The House Without a Key (Charlie Chan #1)

By: Earl Derr Biggers

"The House Without a Key" by Earl Derr Biggers, the inaugural installment of the Charlie Chan mysteries, takes readers on a captivating journey to 1920s Hawaii. In this immersive novel, the vivid descriptions provide a glimpse into the unique blend of cultures and the distinct social structures of the islands. The plot unfolds with the murder of a former member of Boston society who had made Hawaii home for several years. The central character is the victim's nephew, John Quincy Winterslip, a straight-laced Bostonian bond trader. His initial mission is to convince his aunt Minerva to return to Boston after an extended vacation in Hawaii. However, the allure of the islands quickly captivates him, leading to a series of unexpected events. As John Quincy becomes entangled in the investigation of his aunt's murder, he undergoes a transformation. Seduced by the enchanting Hawaiian landscape and the island's social tapestry, he meets an alluring young woman and decides to break off his engagement with his fiancée from Boston, Agatha. Throughout the narrative, readers are introduced to various levels of Hawaiian society, providing a rich exploration of cultural nuances. In collaboration with Detective Charlie Chan, John Quincy plays a crucial role in unraveling the mystery. The novel combines elements of crime-solving with a keen portrayal of Hawaiian society, offering readers a unique blend of mystery, cultural insights, and the allure of tropical settings. "The House Without a Key" stands as a testament to Earl Derr Biggers' ability to transport readers to a time and place, where the investigation of a murder intertwines with the beauty and complexity of Hawaii's social fabric. As the denouement unfolds, readers are left with a sense of both resolution and the lingering charm of the islands, making this novel a classic in the Charlie Chan mystery series.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0CVXNLS9Y
• ISBN13: 9798851556418
• Release Date: February 2024
• Publisher: Independently published
• Length: 205 Pages
• Dimensions: 9.0" x 0.5" x 6.0"