The Deep End

by Chris Crutcher

A therapist treating abused children and families in crisis, Wilson Corder faces his most horrifying experience yet when seven-year-old Sabrina Parker is kidnapped and his own children's lives are threatened. Reprint.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Young Adult

320 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1992

About the author

Chris Crutcher's writing is controversial, and has been frequently challenged and even banned by individuals who want to censor his books by removing them from libraries and classrooms. Running Loose and Athletic Shorts were on the ALA's top 100 list of most frequently challenged books for 1990-2000. His books generally feature teens coping with serious problems, including abusive parents, racial and religious prejudice, mental and physical disability, and poverty; these themes are viewed as too mature for children. Other cited reasons for censorship include strong language and depictions of homosexuality. Despite this controversy, Crutcher's writing has received many awards.

Reviews

[Tomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have never read such a disturbing book. The details of the inside world of child abuse is quite frightening, and the descriptions, honestly, sent chills down my spine. Then again, I am not a big fan of scary movies or things of the sort, but I did not know a book could do the trick, too. Thanks to this book, I have now realized I want to explore scarier and more disturbing book topics, they seem to be easier to read because they keep the reader in the story.

[Riley · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is so boring I couldn't finish it

[Gena Lott · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a stirring page-turner, as upsetting as the plot is. Crutcher has created very human, modern characters who are dealing with every kind of disfunction the family has to offer.
The language was my biggest hang-up, but the story was resolved the only way it could be and it shows that people can heal from even the worst trauma life surprises us with.

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit darker than most of his books. At times, I was just uncomfortable hearing the stories that are true for too many children, sadly.

[Brynna Connolly · Rating 5 out of 5]

SO GOOD! Difficult topics covered though so can be tough.

Only issue is that homie got “strangled with his own bike chain” when the bike was at the police station with the MC…

[JoyfulK · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unlike Crutcher's other books, this is a book for adults, not teens. And as a book of suspense, it's a delight. But, and this is a big but---even though the therapeutic work with abuse victims in this novel is grounded in reality (as in all of Crutcher's books), the way the therapists act and the outcome of this novel provide a casebook study in how bad things could get if therapists got over-involved and didn't keep appropriate boundaries---again and again, as a group, and trying to handle things themselves instead of getting their agency management, licensing boards, or police involved at the appropriate times. In real life, when therapists act like this, we lose our licenses to practice long before it gets this bad. So read it for the suspense if you like suspense novels. It's well plotted and will wind you up nicely before the end. But please don't assume this novel is about real therapists.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wilson Corder, a psychologist at the mental health center, sees that Sabrina Parker has been kidnapped. He knows that her brother, Jerry, will soon be in for therapy. When he starts seeing Jerry, it is evident that he knows about what happened that night. At the same time, a young boy named Craig Clark is also referred to Wilson. Craig is the stepson well known Dr. John Banner, a psychologist with a thriving seminar circuit on anger management. What's really puzzling is that Craig seems to be afraid of his stepfather and there are implications of suspected child abuse hanging in the air. Things heat up when Wilson starts receiving threatening letters at the center to stop treating Jerry Parker and soon his ex-wife and kids start receiving threatening phone calls, as well.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I selected this book because I enjoy his young adult literature and wanted to see what he wrote for adults. The Deep End was a fast-paced thriller that begins with the kidnapping of a young girl. However, the mystery of her disappearance is only the beginning, and several other crimes occur during the investigation. How they are all related becomes the focus of the narrator (a therapist) who becomes a key figure in the investigation. The book was a quick and easy read. If you are familiar with Crutcher's other works, parts of this novel will feel familiar and predictable.

[Claudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had to really search for this one! Crutcher's only adult novel. I loved it. I'm guessing Wilson is a lot like Crutcher when he was a practicing therapist...He is the man Crutcher's young men could grow up to be. The reflective 'essays' at the beginning of each chapter allowed a glimpse into Wilson's heart. I asked Crutcher if he had any intention of ever bringing Wilson back -- I would love to see him write a series, like Jonathan Kellerman, only better! Wilson is a hero, even though he'd disagree.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this back before I really knew who Chris Crutcher was (possibly before reading any of his YA novels), and I'm pretty sure I found a hardcover of this title in a library book sale. This was back when I read a lot of thrillers and really enjoyed stories about people with mental illness. The main character was a child therapist and I remember reading this and thinking that being at therapist might be an interesting job. Of course, then I went on to major in psychology and work with disturbed children and it wasn't quite so glamorous.

[Alexis · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Deep End is a fascinating look at the human psyche. Wilson Quarter, paychologist, works with both adults and children. When he works with children, he uses play therapy to draw out the child.

The author's research appears to be very thorough and complete as his portrayal of a variety of mental illnesses seems to be accurate and realistic. Crutcher' writing is so vivid that I felt as though I was right there with the characters.

This is a book that I'd recommend to anyone interested in psychology.

[Kaite Stover · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed for Emporia Gazette in 1995. Gripping thriller. Good readalike for early Jonathan Kellerman.

[Clara Dearmore Strom · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an old one by Chris Crutcher. If you haven't read it or him, I would recommend them to YA fans and suspense fans alike.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bandon-By-The-Sea.