Robert M. (shotokanchef) reviewed on 3/13/2009 + 813 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 2

These stories (not necessarily all detective types) are taken from Hammetts early years as a writer. All were originally published in periodicals between 1922 and 1941. Some are a mere paragraph (The Parthian Shot); others are typical short story length (Laughing Masks). Surrounding these is a biographical sketch of Hammett at each stage in the development of his art. Each story is also accompanied by notes and commentary about the story and the development of his style. After reading these stories one should go back and reread his major works: in particular The Thin Man and The Maltese Falcon.

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