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The Continental Op
Arson Plus
“Arson Plus” was originally published in 1923 in the pulp magazine Black Mask, and was the world’s introduction to the Continental Op—the anonymous hero who helped to launch a thousand hardboiled followers.
Raymond Chandler said of Dashiell Hammett that he “took murder out of the Venetian vase and dropped it into the alley”. Hammett transformed the genres of mystery and crime fiction, replacing exotic locales with sleazy city streets and the oddball detective with the hard boiled private eye. Drawing inspiration from his own life, he brought a gritty verisimilitude to the mystery genre, and his influence has scarcely faded since.
Raymond Chandler said of Dashiell Hammett that he “took murder out of the Venetian vase and dropped it into the alley”. Hammett transformed the genres of mystery and crime fiction, replacing exotic locales with sleazy city streets and the oddball detective with the hard boiled private eye. Drawing inspiration from his own life, he brought a gritty verisimilitude to the mystery genre, and his influence has scarcely faded since.
62 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 1923
10 people are currently reading
147 people want to read
About the author
Dashiell Hammett
555 books2,833 followersAlso wrote as Peter Collinson, Daghull Hammett, Samuel Dashiell, Mary Jane Hammett
Dashiell Hammett, an American, wrote highly acclaimed detective fiction, including The Maltese Falcon (1930) and The Thin Man (1934).
Samuel Dashiell Hammett authored hardboiled novels and short stories. He created Sam Spade (The Maltese Falcon), Nick and Nora Charles (The Thin Man), and the Continental Op (Red Harvest and The Dain Curse) among the enduring characters. In addition to the significant influence his novels and stories had on film, Hammett "is now widely regarded as one of the finest mystery writers of all time" and was called, in his obituary in the New York Times, "the dean of the... 'hard-boiled' school of detective fiction."
See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dashiell...
Dashiell Hammett, an American, wrote highly acclaimed detective fiction, including The Maltese Falcon (1930) and The Thin Man (1934).
Samuel Dashiell Hammett authored hardboiled novels and short stories. He created Sam Spade (The Maltese Falcon), Nick and Nora Charles (The Thin Man), and the Continental Op (Red Harvest and The Dain Curse) among the enduring characters. In addition to the significant influence his novels and stories had on film, Hammett "is now widely regarded as one of the finest mystery writers of all time" and was called, in his obituary in the New York Times, "the dean of the... 'hard-boiled' school of detective fiction."
See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dashiell...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
September 30, 2025
4 Stars. From one of America's most famous detective fiction writers. Arson Plus is one of 29 short stories narrated by the Continental Op (short for operative) in The Big Book of the Continental Op. Continental is a large detective agency modelled on Pinkerton's. The 11 pager was in Black Mask in 1923. His first appearance! The public reception was excellent - not surprising. Hammett was a great writer even early in his career. In this one he uses a pseudonym, Peter Collinson. The story is straight forward and captures your interest quickly. The first thing that strikes you is that the Op is never named! In a note, Hammett explains the point saying that he's a type rather than an individual. A house near Sacramento has burned down with the owner, Mr. Thornburgh, still inside. The insurance company worries that the claim could be fraudulent. The Op interviews the police plus the Coons and Mrs. Evelyn Trowbridge, the owner's household help and niece respectively. You'll enjoy some of the old terms, "machine" for car as an example! This is just good old-fashioned detective fiction by one of the best. (Jul2020/Se2025)
April 23, 2023
the first appearance of the continental op is a surprisingly enjoyable little mystery about arson.
hammett’s usual terse and bullet point style sentences definitely run the show, even in this early short story, which is admirable to say the least.
well worth a read if you like the op novels.
hammett’s usual terse and bullet point style sentences definitely run the show, even in this early short story, which is admirable to say the least.
well worth a read if you like the op novels.
September 13, 2021
This is the first of 37 short stories (well 28 really, plus 8 more that were turned into 2 novels, and a final fragment) Dashiell Hammett wrote that featured a protagonist that later came to be known as the Continental Op. This short story is a well-written, tightly plotted, fine piece of hardboiled detective work. It concerns an arson investigation of a fire that burns down a house in which its owner dies. I found the story to be clever and engaging. I love its concept.
