Sign-In
Cart
The Maltese Falcon
Paperback
Mystery & ThrillerClassic Fiction
Publisher Price: $14.99
Publisher: Chewana Books
Published: Feb 6 2026
Pages: 204
Weight: 0.45
Height: 0.43 Width: 5.00 Depth: 8.00
Language: English
The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett is a landmark of hard-boiled detective fiction, set in the shadowy streets and offices of 1920s San Francisco. The novel follows private investigator Sam Spade, a cool-headed, sharp-tongued detective whose moral code is pragmatic rather than sentimental. When his partner is murdered while tailing a mysterious client, Spade is drawn into a dangerous web of lies, betrayals, and shifting alliances.
At the center of the intrigue is the legendary Maltese Falcon, a jewel-encrusted statuette rumored to be of immense value. A collection of eccentric and treacherous characters-including the alluring but deceitful Brigid O'Shaughnessy, the suave Joel Cairo, and the imposing Kasper Gutman-pursue the object with obsessive determination. Each manipulates and deceives, forcing Spade to navigate a world where trust is a liability and truth is rarely spoken outright.
The novel explores themes of greed, corruption, and personal honor, presenting a cynical view of human nature. Hammett's spare, precise prose and sharp dialogue create a tense, fast-moving narrative that emphasizes action over introspection. The Maltese Falcon remains influential for its tough realism, iconic detective hero, and its portrayal of a world where justice is imperfect, but integrity-however limited-still matters.
Quote from the book-
I hope they don't hang you, precious, by that sweet neck.
-Dashiell Hammett, The Maltese Falcon
31 different editions
Also available
Also from
Hammett, Dashiell
The Maltese Falcon - A Modern Reading Edition: Improved Typography and Layout for Comfortable Reading
Hammett, Dashiell
Paperback
The Girl With the Silver Eyes: The Complete Black Mask Cases of the Continental Op, Volume 2
Hammett, Dashiell
Paperback
The Main Death: The Complete Black Mask Cases of the Continental Op, Volume 4
Hammett, Dashiell
Paperback
The Scorched Face: The Complete Black Mask Cases of the Continental Op, Volume 3
Hammett, Dashiell
Paperback
Zigzags of Treachery: The Complete Black Mask Cases of the Continental Op, Volume 1
Hammett, Dashiell
Paperback
The Maltese Falcon: A Hardboiled Classic of Crime, Betrayal, and Obsession
Hammett, Dashiell
Hardcover
Dashiell Hammett Box Set: Complete Hardboiled Collection & Crime Novels America. Noir & Breaking Curses Vintage Books
Hammett, Dashiell
Hardcover
Also in
Classic Fiction
James Fenimore Cooper: The Leatherstocking Tales Vol. 1 (Loa #26): The Pioneers / The Last of the Mohicans / The Prairie
Cooper, James Fenimore
Hardcover
Four Comedies: The Taming of the Shrew, a Midsummer Night's Dream, the Merchant of Venice, Twelfth Night
Shakespeare, William
Paperback
Before Gatsby: The First Twenty-Six Stories
Bruccoli, Matthew J.
Baughman, Judith
Fitzgerald, F. Scott
Paperback
The Princess Bride Deluxe Limited Edition: S. Morgenstern's Classic Tale of True Love and High Adventure
Goldman, William
Paperback
The Fellowship of the Ring: Being the First Part of the Lord of the Rings
Tolkien, J. R. R.
Paperback
The Lord of the Rings Illustrated by the Author: Illustrated by J.R.R. Tolkien
Tolkien, J. R. R.
Hardcover
The Princess Bride: S. Morgenstern's Classic Tale of True Love and High Adventure
Goldman, William
Hardcover
The Pilgrim's Progress: A Readable Modern-Day Version of John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress (Revised and easy-to-read)
Vermilye, Alan
Bunyan, John
Paperback
Frankenstein, Dracula, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
Shelley, Mary
Stevenson, Robert Louis
Stoker, Bram
Paperback