45 pages 1 hour read

Patricia Highsmith

Strangers On A Train

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1950

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Chapters 16-18Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapter 16 Summary

Guy ponders whether Bruno committed the murder but turns his mind to the Palmyra building. The press documents its construction. Guy hopes that this project will be "as perfect as his original conception" (101). Rather than dine with investors, Guy spends his evenings with the club manager, Clarence Brillhart. Guy receives a letter from Bruno and realizes that Bruno is the murderer. Guy still does not tell Anne or his mother about Bruno.

Chapter 17 Summary

Guy's mother discovers newspaper clippings about Miriam's death in Bruno's room and Bruno tells her about meeting Guy on the train. Bruno is sure that he and Guy will not be found out. He feels frustrated about his situation in life and resolves to see Guy. Fantasizing about being interviewed about the deed, which he pronounces a "miracle," he contemplates returning to San Francisco, before deciding against it. 

Bruno goes to an amusement park with his grandmother. He is initially thrilled, then heartbroken when he receives a longed-for letter from Guy asking Bruno not to contact him again. Bruno argues with Sammy Franklin, a male friend of his mother's whom he dislikes. He threatens to shove the other man over the side of the parapet on which they are drinking.

Related Titles

By Patricia Highsmith

SuperSummary Logo
Study Guide
Patricia Highsmith
Guide cover image
SuperSummary Logo
Study Guide
Patricia Highsmith
Guide cover image