Red Harvest by Dashiell Hammett is a profound exploration of corruption and violence in America, published on January 1, 2003. When the last honest citizen of “Poisonville” was murdered, the Continental Op stayed to punish the guilty, even if that meant taking on an entire town. This novel, more than just a crime story, is a classic tale of vigilantism and moral complexity in the early 20th century United States. The book features 215 pages of intense narrative that delves into themes of justice, revenge, and the dark underbelly of small-town America.

Originally titled “The Cleansing of Poisonville,” this work stands as one of the greats in 20th-century literature. It is part of a larger collection of stories featuring the Continental Op, with others such as The Dain Curse. Additionally, there are 28 short stories about the Op available for further exploration.

Librarian’s note #1: This entry relates to the novel ‘Red Harvest.’ Collections and other Hammett stories can be found elsewhere on Goodreads.
Librarian’s note #2: The two serialized novels are: 1. The Cleansing of Poisonville (which later became Red Harvest), and 2. The Dain Curse.
Librarian’s note #3: There are a total of 28 Continental Op short stories plus one incomplete; they can be found by searching GR for: ‘a Continental Op Short Story.’ They are: 1. Arson Plus, 2. Crooked Souls, 3. Slippery Fingers, 4. It, 5. Bodies Piled Up, 6. The Tenth Clew, 7. Night Shots, 8. Zigzags of Treachery, 9. One Hour, 10. The House on Turk Street, 11. The Girl with the Silver Eyes, 12. Women, Politics & Murder, 13. The Golden Horseshoe, 14. Who Killed Bob Teal? 15. Mike or Alec or Rufus, 16. The Whosis Kid, 17. The Scorched Face, 18. Corkscrew, 19. Dead Yellow Women, 20. The Gutting of Couffignal, 21. Creeping Siamese, 22. The Big Knock-Over, 23. $106,000 Blood Money, 24. The Main Death, 25. This King Business, 26. Fly Paper, 27. The Farewell Murder, 28. Death and Company and, 29. Three Dimes (unfinished).

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