45 pages • 1 hour read
Patricia HighsmithA modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides that feature detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, quotes, and essay topics.
Chapter Summaries & Analyses
Guy ponders whether Bruno committed the murder but turns his mind to the Palmyra building. The press documents its construction. Guy hopes that this project will be "as perfect as his original conception" (101). Rather than dine with investors, Guy spends his evenings with the club manager, Clarence Brillhart. Guy receives a letter from Bruno and realizes that Bruno is the murderer. Guy still does not tell Anne or his mother about Bruno.
Guy's mother discovers newspaper clippings about Miriam's death in Bruno's room and Bruno tells her about meeting Guy on the train. Bruno is sure that he and Guy will not be found out. He feels frustrated about his situation in life and resolves to see Guy. Fantasizing about being interviewed about the deed, which he pronounces a "miracle," he contemplates returning to San Francisco, before deciding against it.
Bruno goes to an amusement park with his grandmother. He is initially thrilled, then heartbroken when he receives a longed-for letter from Guy asking Bruno not to contact him again. Bruno argues with Sammy Franklin, a male friend of his mother's whom he dislikes. He threatens to shove the other man over the side of the parapet on which they are drinking.
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By Patricia Highsmith
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