The Expendable Man by Dorothy B. Hughes
Set against the backdrop of 1960s America, this gripping psychological thriller follows a young doctor, Hugh Densmore, as he embarks on a journey from Los Angeles to Phoenix for a family wedding. Along the way, he reluctantly picks up a teenage hitchhiker, Iris, whose sudden disappearance and subsequent murder embroil him in a web of suspicion and racial tension. As Hugh struggles to prove his innocence, he confronts the harsh realities of prejudice and the fragility of reputation, all while navigating a society rife with hidden biases and systemic injustice. The narrative masterfully explores themes of identity, morality, and the pervasive impact of societal perceptions.
The 17120th greatest book of all time
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