Patricia Highsmith

The Profile

Patricia Highsmith (1921–1995) was an American novelist best known for psychological thrillers and for creating the Tom Ripley series.

Born 1921, died 1995. Creator of Tom Ripley. Wrote psychological crime novels often catalogued as noir; several novels were adapted to film, including Wim Wenders' The American Friend. Published The Price of Salt under the pseudonym Claire Morgan.

Confaloni praises Patricia Highsmith's The American Friend for its blend of noir plot and existential, ethical tension. The review highlights the Tom Ripley figure, the allure of murder, and gripping, airy prose. Highsmith's handling of criminal networks and moral complexity is noted as masterful.