Additional Reading
If you liked The Maltese Falcon, try one of these lists,
Down the Mean Streets: Hard-boiled P.I.s
The Maltese Falcon and More: Works of Dashiell Hammett
Just the Facts, Ma'am: A True Crime Booklist
Teen Reading Lists for The Maltese Falcon
Book Discussions and
Film Screenings
The following is a list of opportunites to discuss The Maltese Falcon, by Dashiell Hammett, and other detective novels or true crime books. The book discussions are part of Irving's Big Read initiative.
Book discussions and film screenings led by local authors and experts will be offered throughout the city. For a complete calendar of events or to find out more about the program, please visit Irving’s Big Read Events website or call (972) 721-2606.
Book Discussions:
Irving's Big Read Book Discussion Blog
Irving Public Library and NeighborsGo have teamed up to offer participants a way to join in on the discussion of The Maltese Falcon online.
Midweek Mysteries, featuring William Manchee
Irving Public Library's monthly mystery book club presents the first opportunity to discuss Dashiell Hammett's The Maltese Falcon. The discussion on Oct. 1 at noon will be led by Texas mystery and suspense author, William Manchee. The program is held at Central Library, 801 W. Irving Blvd. Be the first to join in on the Big Read discussions!
Tough Guys and Deadly Dames, Pulp Fiction and Detectives of the Past
Erin Smith, author of Hard-Boiled: Working Class Readers and Pulp Magazines, will offer insight into the American detective fiction genre of the 1920s, 30s, and 40s, as well as the history of pulp magazines at the Southwest Branch, 2216 W. Shady Grove Rd., on October 4 at 3 p.m.
Tea & Talk about Hammett, featuring Dr. Joan McGettigan
Dr. Joan McGettigan, Assistant Professor of Radio-TV-Film at Texas Christian University, will moderate a lively discussion of The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett and the movie adaptations over a cup of tea on Oct. 9 at 7:30 p.m. The program is at Central Library, 801 W. Irving Blvd.
What's In Your Backpack? Teen Book Club
Valley Ranch Library, 401 Cimarron Trail, invites teens, grades 6 through 12, to discuss The Maltese Falcon and other young adult mysteries at their monthly teen book club on Oct. 10 at 4:30 p.m.
The Maltese Falcon Book Discussion @ Mustangs of Las Colinas Museum
Irving Public Library and the Mustangs of Las Colinas Museum present a book discussion on Dashiell Hammett's The Maltese Falcon and his other works on Oct. 18, 10 a.m. The event will be moderated by local author Carole Nelson Douglas, commonly known for her two series, the Irene Adler mysteries and the Midnight Louie mystery series. The Mustangs of Las Colinas Museum is located at 5205 N. O'Connor Drive, Suite 155. Participants will have a chance to visit the museum and exhibits after the discussion. Parking at Williams Square is free on Saturdays.
African American Book Circle Adult Book Club, featuring local author Frankie Bailey
Frankie Bailey, a local mystery writer, moderates Northwest Branch's adult book discussion of The Maltese Falcon and various African-American crime fiction authors on Oct. 18 at 10:30 a.m. The program is at Northwest Branch Library, 2928 N. Beltline Rd.
Book Discussion and Reception, featuring Richard Layman
Richard Layman, Dashiell Hammett expert and author of Discovering the Maltese Falcon and Sam Spade, hosts a book discussion and reception at the National Scouting Museum, 1329 W. Walnut Hill Lane, on Oct. 20 at 7 p.m. Admission into the museum is free so come early to pay tribute to the rich history of the Boy Scouts of America and explore the Norman Rockwell art gallery, hands-on learning experiences, and a historical collection that traces the Scouting movement from its beginnings. Refreshments served following the discussion.
Valley Ranch Reads, featuring Laurie Starks
Valley Ranch Reads!, an adult book discussion group, will feature The Maltese Falcon for October's selected title. The discussion will be moderated by local mystery writer, Laurie Starks at Valley Ranch Library, 401 Cimarron Trail, on Oct. 23 at 7 p.m..
Film Screenings:
Dashiell Hammett: Detective, Writer
Irving Public Library screens the PBS special "American Masters", focusing on the man and his life with interviews from scholars and biographers, readings and reenactments of scenes from the books, and newsreel clips. The program will be at Central Library, 801 W. Irving Blvd. on Oct. 7 at 7 p.m.
Mysterious Monday Morning Movies
Central Library, 801 W. Irving Blvd., screens the movie based on Dashiell Hammett's classic tale of murder in Manhattan that began one of the most successful detective series in film history on Oct. 13 at 9:30 a.m.
Thin Man Marathon & Mocktails
Enjoy all six of the movies based on Dashiell Hammett's classic tale of murder in Manhattan on the big screen over tasty mocktails. Bring your own lawn chair, blanket, and picnic basket to the Central Library on Oct. 24 from noon to 10 p.m. for hours of entertainment.
Hammett @ the Movies, Maltese Falcon Screening/Discussion
Movie presentation of classic film noir based on Dashiell Hammett’s The Maltese Falcon, starring Humphrey Bogart and Mary Astor, will be presented by Central Library, 801 W. Irving Blvd., and Valley Ranch Library, 401 Cimarron Trail, on Oct. 30 at 7 p.m.
Copies of the Book:
Multiple copies of the book and audio book will be available at all library locations. The digital audio book can be downloaded here.
The Maltese Falcon book kits, containing copies of the book, a reader's guides, and an audio guide, are available for book clubs. Register at the Central Library, 801 W. Irving Blvd., to receive a Book Gab to Go kit by October 1. Available while supplies last.
