Tom Ripley Books in Order

FictionMystery & Detective

4.1/5 · 22 ratings across 2 books · Open Library

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🎧 Listen to The Talented Mr. Ripley on Audible

The Tom Ripley series by Patricia Highsmith consists of five books published between 1970 and 1991. The series follows Tom Ripley, a man characterized by charm and moral ambiguity, as he becomes involved in criminal activities and assumes new identities. Set primarily in Europe, the books explore themes of deception, identity, and the psychological consequences of living a life based on lies. Ripley's interactions with others are marked by manipulation and a deep engagement with the boundaries between reality and illusion. The series is known for its focus on psychological complexity and the internal contradictions of its protagonist. The subsequent books continue Ripley's story through a sequence of events that further develop his character and the moral questions surrounding his actions. The series is written in a third-person narrative style and is grounded in a realistic portrayal of European settings during the mid-to-late 20th century.

Publication order

In the order the books were originally released.

  1. Cover of The Talented Mr. Ripley

    The Talented Mr. Ripley

    1955 · Patricia Highsmith

    The 1955 novel by Patricia Highsmith is the first in the acclaimed Ripley series. It follows Tom Ripley, who is hired by a wealthy businessman to go…

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  2. Ripley under ground

    1970 · Patricia Highsmith

    Ripley Under Ground is a psychological thriller written by Patricia Highsmith, published in June 1970. It is the second book in her Ripliad series,…

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  3. Cover of Ripley's Game

    Ripley's Game

    1974 · Patricia Highsmith

    Tom Ripley, now in his middle age, lives on a French estate with his wealthy wife. He has built a life of comfort through a long history of criminal…

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  4. Cover of The boy who followed Ripley

    The boy who followed Ripley

    1980 · Patricia Highsmith

    When a troubled young runaway arrives at Tom Ripley's French estate, he is drawn into a world of crime and deception. Frank Pierson, the son of a…

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  5. Cover of Ripley Under Water

    Ripley Under Water

    1991 · Patricia Highsmith

    Tom Ripley lives a peaceful life at his French country estate, where he tends to his dahlias, plays the harpsichord, and spends time with his wife,…

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Frequently asked questions

What order should I read the Tom Ripley series books in?

Read them in publication order, starting with “The Talented Mr. Ripley”. Start with “The Talented Mr. Ripley.”

How many books are in the Tom Ripley series series?

We list 5 books by Patricia Highsmith , published between 1955–1991.

Where can I buy the Tom Ripley series books?

Each title above links to Amazon. See our affiliate disclosure.

Reading order compiled from author/publisher guidance and verified bibliographic data. Spotted a wrong order, a missing book, or any other mistake? and we'll correct it.