There are real surprises here as regards the series and especially the story telling technique Hammett employs. We the readers are barely introduced or given any conception of who the protagonist, a company detective or fire insurance investigator of some sort, is. Hammett keeps us millions of miles away from knowing anything about him, not because he's trying to shroud the protagonist in secrecy, although this is the effect that results, but because these details are irrelevant to the story Hammett wants to tell. The story is entirely about the investigation, not the investigator. I would have thought it impossible to separate the two as thoroughly as Hammett here does, but the task is skillfully accomplished. The result is a darn good story that stays focused on the plot while completely ignoring the character of its protagonist.
Some readers might find this avoidance frustrating. I find it refreshingly original and clever. I read somewhere that Hammett started out his professional life as a Pinkerton Agency detective. This story reads almost like a case file summary report, as though a detective were writing a Pinkerton Agency conclusion for an investigation conducted after successfully completing a company inquiry. I loved it and look forward to reading the next case.
There are real surprises here as regards the series and especially the story telling technique Hammett employs. We the readers are barely introduced or given any conception of who the protagonist, a company detective or fire insurance investigator of some sort, is. Hammett keeps us millions of miles away from knowing anything about him, not because he's trying to shroud the protagonist in secrecy, although this is the effect that results, but because these details are irrelevant to the story Hammett wants to tell. The story is entirely about the investigation, not the investigator. I would have thought it impossible to separate the two as thoroughly as Hammett here does, but the task is skillfully accomplished. The result is a darn good story that stays focused on the plot while completely ignoring the character of its protagonist.
Some readers might find this avoidance frustrating. I find it refreshingly original and clever. I read somewhere that Hammett started out his professional life as a Pinkerton Agency detective. This story reads almost like a case file summary report, as though a detective were writing a Pinkerton Agency conclusion for an investigation conducted after successfully completing a company inquiry. I loved it and look forward to reading the next case.
February 15, 2017
"because it’s the nature of man to poke around in ruins." great line from the story
Arson Plus was the first Continental Op story.
Character List
Arson Plus was the first Continental Op story.
Character List
September 21, 2025
Fun short read.
A mystery that may keep you guessing until the last few pages.
Read in about 2 hours.
A mystery that may keep you guessing until the last few pages.
Read in about 2 hours.
May 11, 2025
From the JetBlackDragonfly book blog at www.edenthompson.ca
The joys of eBooks are that many pulp novels and mysteries are becoming available. I have found a lot of buried treasures, as well as classic mysteries and sci-fi. Many were originally printed in Amazing Stories or Black Mask serials from the 1920s to the 1940s and are not available any other way.
Arson Plus is a short story first published in Black Mask in 1923 and introduces the Continental Op character by the great Dashiell Hammett, creator of detective Sam Spade and The Maltese Falcon, and Nick and Nora Charles of The Thin Man series. There are 28 of these stories from Black Mask, and two novels including his popular Red Harvest.
Jim Tarr, also known as the Continental Detective, deals with a suspected arson and insurance case. He's the hard-boiled, no-nonsense type, a precursor to Sam Spade. A large mansion burns, and there are several great characters diverting the investigation. The plot was well-twisted, and the case was not solved easily. I certainly didn't see the culprit until they were announced.
Nothing will beat the experience you have with a hard copy book. The quality of holding it in your hand, the feel of the pages, and the look of the type. However, with many of the titles that intrigue me being seventy to ninety years old, this is a fantastic way to preserve the author's work and offer it to a new audience. I've been discovering great authors that way.
Arson Plus is easily available online. It's a short, involving read. If you like detective noir, with bullets, action, and a tight plot, check it out. Hammett is the master of this genre.
The joys of eBooks are that many pulp novels and mysteries are becoming available. I have found a lot of buried treasures, as well as classic mysteries and sci-fi. Many were originally printed in Amazing Stories or Black Mask serials from the 1920s to the 1940s and are not available any other way.
Arson Plus is a short story first published in Black Mask in 1923 and introduces the Continental Op character by the great Dashiell Hammett, creator of detective Sam Spade and The Maltese Falcon, and Nick and Nora Charles of The Thin Man series. There are 28 of these stories from Black Mask, and two novels including his popular Red Harvest.
