Overview

Set in the sunlit elegance of 1920s Hawaii, The House Without a Key introduces Charlie Chan, one of the most enduring detectives in American mystery fiction. When a wealthy patriarch is found murdered at his island estate, the investigation exposes a tangled web of family secrets, forbidden relationships, and long-buried resentments beneath the surface of paradise. As suspicion falls on both family members and outsiders, Chan's quiet intelligence and patient observation guide the case forward. Earl Derr Biggers crafts a mystery rich in atmosphere and character, balancing classic detective structure with vivid setting and steadily rising tension. Each clue brings Chan closer to the truth, revealing that even the most beautiful surroundings can conceal deadly intentions. First published in 1925, The House Without a Key launched the Charlie Chan series and helped define American Golden Age detective fiction. This Impact Books edition restores a foundational mystery for readers who enjoy traditional whodunits, memorable detectives, and richly drawn settings.

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Earl Derr Biggers (1884-1933) was an American novelist and playwright best known for creating Charlie Chan, one of the earliest recurring detectives in American popular fiction. His novels combined clever plotting, cultural contrast, and strong sense of place, shaping the development of American detective fiction during the Golden Age of mystery writing. Biggers' Charlie Chan books remain influential classics of the genre.

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