50 pages • 1 hour read
Dashiell HammettThe Maltese Falcon
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1930A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett follows private detective Sam Spade as he investigates the murder of his partner, Miles Archer, while becoming entangled in a web of lies, deceit, and double-crossing centered around a mysterious and allegedly valuable falcon statuette. The novel includes instances of violence, murder, and biased depictions of various groups.
Reviews & Readership
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 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.
RecommendedReading Age
16+yearsLexile Level
760LBook Details
Mystery / Crime Fiction
Classic Fiction
Horror / Thriller / Suspense Fiction
Roaring Twenties
Great Depression
Emotions/Behavior: Conflict
Emotions/Behavior: Courage
Emotions/Behavior: Apathy