A Is For Alibi by Sue Grafton

In this gripping detective novel, a female private investigator takes on a complex case involving the murder of a prominent divorce lawyer, eight years after the crime. Hired by the convicted wife, who insists on her innocence, the investigator delves into a tangled web of deceit, adultery, and hidden motives. As she uncovers the secrets of the victim's personal and professional life, she must also navigate the dangers that arise when the trail leads her to confront the real murderer, who is determined to remain in the shadows. With sharp wit and keen observation, the protagonist works to solve the puzzle, one letter of the alphabet at a time.

The 5147th greatest book of all time

Ranking Details:

Our ranking system awards points to books based on their appearance and position on curated lists. Here's how it works:

Unranked Lists: For lists without specific rankings, each book receives points equivalent to the list's weight. This approach recognizes the book's inclusion on prestigious lists.

Ranked Lists: Books on ranked lists receive points in two ways:

  • Base Points: Initially, every book is awarded points equal to the list's weight, acknowledging its significance.
  • Bonus Points: Additionally, books earn bonus points based on their ranking. The total bonus pool, equal to 100% of the list's weight, is distributed among the books, with higher-ranked books receiving more points.

Exponential Distribution: The distribution of bonus points follows an exponential model. This means the top-ranked book (#1) receives significantly more bonus points than those further down the list (e.g., #100). Our algorithm ensures that higher placements are rewarded more generously, reflecting the achievement of a top rank on any given list.

This scoring system ensures that each book's ranking reflects both its presence on multiple lists and its positions within those lists, providing a comprehensive measure of its acclaim and popularity.

Total Points: 91

Since this book was first published in 1982, there is a penalty of 12.8%. The age adjusted score is 79.35.

This is to prevent newer books from reaching super high on the ranked list of the greatest books of all time. The greatest books should also stand the test of time.