Dive into a hard-boiled thriller with Dashiell Hammett’s ‘Arson Plus’, and read the complete story online for free.
Originally published in the October 1, 1923 issue of The Black Mask magazine, ‘Arson Plus’ marks an important early step in the career of Dashiell Hammett, the father of American hard-boiled detective fiction. This short story introduces readers to the nameless operative of the Continental Detective Agency, a character who would later evolve into the iconic Continental Op. The tale is a crisp, efficient mystery centered on a suspicious fire at the rural home of a wealthy recluse. When the owner is found dead in the ashes and the insurance company suspects arson, the Continental Op is called in to sort through the lies, the red herrings, and the small-town secrets to find the truth.
Unlike the classic drawing-room mysteries of the era, Hammett delivers a story rooted in gritty realism, procedural detail, and terse, slangy dialogue. The investigation takes the operative through a cast of greedy relatives, secretive neighbors, and a mysterious visitor who may have set the perfect crime. The solution, revealed in Hammett’s signature lean style, is as logical as it is surprising.
On this page, you can experience this foundational work of American crime fiction. We offer the complete 1923 short story for online reading.
Book Info
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Title | Arson Plus |
| Author | Dashiell Hammett |
| Year of Publication | 1923 (Magazine) |
| Genre | Hard-Boiled, Detective Fiction, Mystery, Short Story |
| Language | English |
| Legal Status | Public Domain in the U.S. (Published pre-1928) |
| Format | Online Reading |
Read Arson Plus Online
Step into the world of the Continental Op. Begin this crisp, fire-filled mystery interactively below.
This preview introduces the suspicious fire and the stoic detective, but the full investigation, complete with every clue and dead-end, is available in the complete text for our subscribers.
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About the Story Arson Plus
This story represents a radical departure from the genteel detective fiction of the early 20th century, trading velvet smoking jackets for trench coats and tea cups for whiskey.
The Birth of the Continental Op
Hammett’s operative is a professional. He is not a brilliant amateur solving puzzles for fun; he is an employee with a job to do. He is overweight, pragmatic, and tough. His methods involve legwork, interrogation, and a deep understanding of human greed. This story introduces his voice: cynical, direct, and utterly believable.
The “Black Mask” Style
Black Mask magazine was the crucible of hard-boiled fiction. ‘Arson Plus’ perfectly embodies the style: fast-paced, action-oriented, and written in a vernacular that sounded like the real America. Hammett’s prose is stripped of Victorian flourishes, focusing on what people do rather than what they think.
Arson as a Character
Hammett treats the crime itself with technical specificity. The investigation into the fire is not magical deduction; it is a patient, logical examination of cause and effect, burn patterns, and insurance policies. This commitment to realism makes the eventual twist land with satisfying weight.
Small-Town Secrets
The rural setting is a departure from the usual mean streets of the city. However, Hammett reveals that greed, betrayal, and violence are not urban inventions. The seemingly peaceful countryside hides motives just as dark as any city back alley.
Efficiency of Storytelling
At its core, ‘Arson Plus’ is a masterclass in efficiency. In just a few thousand words, Hammett establishes character, setting, conflict, a complex mystery, and a full resolution. There is not a wasted word or a redundant scene.
Why Read Arson Plus Today?
For fans of detective fiction, this is required reading. It is the raw, unpolished prototype of the hard-boiled hero. Reading ‘Arson Plus’ is like watching a master craftsman take his first confident swing of the hammer. It is short, potent, and leaves a lasting impression.
FAQ
Who is the Continental Op?
He is a nameless detective working for the Continental Detective Agency in San Francisco. Hammett based him on his own experiences as a Pinkerton agent. He appears in many Hammett stories, including Red Harvest and The Dain Curse.
Is this part of a series?
Yes. While the stories are standalone, they feature the same protagonist and agency. They are best enjoyed as snapshots of a single, long career.
How does this differ from Sherlock Holmes?
Drastically. Holmes deduces from an armchair; the Op investigates from the streets. Holmes is an eccentric genius; the Op is a regular man who outworks his quarry.
Can I read it on my phone?
Absolutely. Its short, punchy chapters (or sections) make it perfect for a quick, thrilling read on any device.