The Times declared Patricia Highsmith as ‘the number one greatest crime writer’.

Just as effusive was Vogue’s declaration that ‘no one has created psychological suspense more densely and deliciously satisfying’.

Imagine seeing these two statements on a book, which made the tome oh so enticing, I just had to buy. 

I dare any reader to skate on by, unaffected by such high praise. 

Granted the book has been on my bookshelf for a while. As it was my month’s choice, I decided January 2025 was the time to read this highly anticipated book.

Highsmith has a critically acclaimed body of work, so I had no reason to expect anything other than excellence. 

The American novelist thrilled millions with Strangers on a Train, one of her fans being a certain Alfred Hitchcock who adapted the novel into a film in 1951.

I adored the film adaptation of The Talented Mr Ripley, in all its sunny, sepia noted glory.

So the bar was set high at 10ft (I am 5ft 5inches so that is quite high for me).

I read the book. 

I very nearly gave up after the first chapter, but I thought ‘It’s just me, give this much vaunted classic a chance, don’t be so damn judgemental Ria’.

The book sees marriage strife between husband-and-wife Sydney and Alicia Bartleby.

Things aren’t going well for the Bartlebys.

He pretends in his head (see how confusing and odd that is?) that he has murdered his annoying wife. 

Wife Alicia regularly absconds and leaves the marital home for short periods of time for some time apart, but she soon returns.

Except on one occasion she doesn’t return, instead striking up an affair with lawyer Edward who has the character of a boiled potato (I am being kind).

As their close friend circle, and wider world assume Edward has murdered Alicia – just because she has not reappeared after one of her country jaunts – we see the unravelling of the two protagonists. 

If I hadn’t read such lofty statements my expectations would have been of a regular height and I probably wouldn’t have felt short-changed.

I did sort of enjoy the middle part, especially when people started assuming Alicia was dead and quite literally buried.

There was a lot of padding, which I don’t think needed to be there.

The ending, like the characters, was odd. 

Sydney, despite getting all the heat and a murder sentence looming on the horizon, either failed to understand the seriousness of his situation, or he was simply unhinged.

Perhaps a little bit of both?

I am going to try and be positive this year (sorry Edward for calling you a boiled potato).

So I am glad I read the book, because ticking off a book on my To Read Mountain feels momentous.

I also expanded my reading horizon and tried to read a new author. Who cares if I enjoyed it much or not; reading builds the mind and confidence.

I also learnt some interesting things. Did you know that a main part of Highsmith’s plot was used as inspiration by Gillian Flynn in her 2012 smash hit bestseller Gone Girl?

I may not be a huge fan of this particular Highsmith novel, however I will be giving her other books a whirl. Just because I’m a curious soul who loves comparing adaptations to the novel.

Have you read any Patricia Highsmith? I would love to know more if so.