The Continental Op

Arson Plus

Investigates the arson and uncovers the conspiracy.

Crooked Souls

The detective assigned to the Gatewood kidnapping case; investigates the scene and confronts suspects.

Slippery Fingers

Investigates the Grover murder, uncovers the fingerprint deception, and arrests Clane and Farr.

It

Investigates Rathbone's disappearance and uncovers the murder.

Bodies Piled Up

Temporarily working as a hotel detective at the Montgomery Hotel; discovers the three bodies and leads the investigation.

The Tenth Clue

The protagonist and detective, actively investigating the case.

I: “Do You Know… Emil Bonfils?”

Arrives for an appointment with Leopold Gantvoort, waits, and is hired by Charles Gantvoort to investigate the murder.

II: “That’s Something!”

Leads the investigation, examines evidence, and connects the murder to a threatening letter from Emil Bonfils.

III: “A Sleek Kitten That Dame!”

Leads the investigation, interviews Abernathy and Creda Dexter, sends telegrams to trace Bonfils.

IV: “Maybe That Ain’t So Foolish!”

Leads the investigation, re-evaluates clues, and decides to pursue a rival suitor angle.

V: “Meet Mr. Smith”

Leads the investigation into Creda Dexter's past, interviews Madden Dexter on the train, and is ambushed by Mr. Smith on the ferry.

VI: “Those Damned Horns!”

Semiconscious and struggling in the bay after being attacked, fighting exhaustion and the cold.

VII: “You Have a Lot of Fun, Don’t You?”

Survives being thrown into the bay, recovers, and leads the confrontation at the Dexters' apartment.

VIII: “I Hope You Swing!”

Interrogates Madden Dexter and extracts the truth about the murder.

Night Shots

The protagonist and investigator, navigating the case.

I

Arrives at the Exon estate to investigate the shooting; interviews household members and farm hands.

Chapter II

Investigates the second shooting, searches the grounds, interviews Shand, and observes interactions between Hilary Gallaway and Barbra Caywood.

III

Hides in a closet to catch the attacker; discovers Exon trying to remove the nurse's bandages.

IV

Investigates the shooting, deduces Exon's guilt, and later receives Exon's confession.

Zigzags of Treachery

The protagonist and investigator, navigating treacherous alliances.

I

The detective hired by Vance Richmond to investigate Dr. Estep's death. He is skeptical and focused on facts, dismissing Richmond's emotional pleas.

II

Investigates the Estep case, questions servants and nurse, searches the first Mrs. Estep's hotel room.

Chapter III

Shadows Mrs. Estep throughout the day, employing classic detective techniques.

IV

Turns over the woman to Dick Foley and assigns Bob Teal to tail Jacob Ledwich.

VI

Tails Ledwich and discovers Boyd; adjusts surveillance strategy.

VII

Disguises himself in shabby clothes, tails Ledwich, and poses as a crook named Shine Wisher to gain Ledwich's trust.

VIII

Investigates Boyd's murder, interrogates Mrs. Estep, and plans to confront Ledwich.

IX

Reports to Vance Richmond on the day's investigation, remains emotionally detached from the attorney's pleas.

Chapter X

Confronts Ledwich, reveals his identity, and negotiates for the Estep note.

Ledwich's Confession

The Op listens to Ledwich's confession, weighing the moral dilemma of freeing a murderer to save Mrs. Estep's life.

XII

Manipulates Ledwich into revealing the suicide note, then signals O'Gar to intercept him.

I

Hired by Vance Richmond to investigate the theft of Chrostwaite's car and find the thieves before Monday's court date.

II

Interviews Patrolman Coffee about the Newhouse hit-and-run.

Chapter III

Investigates Newhouse's murder, interviews Soules, and deduces a counterfeiting plot.

The House in Turk Street

Canvasses Turk Street undercover, drinks tea with the Quarres, later negotiates with Tai Choon and is tied up by Elvira.

The Girl with the Silver Eyes

The protagonist and detective, narrating the investigation.

I

Awakened by a phone call from the Old Man, he goes to meet Burke Pangburn and begins investigating the disappearance of Jeanne Delano.

II

Interviews Pangburn, evaluates his sincerity and sanity, insists on a reputable endorsement before accepting the case.

III

Visits Axford to seek endorsement for investigating Jeanne Delano's disappearance.

IV

Conducts the investigation, telephones Pangburn, visits the apartment, and traces the trunks.

V

Investigates Jeanne Delano's bank account at the Golden Gate Trust Company.

VI

Visits the agency, decodes a telegram, and reports to the Old Man about Pangburn's case.

