Deathwatch

Deathwatch is a novel by Robb White. It is a work of fiction with elements of mystery, adventure, and survival. The novel follows Ben, a college student and hunting guide whose client, Madec, turns on him after Ben witnesses an accidental shooting. Published in 1972, Deathwatch was named an Outstanding Book of the Year by The New York Times, received the Edgar Award (named for American author Edgar Allen Poe) for Best Juvenile Mystery from the Mystery Writers of America, and was recognized as one of the American Library Association (ALA) Best of the Best Books for Young Adults. The 2014 movie Beyond the Reach and the 1974 film Savages are based on the novel.

Plot Summary

Ben, a college geology student, guides Madec, a ruthless businessman from Los Angeles, on a hunt for bighorn sheep in the California high desert. Madec, reckless and arrogant, claims to see a bighorn in the distance and shoots against Ben’s advice. Upon closer examination, Madec finds that he shot and killed an old man instead. Madec attempts to lie, saying he shot a female sheep, but Ben checks for himself and sees the dead man.