Reviews

The Dain Curse by Dashiell Hammett

peebee's review against another edition

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3.0

First ever bootleg book I've read. Apparently the Russian publishing company photocopied the pages and worked from that, because there aren't any misspellings, but the typesetting is off in an indescribable way. Viva la bookswaps!

captlychee's review against another edition

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3.0

It's too easy to guess who the killer is, and once you do that the story drags a bit, but it's good to know where the style originated. Hammett is a good transition between older, more mannered detective stories and [author:Raymond Chandler|1377].

Plus, since Hammett actually was a privte eye, there is some added credibility to what happens.

Read this, and then settle back with [book:The Big Sleep and Other Novels|105711]

lynecia's review against another edition

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3.0

Goodreads Project #2: I never put much stock in "mystery" novels 'til I discovered noir and Hammett--by then end of this book I'll be talkin' like Bogart in "...Falcon" (LOL)

ponythief's review against another edition

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dark mysterious medium-paced

4.0

emceeawkward's review against another edition

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mysterious tense medium-paced

3.5

mcf's review against another edition

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4.0

I'm just really glad I accidentally discovered that I'm over my previous dislike of Hammett. So much goodness to reread!

lleullawgyffes's review against another edition

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dark lighthearted mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

lporto's review against another edition

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2.0

This was one that I had to admit was a did not finish. Even setting aside our modern view I could not get past the "mulatto girl" wording and attitude. I really wanted to like this book.

gsatori's review against another edition

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2.0

This is a pulp novel at its heart. Horribly constructed with absurd situations and a convoluted plot, the book works best when it is all about the action.

I have read Hammett and this is not a good example of the author.

virtualreba's review

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4.0

Weird but but fun. A page turner. Very 30s detective noir.