The story of "The Malefactor" revolves around the character of John P. Dunster, a successful and respected businessman. However, Dunster has a dark secret from his past that threatens to unravel his life. Years ago, he was involved in a crime that resulted in the death of another man, and he has managed to keep this crime hidden. But when a detective named David Steel arrives in town, determined to solve the old case, Dunster's carefully constructed world begins to crumble.As the novel progresses, readers are taken on a suspenseful journey filled with secrets, lies, and moral dilemmas. The story explores themes of guilt, redemption, and the consequences of one's actions. E. Phillips Oppenheim was known for his ability to craft intricate plots and create tension in his stories, and "The Malefactor" is no exception in this regard.While not as widely read or remembered today as some of Oppenheim's other works, "The Malefactor" is still considered a representative example of his writing style and his contributions to the mystery and suspense genre. If you enjoy classic mystery novels with elements of moral ambiguity and psychological tension, "The Malefactor" may be worth exploring.