VII

Investigates Pangburn's whereabouts, checks weather records and taxicab companies, and contacts Axford.

VIII

Investigates Pangburn's disappearance, searches his apartment, and uncovers the forged check scheme.

IX

Investigates the lead on Pangburn's whereabouts and arranges for an undercover operative at the White Shack.

Chapter X

Arranges a meeting with his informant Porky Grout and sends him on a surveillance job to Halfmoon Bay.

Chapter XI

Investigates the case, traces a call from the Marquis Hotel to the White Shack, and arranges surveillance on Kilcourse.

XII

Arrives at the agency and coordinates the investigation into Pangburn's location.

XIII

Sits beside Axford in the car, observes the scene, and identifies Pangburn's body.

XIV

Investigates Pangburn's murder, confronts Joplin and his associates, and engages in a violent struggle.

XV

Pursues Kilcourse and the girl, engages in a car chase and ambush, captures the girl, and later runs over Porky Grout.

XVI

Grows cross and firm, physically restrains the girl, and insists on discussing only the Pangburn affair.

XVII

Listens to the woman's confession and story.

XVIII

Struggles with his attraction to the woman while maintaining his professional detachment; recalls Porky Grout's sacrifice.

XIX

Confronts Cara Kenbrook with accusations of forgery and murder.

Women, Politics & Murder

Interviews Mrs. Gilmore and later Cara Kenbrook; deduces the truth about the murder.

II

Investigates the Gilmore murder, recalls Gilmore's reputation, and meets O'Gar for details.

III

Visits Cara Kenbrook to investigate Bernard Gilmore's death.

IV

Interviews Mrs. Gilmore, investigates the murder scene, and interrogates the maid Lina Best.

V

Returns to the Garford Apartments to interrogate Cara Kenbrook, using bluff and pressure to extract a revised account of her whereabouts during Gilmore's murder.

Chapter VI

Interrogates Cara Kenbrook, deduces the murder solution, is ambushed by Tennant, and fights back before being subdued.

Chapter VII

Arrested and brought to the Hall of Justice, he orchestrates Kelly's confession by producing the empty shell and accusing him of Gilmore's murder.

Chapter VIII

Explains his reasoning for suspecting Kelly, accepts the dropping of the assault charge, and refuses Tennant's bribe by knocking him down the steps.

The Golden Horseshoe

The protagonist and investigator, navigating the case.

I

Hired by Vance Richmond to find Norman Ashcraft; reflects on his fifteen years with the agency and diminished appetite for violence.

II

Conducts surveillance at the post office, stages a fall to read an envelope address, and interrogates Ryan.

III

Reports to Richmond and visits Mrs. Ashcraft to update her on the investigation.

IV

Arrives in Tijuana to find Ed Bohannon; uses alias 'Parker'; engages in a drinking contest while feigning drunkenness.

V

Discovers the bodies, works with O'Gar, travels to Tijuana to investigate Ashcraft, and returns to report to Richmond.

San Diego and the Golden Horseshoe

Arrives in San Diego, meets operative Gorman, travels to Tijuana, and confronts Kewpie at the Golden Horseshoe.

VII

Receives telegrams, travels to Tijuana, confronts the Englishman and Kewpie, and chases the Englishman after the shootout.

VIII

Pursues and captures the impostor in the desert, wounds him, and interrogates him about the impersonation and murders.

IX

Interrogates the Englishman, deduces his scheme, and threatens to send him to Seattle for Ashcraft's suicide.

Who Killed Bob Teal?

The narrator and lead investigator, who had trained Bob Teal and is now tasked with finding his killer.

Mike or Alec or Rufus

Investigates the Coplin robbery for the insurance company, interviews witnesses, and gathers descriptions of the robber.

The Whosis Kid

The protagonist and narrator, a detective for the Continental Detective Agency, who is hired by Mrs. Almad and becomes embroiled in a complex case involving murder and deception.

I

Narrator and operative; recalls first seeing the Whosis Kid in Boston and later shadows him in San Francisco.

Chapter II

Stakes out the Whosis Kid's rooming house for nine hours, pursues the Cadillac after the shooting, and tails the passenger to the Marquis Hotel.

III

Investigates Maurois at the Marquis Hotel, eats, and tails the Cadillac.

IV

Surveils the Venetian Café, intervenes in a kidnapping attempt, and escorts the woman to her apartment.

V

Searches Inés Almad's apartment for intruders, questions her about her story.

Chapter VI

The Op poses as bootlegger Jerry Young, struggles to resist Inés's advances while maintaining his cover, and prepares for Billie's arrival.

VII

Engages in a physical fight with Billie, using technique to overcome size disadvantage.

