Hooded Detective, Volume III No. 2, January, 1942

In this pulsing opening installment, the enigmatic anti‑hero known only as the Black Hood finds himself framed for robbery and murder by the ruthless underworld ruler called the Eye. Hunted by police and spurned by the woman he loves, Barbara Sutton, he must navigate a maze of steam‑filled corridors and deadly traps to clear his name. The first act crackles with tense confrontations, storm‑laden atmosphere, and a relentless race against time.

The volume also bundles six fast‑paced short stories that span gritty capers, twisted murders, and hard‑boiled detective work, each delivering its own shock and surprise. From a gun‑crazed hitman’s fatal “Whisper” showdown to a dead man’s impossible autopsy, the tales showcase ruthless characters and clever twists without ever lingering beyond the initial setup. Two true‑crime pieces round out the collection, offering concise, factual investigations that contrast with the fiction’s heightened drama.