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Short Stories

Cover of The Sweetwater Widow Start here

The Sweetwater Widow

Rough Cut Sweetwater Utah, 1921

There’s a hum in Sweetwater, and Sam Spade can hear it louder than the widow’s story.

Cover of Smoke Over Seattle

Smoke Over Seattle

Rough Cut Seattle, 1921

In Seattle’s haze of bootleg smoke and double-dealing, Sam Spade finds himself pulled between desire, guilt, and the hard edge of truth—and every choice cuts a little deeper than the last.

Cover of The Stockyard

The Stockyard

Rough Cut Chicago, 1921

A dead man’s notebook. A city built on corruption. One detective who won’t look away — no matter who wants him buried.

Cover of The Devil in Victoria

The Devil in Victoria

Rough Cut Victoria, 1921

In rain-drenched Victoria, the dead don’t stay quiet—and neither does Sam Spade.

Cover of Brass Badge Breakdown

Brass Badge Breakdown

Rough Cut Portland, 1922

A rookie cop is executed, the brass call it justice, and Sam Spade digs into the rot. Union fights, bootleg tunnels, and a secret squad called “The Cleaners” lead him to one hard truth: when the law kills the innocent, it’s Spade against the city.

Cover of Spade in the Dark

Spade in the Dark

Rough Cut Seattle, 1922

HOOK: To Come

What readers say

  • “Pure Hammett energy—clean, fast, and mean.”
  • “Atmosphere thick as cigarette smoke. Couldn’t put it down.”

FAQ

Do I need to read them in order?

No—each is a stand-alone case. If you want the full arc, start with the first Butte story and follow the city trail.

Are these long?

Short, sharp reads—most in the 7–12K range. Perfect for a coffee break or a late-night alibi.