She describes the Wisconsin landscape so clearly that the reader can envision the farm and the lake in which Mattie drowns. Schwarz's details also help augment the mystery surrounding Mattie's death. Much of the mystery stems from coincidences and intertwining stories, rendering Schwarz's attention to detail particularly important, while the plot's specifics make the mystery believable. Drowning Ruth is satisfying in its subtlety and rich in its description. Schwarz's prose is lyrical and expressive without being verbose.
Readers think they have figured out the mystery at various points.
Yet there is always a missing element, some undiscovered part to the mystery. When the last secrets are told, the audience will be surprised one final time and the shock is colored by a profound sadness.