45 pages • 1 hour read
Strangers On A Train
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Book Brief
256
Novel • Fiction
United States • 1950s
1950
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In Strangers on a Train by Patricia Highsmith, architect Guy Haines and a stranger, Charles Bruno, meet on a train and discuss swapping murders: Bruno will kill Guy's unfaithful wife, Miriam, and Guy will kill Bruno's father. After Bruno kills Miriam, he pressures Guy to fulfill his part of the bargain, resulting in a series of events where both men are irrevocably connected by their crimes. Themes involving violent crime and mental illness are present.
Mysterious
Suspenseful
Dark
Unnerving
Gritty
Reviews & Readership
37,127 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Patricia Highsmith’s Strangers On A Train is lauded for its psychological depth and tension, creating a compelling crime narrative. Critics praise its intricate plot and character complexity but note occasional pacing issues. Overall, the novel is considered a thrilling exploration of morality and madness, reflecting Highsmith's mastery in suspense fiction.
Who Should Read Strangers On A Train?
Readers who enjoy psychological thrillers will be captivated by Patricia Highsmith's Strangers On A Train. Fans of Alfred Hitchcock's suspenseful storytelling or Gillian Flynn's dark, intricate narratives like Gone Girl will find this novel equally compelling. Ideal for those who appreciate complex characters and moral ambiguity.
37,127 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Charles Anthony Bruno
Charles Anthony Bruno
A charming yet unpredictable young man who crosses paths with Guy on a train, sparking a strange and problematic friendship. He is characterized by his impulsive behavior and deep resentment towards his father.
Miriam Joyce
Miriam Joyce
Guy's estranged wife, who becomes a central figure in the tension between Guy and Bruno. She is depicted through the perspectives of others and remains a source of conflict in Guy's life.
Anne Faulkner
Anne Faulkner
Guy's love interest, who stands in contrast to Miriam with her supportive and understanding nature. She embodies Guy's ideal of a partner and offers emotional stability.
Private Detective Arthur Gerard
Private Detective Arthur Gerard
A clever and methodical investigator hired to solve a complex case. His analytical approach and persistence drive the investigation forward as he uncovers truths hidden beneath the surface.
256
Novel • Fiction
United States • 1950s
1950
Adult
18+ years
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