
Codes
Set in the bustling telegraph hub of Los Angeles, the story follows Hugo DeMars, a smooth‑talking newcomer with a taste for fine clothes and a reputation for rapid code work. He quickly catches the eye of the seasoned typist June Harmon, who balances the demands of supporting her family with a sharp wit and a wary eye on the office's social whirl. As DeMars weaves himself into the tight‑knit crew, the rhythm of clicks and clacks becomes a backdrop for budding friendships and subtle rivalries.
Meanwhile, June’s brother Ralph, fresh from the student class, is drawn into DeMars’s circle, intrigued by the allure of the charismatic French‑styled brother’s sister, Mignonne. The trio’s interactions reveal a world where personal ambitions, whispered flirtations, and the pressure of keeping the wires humming intersect. Listeners are invited into a vivid portrait of early‑20th‑century office life, full of humor, modest romance, and the pulse of an industry that once connected a nation.
Language
en
Duration
~34 minutes (33K characters)
Release date
Nov 2, 2025
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1890–1970
A real cowboy, ranch founder, and performer, he turned life in the Southwest into songs, stories, and radio entertainment. His work helped shape the popular image of Arizona ranch life in the early 20th century.
View all booksA little-known early crime writer whose surviving work opens a lively window onto the telegraph age. Best known today for the short story collection Codes, this author wrote about fast messages, deception, and everyday working life with a clear sense of intrigue.
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