas nacionales de television, incluyendo 20/20 de la cadena ABC, Fox News y CNN. Cuatro de sus libros han ganado el premio Medalla de oro y uno de ellos fue el ganador del premio Libro cristiano del ano 2005 (el cual escribio junto a Garry Poole). Lee sirvio como pastor de ensenanza en las Iglesias Willow Creek y Saddleback. Ademas, contribuye como editor y columnista de la revista 'Outreach'. el y su esposa, Leslie, residen en Colorado. Para mas informacion, visite: www.leestrobel.com
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
35 of 37 people found the following review helpful
By Vonno
Format:Hardcover
I've benefited from Lee Strobel's books for years; they're some of my absolute favorites. Up until now his writings have been aimed at making things crystal clear. But in THE AMBITION, Strobel's first novel (hopefully not his last), he does the opposite -- he keeps you breathlessly guessing! More than that, this book makes you feel like you're right there, living in and through the characters, experiencing what they do -- whether in the tensions of the legal chambers, the tastes of the local eateries, or the tragedies of Chicago's back alleys. Clearly Strobel has called up his years of experience as the legal editor of the Chicago Tribune and put them to good use, because this fiction breathes of gritty realism mixed with flashes of hope and optimism. What else can I say? You've just got to read THE AMBITION for yourself!
20 of 20 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Lee Strobel is a truly gifted writer --- we already knew that. This is his first attempt at a novel. Frankly, I hope it's not his last.
The evangelical Christian publishing industry in the U.S. is mired within the miasma of telling their story in new and refreshing ways. Clearly, Strobel has leveraged his remarkable literary talent to produce an honest-to-God "page turner." His character development, dialog, story-line and the richness of the context he creates for The Ambition are well, spellbinding. It's also easy to read. Frankly, the way the book ends CLEARLY positions The Ambition as the first in a series of novels from Strobel. I honestly hope so. Strobel is a talented story-teller who deserves the opportunity to provide readers with a sequel/series...leveraging the same context and characters for future literary enjoyment.
Strobel goes to great lengths at the end of the book to reaffirm that this is a work of fiction, and has absolutely nothing to do with his term as a pastor (and former atheist) at two of the largest mega-churches in the U.S. (Rick Warren's Saddleback Church in So. Cal. and Bill Hybel's Willow Creek Community Church outside Chicago --- I believe - forgive me if I've made a mistake).
Of course, the book includes fundamental evangelical issues of prayer, miracles, healing, relationships, formal membership at a church etc. Yet, don't misinterpret what I'm saying here. This is a superb novel. It is distinctly NOT proselytizing submerged within evasive evangelical rhetoric.
It's about life, lives, intrigue, living, learning, power, authority, deception, wounds, mystery, faith, mistakes, power, authority, control, shame, miscalculation, living with tension, relationships - it is a great story told by a wonderfully gifted storyteller - with a few murders thrown in to boot.
I really enjoyed it and look forward to Lee Strobel's sequel. You will too!
The evangelical Christian publishing industry in the U.S. is mired within the miasma of telling their story in new and refreshing ways. Clearly, Strobel has leveraged his remarkable literary talent to produce an honest-to-God "page turner." His character development, dialog, story-line and the richness of the context he creates for The Ambition are well, spellbinding. It's also easy to read. Frankly, the way the book ends CLEARLY positions The Ambition as the first in a series of novels from Strobel. I honestly hope so. Strobel is a talented story-teller who deserves the opportunity to provide readers with a sequel/series...leveraging the same context and characters for future literary enjoyment.
Strobel goes to great lengths at the end of the book to reaffirm that this is a work of fiction, and has absolutely nothing to do with his term as a pastor (and former atheist) at two of the largest mega-churches in the U.S. (Rick Warren's Saddleback Church in So. Cal. and Bill Hybel's Willow Creek Community Church outside Chicago --- I believe - forgive me if I've made a mistake).
Of course, the book includes fundamental evangelical issues of prayer, miracles, healing, relationships, formal membership at a church etc. Yet, don't misinterpret what I'm saying here. This is a superb novel. It is distinctly NOT proselytizing submerged within evasive evangelical rhetoric.
It's about life, lives, intrigue, living, learning, power, authority, deception, wounds, mystery, faith, mistakes, power, authority, control, shame, miscalculation, living with tension, relationships - it is a great story told by a wonderfully gifted storyteller - with a few murders thrown in to boot.
I really enjoyed it and look forward to Lee Strobel's sequel. You will too!
13 of 13 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Before you dive into The Ambition, the new thriller by noted author Lee Strobel, make sure you've got some time set aside -- you're not going to be able to put it down! This is actually the first of his book's I've had the pleasure of reading. I found it to be a fascinating novel, filled with intrigue, unforeseen plot twists and characters that get under your skin quickly. Although written from a faith-based perspective and with many characters whose beliefs define them, Strobel's evangelical voice is never heavy handed. He gives us characters who, like ourselves and the people in the pews next to us, make mistakes, go through periods of spiritual dryness, and sometimes question their beliefs.
The story that unfolds in The Ambition is relevant in today's world of political ambition and megachurches. You'll quickly be caught up in the action, but you'll also be inspired and entertained along the way. I hope that Lee Strobel will soon follow up with another novel - I loved this one and can't wait to share it with friends.
The story that unfolds in The Ambition is relevant in today's world of political ambition and megachurches. You'll quickly be caught up in the action, but you'll also be inspired and entertained along the way. I hope that Lee Strobel will soon follow up with another novel - I loved this one and can't wait to share it with friends.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
A Good First Effort in Fiction
Although Lee Strobel has long been a superstar writer of non-fiction (Christian apologetics), this is his first novel. It is an interesting and worthwhile read. Read more
Published 16 days ago by S. Peek
4.0 out of 5 stars
Interesting read
I really enjoyed this book. I felt like I was watching a good crime drama. And unlike many Christian novels, the characters were complex and flawed. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Sue L. Toussaint
4.0 out of 5 stars
Sets the bar HIGH for a first novel!
Strobel turns his considerable, proven talent toward Christian fiction, and what a splendid first effort! If you've read any of his Case for... Read more
Published 2 months ago by D. Greiner
4.0 out of 5 stars
review of "The Ambition"
very enjoyable. Had a little bit of everything, politics, religion, lawyers and the mob. Made you want there to be a sequel!!
Published 2 months ago by Sharon B. Stewart
1.0 out of 5 stars
I would give it a pass
I found this story to be incredibly boring. as a fan of the authors non-fiction, I was disappointed. The plot is trite. The characters are one dimensional. Read more
Published 3 months ago by S. K. Foster
5.0 out of 5 stars
Never a dull moment!
A page turner and well developed without unnecessary drawn out detail. I love it when an author like Lee Strobel gets right to point and keeps the story moving. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Alien of the World
2.0 out of 5 stars
Why does this book exist?
This reads like it was written by someone who wanted to write a novel, rather than by someone who had a story to tell. Read more
Published 3 months ago by John M. Wendt
4.0 out of 5 stars
I liked it!
Used in my book club. Everyone enjoyed the suspense in the story line.
Very thought provoking and interesting. Read again
Very thought provoking and interesting. Read again
Published 3 months ago by skhensley
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fantastic!
Incredible! Lee Strobel has outdone himself. Because of my long commute to work I listened to the audio CD. Read more
Published 3 months ago by R. Cremer
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very interesting
A very interesting story and even though it maybe fiction, in today's political arena I would say. There is much truth written in this story.
Published 4 months ago by Howard Winter
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