The Continental Detective Agency is a fictional private investigation firm featured in the works of author Dashiell Hammett. It is best known for its role in the novel "The Maltese Falcon," where it is represented as a professional and resourceful agency. The agency's detectives often tackle complex cases involving crime, deception, and intrigue. The agency is led by the character Sam Spade, a hard-boiled detective who embodies the gritty realism of the genre. The stories often highlight themes of morality, loyalty, and the pursuit of truth, reflecting the challenges faced by private investigators in a corrupt world.