Deep Hole

by Don Winslow, Ed Harris (Narrator)

In Deep Hole, one of the world’s foremost crime novelists crafts a sweet, poignant romance novella that could only come from his perfectly calibrated sense of time and place. It incorporates fights and misunderstandings and rejection, and is set against the backdrop of a quiet surfing town in Rhode Island where everyone knows each other’s business—and pleasure. Gambling, deceit, and love intertwine in unexpected ways to deliver a satisfying love story with the requisite Don Winslow side dishes of sly wit, piercing honesty, and a dash of sexiness to accompany the crackling yarn.

Genres: Fiction, Audiobook, Crime, Short Stories, Thriller, Novella, Romance

1 pages, Audible Audio

First published May 26, 2022

About the author

Don Winslow is the author of twenty-one acclaimed, award-winning international bestsellers, including the New York Times bestsellers The Force and The Border, the #1 international bestseller The Cartel, The Power of the Dog, Savages, and The Winter of Frankie Machine. Savages was made into a feature film by three-time Oscar-winning writer-director Oliver Stone. The Power of the Dog, The Cartel and The Border sold to FX in a major multimillion-dollar deal to air as a weekly television series beginning in 2020.

A former investigator, antiterrorist trainer and trial consultant, Winslow lives in California and Rhode Island.


Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.

Reviews

[Nina (ninjasbooks) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very short story, and it gave me nothing.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Until I met my husband who surfs and is from Long Island, I never would have imagined there were good waves up north. Deep Hole is a short story by Don Winslow available for free in the Audible Library. It’s the story of Eddie, a surfer in RI who waits tables for a living and gets himself into a bit of trouble with the mob over a gambling debt he is unable to pay. Winslow’s writing always has a gritty feel to it, but his short stories are quite a bit lighter than his novels. Like his other short story Free Billy, Ed Harris was the perfect choice to narrate. Overall a quick and entertaining listen. 3.5 stars.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 🌟
This a a gritty & atmospheric journey about a surfer in Deep Hole, RI. It’s dark & satirical, engaging & a little cheeky. Ed Harris is a fantastic narrator for Winslow’s words.

[Colleen Chi-Girl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella is currently available for free to members of Audible.

I enjoyed listening to Ed Harris as the narrator - no brainer - and found this short story set in Rhode Island to be interesting and nicely done. It's under an hour and takes us to the underworld of the Mafia on the east coast, where a young man (late teenager?) runs into trouble. It leaves us with a satisfying ending.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an Audible Original short story. Don Winslow created a few, well developed characters, there were some mob ties which always adds interest, and he pulled this one off better than the past few.

Ed Harris as narrator won’t get old either. It was an entertaining and enjoyable hour listening as I made red sauce and pasta (insert Marlon Brando’s voice) “for the family” 😂

[Hobart · Rating 3 out of 5]

This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader as part of a quick takes catch-up post, emphasizing pithiness not thoroughness.
---
I don't know about this. I mean, it's a short story, so I shouldn't expect much from this. And it's a decent story, but...eh. It left me wanting more on just about every front.

But it wasn't a bad story—which makes sense, Winslow can't write a bad story—and Harris sells it.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audible Review

Overall 4 out of 5 stars
Performance 5 out of 5 stars
Story 4 out of 5 stars

Entertaining listen.
3.5*

I'm not sure sweet and poignant are the words I'd use to describe this story, but it was enjoyable and entertaining.

Ed Harris was terrific.

[Alan (the Lone Librarian rides again) Teder · Rating 3 out of 5]

In Debt and In Deep
Review of the Audible Original audiobook narrated by Ed Harris (May 26, 2022).

Although it is set in 1975 in the world of surfing in Matanuck Deep Hole in Rhode Island, this short story is more crime adjacent than Winslow's other surfing shorts. Surfer, slacker and gambler Eddie is in debt to the mob. His sometime friend Chris is the collector for his Uncle Frank, the local crime lord. The hapless Eddie is unable to meet the payment demands and Chris is forced to start confiscating Eddie's property such as his car, surfboard and wetsuit as collateral. Finally Chris proposes a scheme to make them both happy, but what if Uncle Frank is on to them?


Surfing in Matanuck Deep Hole in Rhode Island. Image sourced from Surf-forecast.com.

The story here was a bit of a cliche, but an Ed Harris' narration is always excellent.

Trivia and Links
Don Winslow has written several short stories for Audible Originals with Ed Harris as the narrator. In addition to this current story, these have been Free Billy (March 22, 2022), Dietrich (March 28, 2024), Oregon (May 23, 2024) and Downward Facing Doug (July 11, 2024). Several of the stories deal with surfing culture. Free Billy and Downward Facing Doug could be considered books 2.1 and 2.2 in the Boone Daniels and The Dawn Patrol series.

