Cover of The Talented Mr. Ripley

Thriller · Crime · Classics

The Talented Mr. Ripley

3.9 out of 5, from 260 ratings from Hardcover readers

A young drifter in New York is sent to Italy to persuade a wealthy man's son to come home. He grows fascinated by the son's easy life, and begins to want it for himself.

Facts last checked 2026-10-16

First published
1955
Pace
Medium
Length
Medium
Pages
275
Format
Book 1 of 5 in Ripley

Read this if you enjoy a charming, amoral protagonist and want to watch a lie grow out of control.

Skip this if you need a hero to root for or a clear sense of justice at the end.

The feel

Content warnings

  • Violence
  • Death

Quick answers about The Talented Mr. Ripley

What is The Talented Mr. Ripley about?
A young drifter in New York is sent to Italy to persuade a wealthy man's son to come home. He grows fascinated by the son's easy life, and begins to want it for himself.
Who should read The Talented Mr. Ripley?
Read it if you enjoy a charming, amoral protagonist and want to watch a lie grow out of control. Skip it if you need a hero to root for or a clear sense of justice at the end.
How long and how fast is The Talented Mr. Ripley?
It is a medium-paced, medium read of about 275 pages, first published in 1955.
Does The Talented Mr. Ripley have content warnings?
Content we flag: Violence, Death.
Can I borrow The Talented Mr. Ripley for free?
Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends The Talented Mr. Ripley; the borrow button above searches it for you.
What should I read after The Talented Mr. Ripley?
Readers who liked it often move on to Gone Girl, The Secret History, Rebecca.

Where to get it

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