Deep Water

By: Patricia Highsmith

Narrated by: Paul Boehmer

The great revival of interest in Patricia Highsmith continues with this work that reveals the chilling reality behind the idyllic facade of American suburban life.

In Deep Water, set in the small town of Little Wesley, Vic and Melinda Meller's loveless marriage is held together only by a precarious arrangement whereby in order to avoid the messiness of divorce, Melinda is allowed to take any number of lovers as long as she does not desert her family. Eventually, Vic tries to win her back by asserting himself through a tall tale of murder—one that soon comes true.

Critic reviews

Deep Water may be Highsmith at her darkest and finest. —Sarah Weinman, New York Times

Highsmith is crime fiction's most lethal existentialist…[She] simultaneously makes the subconscious smile and the skin crawl.—Ed Siegel, Boston Globe

So good and utterly addictive.—Megan Abbott, author of You Will Know Me

Good but drawn out

This was good Highsmith mystery and became more intriguing as it went along. Seemed bogged down with unnecessary detail. Seems all anyone does in Highsmith novels is drink cocktails. It was a different era, but still -- seemed like every other page was cocktail hour or nightcap hour or hangover morning. Interesting character study for certain. I squirmed at the close examination of the snails. That really revealed his character. Narration was good except that he made the child sound like a real brat and I don't think she was supposed to be.

engrossing psychological study

Patricia highsmith never disappoints, and this novel is no exception. Fascinating portrayal of a loveless marriage like no other.

Another can't miss from Patricia Highsmith

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

while the story is from 1957, it still seems contemporary.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Deep Water?

The different levels of deceit by the characters was fascinating.

Classic Highsmith

Subtly haunting and quietly horrifying story full of subtle dark humor. Like all of Highsmith's best works, the psychological horror is understated almost (almost!) to a fault, leading to the constant feeling of being taken off guard by the full extent of what the author wishes to communicate. The reader is drawn to sympathy for the "protagonist" as he descends into a sort of coldly rational madness, making one wonder about the depths of their own repressed rage. And there is a definite Dostoevskian bent to the narrative, quietly but forcefully posing the question of confirmity vs. extraordinariness and the limits of both. Don't miss this one.

Too Long and Not Compeeling

This book will put you to sleep - at least it worked for me for several nights.