2       Why does Sam Spade take the case, even though he suspects that “Miss Wonderly” is lying?

I think he takes the case because:

1.  He obviously has a problem turning down a woman.  He can't resist becoming involved with any woman who comes

     across his path.

2.  He seems to like a riddle.  Through the book he doesn't know what's going on, but he plays along until things come

     out his way.  I think he was intrigued with the possibilities of what Brigid's story really was.

Since this is the first Sam Spade novel I have read, what makes same tick is a bit unclear to me.  I agree with Chris, he certainly seems to have never seen a woman he doesn't "love."  I would like to think that he can see through all the foolishness to a problem that he really thinks he can solve. 

I wonder how many harrassment lawsuits Spade would have today if he talked to his secretary and clients like that.  Not to mention all the touching, patting, etc., etc.  Just a thought.   

I think they took the case in the beginning becuase of the money. Then after Archer was killed he had to continue to find out who killed him.

It's true Sam  had to find out who killed Archer, if only to prove it wasn't him.