VIII

Unlocks the door and moves the curtain to signal the Whosis Kid.

IX

Observes the standoff and search, remaining detached and confident in his survival.

The Whosis Kid's Brutal Search

Observes the violence, restrained by Big Chin's gun; chooses not to intervene.

XI

Recovers strength and decides to act, orchestrating the dark-room chaos to retrieve the jewels.

XII

Hides in the dark, sets a trap with his watch, exchanges gunfire with the Whosis Kid, and is knocked unconscious by a lamp.

XIII

Narrates the chapter; kept his identity hidden from Inés and testified to the coroner's jury.

The Scorched Face

The protagonist and investigator, driving the narrative forward.

I

The detective interviewing Alfred Banbrock about his missing daughters.

II

Conducts interviews and investigates the disappearance of the Banbrock sisters.

Chapter III

Investigates Mrs. Correll's suicide and its connection to the Banbrock case; pressures Stewart Correll and reports to Alfred Banbrock.

IV

Investigates the Banbrock case, interviews Mrs. Banbrock, and travels to Knob Valley after a charred photograph of Ruth Banbrock is found.

V

Discovers Ruth Banbrock's body and reports findings to the office.

VI

Investigates the Banbrock case, discusses leads with Pat Reddy, and compiles a list of related crimes.

VII

Investigates the Banbrock-Correll case, connects three women to Raymond Elwood, surveils the yellow house on Telegraph Hill, and plans a raid after spotting Myra Banbrock entering through a cellar window.

VIII

Leads the raid on the yellow house with Pat Reddy, fights through the chaos, and kills the attacking doorman.

IX

Battered and bruised after fighting a large Negro and Raymond Elwood; interrogates Myra Banbrock.

Chapter X

Devises a cover story to protect Myra Banbrock and other women from public scandal, convincing Pat Reddy to take credit for Hador's shooting.

XI

Searches the safe, finds photographs, and persuades Pat to burn them.

Corkscrew

Arrives in Corkscrew to investigate Slim Vogel's murder.

I

Arrives in Corkscrew posing as a deputy sheriff, arms himself with multiple guns, and observes the town and its inhabitants.

II

The Op visits the Border Palace, observes the poker game, and arranges to buy a horse.

III

Visits Adderly's house, meets the 'better element,' receives a list of crimes, and refuses to lead an immediate vice raid.

IV

Endures repeated falls from a bucking horse, showing stubborn persistence despite injury.

V

Wakes up sore, buys a horse from Milk River, and asserts authority over Slim Vogel's murder investigation.

Chapter VI: The Killing of Slim Vogel

Investigates Slim Vogel's murder, questions witnesses, and faces down Peery's men.

VII

Hires Milk River as a guide and explains his undercover mission as a private detective for the Orilla Colony Company.

VIII

Dining with Milk River, investigates Nisbet's murder, decides to ride alone to Circle H.A.R.

IX

Investigates Nisbet's murder, confronts Peery, and strategizes with Milk River.

Chapter X

Gets into a street fight with Chick Orr and wins despite taking a beating.

XI

Patches himself up, confronts Big 'Nacio's crew, and sends a warning to Peery.

XII

Rides with Milk River to investigate the battle at Circle H.A.R., provides cover fire, and assists in capturing Gyp Rainey.

XIII

Leads the search of the compound, interrogates the immigrants, and shoots Big 'Nacio.

XIV

Negotiates with Peery and later Buck Small, maintains control of prisoners, and prevents further bloodshed.

XV

Returns to Canyon House exhausted, interrogates Gyp Rainey, and later comforts Clio Landes.

XVI

Wakes to Rainey's confession, arrests Bardell, survives a shootout and a duel with Milk River.

Chapter XVII

Recovering from injury, directs Milk River to arrest the Jew, forgives Clio Landes, and deduces the Jew's guilt.

Dead Yellow Women

The protagonist and investigator, navigating the dangerous Chinatown underworld.

I

The narrator and detective assigned to the case by the Old Man.

Chapter II

Plans investigation, recruits informants, and proposes a trap for the missing servants.

III

Investigates The Whistler's background, confronts Dummy Uhl, and is shot with a blank cartridge.

IV

Navigates Chinatown, waits at Chang Li Ching's door, survives an ambush, and is disarmed by his guide.

V

Investigates Garthorne, confronts Lillian Shan, and meets Chang Li Ching in Chinatown.

Chapter VI

Spends the night at the Shan house, fights off intruders, and later reports to his office.

VII

Returns to Chang Li Ching's, negotiates with Chang, and agrees to help a frightened Chinese woman escape.

