"The Maltese Falcon" by Dashiell Hammett

A large black bird landed near me as I finished "The Maltese Falcon." No encrusted jewels on it, but it tasted good over the barbecue. Hard to believe this novel is 78-years-old. It holds up well, but I must admit that I think this is the rare book that the movie improved upon. Bogie is a much more agreeable Sam Spade and a few extra twists, scenes, and people that slow up the pace are left out in the movie. What is it we were taught? Combine characters when possible. The movie ending surpasses the book, especially the last words, which are not in the book but sums up the story so well. Stars sprinkled on the book (4.5) and movie (5).

Though Bogie is the iconic Sam Spade, there were three movie versions made.