The Maltese Falcon (novel)

*The Maltese Falcon* is a classic detective novel by Dashiell Hammett, featuring private investigator Sam Spade. When a mysterious woman named Miss Wonderly hires him, Spade becomes embroiled in a dangerous hunt for a priceless, antique falcon statue said to bring great fortune. As lies, betrayal, and violence unfold, Spade navigates treacherous relationships with ruthless criminals and deception. The novel explores themes of greed, trust, and moral ambiguity, ultimately revealing how characters pursue their self-interest amid a web of deception. It’s regarded as a landmark work in hard-boiled detective fiction.