48 pages • 1 hour read
Red Harvest
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Book Brief
224
Novel • Fiction
Poisonville • 1920s
1929
UNSPECIFIED VENDOR
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In Red Harvest by Dashiell Hammett, the Continental Op, an unnamed detective from the Continental Detective Agency, investigates the murder of newspaper publisher Donald Wilsson in the corrupt mining town of Personville, nicknamed "Poisonville". As he delves deeper, he uncovers a web of power struggles and organized crime, pitting four corrupt figures against one another, leading to violent confrontations and significant town upheaval. Contains references to intense violence, murder, and corruption.
Gritty
Dark
Mysterious
Suspenseful
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
29,813 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Red Harvest by Dashiell Hammett is praised for its gritty, fast-paced narrative and hard-hitting prose, which have cemented its status as a cornerstone of the noir genre. Readers appreciate the complex plot and memorable characters. However, some find the relentless violence and morally ambiguous protagonist off-putting. Overall, it's a compelling, influential read in crime fiction.
Who Should Read Red Harvest?
Readers who enjoy gritty, fast-paced crime stories with complex characters and moral ambiguity will find Red Harvest by Dashiell Hammett captivating. Fans of Raymond Chandler's The Big Sleep or James M. Cain's The Postman Always Rings Twice will appreciate the novel's hard-boiled prose and relentless action.
29,813 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Dinah Brand
Dinah Brand
A resident of Personville known for her candid and mercenary nature, primarily interested in wealth. Her relationships with other characters highlight her desire for personal gain.
Elihu Willsson
Elihu Willsson
A powerful figure in Personville with significant influence due to his mining company. His past decisions have contributed to the city's corruption, and he grapples with the consequences of these actions.
Dan Rolff
Dan Rolff
A tuberculosis-afflicted man living with Dinah Brand, struggling with his affliction and unrequited feelings. His character reflects the broader themes of vulnerability and violence in Personville.
224
Novel • Fiction
Poisonville • 1920s
1929
UNSPECIFIED VENDOR
Adult
18+ years
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