It's been a while since I read the Maltese Falcon, but it's been one of my favorite books for a long time. I like the way the author leaves a lot unsaid, so you'll have to read between the lines. That explains the overt character descriptions - you need to have an explicit detailed picture of the character in your head in order to follow his/hers actions and motivations later, as they are sometimes barely hinted upon.
The Glass Key has a similar approach, but is even more detached.
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