A private detective investigates the disappearance of a girl named Isobel Snare, who vanished from her home in San Angelo, taking her police dog with her. The detective, Carmady, learns that the dog was seen at a veterinary clinic run by Dr. Sharp. Upon visiting the clinic, Carmady confronts Dr. Sharp, who appears nervous and evasive. Carmady suspects that the dog may have been stolen and that Sharp is hiding something. As Carmady digs deeper, he discovers that the dog’s owners, the Voss family, have moved East and are supposedly waiting to retrieve their dog. However, Carmady believes there is more to the story, especially after learning that Isobel's aunt hired him to find her after she went missing. The investigation leads him to a series of dangerous encounters, including a confrontation with a man named Farmer Saint, who is involved in criminal activities and has a connection to Isobel. Carmady's pursuit of the truth becomes increasingly perilous as he uncovers a web of deceit involving local law enforcement, including Chief Fulwider, who seems to be complicit in a larger scheme. After a series of violent confrontations, including a deadly encounter at a house where Dr. Sharp is found murdered, Carmady realizes that he has been set up by corrupt police officers who want to eliminate him as a threat. In a climactic showdown aboard a gambling boat called the Montecito, Carmady confronts Saint and his wife, Diana. The situation escalates when the police arrive, leading to chaos and violence. The police dog, Voss, becomes a pivotal player in the confrontation, ultimately leading to the downfall of several corrupt officers, including Fulwider. Carmady survives the ordeal, but not without sustaining injuries. In the aftermath, the investigation reveals the extent of corruption within the local police force, resulting in multiple indictments. The case concludes with Isobel being found safe, and Carmady reflecting on the tangled web of crime and betrayal he navigated to uncover the truth.
By Raymond Chandler · First published 1936 · Genre: Crime Fiction, Mystery, Noir · 12 chapters