The Boy Who Followed Ripley - Patricia Highsmith Our amoral friend Ripley, living with Heloise in France, is approached by a mysterious young man, who it is revealed, has killed his father and is seeking refuge in France, both from his family, who do not believe he is guilty, and from his conscience, which knows he is culpable. Ripley assumes the unusual role of "good guy" in this novel. After Frank, the young man, is kidnapped, Ripley goes to extreme lengths to successfully help his young friend.