The Talented Mr. Ripley

Synopsis

Three classic crime novels by a master of the macabre - The Talented Mr. Ripley, Ripley Under Ground, and Ripley's Game - appear here together in hardcover for the first time. Suave, agreeable, and completely amoral, Patricia Highsmith's hero, the inimitable Tom Ripley, stops at nothing - not even murder - to accomplish his goals. In achieving the opulent life that he was denied as a child, Ripley shows himself to be a master of illusion and manipulation and a disturbingly sympathetic combination of genius and psychopath. Sent on a mission to Italy to coax an irresponsible young playboy back to his wealthy father in America, Ripley finds himself so fond of the young man that he sets out to be like him - exactly like him. The precarious charade that ensues is the first step to a life of elegance and ease - and perpetual danger. As she leads us through the mesmerizing tangle of Ripley's deadly and sinister games, Highsmith turns the mystery genre inside out and takes us into the mind of a man utterly indifferent to evil.

Summary

Chapter 1:

Tom Ripley, a young American struggling financially, meets wealthy and charming Dickie Greenleaf in Italy. Inspired by Dickie's luxurious lifestyle, Tom becomes obsessed with him and hatches a plan to impersonate him.

Chapter 2:

Tom skillfully forges Dickie's signature and gains access to his bank account. He pretends to be Dickie in letters to his unsuspecting family and friends, meticulously assuming his identity.

Chapter 3:

When Dickie begins to suspect Tom, he warns him to leave Italy. Tom, however, is determined to maintain his ruse and secretly plots against Dickie.

Chapter 4:

Dickie's girlfriend, Marge Sherwood, becomes suspicious of Tom's intentions. Tom hatches a plan to sail with Dickie and Marge, hoping to isolate and eliminate Dickie.

Chapter 5:

While sailing, Tom sabotages the boat's engine and capitalizes on Dickie's inexperience to push him overboard. Dickie drowns, and Tom assumes his identity, taking possession of his wealth and living his life.

Chapter 6:

Tom's charade proves successful for several years, but Marge remains unconvinced of his innocence. When she digs deeper into Dickie's disappearance, she uncovers suspicious details.

Chapter 7:

Marge confronts Tom, revealing her suspicions and threatening to expose him. Tom panics and murders Marge, further solidifying his criminal path.

Chapter 8:

As Tom's web of deception grows, he begins to unravel. He feels increasingly isolated and paranoid, fearing that his crimes will be discovered.

Chapter 9:

Tom's ex-girlfriend, Freddie Miles, arrives in Italy and suspects foul play. Tom lures her into a trap and attempts to kill her, but she manages to escape.

Chapter 10:

Tom becomes desperate and plots to flee Italy, but Freddie and the authorities have been alerted to his presence. In a tense climax, Freddie confronts Tom in a chase, leading to his capture and arrest.

Chapter 11:

Tom is eventually convicted of his crimes and sentenced to life imprisonment. As he sits in prison, he reflects on his life of deception and the consequences of his actions, realizing the cost of his pursuit of wealth and status.