The Glass Key

by Dashiell Hammett

1931

Ned Beaumont, right hand man of corrupt kingmaker Paul Madvig, discovers the body of a senator’s son. Paul was backing the senator and loved his daughter, but there becomes reason to believe that he may have killed the son. At first using the death to avenge himself against a bookie who skipped town, Ned then gets truly embroiled in finding the truth, especially after Paul’s rival captures and beats Ned for information about the murder.

This thriller doesn’t have the long line of dead men that The Dain Curse does – only five, if I’m counting correctly – but it’s just as tough and gritty in tone. Ned moves through the city like a force of nature, drinking heavily, finally breaking with his long-time friend Paul for no other reason that, like seemingly all of Hammett’s heroes, he cannot stand being used as he uses others, or talked to as he talks to others. A tough guy, who attracts Paul’s girl by being indifferent and inscrutable and tough. The characterization probably counts more than plot here.