• The House Without a Key

  • A Charlie Chan Mystery
  • By: Earl Derr Biggers
  • Narrated by: John Rayburn
  • Length: 9 hrs and 20 mins
  • 3.8 out of 5 stars (12 ratings)

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The House Without a Key

By: Earl Derr Biggers
Narrated by: John Rayburn
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Publisher's Summary

The sublime beauty of Hawaii nearly a century ago is captured in this first book featuring the fictional Honolulu police detective, Charlie Chan. Author Biggers was staying at a hotel on Waikiki Beach in the 1920s when he was inspired to write the book. The Chan role at first was relatively minor, and he didn’t say anything until several chapters had gone by. However, the concept caught on when the literary public wanted more of him. That prompted five subsequent books as the character became more prominent. 

Altogether, Chan developed into a personality that fascinated mystery fans of all eras. In addition to the print episodes, more than four dozen successful movies eventually followed in the 1930s and 1940s. The overall idea is a pleasure to hear, as we invite you now to listen to this novel that established a completely new pattern for mysteries.

Public Domain (P)2021 by John D. Rayburn

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WONderful Narration by John Rayburn

Many decades ago I enjoyed Charlie Chan books and movies. I am stunned to recognize the cruel casual racism in the stories which only Trump red hats would tolerate today. I am ashamed and saddened to admit that I did not even NOTICE the racist depictions of Asians, Native Hawaiians, and Mexicans in Earl Der Biggers’ novels back in the mid 20th century when I was introduced to these stories.

1 person found this helpful