This is an adaptation of the main storyline of the classic novel Crime and Punishment. There are no superfluous characters or persistent illustrations of nineteenth century Russian society, which the editor believes dissuade many from reading Dostoyevsky’s greatest masterpiece. This edition serves as a template for a major motion picture coming to theatres soon and is focused solely on the intense, fascinating story of Raskolnikov. The time has been updated to present day, and the scene moved from St. Petersburg to New York City. Some of the characters’ names and nicknames have been changed to fit the new locale. Non-essential characters have been excluded along with about half of the original text, which leaves us only with the story of Raskolnikov: the student, the stranger, the superman, the murderer.

Dostoyevsky’s classic, to some degree, has influenced all subsequent detective/suspense novels. This modern version of his book will appeal not only to fans of this genre but also will interest a younger audience able to relate to Raskolnikov's angst, desperation and delusions of grandeur. What is often lost in considering this novel (perhaps because of the dark theme) is the very pro-Christian message. It is, in its essence, a discordant but reaffirming and uplifting story. There are very few books ever published that will have more of an effect on the reader than this.