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Sep 23, 2014lukasevansherman rated this title 3.5 out of 5 stars
Patricia Highsmith's first novel, from 1950, and the basis for Hitchcock's film, which is quite different. If anything, Highsmith's novel, about a plot to swap murders, is darker, creepier, and more nihilistic than the film. Like Hitchcock, she is interested in guilt, particularly that of the architect character, but the character of Charles Bruno is a straight up, remorseless (and alcoholic) psychopath. Graham Greene called her "the poet of apprehension." If you like this, check out her celebrated Ripley series. (Oh, contrary to the other comment, the "tennis star" character is an architect in the book, unlike the film.)