Ripley books in order
The Netflix series adapts only the first novel, and borrows the character Reeves Minot from later books. The other four novels, 1970 to 1991, are where Tom's story continues.
- 1
The Talented Mr. Ripley
1955 · Ripley (Netflix, 2024); films Purple Noon (1960) and The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)A petty con artist is sent to Italy to bring a wealthy shipping magnate's son home.
- 2
Ripley Under Ground
1970 · Ripley Under Ground (2005 film)Tom lives comfortably in France, but a suspicious American collector threatens his forgery operation.
- 3
Ripley's Game
1974 · The American Friend (1977) and Ripley's Game (2002 film)Tom, wealthy in France, is drawn back into crime when an American associate asks for a killing.
- 4
The Boy Who Followed Ripley
1980 · No film or TV adaptation listed (BBC Radio 4 audio, 2009)Tom lives peacefully on his French estate until he meets a teenager hiding from the police.
- 5
Ripley Under Water
1991 · No film or TV adaptation listed (BBC Radio 4 audio, 2009)A quiet life near Fontainebleau is unsettled when an American couple arrives in the village.
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What the books give you
Only in the books
Four more novels, published from 1970 to 1991, continue Tom's story after the first book, which is the only one the series adapts.
What the screen changes
The series is in black and white and runs eight episodes. Creator Steven Zaillian said a series let him be more faithful to the story, tone and subtleties of Highsmith's work than a film would.
Show differences (spoilers)
In the series, Tom buys a doctored passport, changes identities and moves abroad, and an inspector sees a photo of the real Dickie Greenleaf.
Editions
- 1
The Complete Ripley Novels, hardcover boxed set
All five novels in one volume.
- 2
The Talented Mr. Ripley
The first novel, and the book behind the Netflix series.
- 3
Ripley's Game
The third novel; a 2002 film adapts it.
More by Patricia Highsmith
- 1
Strangers on a Train
1950 · a stranger on a train proposes swapping murders; Hitchcock filmed it in 1951
- 2
The Price of Salt
1952 · a romance first published as Claire Morgan; the 2015 film Carol adapts it
If you liked it
- 1
The Secret History
Donna Tartt · 1992 · classics students at a Vermont college, and the aftermath of a friend's death
- 2
Gone Girl
Gillian Flynn · 2012 · a 2014 film by David Fincher
- 3
The Silent Patient
Alex Michaelides · 2019 · a therapist tries to treat a woman who has stopped speaking
Quick answers
Which book is each movie and series based on?
| Movie or series | Book |
|---|---|
| Ripley (2024, series) | The Talented Mr. Ripley (1955) · eight episodes, presented in black and white; Andrew Scott plays Tom |
| The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999) | The Talented Mr. Ripley (1955) · Anthony Minghella directed; Matt Damon plays Tom and Jude Law plays Dickie |
| Purple Noon (1960) | The Talented Mr. Ripley (1955) · French title Plein soleil; René Clément directed and Alain Delon plays Tom |
In what order should I read Ripley?
Read The Talented Mr. Ripley, then Ripley Under Ground, Ripley's Game, The Boy Who Followed Ripley and Ripley Under Water, the five Tom Ripley novels by Patricia Highsmith (1955–1991). The Netflix series Ripley (2024) adapts only the first.
What book is the Netflix Ripley series based on?
Ripley (Netflix, 2024) is based on Patricia Highsmith's first Tom Ripley novel, The Talented Mr. Ripley (1955). The series has eight episodes, is presented in black and white, and adapts only that book.
How many Ripley books are there?
Five novels by Patricia Highsmith, published from 1955 to 1991: The Talented Mr. Ripley, Ripley Under Ground, Ripley's Game, The Boy Who Followed Ripley and Ripley Under Water. The Netflix series adapts only the first.
Do I need to read the books before watching Ripley?
No. You can watch the series first, since it adapts only the first novel. The other four books are where the story goes on, and they are the place to read next.
Is there a second season of Ripley?
In March 2026 Andrew Scott, who plays Tom, shut down fan hopes for a second season: 'No, that's not going to happen now.' Wikipedia describes the show as a limited series, though more seasons are possible.