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. Obtaining Ben’s rifle through trickery, Madec shoots the dead man with Ben’s rifle to implicate Ben and then forces Ben out into the desert with no clothes or supplies. Meanwhile, Madec plans to hunt Ben.

Ben returns to the old man’s body to take his boots, but Madec has already removed the old man’s boots and anything else that would have been useful. Ben finds the old man’s camp, but Madec has already been there and removed or destroyed anything useful. The only thing Ben finds that he can use is a slingshot. Ben finds a small catch basin of water, but Madec shoots at him as he attempts to reach it. Ben decides to rest during the day and try to get to the water under the cover of night. Ben wakes to Madec destroying the catch basin. He then finds woodpecker nests and sotol leaves to make shoes for himself. With these shoes, he makes his way through the desert.

Ben climbs the butte (a steep hill) to find a place to hide from Madec. Madec begins shooting at Ben, and Ben finds a tunnel that allows him to escape out of Madec’s sight. The tunnel also gives him access to water. Ben drinks water, rests, and uses the slingshot to kill birds for food. Ben sees Madec using tools to climb the butte and pursue him. He also sees the Game and Fish helicopter flying overhead on a routine patrol. Ben watches Madec talk to the Fish and Game officials. When the helicopter leaves, Ben decides he cannot sit and wait for Madec to climb up and kill him. He waits for Madec to quit for the evening, and Ben climbs down the butte. At the bottom of the butte, Ben digs a hole and then covers himself in it while leaving two rubber tubes above the surface to provide him air and sound. Once Madec wakes and begins climbing the butte, Ben climbs out of the hole and makes his way to the Jeep. He finds the keys and rotor for the Jeep, along with the bolt for his rifle, are missing. He sets fire to Madec’s camp to get him to come rushing back. When Madec gets back to camp, Ben shoots his rifle out of his hand with the slingshot. Ben continues to shoot Madec with the slingshot to prevent him from reaching his rifle.

Ben restrains Madec, puts him in the Jeep, picks up the body of the dead old man, and drives to the sheriff’s office. Madec again tries to bribe Ben. At the sheriff’s office, Ben tries to explain what happened and presents Madec and the old man’s body. Because his story is so outlandish, Ben is charged with felony aggravated assault.

Ben’s uncle gets him an attorney, and a doctor confirms that the old man’s injuries are consistent with Ben’s story. The doctor also reveals that he saw Madec put Ben’s missing slingshot in the trashcan prior to Ben’s arrest. Ben refuses to press charges against Madec, reminding everyone that he only wanted to report an accident.