1953 - Alfred Bester - Demolished Man

The Demolished Man by Alfred Bester 
Summary: In a future where telepathy is commonplace and enforced by a powerful police force, wealthy industrialist Ben Reich commits a seemingly impossible crime: murder. With the help of a corrupt telepath, he manipulates the minds of those around him to cover his tracks. However, he soon finds himself pursued by a relentless detective, Dr. Calhoun, who is determined to unravel the mystery. As the investigation deepens, Reich's carefully constructed illusion begins to crumble, and he must face the ultimate consequences of his actions.
Basic Plot:

1. The Murder: Reich murders a rival businessman, D'Courtney.
2. The Investigation: Dr. Calhoun, a skilled telepath detective, is assigned to the case.
3. The Chase: Reich and Calhoun engage in a cat-and-mouse game, each using their telepathic abilities to outwit the other.
4. The Confrontation: Reich is eventually cornered and forced to face the consequences of his crime.
5. The Demolished Man is a classic science fiction novel that continues to captivate readers decades after its publication. Bester's innovative use of telepathy as a plot device and his exploration of the psychological depths of his characters make this a truly groundbreaking work. While the novel may feel a bit dated in some respects, its core themes and thrilling narrative remain relevant and engaging.