Crime · Classics
The Maltese Falcon
When his partner is shot on a stakeout, San Francisco private eye Sam Spade is drawn into a hunt for a priceless black statuette. Everyone who wants it is lying to him, and he trusts none of them.
Facts last checked 2026-10-16
- First published
- 1930
- Pace
- Fast
- Length
- Short
- Pages
- 213
- Format
- Standalone
Read this if you like hard-boiled detective stories with clipped dialogue and nobody quite honest.
Skip this if you want a gentle puzzle or a detective with a warm heart.
The feel
Content warnings
Quick answers about The Maltese Falcon
- What is The Maltese Falcon about?
- When his partner is shot on a stakeout, San Francisco private eye Sam Spade is drawn into a hunt for a priceless black statuette. Everyone who wants it is lying to him, and he trusts none of them.
- Who should read The Maltese Falcon?
- Read it if you like hard-boiled detective stories with clipped dialogue and nobody quite honest. Skip it if you want a gentle puzzle or a detective with a warm heart.
- How long and how fast is The Maltese Falcon?
- It is a fast-paced, short read of about 213 pages, first published in 1930.
- Does The Maltese Falcon have content warnings?
- Content we flag: Violence, Death.
- Can I borrow The Maltese Falcon for free?
- Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends The Maltese Falcon; the borrow button above searches it for you.
- What should I read after The Maltese Falcon?
- Readers who liked it often move on to The Big Sleep, The Cuckoo's Calling, The Spy Who Came in from the Cold.
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Where to get it
| Store | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Borrow free | ||
| Libby / OverDrive | Free with a library card | Borrow free with Libby from Libby / OverDrive |
| Print, new | ||
| Amazon | Check price | Buy new from Amazon |
| Ebook | ||
| Kobo | Check price | Buy ebook from Kobo |
| Google Play Books | Check price | Buy ebook from Google Play Books |
| Audiobook | ||
| Audible | Check price | Buy audiobook from Audible |
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Because you might love it
If you loved The Maltese Falcon
-
The Big Sleep
Another landmark of 1930s American hard-boiled fiction, with a wisecracking investigator and a plot that tangles fast.
-
The Cuckoo's Calling
A modern private-detective series with a battered hero and a long, careful investigation, less cynical in tone.
-
The Spy Who Came in from the Cold
Same disillusioned worldview, moved from city streets to Cold War espionage.
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