Some books seem to be marketed incorrectly or inaccurately, and I think this is a bit peculiar as while this might make the book sell, it won’t leave a lot of happy campers at the end of the day. (Perhaps this is where the ‘tweener’ idea mentioned by Kerry comes in). I’ve read a few too many newer books which, if they’d been described properly, I would never have bothered with. It’s made me be a bit cautious as a result.

Trevor: I looked at the full Ripley hard cover collection but opted for the EL volume at a fraction of the price when I found a number of critical sources that said the last two Ripley volumes simply didn’t rank with the first. Given the high opinion that people I respect have for a lot of other Highsmith books, my thinking is that three Ripley’s will be a good start and then I’ll move on to some of the others.

Strangers on a Train is my favourite Hitchcock film, but the book was immensely superior. Dark, much more dubious morality. I had a bit of a laugh thinking about Hitchcock toning it down.

I preferred Purple Noon to the Matt Damon American version, but I know others who argue with that opinion.

I think it was fortunate that I saw the film first because all too often when I read the book and then see the film I am sadly disappointed.

Interesting point about Highsmith being remembered for the wrong novels. I have a couple of her books on my shelf (not Ripley) and will return to her soon.

Have you seen Purple Noon? I preferred it to The Talented Mr Ripley.