Audible Originals are exclusive audio productions for Audible. The exclusivity may be time-limited. An author may agree to a (e.g.) six-month audio exclusive before they are free to publish the story in eBook or paper formats. To date none of the Don Winslow / Ed Harris short stories have appeared in print, but possibly there will be a future anthology collection. Because there is no print equivalent, the stories have a zero page count and do not add to your Goodreads page count for the year if you read (listen to) them. Based on their 1+ hour narration times, they would likely be 30+ pages or so in print format.

[Cori · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet, poignant romance novella...

Whaaaaa??? Did I read the right synopsis? Atmospheric, gritty coming-of-age short story seems more appropriate. Either way, I enjoyed it. I don't know if Don Winslow can write a bad plot. In terms of content, there's a lot stuffed in a little, but that's the nature of a short story.

I'd rate this a PG-13 for alcohol use, swearing, and mafia violence.

Original review posted 11/22/23.

[Ross Cumming · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just my second Audible original story which I listened to on a flight home from my holiday. It’s another superb ‘surfer’ story that tells the tale of surfing, gambling, the mob and a robbery at the heart of the Rhode Island community. It’s brilliantly read by Ed Harris whose smooth tones add to the enjoyment of the novella.

[Gareth Is Haunted · Rating 3 out of 5]

'Some holes are deep because they're empty, some are deep because they are full'
Pretty good for a short story.

[Aimee Nicole Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very entertaining short story available from Audible Original. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Tom Walsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good for an Audible Original with deadpan narration by Ed Harris.

Nice enough little story typical of Winslow’s desperate characters and small World of Surfing and small World Crime. Four Stars for Realism and Familiarity. ****

[Guillermo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will forever hear Ed Harris’ voice when reading a Don Winslow novel from here on out (though, I’ll be honest, I’ve only read Savages because the movie looked interesting. Spoiler: the novel was miles better than the movie, though it had its moment).

I picked up Deep Hole because I needed something to listen to while I work on my rare book preservation project (it’s not as interesting as it sounds). It was only an hour and change and it’s packed with intense moments, which I’ve come to expect from Winslow’s works (you know, because I only read the one book). Ed Harris’ voice was also a plus side. (It’s also available for free to those with an Audible subscription.)

Winslow uses his ability to pace the story, spending an hour of our time putting us in the midst of the story without wasting a single second. The story follows two characters: Eddie, a surfer who owes a lot of money to a Godfather-type mob boss, and Chris, the mob boss’s nephew who acts as his bookie. In a short time period, Winslow is able to give us a deep insight on the lives of two characters, the relationships with others in their lives, and with themselves. He sets up a bleak, almost grimy visual in our minds with his description that it’s not different from watching a classic mafia movie. And Ed Harris is the perfect choice for narrator as his voice illustrates the mood and tone of the short story.

As I wrote this review, I learned that there are a few more Audible Original stories written by Winslow with Harris’ narration that are also available to Audible subscribers. (Originally posted to Chapin City Blues)

[Ash · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn’t feel connected to the characters because the story was so short. Great job by Winslow, not making the plot feel rushed even though it didn’t have many words.

[Regis · Rating 1 out of 5]

From narration to story, so much of nothing.

[Steph Hall · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5. Great narration by Ed Harris, an interesting story that passed some time for me, but nothing gripping about it.

[January · Rating 2 out of 5]

Deep Hole by Don Winslow
1h 4m narrated by Ed Harris

Genre: Literary Fiction, Short Stories

Featuring: Rhode Island, Surfing, Debt, Mafia, Audible Originals

Rating as a movie: R

My rating: ⭐️⭐️½

My thoughts: It was okay. The thing about short stories is you don't know until they end. There was a huge plothole near the end.

Recommend to others?: Nah. It was just okay.

[G. Lawrence · Rating 2 out of 5]

Why this was plugged as a romance novella, I do not know. There are two women in it (no male or other romance interests) one mentioned in passing at the end, and the other who men are either treating like property or treating like c**p. Romance? Sorry state for romance if this is it.
As a gangster story it was pretty generic and felt like it wandered out of the eighties. Narration was good.

[Heather R · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up. Free on Audible and I really liked “Free Billy” by the same author, so I gave it a shot. Kind of a strange but fun short story involving a Rhode Island surfer bum who has a bad run in with the mob … and romance ensues. Yeah… like I said: strange!

[Dave Schaafsma · Rating 2 out of 5]

My third short story by accomplished and clever thriller writer Don Winslow (The Power of the Dog and dozens of other books), my second one about a loafer/loser surfer, though this one in Rhode Island. Free to Audible subscribers, but don't get jealous, none of these are worth signing up for Audible to get.

What's in it for Winslow? I guess to see how much he get pack into as short a space as possible, as the surfer owes money, pulls off a stupid and improbably heist with a buddy, loses it all and heads out of town to (improbably) live a conventional life. He gets out of the "deep [financial] hole" he is in Deep Hole, RI (and yeah, it exists, I looked it up, yw). The least satisfying of the three shorts I have read from Winslow. "Free Billy" is funny; "The Heron" features an interesting main character. This one has nothing to make you remember, really, except maybe the climax, out in the water with Uncle Frank. Yeah, I'll read something longer from him, the basis of his success.

