Patricia Highsmith Patricia Highsmith Patricia Highsmith (January 19, 1921 – February 4, 1995) was an American novelist and short story writer best known for her psychological thrillers, including her series of five novels featuring the character Tom Ripley. She wrote 22 novels and numerous short stories throughout her career spanning nearly five decades, and her work has led to more than two dozen film adaptations. Her writing derived influence from existentialist literature, and questioned notions of identity and popular morality. She was dubbed "the poet of apprehension" by novelist Graham Greene. Her first novel, "Strangers on a Train", has been adapted for
Shelby Highsmith Highsmith was in private practice in Kansas City, Missouri from 1958 to 1959, before relocating to Florida and entering private practice in Miami from 1959 to 1970. Highsmith served as chief legal advisor to the Governor's War on Crime Program, Florida from 1967 to 1968 and special counsel for the Florida Racing Commission from 1969 to 1970. Highsmith was a member of the Law Enforcement Planning Counsel of Florida from 1969 to 1970 and served as a circuit judge for the 11th Judicial Circuit (Dade County) from 1970 to 1975. Highsmith resumed private practice in Miami in 1975. President George