"The Demolished Man" is a science fiction novel by Alfred Bester, published in 1953. The story is set in a future society where telepathy is common, allowing people to read each other's thoughts. The plot follows Ben Reich, a wealthy businessman who plans to commit murder, believing he can outsmart the telepaths and evade capture. As Reich executes his plan, he faces challenges from Detective Lincoln Powell, a telepath determined to solve the case. The novel explores themes of crime, punishment, and the implications of a society where thoughts can be monitored, raising questions about free will and privacy.