# Arson Plus explained — Continental Op Stories

> Chapter companion for Continental Op Stories by Dashiell Hammett.

## What happens

The Continental Op investigates a suspicious house fire that killed Thornburgh, uncovering evidence that the fire was deliberately set with gasoline. Through interviews and detective work, he discovers that the supposed victim Thornburgh is actually alive and conspired with the Coonses to fake his death for insurance fraud.

## Themes in this chapter

### Crime and Detection

The Op methodically investigates the arson, using interviews and evidence to solve the case.

### Deception and Identity

Thornburgh fakes his own death and assumes a false identity, while the Coonses play roles as servants.

## Character check-ins

### The Continental Op

Investigates the arson and uncovers the conspiracy.

### Jacob Ledwich

Referred to as McClump, the deputy sheriff assisting the Op.

### Mr. Tennant

Mentioned as the man who sold Thornburgh the house.

## Key lines

> Fifteen cents straight," he said. "You must want me to break a couple of laws for you this time.

Sheriff Tarr jokes that the Op must need illegal help since he offered an expensive cigar.

_Shows the familiar, cynical relationship between the Op and the sheriff._

> The company that insured Thornburgh's house thinks somebody touched it off.

The insurance company suspects arson.

_Sets up the central mystery of the chapter._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/continental_op_stories_se/chapters/arson-plus
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/continental_op_stories_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/continental_op_stories_se/chapters