The Zebra Striped Hearse by Ross Macdonald

In this gripping detective novel, the protagonist, a seasoned private investigator, is hired by a concerned father to delve into the background of his daughter's enigmatic fiancé, fearing the man's intentions are less than honorable. The investigation swiftly spirals from a simple background check into a complex web of deceit, murder, and long-buried family secrets. Set against the vivid backdrop of Southern California in the 1960s, the detective's journey leads him through a labyrinth of intriguing characters and twisted motives, where the truth is as elusive and shifting as the patterns on a zebra-striped hearse. This classic tale of suspense and intrigue masterfully combines psychological depth with a meticulously plotted mystery, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

The 2443rd greatest book of all time

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Total Points: 144

Since this book was first published in 1962, there is a penalty of 0%. The age adjusted score is 144.0.

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.