Having read "The Talented Mr. Ripley", I had high hopes for the sequels. Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy this as much as the original. I found the characters rather flat with the exception of Tom Ripley, who's always full of surprises. I don't think I'll bother with the other sequel as a result. ( )

I accidentally read this one second instead of third--the books weren't very clearly labeled, though I could have checked the original pub date on title page verso. Doesn't really matter now, as I don't see myself reading any additional Ripley novels. The original was excellent, as I recall, but this one, well I doubt it would still be in print even if it weren't for its connection with the first, and also because Highsmith's reputation is enjoying a bit of a revival. ( )

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It's almost inexcusable of me to give this a 5 star rating, thereby associating it w/ such truly great bks as "Finnegans Wake" or "Gargantua & Pantagruel".. but, there it is, I enjoyed it that much.. & my appreciation for Highsmith grows & grows.. I've read 2 other Ripley novels so far & they just get better & better. Once again, Highsmith spins a yarn of murder significantly different from the previous 2 Ripley tales. As always, it's labyrinthian. As Ripley's character ages, his motives for committing murder have transformed from immature greed & envy to twisted ways of 'helping other people out'. I reckon Highsmith makes herself a primary figure in the "anti-hero" genre w/ Ripley. Unlike the more common tact of crime fiction writers like P.D.James (& most of the rest), the 'protaganist' isn't a detective, he's a criminal. But he's a criminal who loves 'his' wife, appreciates the talents & dedication of 'his' servant, enjoys art, & will kill people on the spur of the moment or premeditatively. This was even a sentimental tale. ( )

Tom is truly the modern day Satyr. His penchant for mischief is delectable: hmm you were perhaps rude to me once at a party, so now I'm going to send temptation your way and upend your life with potential mafia violence.

Most of the book is involved in charting the psychology that allows the plot to chug along. The major events are few and in between them, the book really reads like a relaxing aspirational lifestyle magazine. Yes, tell me more about Tom ordering steak from his local butcher, and seasoning it with salt and Herbes de Provence. The relaxing aspect is further enhanced by the inevitability of the events, thanks to Highsmith's solid and portentous foundation of each character's motivations.

A dependable continuation for fans of the Ripley series.

Aside: one technique I particularly admired in this book is the way the characters' perspectives are passed from one sentence to another, like a literary version of a camera trick. ( )