The Hanging Gardens by Ian Rankin

This novel is a gripping entry in the detective genre, where the protagonist, a seasoned investigator, finds himself embroiled in a complex case that leads him through the dark underbelly of a city teeming with secrets. As the investigation unfolds, it becomes clear that the crime is linked to a series of events that have far-reaching implications, touching on themes of power, corruption, and redemption. The narrative is rich with suspense, meticulously crafted characters, and a deep understanding of the human psyche, making it a compelling read for anyone fascinated by the intricacies of crime and the pursuit of justice.

The 6418th greatest book of all time

Ranking Details:

Our ranking system awards points to books based on their appearance and position on curated lists. Here's how it works:

Unranked Lists: For lists without specific rankings, each book receives points equivalent to the list's weight. This approach recognizes the book's inclusion on prestigious lists.

Ranked Lists: Books on ranked lists receive points in two ways:

  • Base Points: Initially, every book is awarded points equal to the list's weight, acknowledging its significance.
  • Bonus Points: Additionally, books earn bonus points based on their ranking. The total bonus pool, equal to 100% of the list's weight, is distributed among the books, with higher-ranked books receiving more points.

Exponential Distribution: The distribution of bonus points follows an exponential model. This means the top-ranked book (#1) receives significantly more bonus points than those further down the list (e.g., #100). Our algorithm ensures that higher placements are rewarded more generously, reflecting the achievement of a top rank on any given list.

This scoring system ensures that each book's ranking reflects both its presence on multiple lists and its positions within those lists, providing a comprehensive measure of its acclaim and popularity.

Total Points: 96

Since this book was first published in 1998, there is a penalty of 38.4%. The age adjusted score is 59.14.

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.