Book Review Summary: Malice Aforethought

Introduction

"Malice Aforethought" is a captivating mystery novel written by Francis Iles, the pseudonym of renowned author Anthony Berkeley Cox. Set in the small but exclusive Devonshire hamlet of Wyvern's Cross during the summer of 1930, the story revolves around Dr. Edmund Bickleigh, a hen-pecked husband who is struggling to conceal his growing passion for Gwynfryd Rattery and his mounting conviction that he will eventually kill his wife. As the tennis party at the Bickleighs unfolds, infidelity becomes the most popular pastime among the great and the good of the county. With a cleverly crafted plot and well-developed characters, "Malice Aforethought" offers readers a gripping tale of love, murder, and the intricacies of human nature.

About Francis Iles

Francis Iles, a pseudonym for Anthony Berkeley Cox, was a prolific writer of detective fiction during the Golden Age of Mystery. Born in Watford and educated at Sherborne School and University College London, Cox served in World War I and worked as a journalist before turning to writing novels. He published his first detective novel, "The Layton Court Mystery," anonymously in 1925. Over the next 14 years, he focused on writing detective fiction under various pseudonyms, including Francis Isles and Anthony Berkeley. In addition to his writing career, Cox founded the famous Detection Club in London and reviewed books for various publications. He died on March 9, 1971.

Analysis of Views

1. Clever Writing: Readers praise the book's clever writing style, describing it as polished and reminiscent of later periods, possibly from the 1940s or 1950s. The writing is characterized by its wit and insight into human nature, which is on par with Agatha Christie's work.
2. Engaging Characters: The characters in "Malice Aforethought" are well-developed and engaging. While Dr. Bickleigh is reprehensible, many readers sympathize with his desire to strike back against his domineering wife. As the story unfolds, Bickleigh's character becomes more complex, leaving readers wondering whether he is unraveling or merely becoming more intense.
3. Suspenseful Plot: The book's plot keeps readers on the edge of their seats, with tension building as Bickleigh's plans unfold. The suspense lies not only in whether he will get away with murder but also in how he will be caught. The courtroom scenes near the end of the book are especially entertaining and provide a satisfying conclusion to the story.
4. Intriguing Insights: Readers appreciate the novel's insights into human nature and the complexities of relationships. The portrayal of Bickleigh's character and his motivations offer a deeper understanding of why he resorts to murder. The book also explores themes of jealousy, obsession, and the consequences of infidelity.
5. Modern Feel: Despite being written in 1931, "Malice Aforethought" feels modern and relevant to contemporary readers. Its exploration of complex characters and themes makes it stand out from other Golden Age mysteries, which often rely on formulaic plot structures.

Reasons for Recommendation

1. Clever Writing: The book's clever writing style and polished prose make it a standout in the Golden Age mystery genre. Readers appreciate the author's ability to craft a compelling story that keeps them engaged throughout.
2. Engaging Characters: The well-developed characters in "Malice Aforethought" make the story come alive. Dr. Bickleigh's transformation from a pathetic hen-pecked husband to a calculating murderer adds depth and complexity to the narrative.
3. Suspenseful Plot: The suspenseful plot keeps readers hooked from beginning to end. The tension builds as Bickleigh's plans unfold, and the courtroom scenes provide a satisfying conclusion to the story.
4. Intriguing Insights: The novel's exploration of human nature and relationships adds depth to the story, making it more than just a typical mystery novel. Readers appreciate the insights into Bickleigh's motivations and the consequences of his actions.
5. Modern Feel: Despite being written over 90 years ago, "Malice Aforethought" feels modern and relevant to contemporary readers. Its exploration of complex characters and themes sets it apart from other Golden Age mysteries that rely on formulaic plot structures.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

1. Lack of Mystery: Some readers feel that the book lacks mystery since they know who the murderer is from the beginning. While this may be true for some readers who prefer traditional whodunit mysteries, others find it refreshing to see a different approach to the genre where they can follow the killer's perspective throughout the story.
2. Darker Themes: "Malice Aforethought" contains darker themes such as infidelity, jealousy, and obsession that may not appeal to all readers. While these themes add depth to the story, they may be uncomfortable for some readers who prefer lighter mysteries without such intense emotional exploration.

Conclusion

"Malice Aforethought" by Francis Iles is a captivating mystery novel that offers readers a gripping tale of love, murder, and human nature. With its clever writing style, well-developed characters, and intriguing plot, this book stands out from other Golden Age mysteries. While some readers may find it lacking in mystery or prefer lighter mysteries without darker themes, others will appreciate its exploration of complex relationships and its modern feel that sets it apart from its contemporaries. Overall, "Malice Aforethought" is a highly recommended read for fans of Golden Age detective fiction looking for a thought-provoking and engaging mystery novel that delves into the complexities of human nature.