Seven Keys to Baldpate: Mysterious Thriller in a Closed Mountain Hotel

By Earl Derr Biggers

Book Overview

In "Seven Keys to Baldpate," Earl Derr Biggers masterfully blends elements of mystery and humor within a singular narrative framework. The novel revolves around a suspenseful plot centered on a secluded hotel, where an author seeks solitude for writing but is unexpectedly drawn into a whirlwind of eccentric characters and hidden agendas. Biggers employs a witty, conversational prose style, characterized by clever dialogue and a captivating pace that keeps readers engaged. This work is particularly notable in the context of early 20th-century detective fiction, as it juxtaposes traditional whodunit elements with a satirical exploration of the genre itself, thus ushering in a new wave of mystery literature that emphasizes character development and narrative irony. Earl Derr Biggers, an American author born in 1884, found inspiration for this novel through his experiences in the theater and his fascination with the society of his time. Biggers's background as a playwright infused his writing with a theatrical sensibility, allowing him to create vividly drawn characters that resonate with readers. His prior success with the Charlie Chan series revealed his ability to address social issues through entertaining plots, paving the way for the engaging narrative style found in "Seven Keys to Baldpate." I highly recommend "Seven Keys to Baldpate" to readers who appreciate a blend of intrigue, humor, and societal commentary. Biggers's insightful exploration of human nature and relationships, packaged within a gripping mystery, promises an enthralling reading experience. This novel not only entertains but also invites readers to reflect on the nuances of trust and deception in human interactions.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 8027275512
• ISBN13: 9788027275519
• Release Date: August 2021
• Publisher: OK Publishing
• Length: 124 Pages
• Weight: 0.39 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 6.0" x 9.0"
• Age Range: 1 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 7

Customer Reviews

There are at least seven movies based on the play written by George M. Cohan.

The stories most aligned with the book have the same name. One outlier is named “House of the Long Shadows” (1938), where only the names are similar. A lightweight writer, Mr. McGee, besides that, it was time for him to write a classic novel; to write this novel, he needed to find a place for perfect solitude. That place turns out to be an inn high up on Baldpate Mountain that was closed for the winter. Little did he know that there were seven Keys to Baldpate Inn. Each key can be held by a person or persons with unique characteristics and a good reason for being there. If you can believe who they are and their reasons. Mr. McGee suspects them all of being some part of a convoluted plot that n-o-b-o-d-y will let him in on. We go along for the ride. There is no use speculating. And Mr. McKee's chivalry may be his undoing. Be sure to read the book to the last sentence. I came to this book by Earl Derr Biggers (of Charlie Chan fame) after watching the 1935 version of “Seven Keys to Baldpate” with Walter Brennan as the station master. I have several video versions of “Seven Keys to Baldpate.” I have still to see them play live; however, the movie versions were more based on the play than the book. Some of the statements were directly out of the book, but many others had that Cohan feel. Meantime the book stands alone as a great example of a 1913 Earl Derr Biggers mystery.

Charming and fun!

I have wanted to read this book ever since I saw the movie, "House of the Long Shadows" (which is based on the book). Surprisingly the book is nothing like the movie (or should that be the other way 'round?) It is a charming tale that keeps you guessing, and is an intriguing, historical look at how people spoke and acted in the early 1900s. If you haven't seen the movie, it is worth a look. It stars four actors from the early horror genre: Christopher Lee, Peter Cushing, Vincent Price, and John Carradine. It also stars Desi Arnaz, Jr. It's a funny, creepy-old-house movie with some knuckle-biting scenes. It is set in Wales, so the name of the manor house is changed from "Baldpate" to "Bllyddrpaetwr" or some such spelling! I really enjoyed reading this book - just be prepared to overlook all the typos.

Fun, rapid-paced entertainment from yesteryear

Published in 1913, Earl Derr Biggers' novel is a fun and rapid-paced read for fans of classic mystery fiction. The protagonist is a popular writer of the day who comes to a vacant mountain resort ('Baldpate') in winter, seeking solitude for writing a serious novel. Soon six more visitors arrive, not revealing their true identity or explaining why they have come. The tale becomes a mystery of who has the hidden package, what are people's motivations, and what will the outcome be of the protagonist's love for a beautiful mystery woman. If you believe quality detective fiction emerged in 1980, avoid this volume. You should note that this book was written seven years before passage of the 19th amendment giving women the right to vote, and stereotypical notions of how women should 'surrender' to men are present. Still, the book has elements not unlike those of Agatha Christie's writing...or perhaps Christie on testosterone: an isolated environment, interesting plot twists, plenty of action, and the guy and gal happily uniting in the end. The dialog and action are more light-hearted than hard-boiled. The energy, good-cheer, and rapid-pacing of the story will captivate most readers. This is a fun return to the days of yesteryear.