[RatGrrrl · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oddly Twee

I have to be honest and say that I don't think I'm the intended audience for this story. The writing is decent and the performance is great, but I just didn't care about or connect with any of the characters or the events. It came off as a kind of cishet male fantasy of surviving bumbling through life or escaping a denigrating patriarch. The characters and story seemed kinda cookie cutter and lacking real depth and the ending was far too neatly wrapped up and smug for my kind of short story.

Like I said, clearly this just wasn't my cup of tea, as others seem to really like it.

Oh, and the really weird comment about not being able to catch skinny Kenyans was such an example of old school casual racism that set my teeth on edge.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars: I’m a huge fan of the Don Winslow/Ed Harris paring on Audible. Winslow is skilled at writing very interesting short stories. Harris narrates Winslow’s protagonist perfectly.

The story takes place in Rhode Island where interest in the mob runs amuck. There’s a lot of gambling, which is Mob run. Eddie loves to surf, and he loves to gamble. He doesn’t gamble smartly. When he’s up to his eyeballs in debt from gambling(he’s in deep), he can’t even cover the vig, he and a friend concoct one of the silliest heists.

This story is a freebee from Audible and is only an hour long. It takes great writing chops to create a short story of only one hour. Kudos to Winslow.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m a big fan of Don Winslow’s books, and I find him exceptionally talented at writing short stories. I acquired the novella, Deep Hole, through my Audible membership. Ed Harris provides an excellent narration.

Deep Hole is a concise story that blends elements of romance and crime fiction. It’s set in a close-knit surfing community in Rhode Island, where local secrets and connections run deep. The protagonist is a laid-back surfer who’s dealing with gambling problems, unexpected romantic interests, and small-town entanglements. Winslow’s signature wit, sharp dialogue, and evocative sense of place make this a poignant exploration of love amidst mischief. It also offers an opportunity for the protagonist to take responsibility and make life changes.

I’m not sure how Winslow knows so much about surfing, but he certainly writes about the subject intelligently. He also has a couple of books, The Dawn Patrol and The Gentleman’s Hour, that feature a surfer protagonist named Boone Daniels.

I have photos and additional information that I'm unable to include here. It can all be found on my blog, in the link below.
A Book And A Dog

[LindaJ^ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is another free, very short book by Don Winslow from the Audible Plus Catalogue.

Eddie is a surfer and a gambler. He works as a waiter at a local restaurant in a town on the coast of Rhode Island. Richie's best friend is the nephew of a crime boss and is tasked with collecting what Eddie owes from Eddie. His heart isn't into the job but then his Uncle threatens him. The best friend cooks up a way for Eddie to get the money -- rob a serious high stakes poker game. Nothing goes right. It's a decent story.

[La'Jacinth · Rating 5 out of 5]

The synopsis is what grabbed my attention, but to see that Ed Harris... THE ED HARRIS..was the narrator, I was like, yep, I am listening.

The story was great and different take on organized crime per se, but Mr. Harris brought the characters to like. What loved most was Chris and Holly got out, and Eddie grew up and think that was the intention of Uncle Frank. He may not have been that specifically, but he wanted both of them to grow.

I'm looking forward to more by Don Winslow..and especially if read by Ed Harris.

[The Raccoon Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

SHALOW TRASH ~ 6.4/10

Follow impoverished surfer Danny Ryan as he loses what little he has and gets tangled up in the Rhode Island mafia. I read this a year ago and I forget the rest. The characters are Winslow's generic, anthropological stereotypes that we have come to expect (not that I mind, I find it refreshing.) The main character is a total loser and the story drags on for its brief run. Winslow clearly was trying to hit a page quota and it shows. The audiobook narrator was good, and thats where the praise ends. Please skip.

[Ivonne Rovira · Rating 5 out of 5]

There really is a Deep Hole sheltered reef in Rhode Island, and it really is a popular spot for surfing. But the titular deep hole also refers to the hole that surf bum Eddie Bouchard had dug for himself. He’s got a gambling habit, and he owes thousands of dollars to the Rhode Island mob. What’s a perennial loser to do?

Author Don Winslow packs quite a lot into this hour-long Audible Original: action, twists and a jaw-dropping ending. Highly, highly recommended.

[Heather Turiello · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Don Winslow and Ed Harris partnership for Don’s short story is marvelous. Ed narrates these short stories so well!

Poor Eddy is in debt. He’s a surfer and a bit of a slacker. His gambling debts have gotten him in trouble with the local crime family, but since he’s friends with the crime lord’s nephew, he feels like he’s got a bit more time. But he doesn’t and the crime lord is getting impatient.

This is a quick story and highly recommended.

[Krystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ed Harris narrating Winslow’s story, sign me up immediately. A perfect quick listen, Deep Hole, is about a surfer, who gets in over his head making bets through a mafia owned enterprise.
The story felt complete and that’s a quality lacking in a lot of short stories. Winslow’s writing immersed me in this world and I cared about these characters right out of the gate. The perfect quick listen to pass an afternoon.