Mr. Earl Derr Biggers was on vacation in 1919 in Honolulu, Hawaii (USA) and read an article in the newspaper about a chinese
detective of the Honolulu Police force. Six years later,
detective charlie Chan showed up in the author's first novel about this police detective, who became an icon of classical mystery fiction.
This particular volume contains five (5)
complete and unabridged Charlie Chan novels.
In THE HOUSE WITHOUT A KEY, one of the most prominent and richest citizens in Hawaii is found stabbed to death on his own lanai.
In THE CHINESE PARROT, Charlie is entrusted by an old friend with an incredibly valuable pearl necklace, to deliver it with the assistance of the jeweler's son, to bring them to the millionaire who wishes to buy them.
In BEHIND THE CURTAIN, a fifteen year old disappearance in India and a cold case murder in England are being investigated by Sir Bruce, a former member of Scotland Yard. Charlie is called in to solve his murder when the trail grows too hot.
In THE BLACK CAMEL, a famous Hollywood actress is found dead at her own dinner party in the garden pavilion, with there being far too many people who might wish her dead.
In KEEPER OF THE KEYS, a famous opera singer is found dead in her first ex-husband's home in Tahoe, California (USA), where all of her husbands are gathered (along with Charlie Chan) to solve another mystery.
A better mystery book would be hard to find.