Dashiell Hammett

Possibly the first (and definitely one of the best) of the "hardboiled" mystery writers, Dashiell Hammett's spare, sharp prose can be found in the gloriously atmospheric The Maltese Falcon and giddily charming The Thin Man. Hammett's novels (and their film adaptations) have become archetypes of detective fiction, and are required reading for any mystery fan or film student.

Note: Hammett worked as a Pinkerton detective.

Note #2: Hammett lived with novelist Lillian Hellman for decades. She is said to have inspired the character of Nora Charles in The Thin Man, which was dedicated to her.

Aftertaste:
None.

Availability:
Everywhere.

Other Recommendations:
Anything by Josephine Tey

The mysteries of Georgette Heyer

Anything by Raymond Chandler