"The Continental Op" is a notable crime fiction novel by Dashiell Hammett, featuring a hard-boiled detective. The narrative is presented through a first-person perspective of the titular character, who works for the Continental Detective Agency. This character is often referred to simply as the Op and is defined by his no-nonsense attitude, sharp intellect, and resourcefulness in solving complex cases, which sets the template for future detective fiction.
The story revolves around the Op's investigation into a murder case tied to a lucrative, yet dangerous, local gambling operation. As he delves deeper into the seedy underbelly of crime, he encounters various characters, including criminals and corrupt businessmen, each adding layers to the intricate plot. The novel is celebrated for its gritty realism and psychological depth, reflecting the moral ambiguity of its characters and the world they inhabit.
More »
Today Birthdays
1941 -
Barbara Ehrenreich
1914 -
Julio Cortazar
1904 -
Christopher Isherwood
1910 -
Mother Teresa
1880 -
Guillaume Apollinaire
1962 -
Tariq Ramadan
1980 -
Chris Pine
1965 -
Marcus du Sautoy
1935 -
Geraldine Ferraro
1963 -
Ted Rall
1982 -
John Mulaney
1951 -
Edward Witten
1921 -
Ben Bradlee
1676 -
Robert Walpole
1901 -
Jimmy Rushing
1992 -
Hayley Hasselhoff
1980 -
Macaulay Culkin
1918 -
Katherine Johnson
1962 -
Sri Mulyani Indrawati
1963 -
Stephen J. Dubner
1988 -
Erik Hassle
1917 -
Eileen Caddy
1895 -
Earl Long
1968 -
Madhur Bhandarkar