The Maltese Falcon

by Dashiell Hammett
The Maltese Falcon cover
Good Books rating 4.49
Crime, Mystery, Thriller/Suspense
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Waterstones
Paperback • £10.99 Hardback • £12.99
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 8872
  • Added: 2025-12-22
  • Updated: 2026-01-28
  • Publisher: DigiCat
  • Published: 2022-08-10
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 4

Dashiell Hammett's "The Maltese Falcon" is a gripping tale set in the gritty urban landscape of 1920s San Francisco. Private detective Sam Spade finds himself entangled in a labyrinth of deceit and betrayal surrounding the fabled Maltese Falcon, a priceless artifact that ignites obsession and moral ambiguity. Hammett's sharp prose and realistic dialogue create an atmospheric tension that propels the narrative forward, reflecting the stark realities of crime and corruption. Hammett, a former detective agency operative, drew from his own experiences to craft this groundbreaking novel. His transition from law enforcement to writing was influenced by the rise of American realist literature and crime fiction during the 1920s. The novel's intricate plot and morally ambiguous characters invite readers to explore the depths of human desire and the darkness beneath the surface, making it a timeless classic in the genre.

Reviews
Creature from the Book Lagoon · 2020-12-28
great 4.50

The Maltese Falcon is a quintessential private eye story with a classic plot and engaging characters. The book is a joy to read and a must for fans of the genre.

This review celebrates The Maltese Falcon as a quintessential private eye story, praising its classic plot and engaging characters. The reviewer had an absolute blast reading the book, highlighting its enjoyment factor and the quality of its writing. They also note the book's significance in the development of the detective genre, making it a timeless classic.

Quick quotes

    I am SO happy I finally read this book. It was easy to see why this is a classic and quintessential private eye story.

    The Maltese Falcon is a joy to read, with a classic plot and engaging characters.

    The book is a must for fans of the genre, offering a timeless and enjoyable reading experience.

Wayfaring Flaneur · 2020-10-29
excellent 4.50

The Maltese Falcon is a classic hard-boiled detective story with a gripping narrative and memorable characters. The writing style is sharp and the plot is engaging, making it a must-read for fans of the genre.

This review highlights the enduring appeal of The Maltese Falcon, praising its hard-boiled detective narrative and memorable characters. The reviewer appreciates the sharp writing style and engaging plot, which make it a standout in the genre. They also note the influence of the book on subsequent detective fiction, cementing its status as a classic.

Quick quotes

    The Maltese Falcon is a masterclass in hard-boiled detective fiction.

    Dashiell Hammett's writing is sharp and unrelenting, drawing the reader in from the first page.

    The characters are memorable and the plot is engaging, making it a must-read for fans of the genre.

The Guardian · Robert McCrum · 2014-09-29
brilliant 4.75

The Maltese Falcon is a seminal work in crime fiction, influencing generations of writers. Its hard-boiled hero, Sam Spade, is a character of enduring appeal.

Robert McCrum discusses the profound impact of The Maltese Falcon on crime fiction, highlighting its influence on writers like Raymond Chandler and John le Carré. The reviewer praises the novel's hard-boiled hero, Sam Spade, and its enduring appeal. They also note the book's significance in the development of the detective genre, making it a timeless classic.

Quick quotes

    Dashiell Hammett's crime thriller and its hard-boiled hero Sam Spade influenced everyone from Chandler to Le Carré.

    The Maltese Falcon is a seminal work in crime fiction.

    Sam Spade is a character of enduring appeal, embodying the hard-boiled detective archetype.

Christina Wehner · Christina Wehner · 2014-07-18
Memorable 4.20

The book is noted for its colorful cast of characters even more than its story. The reviewer appreciates the rich character development and the novel's enduring appeal.

Christina Wehner's review focuses on the novel's memorable characters, which she finds even more compelling than the story itself. She praises Hammett's ability to create a diverse and intriguing cast, each with their own motivations and backstories. Wehner also notes the novel's enduring appeal, both in literature and film, and how it has stood the test of time. She appreciates the way Hammett's writing style and character development have influenced subsequent works in the genre.

Quick quotes

    The book is noted for its colorful cast of characters even more than its story.

    It's the same with the movie. And they did it with the same characters.

    The Maltese Falcon is a classic that has stood the test of time.

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