Murder, motive, multiple clues...Ripley Under Ground has all the stuff of a mystery, but it is not a whodunit. It is rather a mystery turned inside out. The last person you want to see succeed in this suspenseful novel is the detective.The protagonist, Tom Ripley, is a very likable, very intelligent amateur painter married to a rich, independent (and loyal) beauty. To complain, as some reviewers do, that he is a sociopath and therefore not worthy of the reader's sympathy, is to suggest that you are still holding onto your disbelief instead of leaving it suspended at the door. For several years I have enjoyed the SKY Arts presentation, The Art of the Heist, so I looked forward to this novel which featured the amoral Ripley and the crime of art forgery (also loved the Brosnan version of The Thomas Crown Affair). A good read on a summer's day but, sooner or later, the law will out. Can't see Ripley fooling all of the people all of the time. Got quite claustrophobic at the scenes of TR being under ground. The grave scenes a bit off the mark but this was not written for plausibility.
What do You think about Il Sepolto Vivo (1970)?
Good book. Not edge of my seat thriller like the first novel.
—Rory
I not sure I liked the ending. but it works
—kenny
Stellar second entry in the Ripley quintet.
—Liisiz
