This book brings Dashiell Hammett back to life. It is a rich portrayal of the man in both his roles as a writer of mysteries and a detective/Pinkerton operative who investigated and helped solve real crimes. The story takes place in the streets of San Fransisco, where Hammett plied his trade.If you have read and enjoyed Hammett's works, The Dain Curse, The Maltese Falcon, etc. you will be enthralled by Gores working Hammett's real life with this fictional story of California in the rip roaring Twenties. ( )