FICTION. This 1947 classic takes us inside the mind of a male serial killer. It explores the anatomy of American misogyny and accomplishes a mystery writing tour de force by depicting his eventual capture -- by two daring and powerful women -- from his point of view. The characters of Dix Steele and Laurel Grey, the glamorous actress he falls for but cannot hold on to, became the basis for extraordinary performances by Humphrey Bogart and Gloria Grahame, in the 1950 film version of the book, which also reflects the suspense and hard-boiled edginess of Hughes' writing.