Charlie Chan Carries On

By: Earl Derr Biggers

Narrated by: James Langton

Inspector Duff works with the Scotland Yard. He is called in to investigate a mysterious murder that occurred at a famous local London hotel. A deaf old man, traveling on pleasure trip from America with his daughter and granddaughter, has been murdered during the night. At first, the investigation seems to be pointing towards Doctor Lofton, the leader of the tour group, as the culprit. Much to the chagrin of the other travelers in the group, they are all subjected to questioning and investigation by Inspector Duff. A few look good for the murder - an infamous Chicago gangster, an exceedingly nervous man, a few people in the wrong place at the time of the murder.

Without evidence, Duff is unable to detain the group from continuing on with their tour. He finds himself wishing for the assistance of his old friend, Charlie Chan, who now resides in Hawaii. The plot thickens when one of the suspects is found dead at a farther stop on the trip. Duff finds himself traveling to investigate the new murder, quickly followed by another murder. Duff plans to meet with the group again when they arrive in Hawaii - hoping to get the help of Charlie Chan as well. When they arrive in Hawaii, Charlie Chan not only helps; he finds himself taking over the investigation.

Earl Derr Biggers (1884-1933) was an American author, most famous for his mystery novels concerning the Chinese American detective, Charlie Chan. Several of his works were turned into movies during his career. Although fearful that he would never be able to break from his Charlie Chan-mold, Biggers continued writing the mysteries due to their popularity and his attachment to the character. Said Biggers, "Yet here I am, and with me Charlie Chan. Thank heaven he is amiable, philosophical - a good companion. For I know now that he and I must travel the rest of the journey together."

Public Domain (P)2013 Enunciation LLC

Too Bad This Is the Only Good Chan Recording

All the others sound as if they were performed in a very large tin can. This one -- the fifth in the series -- is crisp, clean and James Langton turns in a very creditable performance. Of course,, he has a great script to work with. The mystery is engaging and the personnel of the package tour around which that mystery revolves are all well crafted characters.

When I was young I was told that Charlie Chan was just another racist stereotype best avoided. And so, for some 40 years, I have. Imagine my surprise to discover that Charlie is not only highly regarded at Scotland Yard, but by every other character -- including the criminal he eventually catches. Inspector Duff even rebukes a subordinate for casting a slight aspersion on Inspector Chan.

A very good entry in the Charlie Chan series

It was hard for me to not mentally compare the cinema version of this book "Charlie Chan's Murder Cruise" when I listened to the audiobook. For those, like me, who only knew the movie version, they will be pleasantly surprised at how faithful the movie was to the original story. The book, aside from the film, is a very good volume in the Chan library. The narration is top-shelf. I am happy to recommend it.

Variety of characters in tricky story

I liked the enactment of the various interesting characters. And the Humble Straight Values & Chinese sayings

So good I stayed up to listen it's entirety!

A new mystery for me. Couldn't stop to even sleep. A suspenseful who done it!

Charlie Chan carries on

good story but Charlie Chan doesn't show up until chapter 13. show be titled waiting for Charlie.