http://www.powells.com/biblio/17-9780679722649-4: I never knew this was the story that introduced Sam Spade and that it is set in San Francisco! The story starts out with the death of Spade's partner, Miles Archer. As the cops attempt to find the murderer, Spade sets out to solve his own mystery of the "black bird." If it weren't for the literary significance of this book - as one of the first in the "hard-boiled" detective genre - I don't think I would have particularly enjoyed the story. There are some memorable characters (the "fat man" for one), but Spade is not a likeable character, and the femme fatale of the book, Brigid O’Shaughnessy, is incredibly annoying with her constant lying and whining. The story moves slowly, and then unfolds quickly as characters explain everything that has happened, tying loose ends a little too conveniently. But, it was a fun read - and the copy I borrowed from the library had photographs of the city taken in 1928 - of all the places mentioned in the story. So, it was fun to see old time San Francisco and picture Spade setting up meetings at the St. Francis, taking cabs to the Ferry Building, and otherwise traipsing around town in search of the elusive falcon.
(* - listed in 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die)
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