Reviews with content warning for Murder - The Maltese Falcon

Maltese Falcon is efficient. Hammett doesn't use three words when one will do, very little that is not explicitly necessary to the plot is described in any detail, dialogue is kept to a strict minimum until the very end, and descriptions of different characters are often repeated as though points were awarded for using the a smaller set of words. Oddly, the efficiency lends a force of personality to each character in a way more verbose descriptions did not; I found myself picturing the same word or phrase slightly differently each time due to the surrounding context, but each repetition burned the overall impression more clearly into my mind. I found the reveal at the end somewhat predictable, but my enjoyment of the climax was not lessened by it.

Content Warnings

kathrynhoss's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark mysterious 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

2.5

Read this in preparation for writing my own 1920s noir detective novel and man did it age badly. A paragon of toxic masculinity to almost the point of satire. Sam Spade's need to physically and mentally best every man he comes in contact with is almost homoerotic. Of course he also manhandles every woman he comes in contact with, leaning on them and calling them "angel" while undercutting their intelligence. I feel like I understand the mindset of creepy old men now. This is a brutal and lonely way to live.

Content Warnings

gillian_aftanas's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous dark mysterious 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

4.25

Content Warnings

greatexpectations77's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

It was fun to read an author that was at the beginning of the super jerk detective novels that predated the whole film noir genre. But whew, were women just objects that could take a few calls for you and be available for you to harass. I probably won't read this author again, but I feel like I learned where the genre came from, and that's something. I'll see the movie. Also god is this man obsessed with writing about eyes. The writing style is definitely different than expected. I like more interiority to my characters.

Content Warnings

kate_has_book_thoughts's review against another edition

Go to review page

mysterious slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

Content Warnings

rubybastille's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

As hard-boiled classics go, it’s great, but it’s excruciatingly a product of its time and packed with unlikable characters (except Effie, who deserves better). Wasn’t really my thing but might be yours.

Content Warnings

muffmacguff's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark mysterious tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

I liked this well enough! I think the movie is a lot better so it was hard to get past that. Also Hammett’s descriptions of Spade are ridiculous. I’ve never met a person with yellow-gray eyes. Also, of course, deeply homophobic.

Content Warnings

More...