Deep Waters

Herman, formerly the editorial director of Ticknor and Fields and the author of two adult novels, enters the YA arena with an intermittently successful coming-of-age novel. His intimate, first-person narrative makes readers privy to 15-year-old Andy's thoughts and self-doubts as he ruminates over a drowning accident (or was it murder?) that occurred two years ago at summer camp. Exhaustively analyzing the circumstances of the incident, Andy reflects on the main players--Tony, the swimming counselor; his fiancee, Marsha; and her ex-boyfriend Johnny (""the coolest counselor at camp"")--and on the role Andy's friend Julian takes in heating up the rivalry between Tony and Johnny. Herman's insights are canny and his descriptions vivid; unfortunately, the reader is always aware of the author's presence. The structure is artless, with chapters beginning, ""I've told you I was the only camper during my swimming lessons, but that isn't true"" or ""I haven't told you yet about Carly, my girlfriend."" There's a Holden Caulfield-manque cast to the phrasing (""Old Ralph! What a card!""; ""She had a good sense of humor, old Carly""), not aided by the indeterminate setting, which may or may not be several decades ago. But enough intimations of a powerful climax will keep many readers going, and the payoff is a sound one. Ages 12-16. (Sept.)