It is 1941. Only child Leo invites schoolfriend Justin to stay the summer on the western tip of Cornwall. Addicted to adventure tales, one night they swim out to investigate a supposed 'spy ship' moored off the coast. The outcome is unnerving for the boys but momentous for Leo's mother Andrea, bringing her into contact with Lieutenant Commander Mike Harrington.

'Tim Jeal is a great storyteller... Deep Water is not only an extremely gripping novel, it is also thought-provoking and it subjects the conventional ideas about heroism, romantic love and adventure to a subtle yet searching examination.' Irish News

'A very satisfying novel... brilliantly done.' Nina Bawden, The Oldie

'Jeal brilliantly conveys a child's interpretation of the world... it is fascinating to watch a child taking revenge on his mother and her lover in such a dramatic fashion.' Times