Jim Tarr, also known as the Continental Detective, deals with a suspected arson and insurance case. He's the hard-boiled, no-nonsense type, a precursor to Sam Spade. A large mansion burns, and there are several great characters diverting the investigation. The plot was well-twisted, and the case was not solved easily. I certainly didn't see the culprit until they were announced.
Nothing will beat the experience you have with a hard copy book. The quality of holding it in your hand, the feel of the pages, and the look of the type. However, with many of the titles that intrigue me being seventy to ninety years old, this is a fantastic way to preserve the author's work and offer it to a new audience. I've been discovering great authors that way.
Arson Plus is easily available online. It's a short, involving read. If you like detective noir, with bullets, action, and a tight plot, check it out. Hammett is the master of this genre.
April 5, 2024
Had to read this for class, but ended up closing to write my final paper on it and Dashiell Hammett. This is a simple detective fiction story at first glance, but upon further inspection, and if you know anything about Dashiell Hammett and the time period, you see it has political and socio-economic commentary imbedded within it. I love when authors subtly push their points and agendas while also working to entertain an entire audience. I would definitely recommend if you love a good older detective story, or if you are interested to see how the commentary was achieved.
June 7, 2019
Entertaining read. This is only my second encounter with Hammett. After taking a noir film class in college years ago and having loved the movie staring Bogart, I read The Maltese Falcon. I see more in my future.
Read as part of the Pulp Classics Reading Club. Join if you enjoy this sort of thing. David Eyk, the chap that runs it is enthusiastic and seems a good egg
http://www.pulprev.com/2019/05/the-pu...
Read as part of the Pulp Classics Reading Club. Join if you enjoy this sort of thing. David Eyk, the chap that runs it is enthusiastic and seems a good egg
http://www.pulprev.com/2019/05/the-pu...
May 23, 2021
Short, witty, and clever.
June 9, 2010
Although better known for Sam Spade and Nick and Nora Charles (The Thin Man series) this short story is the first of the so-called Continental op stories. There were over 30 of these stories published. This detective, sometimes known as the Continental Detective, was a no-nonsense private detective determined to give his client(s) a thorough investigation of any nefarious activity.
This story, written in 1923, concerns a case of suspected arson. In this case, I thought the characters were very believable. I supposed there are red herrings thrown in, but the case is not solved easily. It certainly has a hard-boiled edge to it.
Between 1923 and 1930, these stories were almost all published in the Black Mask magazine. Some of these stories were combined to become novels, the most famous of which is known as the Red Harvest. According to Wikipedia, Time Magazine called this novel one of the 100 best English language novels published between 1923 and 2005.
This story, written in 1923, concerns a case of suspected arson. In this case, I thought the characters were very believable. I supposed there are red herrings thrown in, but the case is not solved easily. It certainly has a hard-boiled edge to it.
Between 1923 and 1930, these stories were almost all published in the Black Mask magazine. Some of these stories were combined to become novels, the most famous of which is known as the Red Harvest. According to Wikipedia, Time Magazine called this novel one of the 100 best English language novels published between 1923 and 2005.
November 9, 2011
Arson Plus is the first short story featuring the Continental OP. I liked it in part because it takes place just outside Sacramento, CA, and I live near there. In this story, the hard-boiled detective is just a little more than a twinkle in Hammett's eye. There is none of the complexity of character and morality found in Chandler's Philip Marlowe or in Ross MacDonald's Lew Archer or even Hammett's own Sam Spade.
Even though this is an example of this genre in its infancy, the story moves at a good clip and there is some smart-alecky dialog. A good, quick read.
Even though this is an example of this genre in its infancy, the story moves at a good clip and there is some smart-alecky dialog. A good, quick read.
June 8, 2019
I've heard of the author, but never encountered him. A good way to pass the time. Short enough to read in a waiting room, short trips in the car, or even on your lunch break.
I became aware of this story, because David Eyk has begun a Pulp Classics Reading Club. This story is the second, preceded by Howard's Tower of the Elephant.
