On January 24, 1925, The Saturday Evening Post began its serialization of the book that would make Earl Derr Biggers famous: The House Without a Key, the first of the Charlie Chan series. Chan, the first Chinese detective in literature, was modeled after Chang Apana, a real-life police detective in Honolulu.Behind That Curtain is the third novel in the Charlie Chan series by Earl Derr Biggers, published in 1928. The story follows the famous Chinese-American detective Charlie Chan as he tackles a complex and intriguing case that spans continents. The plot begins in San Francisco, where Sir Frederic Bruce, a retired Scotland Yard detective, is found murdered shortly after he reveals that he is close to solving a case involving a long-missing woman.As Charlie Chan investigates, he discovers that the mystery reaches far beyond San Francisco, with connections to London and India. Chan must navigate through a web of deceit, hidden identities, and international intrigue to uncover the truth. The novel is celebrated for its intricate plot, rich character development, and the seamless blending of humor and suspense. Charlie Chan's keen intellect, cultural insights, and methodical approach to solving the case make this a captivating and enjoyable read for fans of classic detective fiction.Earl Derr Biggers ultimately wrote six Charlie Chan mystery novels: The House Without A Key, The Chinese Parrot, Behind That Curtain, The Black Camel, Charlie Chan Carries On, and Keeper of the Keys. Each of these books is wonderfully told, and through the later films, radio shows, comics, and television series, Charlie Chan became an enduring popular figure.
