Knights of the Open Palm: The Race Williams Mystery by Carroll John Daly is a groundbreaking entry in the hardboiled detective genre, introducing readers to the gritty, action-driven world of private investigator Race Williams. Set in a turbulent and corrupt cityscape, the novel explores themes of justice, loyalty, and moral complexity as Williams takes on a dangerous case involving the secretive and menacing "Knights of the Open Palm." When Race Williams is hired to investigate this shadowy organization, he uncovers a sinister plot that threatens both individuals and society at large. Known for his sharp wit, unflinching courage, and unorthodox methods, Williams dives headfirst into a labyrinth of deceit and peril. The story is packed with gunfights, close calls, and a protagonist who embodies the very essence of the lone detective archetype.