50 pages 1 hour read

Dashiell Hammett

The Maltese Falcon

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1930

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Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Dashiell Hammett’s The Maltese Falcon is broadly celebrated for its intricate plot and sharp dialogue, solidifying its place as a cornerstone of the noir genre. Critics praise its compelling protagonist, Sam Spade, and the atmospheric depiction of 1920s San Francisco. However, some find the reliance on stereotypes dated and the narrative’s complexity occasionally overwhelming.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Maltese Falcon?

A reader who would enjoy The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett appreciates hard-boiled detective fiction, intricate plot twists, and morally complex characters. Fans of Raymond Chandler's The Big Sleep or Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes series may also find this novel compelling for its gritty atmosphere and sharp dialogue.

Recommended

Reading Age

16+years

Lexile Level

760L

Book Details

Genre
Mystery / Crime Fiction
Horror / Thriller / Suspense Fiction
Period
Roaring Twenties
Great Depression
Themes
Emotions/Behavior: Conflict
Emotions/Behavior: Courage
Emotions/Behavior: Apathy