I too like the vintage feel of the book and the dusty look of the cover. I am about half through the book and have to admit like Gilberts Girl - I also skipped some passages. But I am sure our fearless leaders ffd and Liz will make these passages interesting to us. Looking forward to Monday!!

Thanks for the heads-up but I preordered my copy of House of Earth from Amazon and should be receiving it next week. Growing up in the midwest, I am looking forward to the tidbits and discussions.

Congratulations Fireflydances!!! Have enjoyed your input and ideas during the discussions. Now you are "official" - will look forward to many many more.

I know I am coming into this late (as I usually am) but wanted to add my "Thank you DITHOT" for all your research, leadership and additions to the discussions. When I first found ONBC you were so kind and encourging to me. Thanks again and don't go too far!!!!

Happy Birthday ONBC!!! What a wonderful place that Liz and DITHOT has made for us. It has made my reading much more meaningful!! Thanks for all the many hours you dedicate to ONBC!!! Here is to another 10!!

Thanks to Liz and DITHOT for another great job of leading us through this adventure. Enjoyed the book and the discussions. See you in Collinwood

This is a "tuffy" - once again proves why my profession is not a casting director!!

Of course - it is a great story with an interesting storyline. It can be very serious with the crimes and murders and at the same time be humorus. Johnny seems to appreciate clever and good writing. And the 30's were a very complex and interesting period. Look how Johnny submerged himself in the Dil...

During this time period - people were tired of being depressed about life's struggles and the movies helped to lift their spirits - if even for a short while. I know some movies try to give a moral or deep meaning to the viewers - but sometimes we just need to relax and laugh and enjoy.

Oh I so hope they keep the setting in the 30's. The feel of the time adds so much to the characters and dialog. But of course, Johnny can always add a new twist to most anything and not loose the original meaning.

The Thin Man was my first read by Hammett - but just finished The Maltese Falcon. To me the Thin Man was lighter and with more humor because of Nick and Nora being so likeable. Sam Spade in the Maltese Falcon was a rougher sort of character -(ala Spandau) except Spade was a ladies man compaired to S...

I enjoyed the book so very much - but must confess that the movie made it so much easier to follow all the characters. The banter between Nick and Nora was so much fun both in the book and in the movie. Agree - the casting was great.

Yes I was confused -(nothing new about that when it comes to reading mysteries ) I also thought The Thin Man was Nick Charles. Thanks for clearing that up with our tidbits!!

For me the clues were very confusing - but isn't that the purpose of a good mystery? But I did figure it out just before it was revealed.

I too was reminded of the Daniel Depp style of writing (minus the @#!! language ). The difference is that Hammett's main charators seemed much happier in their lives. The light-heartedness of some of the conversations brought alot of humor to the story.