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waytoomanybooks's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
funny
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I really enjoyed this book! And the movie starring William Powell and Myrna Loy is delightful. The dialogue is snappy, and the characters are just that: characters. It's fun, it's fresh, and it's fast-paced.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcohol, Sexism, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Police brutality, Death, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, and Gun violence
Minor: Racial slurs and Racism
zosiablue's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
I read this because the dog in the book has been a NY Times crossword clue so often that I had to get to the source. This is my first Dashiell Hammett and it was extremely charming and light and witty. The murder mystery was breezy, the alcohol flowing, and the flirty-nearly-filthy exchanges like a satire of the '30s (this was written in the '30s). It was a little too straight detective story for me, but I did love the banter and younger me who worshipped that whole flippant martini vibe would've eaten this up.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Murder
Moderate: Racism, Injury/Injury detail, Alcohol, and Alcoholism
Minor: Child abuse
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