Dashiell Hammett

Dashiell Hammett was an American author of hard-boiled detective novels and short stories. He is best known for creating the character Sam Spade in 'The Maltese Falcon' and Nick and Nora Charles in 'The Thin Man' series. His work is acclaimed for its realism and for helping to establish the noir genre. Hammett drew upon his own experiences as a private detective to lend authenticity to his stories.

Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. The Maltese Falcon

    Cover of 'The Maltese Falcon' by Dashiell Hammett

    This classic detective novel follows a private investigator who is hired by a mysterious woman to track down her missing sister. The case quickly becomes complicated when the investigator is caught up in a dangerous hunt for a priceless artifact, the Maltese Falcon. As he navigates a world of treachery, deceit, and murder, he must use his wit and courage to outsmart his enemies and solve the mystery.

  2. 2. Red Harvest

    Cover of 'Red Harvest' by Dashiell Hammett

    In this hard-boiled detective novel, a private investigator is hired by a newspaper publisher in a corrupt western town to uncover the truth behind the murder of a local worker. As he delves deeper into the investigation, he finds himself embroiled in a chaotic war between rival gangs, corrupt police, and greedy industrialists. The detective uses his cunning and manipulation to turn these factions against each other, leading to a bloody and violent resolution.

  3. 3. The Thin Man

    Cover of 'The Thin Man' by Dashiell Hammett

    This detective novel follows a retired private investigator, Nick Charles, who, while on a Christmas vacation in New York with his wife Nora, becomes embroiled in a murder investigation. The case involves a former client of his, Clyde Wynant, who has mysteriously disappeared after his secretary was found dead. As the investigation unfolds, Nick and Nora navigate a complex web of deceit, lies, and family drama, all while maintaining their witty banter and high-society lifestyle.

  4. 4. The Glass Key

    Cover of 'The Glass Key' by Dashiell Hammett

    The novel centers around a savvy political fixer who finds himself embroiled in a complex web of betrayal, corruption, and murder. As he navigates the gritty underworld of a corrupt city, he must use his wits and toughness to protect his boss's political interests, solve a friend's murder, and untangle his own complicated love affair. The story is a classic example of hard-boiled crime fiction, showcasing a world where loyalty is scarce and everyone has an angle to play.

  5. 5. The Continental Op

    Cover of 'The Continental Op' by Dashiell Hammett

    "The Continental Op" is a collection of detective stories centered around an unnamed operative working for the Continental Detective Agency. The operative, known as the Continental Op, is a hardened professional who solves cases using his wits, experience, and an occasional willingness to bend the rules. The stories, set in various locations around the United States, weave together elements of mystery, crime, and noir, highlighting the gritty underbelly of society during the Prohibition era.