Deep Water

Deep Water is a psychological thriller novel by Patricia Highsmith, first published in 1957 by Harper & Brothers. It is Highsmith's fifth published novel, the working title originally being The Dog in the Manger. It was brought back into print in the United States in 2003 by W. W. Norton & Company. Plot Vic and Melinda Van Allen are a couple in the small town of Little Wesley. Their 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. Vic becomes fascinated with the unsolved murder of one of Melinda's former lovers, Malcolm McRae, and, in order to successfully drive away her current fling, takes credit for the killing. When the real murderer is apprehended, Vic's claims are interpreted by the community as dark jokes. Melinda begins a new relationship with a local pianist, Charley De Lisle. One night, at a party given at the home of one of their neighbours, the Cowans, Vic and Charley find themselves alone in the Cowans' backyard swimming pool. Impulsively, Vic drowns Charley, exits the pool, and feigns surprise when his body is discovered. His death is attributed to a cramp, though Melinda is immediately suspicious of her husband. Vic and many of his neighbours begin to move on from the event, though some particularly Don Wilson, a local pulp writer begin to idly suspect him of foul play. Melinda demands Vic admit his guilt and accuses him in front of their friends, though Vic is undaunted, finding superiority in his successful crime. A new neighbour, Harold Carpenter, appears in town, claiming to be researching psychiatry at a local asylum. Vic deduces that he is really a private detective hired by Don and Melinda. Carpenter leaves town, unable to nail down anything solid against Vic.