Sam Spade doesn’t need to go looking for trouble, trouble finds him. I found an interesting old hardbound version of this novel at a used bookstore and I couldn’t resist it. Dashiell Hammett wrote this story originally as a serial in the magazine Black Mask. It was eventually published as a novel in 1930. Dashiell Hammett was a major influence on the establishment of ‘hard-boiled’ detective fiction and through film adaptations of his stories – film-noir. Humphrey Bogart played Sam Spade in the most famous adaptation of The Maltese Falcon in 1941. I had seen the film long ago and I remember enjoying it, but to be honest, I couldn’t remember the plot. I really enjoyed the read, as it’s as pure a ‘film-noir’ hard-boiled detective story as you get -- brimmed hats, cigarettes, guns, and even opening with a femme fatale walking into the detective agency as the opening scene. If you don't think it's culturally relevant, just know that the prop statue from the 1941 film sold for $4 Million in 2013!

Hammett writes well – narration is largely just descriptions. He keeps things simple, but occasionally slips in clever little phrases, such as:

“Spade put the cigarette in his mouth, set fire to it, and laughed smoke out.”
“She frowned at her knees.”
“She squirmed on her end of the settee and her eyes wavered between heavy lashes, as if trying and failing to free their glaze from his.”

For the most part, he just lets the story playout through the dialog and action of the characters. Without any insight into their thoughts or motivation through narration, we still get very distinct and rich characters. Spade is determined, cold, and highly observant. The feme fatale is devious, manipulative and unreliable, but still somehow alluring and enchanting. That Hammett can create such distinctive characters through dialog and action is the sign of a great storyteller. I flew through this story.

A classic hard-boiled detective novel that stands the test of time with excellent writing, strong characters, and an often-copied, but certainly entertaining plot.300 s Zain1,571 187

Okay...DidnÂ’t Finish!

I just couldnÂ’t take anymore of this story. Listen, I know writing styles have changed as well as people. I love history and things that are historical. I love reading things from the past.

I donÂ’t expect the same kinds of perceptions, and values or whatnot, but I also donÂ’t have to it.

IÂ’ve read and enjoyed books from the past that deal with bigotry and chauvinism and misogyny and class prejudices and racism, but somehow, l was able to read and enjoy those books.

This book just rubbed me the wrong way. It started when the protagonist talked bad about Archer, his dead partner. And all the time is committing adultery with his wife.

Then, when he decides he no longer wants a relationship with her, he ducks out on her, and refuses to take her calls. Then, when she catches up to him, he pretends that he cares about her and has feelings for her.

This man is no hero! There is nothing good about his relationship with women. I didnÂ’t read the whole book (l barely got halfway), so I donÂ’t know how much better he treats Miss OÂ’ Shaughnessy at the ending of the book. Based upon the author, probably not much better.

Because I disd the “hero” so much, I just couldn’t get into the story. I’m sorry, but I just don’t feel he has any redeeming qualities.

A reluctant one star. Reluctant, because l wanted to give it zero stars.
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