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3.62 AVERAGE
3.62 AVERAGE
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Hammett’s ‘The Maltese Falcon’ coined the phrase ‘Maltese falcon’ and its usage for an object of extreme value. The classical crime thriller follows private investigator Sam Spade following the murder of his partner as he is roped into involvement covering up a series of robberies and murders for a group of thieves to acquire a small statue, the Maltese Falcon.
Unlike many other crime thrillers I have read, this one just didn’t have that lingering factor other than its insertion into English linguistics. There was no major shocking twist, I rarely was tense or curious as cues unfolded, and Sam Spade was an extremely boring protagonist as he is a largely emotionless detective with that magical ‘Sherlock Holmes’ ability to just know things without prior explanation and immense protagonist plot armour.
The rest of the characters are much more distinct and interesting to be in the presence of, both Effie and Brigid being very dynamic, strong but also manipulative figures, however this doesn’t quite overcome the dullness of Spade. ‘The Maltese Falcon’ was far from the most engaging or gritty thrillers I have read.
okay i enjoyed this book. for how much it's praised as a hallmark of detective fiction, i can understand why, but it didn't wow me.
let's start with the good. the main character, samuel spade, is not likeable, but he's a good character, and i think he was fun to follow, because of how clever, methodical, and drily funny he is. brigid oshaughnessy is also a solid character, not as well defined, but still clever and manipulative. she just lies so much, i love it. i also liked effie perine. the plot was good, it wasn't a murder mystery, but i did want to see how the conspiracy unfolded, and it was mysterious. it was gritty and tough and i liked that, even though its different from much of what i read. i also liked the narration and writing. the city setting was good too. oh also i liked the dynamic between spade and the police.
now the bad. samuel spade is very dislikable, not a great person. idk i can't think of much bad. being written so long ago, some passages take multiple reads to fully understand. idk, it just didn't blow me away, but still a very good read. the bad guys didn't feel particularly bad, and there wasn't any emotional connection to anyone, which i think is part of why it didn't blow me away.
feels very distinctive, i've read lots of other mystery/thriller/crime books but this is unique in the grittiness. VERY STEREOTYPICAL OF THE TIME EVERYONE SMOKES AND ROLLS THEIR OWN CIGARETTES AMD WEARS HATS AND LONG COATS AND THERE ARE GANGSTERS AND EVERYONE HAS A REVOLVER which contributed to the feel and environment. also the mystery was compelling enough to keep me reading and interested, but i've read more compelling mysteries, and it wasn't a mystery that had me on the edge of my seat guessing who did it. for a classic of the genre i wanted more from the actual mystery. the conspiracy unfolding was still enough to make it a good book though, don't get me wrong. lastly - none of the twists were crazy shocking.
idk how i feel about spade turning in brigid. i get it though, it makes sense.
overall quite good. apparently genre defining for gritty detective noir, but didn't entirely blow me away.
3,5 stars.
I listened to the dramatized audio book, which was excellent!
I really enjoyed this book. I enjoyed the story, the detective mystery of it all and the main character.
The only reason I didn't give it 4 stars is because I would've liked certain details in the story to have been more resolved towards the end.
But all in all a fun little detective story.
I listened to the dramatized audio book, which was excellent!
I really enjoyed this book. I enjoyed the story, the detective mystery of it all and the main character.
The only reason I didn't give it 4 stars is because I would've liked certain details in the story to have been more resolved towards the end.
But all in all a fun little detective story.
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Moderate: Misogyny
Minor: Homophobia
mysterious
medium-paced
This book keeps you guessing from the very beginning. The plot is constantly thickening and you never know anyone’s true intentions until it’s all over. I will likely get around to reading more of Hammett’s work soon. If you’re interesting in reading a detective novel, can’t go wrong with this one.
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
mysterious
relaxing
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I’ve read a few of the big classics, and I think I’ve come to the conclusion that the noir/hardboiled genre is just not for me. Some of the witty one-liners are fun, but mostly I’m just rolling my eyes. (Or confused. Or a little skeeved out by the way even the “good guys” are handsy with women who aren’t their girlfriends.)
One thing I did like is the way the narration never dips into any character’s thoughts or feelings, even the protagonist’s. It gives an effective, grey, sort of grimy feel to the story, a lot like watching a movie.
One thing I did like is the way the narration never dips into any character’s thoughts or feelings, even the protagonist’s. It gives an effective, grey, sort of grimy feel to the story, a lot like watching a movie.
Fast paced and punchy dialog, it climaxes steadily and resolves in a flourish. Sam Spade is quintessential, fast-talking cool guy, but I didn't feel much for the orbiting characters or their mishaps.