Which author wrote 'The Talented Mr. Ripley'?

Patricia Highsmith wrote The Talented Mr. Ripley. Published in 1955, the psychological thriller introduced Tom Ripley, a charming, calculating con man whose talent for imitation and deception draws him into increasingly dangerous crimes.

Unlike a traditional detective novel, the story is largely interested in the criminal’s point of view. Ripley travels to Italy after being asked to persuade the wealthy Dickie Greenleaf to return to the United States. Fascinated by Dickie’s lifestyle, Ripley begins to desire not merely his friendship but his identity and social position. Highsmith builds suspense by making readers follow Ripley’s reasoning while judging his actions.

The novel launched a five-book sequence often called the Ripliad. It is frequently confused with the work of Agatha Christie or other British mystery writers, but Highsmith’s book is an American psychological crime novel rather than a conventional puzzle mystery. Notable adaptations include the 1960 French film Purple Noon, the 1999 film starring Matt Damon, and the 2024 television series Ripley.