The Maltese Falcon. Book Summary

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Dashiell Hammett

What’s inside

The Maltese Falcon is a classic detective novel featuring the hard-boiled private investigator, Sam Spade, who gets entangled in a dangerous search for a priceless statuette.

You’ll Learn

  • Engagement in a tightly woven plot full of intrigue
  • Insight into the early development of the detective genre
  • Exposure to Hammett’s crisp, sparse dialogue and vivid characterizations
  • Exploration of themes such as greed, betrayal, and moral ambiguity

Key Points

  • Introduction of Sam Spade, a private detective
  • Miss Wonderly hires Spade for a seemingly simple job
  • The murder of Spade’s partner, Miles Archer
  • The elusive quest for the valuable Maltese Falcon
  • Spade’s encounters with colorful, deceptive characters
  • A web of lies, treachery, and greed unfolds
  • The moral ambiguity of the protagonist, Spade

Who’s it For

  • Mystery and detective fiction enthusiasts
  • Fans of classic literature
  • Readers interested in crime stories
  • Admirers of complex characters

About the author

Dashiell Hammett, an American author, is known for hard-boiled detective novels and creating the iconic Sam Spade.