A dark novel about an ex-detective who has just married a wealthy woman, and wants to spend the rest of his life managing her money. He is dragged unwillingly into a murder, and is almost a victim himself. Lots of cocktail pouring and cigarette lighting form the background to the Thirties era. Hammett's stories can vary from lighthearted to grisly: this one is somewhere in between. If you've seen the old film, read this to see what you missed. Smartly written, with lots of great characters.

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