Patricia Highsmith was a renowned American author known for her psychological thrillers and dark character studies. Among her notable works is the Tom Ripley series, which revolves around the charismatic and unsettling antihero Tom Ripley. The latest adaptation of Ripley’s character is the Emmy-nominated Netflix series starring Andrew Scott. Highsmith’s novels often explore themes of identity, obsession, and ethics, making them a delight for some readers and a turn-off for others.
In this article, we will focus on Highsmith’s ten best projects, according to Goodreads users. From these works, a pattern emerges: Highsmith’s most highly-rated novels often feature morally ambiguous characters, intricate plots, and a blend of psychological insight and suspense.
At number ten is “The Boy Who Followed Ripley,” published in 1980. This installment in the Ripley saga sees the notorious antihero drawn into a complex web of deceit and manipulation when he encounters a troubled teenager fleeing his guilt over his father’s death. While the execution is lacking, the novel has its highlights, particularly in its depiction of life in Cold War-era Europe.
Moving up the list, we find “The Blunderer,” published in 1954. This psychological thriller tells the story of two men connected by murder and delves into the themes of obsession, guilt, and what ordinary people are capable of in extraordinary situations. The novel is ambitious but weighed down by its own themes, making it a mixed bag.
Patricia Highsmith (Image via Getty)
Ripley’s appearances in “Ripley under Ground” (1970) and “Ripley’s Game” (1974) showcase his Machiavellianism and ability to warp those around him. The former novel demonstrates Ripley’s willingness to resort to increasingly desperate and violent measures to protect his comfortable existence, while the latter sees him manipulating an innocent bystander into becoming an assassin. Both novels are notable for their tight plots and well-developed characters.
Next up is “Strangers on a Train” (1950), Highsmith’s debut novel and the basis for an Alfred Hitchcock film adaptation. The story follows a sinister game of cat and mouse between two men who meet on a train and propose a macabre exchange of murders. The novel is a powerful exploration of the consequences of one’s actions and the dangers of making deals with the devil.
Farther up the list, we find “The Cry of the Owl” (1962), “This Sweet Sickness” (1960), and “Ripley Under Water” (1991). These novels showcase Highsmith’s ability to craft tense and suspenseful plots, as well as her keen insight into human psychology and the destructive power of obsession.
At number three is “Ripley’s Game,” which features one of Highsmith’s strongest plots and provides a chilling portrayal of Ripley’s conscienceless existence. The novel has been adapted for the screen twice, most recently starring John Malkovich and Ray Winstone.
The top two spots on the list are occupied by “The Talented Mr. Ripley” (1955) and “The Price of Salt” (1952). The former is the first installment in the Ripley series and introduces Tom Ripley as a young man struggling to make ends meet in New York. The novel is a classic of psychological suspense and has been adapted for the screen multiple times. The latter is a tender and nuanced portrayal of love, featuring a same-sex relationship that was innovative for its time.
