Dashiell Hammett’s The Maltese Falcon (1930) is a seminal work in detective fiction, marking the debut of the iconic hard-boiled detective Sam Spade. Serialized in Black Mask magazine, this novel is renowned for its intricate plot and Spade's cool detachment. The story unfolds as Spade investigates the murder of his partner, entangled in a convoluted case involving a valuable falcon statuette. Spade’s quest for truth leads him through a web of deception, involving a mysterious femme fatale, a corrupt police force, and a deadly criminal gang. As Spade navigates these dangers, he remains steadfast in his moral code, ultimately exposing the deception and ensuring justice.
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