Hammett’s ‘The Maltese Falcon’ coined the phrase ‘Maltese falcon’ and its usage for an object of extreme value. The classical crime thriller follows private investigator Sam Spade following the murder of his partner as he is roped into involvement covering up a series of robberies and murders for a group of thieves to acquire a small statue, the Maltese Falcon.

Unlike many other crime thrillers I have read, this one just didn’t have that lingering factor other than its insertion into English linguistics. There was no major shocking twist, I rarely was tense or curious as cues unfolded, and Sam Spade was an extremely boring protagonist as he is a largely emotionless detective with that magical ‘Sherlock Holmes’ ability to just know things without prior explanation and immense protagonist plot armour. 

The rest of the characters are much more distinct and interesting to be in the presence of, both Effie and Brigid being very dynamic, strong but also manipulative figures, however this doesn’t quite overcome the dullness of Spade. ‘The Maltese Falcon’ was far from the most engaging or gritty thrillers I have read.