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Patricia Highsmith: The Two Faces of January (Highsmith, Patricia) (1994, Atlantic Monthly Press) 3 stars

Two men meet in the picturesque backstreets of Athens. Chester MacFarlane is a conman with …

Review of 'The Two Faces of January (Highsmith, Patricia)' on Goodreads

2 stars

Greece, 1962. A young man helps a con-man conceal an accidental murder. However, things start to get unpleasant when the con-man's young wife takes an interest in their newfound friend.

There isn't much to say about this novel. The suspense is good. Highsmith definitely knows how to dish out the unexpected. Unfortunately, it doesn't always make sense, particularly the motive for the young man to initially help the con-man. Despite all Highsmith's efforts, mere repetition does not equal conviction.

The location is fine, and we learn about Greece at that time period, but very little of this novel rings true. Read it for the suspense or because you're a Highsmith completist. Otherwise, give it a pass.