My vacation reading consisted of a triple header of Dashiell Hammett detective novels - The Maltese Falcon, The Thin Man, and Red Harvest. Collectively - fabulously, fluffy holiday reads. A eyeful of delightful 30’s slang.

The Maltese Falcon

Meet Sam Spade. An iconic detective; catalyst for all sleuth stereotypes for decades to come. In fact, the whole novel seems to be the catalyst for flatfoot fiction novel stereotypes. Sam Spade is everything a detective of this era is supposed to be - sexist, sarcastic, and smart. It was delightful to read this book if only because it was like witnessing the genesis of almost every old time radio detective show ever recorded.

The actual plot line was a bit weak and rather predictable. I think this may be the case with most detective novels of the era, however. It was the character development and discourse among the characters that made this novel worth it. And for what it’s worth, Sam Spade’s supposed to be blonde so get those images of Humphrey Bogart out of your head before reading this.

The Thin Man

Almost equally as famous to Sam Spade in the world of fiction detectives, are Nick and Nora Charles. Hammett again shows his remarkable aptitude toward character development and delightful repartee. Nick Charles is a boozy, surly ex-detective dragged back into the realm of gumshoeing reluctantly. Like all good novels of the sort, he solves the crime, but does so in a really pissed off, stubborn sort of way. Nick’s hard edge is complimented by his socialite wife, Nora Charles. She certainly isn’t any softer than Nick. In fact, for a female character in this era in this kind of novel, she is rather unique. She is strong, unyielding, and takes no-nonsense from her hard-headed husband. Nora is an absolute delight and the interplay between her and Nick kicks a typical detective story up a few notches.

As part of the character development, Hammett made the Charleses complete booze hounds. A number of mornings for Nick and Nora had them drinking their breakfast. They continued this way throughout their day. And they weren’t just drinking the low alcohol content beer and wine. Oh no, they were professionals all the way - mixed cocktails morning noon and night. All this despite - or more so in spite of - the time frame of the story being set during the Prohibition.

Nick: “…I want a drink, please…”
Nora: “Why don’t you have some breakfast first…”
Nick: “…It’s too early for breakfast.”

Red Harvest

The least famous of these three novels, Red Harvest, was probably my favorite. While I ate up the incredible characters of the first two books, this book not only had the character development, but also had a great story line. I am really surprised to learn that this was never made into a movie. It would make an awesome story, even if it were modernized. It was only part detective novel, and also part gang war with the usual companion of official corruption. Funny thing is - the reader is never told the lead detective’s name. Quite a clever little addition not thrown in by Hammett. The title is misleading - it has nothing to do with Communism.

All three books were chock full of 30’s slang, which I think is the bee’s knees. Phrases like ‘dodging a rumpus’ ‘crack the hoosegow’ and ‘this is the bunk’ made all of these novels the cat’s meow. Made me think of Cyan - she’ll know why.

I’ve had my fill of detective novels for awhile and will be moving onto something else soon enough. I just don’t know what. Any recommendations, beachcombers?