Malice Aforethought
Rating
The Pequod Review:
Malice Aforethought is an innovative 1931 mystery in which the killer's identity is revealed at the beginning of the book, and the story's suspense comes from the planning and execution of the crime. Anthony Berkeley Cox (writing as Francis Iles) shows us his intention in the first sentence: "It was not until several weeks after he had decided to murder his wife that Dr. Bickleigh took any active steps in the matter." Berkeley's book works so well because it is told from Dr. Bickleigh's perspective and focuses on his psychological mindset as he carries out the murder.