A man in a purple suit and a girl in a green hat walk through a dimly lit street, engaging in a flirtatious yet tense exchange. The man, known as the Smiler, is broke and looking for a way to score some liquor. He devises a plan to rob a drunken gambler holed up in a nearby hotel. Meanwhile, Pete Anglich, an undercover narcotics officer, wakes up in his hotel room with a hangover. He discovers the Smiler attempting to rob him, leading to a violent confrontation where Anglich kills the Smiler in self-defense. After disposing of the body, Anglich leaves the hotel and encounters the girl from earlier, who is now in distress. She reveals that she is being pursued by a dangerous figure named Trimmer Waltz. Anglich decides to help her, but as they navigate the dark streets, they are caught in a web of crime and deception involving Waltz, who runs a nightclub and is involved in blackmail schemes. As Anglich investigates, he learns that Waltz has been using the girl to lure wealthy men into his traps. The plot thickens when Anglich discovers that a girl has been murdered, and he is framed for the crime. He must navigate the treacherous underworld of Los Angeles, dealing with corrupt cops and dangerous criminals, all while trying to protect the girl and clear his name. The story unfolds with Anglich's relentless pursuit of the truth, leading him to confront Waltz and his henchmen. Tension escalates as Anglich's past as a fighter and detective comes into play, showcasing his resourcefulness and determination. The narrative explores themes of betrayal, survival, and the moral complexities of crime in a gritty urban landscape. In a climactic showdown, Anglich faces off against Waltz, who has orchestrated a series of events to eliminate anyone who threatens his operation. The confrontation reveals the depths of Waltz's depravity and the lengths Anglich will go to protect the innocent. Ultimately, justice is served, but not without cost, as the characters grapple with the consequences of their choices in a world where morality is often blurred. The work concludes with a sense of resolution, but also leaves lingering questions about the nature of justice and the impact of crime on individuals and society. The characters are left to reflect on their actions, and the reader is left to ponder the complexities of human nature in the face of adversity.
By Raymond Chandler · First published 1936 · Genre: Mystery, Noir, Crime Fiction · 8 chapters