The Blunderer
The Blunderer is a psychological thriller by Patricia Highsmith, first published in 1954 by Coward-McCann. It was third of her 22 novels, the second published under her own name. Synopsis Mild-mannered lawyer Walter Stackhouse hates his neurotic wife, Clara. He has suffered for years as she alienated all his friends and embarrassed him with her pettiness, overly dramatic gestures and intolerance of other people's needs. With Walter, she is increasingly distant and, without foundation, begins to accuse him of having an affair with the sweet and sensuous music teacher Ellie Briess. Walter does eventually become infatuated with Ellie and starts a relationship with her. Jealous Clara then attempts suicide by overdose, forcing Walter back into her arms. However, immediately upon recovering from near-death, Clara falls into her usual pattern; Walter finally stands his ground and demands a divorce. Clara is then found dead, having fallen off a cliff during a rest interval while taking a bus to see her dying mother. It is likely suicide. In time, as the official investigation continues, Walter has to admit to a couple of questionable activitiesstalking Clara's bus in his car, while daydreaming about possibly killing her at the first stop and visiting Melchior