The narrative follows Ted Carmady, a private detective, as he navigates a web of crime, deception, and personal conflict in a rain-soaked city. The story begins with Carmady discovering a young woman, Jean Adrian, unconscious in her apartment after being attacked. He learns that she is involved with Duke Targo, a boxer who is receiving threats to throw a fight. As Carmady investigates, he uncovers a plot involving blackmail, a corrupt senator named John Myerson Courtway, and a dead bodyguard named Shenvair. Carmady's investigation leads him to a boxing match where Targo is supposed to fight. Tensions rise as Carmady suspects that the fight is rigged and that Jean's life is in danger. After a series of confrontations, including a violent encounter with Shenvair, Carmady finds himself embroiled in a murder investigation when Targo shoots a man in self-defense. The plot thickens as Carmady realizes that Jean is not who she claims to be; she is the illegitimate daughter of Courtway, seeking revenge for her mother's mistreatment. As the story unfolds, Carmady confronts the complexities of morality, loyalty, and the consequences of a life steeped in crime. The narrative culminates in a tense showdown where Carmady must navigate the treacherous waters of betrayal and violence, ultimately leading to a tragic conclusion involving Targo and Courtway. The themes of identity, corruption, and the search for redemption are woven throughout the tale, as Carmady grapples with his own past and the choices that define him.
By Raymond Chandler · First published 1953 · Genre: Mystery, Noir, Thriller · 10 chapters