Chapter VIII

Investigates Lillian Shan's disappearance, captures Yin Hung, and interrogates Jack Garthorne.

IX

Interrogates Garthorne and directs him to hide at Hsiu Hsiu's, aware of the trap.

X

Investigates the hidden room, interrogates Lillian Shan, and navigates secret passages to spy on Chang Li Ching and The Whistler.

XI

The narrator reflects on the resolution of the case, his inability to pin Chang, and his unease with Chinatown.

The Gutting of Couffignal

The protagonist and detective hired to protect Couffignal; he investigates the heist and confronts the criminals.

I

The detective assigned to guard wedding presents at the Hendrixson house on Couffignal.

II

Guarding wedding presents at the Hendrixson house; investigates the explosions and gunfire.

III

Short and thick, he argues with Princess Zhukovski about her joining him, then works his way along the shore to investigate the boat.

IV

Directs islanders, scouts the area, and engages in the fight against the bandits.

V

Chases and captures Flippo, treats his twisted ankle, and learns of the boat's escape.

VI

Investigates the murders of Oliver and Brophy, identifies the Russian gang to Sergeant Roche, and heads to confront Princess Zhukovski.

VII

Presents a twelve-point indictment to the princess, deducing the true perpetrators of the Couffignal raid.

VIII

Refuses the woman's bribe, asserting his professional identity as a manhunter.

IX

Disarmed by Flippo, offers a deal, then knocks Flippo out with a crutch and shoots the girl in the leg to stop her escape.

Creeping Siamese

The protagonist and investigator, navigating the case.

I

Narrator and investigator; witnesses the man's death and begins the case.

Chapter II

Leads the interrogation, exposes the lies about Siamese attackers, and orchestrates the confession.

The Big Knock-Over

Narrator and detective; visits Larrouy's dive, interacts with criminals, receives tip from Beno, investigates Beno's murder.

II

The narrator spends the morning in the agency file-room and then walks to the Seaman's National Bank, where he becomes embroiled in a violent disturbance.

III

Reports to the Old Man about the bank robbery and its aftermath.

IV

The narrator spends the evening surveilling criminal haunts and tailing a young Armenian boy.

V

Investigates the murder scene and shadows Sylvia Yount.

VI

Investigates the mass murder scenes and coordinates with Duff and Counihan.

VII

Meets with Angel Grace Cardigan, arranges surveillance by Dick Foley.

VIII

Stakes out O'Leary with Jack Counihan, observes the gathering of hostile men at Larrouy's, and plans to extract O'Leary and Nancy Regan if violence breaks out.

IX

Narrates the fight, uses blackjack and gun, strategizes to escape.

Chapter X

Leads the group through the dark building, devises the table diversion, and engages in a brief physical confrontation with Red O'Leary.

XI

Shoots O'Leary in the back to maintain his cover, orchestrates the escape, and convinces O'Leary to go to a safe house.

XII

Presents himself as 'Percy Maguire' to infiltrate Big Flora's operation, claiming a share of stolen money.

XIII

Captured, disarmed, and choked by Pogy and Big Flora; later guarded by the little old man and Nancy Regan.

XIV

Narrator and protagonist; orchestrates ambushes in the cellar, then outmaneuvers the old man.

Chapter XV

Frees himself and the police, releases Nancy Regan and the old man, learns Papadopoulos was the brains of the operation.

$106,000 Blood Money

The protagonist and detective, navigating the criminal underworld and investigating multiple cases.

I

The narrator and detective, meeting with Tom-Tom Carey to discuss the pursuit of Papadopoulos.

II

Investigates Newhall's murder, consults Ellert, sends a telegram to Los Angeles, and later agrees to meet Counihan in Sausalito.

III

Leads the investigation, is ambushed and stabbed, shoots one attacker, and searches the empty cottage.

IV

Narrates the chapter; reads reports, has lunch with the Old Man, investigates a lead, and receives a call from Dick Foley.

V

Investigates Angel Grace's suicide attempt, interviews Tom-Tom Carey, and arranges for Angel Grace to be jailed with Big Flora.

Chapter VI

Recovers from his back wound, returns to work, organizes a poker game, and investigates Angel Grace Cardigan's apartment.

VII

Coordinates surveillance on Carey, arranges protection for Miss Newhall, and plans a night operation with Carey.

VIII

Plans and leads the nighttime operation, instructs Jack Counihan on his role, and confronts Nancy Regan.

IX

Interrogates Ann Newhall, learns her story, and orchestrates the plan to raid the house.

The Raid on the Newhall House

Leads the raid, coordinates the operatives, and restrains Jack from shooting.

XI

Confronts and psychologically deconstructs Jack Counihan, orchestrating the final showdown.

