Ripley Under Ground

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Ripley Under Ground
Recent paperback edition cover
Recent paperback edition cover
Author Patricia Highsmith
Country United States
Language English
Series Ripliad
Genre(s) Mystery novel
Publisher Heinemann (UK) &
Random House (USA)
Publication date June 1970
Media type Print (Hardback & Paperback)
Pages 298 pp (first edition, hardback)
ISBN ISBN 9997413113 (first edition, hardback)
Preceded by The Talented Mr. Ripley
Followed by Ripley's Game

Ripley Under Ground is the second novel in the Ripliad by Patricia Highsmith.

[edit] Plot summary

Eight years after the events of the first book, Tom Ripley is now in his early 30s, living a comfortable life in France with a rich wife, Heloise. His lifestyle is supported by an art scam whereby new paintings by a dead artist, Derwatt, are being produced and sold through a gallery in London. Ripley is the sleeping partner in the business, but when an American collector appears questioning the authenticity of the new works, he is forced to act (violently). The scam is complicated by the intervention of the man forging the paintings, who wants to confess to appease a guilty conscience. Ripley, who is of course unfamiliar with guilt, will resort to anything — even murder — to dissuade him.

[edit] Major themes

The book provides an insight into artworld economics.[citation needed]

[edit] Film, TV or theatrical adaptations

The book was made into a movie in 2005 called Ripley Under Ground, starring Barry Pepper as Ripley and featuring Willem Dafoe, Alan Cumming and Tom Wilkinson in supporting roles. The film was directed by Roger Spottiswoode.