and i call myself a detective novel/mystery enthusiast

i realized just this week, while perusing the aisles of the local library, that i have never read "the maltese falcon." did you read that correctly? I HAVE NEVER READ "THE MALTESE FALCON." heralded as "not only probably the best detective story [the times literary supplement has] ever read, it is an exceedingly well written novel." and i've never read it. i feel ashamed, embarrassed even. so, i am rectifying this minor indiscretion. i picked it up, checked it out and am currently in chapter 6. may the detective novel/mystery gods have mercy on my soul.