Continental Op Stories · Chapter
Women, Politics & Murder explained
The Continental Op interviews Mrs.
What happens
The Continental Op interviews Mrs. Gilmore, the widow of a murdered building contractor, who suspects her husband's mistress Cara Kenbrook of the killing. After visiting the crime scene, the Op returns to find the maid offers to sell information about the murder. The maid reveals that Mrs. Gilmore followed her husband the night he was killed. Later, the Op confronts Cara Kenbrook and Stanley Tennant, who frame the Op for assaulting Cara.
Themes in this chapter
Crime and Detection
The Op investigates Bernard Gilmore's murder, gathering clues and interviewing suspects.
Corruption and Morality
Stanley Tennant's corrupt role in city contracts and the framing of the Op highlight moral decay in politics.
Deception and Identity
Mrs. Gilmore withholds information about Cara Kenbrook; Cara initially lies about her knowledge; Tennant stages a false assault.
Characters to notice
- The Continental Op
Interviews Mrs. Gilmore and later Cara Kenbrook; deduces the truth about the murder.
- Mrs. Gilmore
Hysterical widow who suspects Cara Kenbrook of killing her husband Bernard Gilmore.
- Cara Kenbrook
Maid and mistress of Bernard Gilmore; initially withholds information, later reveals Mrs. Gilmore followed her husband.
- Bernard Gilmore
Murdered building contractor involved in city contracts and politics.
- Stanley Gorham
Assistant city engineer with a corrupt reputation; frames the Op for assaulting Cara.
- Detective Sergeant O'Gar
Mentioned as having described the crime scene.
Key passages
“I want you to find my husband’s murderer.”
Mrs. Gilmore hires the Continental Op to solve her husband's murder.
Opening of the investigation.
“Suppose I knew who killed the boss? What would that be worth?”
Cara Kenbrook offers to sell information about the murder.
Cara's attempt to profit from her knowledge.
“He did that, Cara.”
Tennant instructs Cara to claim the Op assaulted her.
Tennant frames the Op by tearing Cara's clothes and hitting her.