During the first year of lockdown I decided to read the entire canon of Patricia Highsmith. I’d read The Talented Mr Ripley, but I wanted to see what the less famous novels were like. I would not, however, recommend this blanket immersion; at least not if you value a good night’s sleep. Highsmith’s books have a way of creeping up on you, especially when read sequentially, and gradually demolishing your faith in human nature.