I didn't like the fact that you had to read the story in sections, and click the link if you wanted to keep reading.
The link to join the fun is:
http://www.pulprev.com/2019/05/the-pu...
I became aware of this story, because David Eyk has begun a Pulp Classics Reading Club. This story is the second, preceded by Howard's Tower of the Elephant.
I didn't like the fact that you had to read the story in sections, and click the link if you wanted to keep reading.
The link to join the fun is:
http://www.pulprev.com/2019/05/the-pu...
Read
December 30, 2019Hammett's grand-daughter, Julie Rivet, told me
that she feels that Hammett's favorite of his own
books was 'the Glass Key.'
This story 'Arson Plus' is not far behind.
The characters leap off the page at you.
Hammett grabs your lapel like the private eye
that he was and yanks you into the story.
The action moves like a runaway freight train.
You can't get off the train.
Try it and see.
+++Frank Hickey, writer of the Dancing Max Royster
crime novels about the world's only ballroom
dancing detective.
May 10, 2016
Dashiell Hammett’s very early tales – and they show it – amateurish, and sluggishly written with obvious conclusions – make this a book for the serious Dashiell Hammett scholar or collector.
These three tales comprise about three quarters of this book’s pages – the rest is given over to a foreword, an introduction, and a brief description of Hammett’s life.
Suggestion? Treat yourself to your favorite goodies instead.
These three tales comprise about three quarters of this book’s pages – the rest is given over to a foreword, an introduction, and a brief description of Hammett’s life.
Suggestion? Treat yourself to your favorite goodies instead.
Read
December 17, 2023Having read this and one other Continental Op, can't help but feel disappointed by the simplicity of what Hammett was going for with these - basically "Sherlock Holmes but gritty", where the plot is really all there is, apart from some occasional bursts of wit. But none of the bleak poetry of noir which I detected in the first random Chandler story I read. Maybe that shows up later, or in his novels.
February 27, 2012
The story is a brief detective workout in the Continental Op series. Story arc were quite simple - arson and insurance but mostly the character's dialogues are engaging, it does feel rushed in the end but a good read for those who like a nice short read. Definitely a boy's read and the language are pretty dense but acceptable for a classic. I'm looking forward to read The Maltese Falcon.
June 9, 2011
A really good read with my favorite Continental Op, who I first read about in Hammett's Red Harvest. Apparently this is actually his first appearance in Hammett's stories. I just love the no-nonsense investigation, bullets, and action. I'll be reading more of these.
August 17, 2020
This was a good short story about two PIs trying to solve a suspicious arson. Nothing to write home about but for the fact that it is one of the earlier works of The Maltese Falcon's author, Dashiell Hammet.
February 8, 2016
I sort of liked this. It wasn't the best detective story I've read. It wasn't the worst either. I'd say he would be just above Lestrade in his Detective methods. Still pretty good though. But Holmes is much better.
June 4, 2016
If you enjoy the classics, this is a good read. One of his earlier stories, but shows the promise of his better stories to come. I enjoyed Arson Plus and I'm sure those who have enjoyed his more famous books will enjoy this one too.
November 8, 2021
A wonderful entertaining mystery of Arson, fraud, and murder by Dashiell Hammett where two detectives solve the crimes. I would recommend this novella to anyone looking for a quick read. Enjoy the adventure of reading or listing to books 2021
January 11, 2012
A good quick read with a twist at the end I did not see coming.
August 11, 2012
This is apparently the first appearance of "The Continental Op." I thought it read very well and was enjoyable, although it was somewhat predictable.
September 13, 2013
Great hardboiled dtetctive short. I want to read more with this
character.
character.
September 20, 2014
Dashiell Hammett's "Arson Plus" was read for ENG 181 Literary Analysis and Interpretation.
June 8, 2014
A short but exciting detective story surrounding a mysterious fire and a more mysterious man...
June 30, 2016
30 jun 16, another from hammett.
short and sweet, i liked it.
short and sweet, i liked it.
September 20, 2016
I was a good short story
December 30, 2018
3.5/5: a good short story
June 19, 2019
Entertaining....so who was in the window during the fire???? Did I miss something?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews