# Mrs. Estep — Continental Op Stories character guide

> Mrs. Estep in Continental Op Stories by Dashiell Hammett.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Mrs. Estep, Estep, This Mrs. Estep, the Estep, the second Mrs. Estep, the first Mrs. Estep

**First appearance:** 0057-women-politics-murder

## Who they are

A woman involved in a case of murder and family secrets.

## In the story

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/continental_op_stories_se/chapters/i)

The second wife and Richmond's client, arrested for murder. She is described as delicate and in critical condition in jail.

### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/continental_op_stories_se/chapters/ii)

The first Mrs. Estep, registered at the Montgomery Hotel; observed as a large, capable woman.

### [Chapter III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/continental_op_stories_se/chapters/iii)

Subject of surveillance; attempts to detect followers, visits a flat on Laguna Street.

### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/continental_op_stories_se/chapters/v)

The client; hospitalized after collapsing under the strain of being charged with her husband's murder; Richmond pleads for her release.

### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/continental_op_stories_se/chapters/viii)

First wife of Dr. Estep; questioned about Boyd's murder but refuses to speak; detained as a material witness.

### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/continental_op_stories_se/chapters/ix)

On the point of death in the hospital; her impending demise drives Richmond's urgency.

### [Ledwich's Confession](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/continental_op_stories_se/chapters/xi)

The dying widow of the fake Dr. Estep, whose life hangs in the balance as the Op considers Ledwich's offer.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/continental_op_stories_se/characters/mrs_estep
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/continental_op_stories_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/continental_op_stories_se/characters