The Maltese Falcon

Dashiell Hammett's The Maltese Falcon is one of the defining novels of hard-boiled detective fiction, introducing the world to the unforgettable private investigator Sam Spade. First published in 1930, the novel helped shape the modern crime thriller with its sharp dialogue, morally complex characters, and relentless pace. When Spade becomes entangled in the murder of his partner, he finds himself drawn into a dangerous search for a priceless black statuette known as the Maltese Falcon. A shifting cast of criminals, fortune seekers, and double-crossing allies compete for possession of the mysterious artifact. As the stakes rise, Spade must navigate deception, greed, and betrayal while maintaining his own personal code. With its vivid portrayal of San Francisco's shadowy underworld and its unforgettable cast of characters, The Maltese Falcon established the template for the modern detective story. Hammett's lean prose and psychological realism transformed crime fiction and continue to influence the genre to this day.