Patricia Highsmith

1921–1995

2 series 6 books in order 1970–2003

Patricia Highsmith (1921–1995) was an American novelist and short story writer known for her psychological thrillers. She is best recognized for her series of five novels featuring the character Tom Ripley. Highsmith wrote 22 novels and numerous short stories over a career spanning nearly five decades. Her work has been adapted into more than two dozen films. She was influenced by existentialist literature and explored themes of identity and morality. Her first novel, Strangers on a Train, was adapted for stage and screen, including an Alfred Hitchcock film in 1951. Her 1955 novel The Talented Mr. Ripley was also adapted for film. Writing under the pseudonym Claire Morgan, she published The Price of Salt in 1952, the first lesbian novel with a happy ending. It was republished as Carol under her own name and adapted into a 2015 film.

Born: 1921
Active years: 1970–2003
Known for: Tom Ripley series, Rainbow Magic

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Series by Patricia Highsmith

Tom Ripley series

5 books in order · 1970–1991

Rainbow Magic

51 books in order · 2003 · Publication order

Ruby the Red Fairy

2003 · Daisy Meadows

Best friends Rachel and Kirsty meet on a ferry to Rainspell Island and quickly stumble into a magical secret: the seven Rainbow Fairies have been…
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Amber The Orange Fairy

2003 · Daisy Meadows

Still vacationing on Rainspell Island, Rachel and Kirsty continue their quest to rescue the missing Rainbow Fairies. This time they search for Amber,…
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Saffron the Yellow Fairy

2003 · Daisy Meadows

Rachel and Kirsty press on with their mission to reunite the Rainbow Fairies and restore color to Fairyland. Their search leads them to Saffron, the…
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Fern the Green Fairy

2003 · Daisy Meadows

The hunt for the lost Rainbow Fairies takes Rachel and Kirsty deeper into the magic of Rainspell Island as they seek Fern, the Green Fairy. With Jack…
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Sky the Blue Fairy

2003 · Daisy Meadows

Rachel and Kirsty keep working to gather the scattered Rainbow Fairies, this time tracking down Sky, the Blue Fairy. As always, Jack Frost's goblins…
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Izzy the Indigo Fairy

2003 · Daisy Meadows

With most of the Rainbow Fairies found, Rachel and Kirsty search Rainspell Island for Izzy, the Indigo Fairy. Time is running short and Jack Frost's…
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Heather the Violet Fairy

2003 · Daisy Meadows

In the finale of the original quest, Rachel and Kirsty hunt for Heather, the Violet Fairy, the last of the seven Rainbow Fairies still in hiding.…
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Frequently asked questions

How many books has Patricia Highsmith written?

We list 6 books by Patricia Highsmith across 2 series, published between 1970–2003 — each shown in full reading order.

What order should I read Patricia Highsmith's books?

Read each series in publication order. A good place to start is “Ripley's Game (Ripley #3).” Open any series above for its complete numbered reading order.

Where can I buy Patricia Highsmith's books?

Every title links to Amazon from its series page. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

Bibliography and reading orders compiled from verified bibliographic data. Spotted an error? We continuously correct the catalog.