The quote "By the pricking of my thumbs, something wicked this way comes," attributed to William Shakespeare, evokes a sense of impending danger or evil. It's a line that resonates with the themes of foreboding and the supernatural, often associated with Shakespeare's "Macbeth." The phrase captures the anticipation of malevolent forces approaching, framing a narrative steeped in tension.

In M.C. Beaton's book "Death of a Policeman," this idea of foreboding is mirrored in the story's developments. Characters face the consequences of darkness and intrigue in their surroundings, emphasizing how wickedness often lurks close by, much like the ominous warning conveyed in Shakespeare's work. The interplay between these themes illustrates how literature can transcend time while exploring universal fears and moral dilemmas.