The Snake (Spillane novel)

The Snake (1964) is Mickey Spillane's eighth novel featuring private investigator Mike Hammer.

In a race against the clock, Hammer tries to move Velda from the location as soon as possible, only to find that she is harboring a 21-year-old runaway who is fearing for her life.

The Justice Department acts swiftly upon the testimony to round up the remaining operatives in the country, leaving Velda and Mike free and clear to return to their prior lives.

After the duo set up shop again in the Hackard Building, Hammer reconciles with his old police buddy, Pat Chambers, after he learns that Velda is still alive.

After investigating several leads on the seedier side of town, Hammer finds himself embroiled in a three-decade-old mystery, involving a botched bank robbery where 3 million dollars in cash went missing.