The Glass Key
In a tense pre-election period, political fixer Madvig prefers to keep things quiet. He has politicians and officials in his pocket, but his carefully constructed world is threatened when he's framed for the murder of Senator Henry's son. Madvig must navigate a dangerous web of deceit to clear his name.
This novel features recurring characters and themes found in Dashiell Hammett's other works, but it can be read independently without needing prior knowledge of his other books.
The Glass Key has been adapted into a film twice, first in 1935 and again in 1942, with the latter starring Alan Ladd and Veronica Lake.
The Glass Key is often considered one of Hammett's most complex and cynical works, showcasing his signature hardboiled style with a particular focus on political corruption and intricate character relationships.