Malice Aforethought by Francis Iles

In this pioneering psychological thriller, the reader is immediately introduced to a respected English doctor who has grown to despise his domineering wife. With cold calculation, he meticulously plans her murder, believing he can execute the perfect crime. However, as his scheme unfolds, a series of unexpected events and the doctor's own hubris lead to complications. The narrative delves into the mind of the would-be murderer, exploring themes of morality, deception, and the flawed nature of human reasoning, all while building towards a climax that questions whether true justice can ever be achieved in the face of premeditated evil.

The 1250th greatest book of all time

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Total Points: 309

Since this book was first published in 1931, there is a penalty of 0%. The age adjusted score is 309.0.

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.