Hardboiled noir that picks up where legendary author Dashiell Hammett left off, telling the story of iconic private eye Sam Spade and the quest for the priceless Maltese Falcon.
THE GREATEST PRIVATE EYE OF ALL TIME RETURNS TO FINISH THE JOB
Legendary mystery writer Dashiell Hammett only wrote one novel about detective Sam Spade: The Maltese Falcon, the most famous private eye story ever told. But the case was never really solved – the priceless golden, bejeweled bird that men and women had been dying to possess turned out to be a fake.
Now, Mystery Writers of America Grand Master Max Allan Collins (author of Road to Perdition) brings closure to this crime classic, reuniting all the surviving members of the original cast alongside femme fatales, crooked collectors, and greedy gangsters for one more thrilling, deadly chase through the streets, wharves, morgues, bars, and back alleys of 1920s San Francisco – and finally answers the question, Whatever became of the Maltese falcon…?
"Magnificent." New York Magazine
"Private eye Sam Spade is back, as are many of the original book’s characters, and the writing is superb—Collins perfectly captures the tone and texture of Hammett’s novel without ever sounding like he’s trying to imitate him. Essential reading for Hammett’s fans and for readers of noir mysteries." Booklist starred review
"Collins keeps the prose lean and sharp, true to Hammett’s style, and ushers the proceedings to a tidy conclusion. It’s a clever, well-executed tribute the hardboiled tradition." Publishers Weekly starred review
"Collins’ dialogue sounds pleasingly like Hammett’s; his plotting is even twistier; and if his descriptions mix Hammett’s terse, affectless minimalism with Raymond Chandler’s fondness for florid similes ... Fans convinced that nobody could possibly continue a tale that ends so definitely owe it to themselves to give Collins a try." Kirkus
“No one can twist you through a maze with as much intensity and suspense as Max Allan Collins.” Clive Cussler
“One of the new masters of the genre.” Atlanta Journal Constitution
"For hardboiled fans, I give it my highest recommendation." James Reasoner, Rough Edges
"Return of the Maltese Falcon is a work of wonder, and I enjoyed every second of it. Collins has not just inhabited Hammett’s world but breathed new life into it and made it distinctly his own in the process." BookReporter
“To quote Mr, Spade, ‘Take it and like it.’” The Hard Word
"One of the best Collins reads (and maybe the best), delivering familiar characters and clever throwbacks while adding his own subtle humor and a third act full of twists and an ending so satisfying that it could garner another Edgar Award. " –Borg.com
Hardboiled noir that picks up where legendary author Dashiell Hammett left off, telling the story of iconic private eye Sam Spade and the quest for the priceless Maltese Falcon.
THE GREATEST PRIVATE EYE OF ALL TIME RETURNS TO FINISH THE JOB
Legendary mystery writer Dashiell Hammett only wrote one novel about detective Sam Spade: The Maltese Falcon, the most famous private eye story ever told. But the case was never really solved – the priceless golden, bejeweled bird that men and women had been dying to possess turned out to be a fake.
Now, Mystery Writers of America Grand Master Max Allan Collins (author of Road to Perdition) brings closure to this crime classic, reuniting all the surviving members of the original cast alongside femme fatales, crooked collectors, and greedy gangsters for one more thrilling, deadly chase through the streets, wharves, morgues, bars, and back alleys of 1920s San Francisco – and finally answers the question, Whatever became of the Maltese falcon…?
Praise
"Magnificent." New York Magazine
"Private eye Sam Spade is back, as are many of the original book’s characters, and the writing is superb—Collins perfectly captures the tone and texture of Hammett’s novel without ever sounding like he’s trying to imitate him. Essential reading for Hammett’s fans and for readers of noir mysteries." Booklist starred review
"Collins keeps the prose lean and sharp, true to Hammett’s style, and ushers the proceedings to a tidy conclusion. It’s a clever, well-executed tribute the hardboiled tradition." Publishers Weekly starred review
"Collins’ dialogue sounds pleasingly like Hammett’s; his plotting is even twistier; and if his descriptions mix Hammett’s terse, affectless minimalism with Raymond Chandler’s fondness for florid similes ... Fans convinced that nobody could possibly continue a tale that ends so definitely owe it to themselves to give Collins a try." Kirkus
“No one can twist you through a maze with as much intensity and suspense as Max Allan Collins.” Clive Cussler
“One of the new masters of the genre.” Atlanta Journal Constitution
"For hardboiled fans, I give it my highest recommendation." James Reasoner, Rough Edges
"Return of the Maltese Falcon is a work of wonder, and I enjoyed every second of it. Collins has not just inhabited Hammett’s world but breathed new life into it and made it distinctly his own in the process." BookReporter
“To quote Mr, Spade, ‘Take it and like it.’” The Hard Word
"One of the best Collins reads (and maybe the best), delivering familiar characters and clever throwbacks while adding his own subtle humor and a third act full of twists and an ending so satisfying that it could garner another Edgar Award. " –Borg.com