XII

Reports to the Old Man, summarizing the case's resolution and his role in shaping the outcome.

The Main Death

Investigates Main's death, recovers stolen money, and reveals the suicide.

This King Business

The protagonist and investigator, navigating the dangerous underworld of the wealthy.

I: “Yes”—and “No”

Arrives in Stefania to investigate Lionel Grantham's activities and potential swindling.

II: Romaine

Visits the Minister of Police's office to seek information about Lionel Grantham.

III: Shadowing

The Op shadows Lionel Grantham and later a swarthy man, hiding in a lumber pile and fighting a soldier.

IV: Introductions

Intervenes to stop a soldier's ambush, disarms him, and accompanies Grantham and Einarson to the barracks.

V: A Flogging

Witnesses the flogging, maintains a detached demeanor, and fabricates a cover story about his past to Einarson and Grantham.

VI: Cards on the Table

Reveals his true mission to Grantham, admits his cover story was false, and declares his job done.

VII: Lionel's Plans

Receives a note from Romaine Frankl, listens to Lionel's confession, and agrees to help him.

VIII: An Enlightening Interview

Visits Romaine Frankl's house for an interview about the Muravian revolution.

IX: Conjectures

Questions Romaine about Vasilije and deduces Einarson's motives; plans to attend a midnight meeting.

Einarson in Control

Returns to hotel, arms himself, attends revolutionary meeting, later knocks out a tail.

XI: A Romantic Interlude

Visits Romaine, reports on the meeting, and discusses the revolution and their relationship.

XII: The Night Before

Studies Einarson's weaknesses, visits Romaine, and prepares for the revolution.

XIII: Progress Goes "Betune"

Observes the revolutionary gathering with a detective's eye, feeling an unexpected emotional lift from Grantham's words.

XIV: Coronation

Manipulates Einarson at gunpoint to ensure Grantham's coronation, then escorts Einarson to the hotel.

XV: Bargain Hunters

Prods Einarson into the room, subdues him physically, and negotiates the abdication deal with Romaine and Djudakovich.

XVI: Lionel Rex

Confronts Grantham in the Executive Residence, forces his abdication, and returns to find his room empty.

Mob Law

Observes the mob execution of Einarson, secures the abdication, and departs Muravia.

Flypaper

The protagonist and investigator, navigating the case.

I

The operative assigned to deliver money to Sue Hambleton and arrange her return home.

II

Receives telegram and check from the Old Man, goes to 601 Eddis Street, meets J. M. Wales, and confirms he has brought the money.

III

Interrogates Joe Wales and Peggy Carroll, arranges for MacMan to guard them.

IV

Investigates Babe McCloor and Sue Hambleton at the St. Martin; discovers Sue's body.

V

Interrogates Joe Wales and pursues Babe McCloor after the shooting.

Chapter VI

Pursues Babe McCloor through the city, using taxis and streetcars, and coordinates with police.

VII

Tails Babe McCloor into the railroad yard and coordinates with police.

Chapter VIII

Leads the interrogation of Peggy Carroll and later chases Babe McCloor.

IX

Visits McCloor in the hospital and interrogates him about the murder of Holy Joe and Sue Hambleton.

Chapter X

Reports to the Old Man, theorizes suicide and later arsenic immunity plot.

The Farewell Murder

The protagonist and investigator, navigating the case.

I

Arrives at Farewell, investigates the scene of a possible murder, and suspects Kavalov's need for a detective.

Chapter II

Arrives at Kavalov's estate, is let in by a boy, and overhears a conversation about a possible killing.

III

Arrives at Kavalov's home for dinner and is briefed on the Sherry situation.

IV

Accompanies Ringgo to investigate the fire and the puppy killing; analyzes the scene and footprints.

V

Visits Captain Sherry for breakfast, surveils the bungalow, and returns to the Kavalov house.

Chapter VI

Investigates Kavalov's murder, examines the crime scene, and follows leads on Sherry.

VII

Leads the investigation, searches for evidence of Sherry's whereabouts, discovers the San Pedro alibi.

VIII

Observes the trial's collapse and advises the district attorney to hold Sherry and Marcus.

IX

Receives Mrs. Ringgo, agrees to help protect Dolph, and travels to Farewell.

The Bungalow Shootout

Stakes out the bungalow, observes Mrs. Ringgo and Sherry, then breaks in during the shootout and manipulates Sherry to implicate Ringgo.

XI

The Op explains his reasoning and deduction process, revealing how he suspected Ringgo.

Death and Company

Investigates the Chappell kidnapping and murder, ultimately confronting Dick Moley.