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Charlie Chan #3
Behind That Curtain
The third novel in the Charlie Chan series.set almost exclusively in California (as opposed to Chan's native Hawaii), and tells the story of the former head of Scotland Yard, a detective who is pursuing the long-cold trail of a murderer. Fifteen years ago, a London solicitor was killed in circumstances in which the only clue was a pair of Chinese slippers, which he apparently donned just before his death. Sir Frederic Bruce has been following the trail of the killer ever since. He has also been interested in what appears to be a series of disappearing women around the world, which has some connection to the disappearance of a woman named Eve Durand in rural India also fifteen years ago. Just when it seems he might finally solve the murder case, at a dinner party to which a number of important and mysterious guests have been invited, Inspector Bruce is killed -- and was last seen wearing a pair of Chinese slippers, which have vanished. It is left to Chan to solve the case and tie up all loose ends.
237 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1928
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256 people want to read
About the author
Earl Derr Biggers
233 books86 followersEarl Derr Biggers was born in Warren, Ohio on August 24, 1884. Years later, while attending Harvard University, Biggers showed little passion for the classics, preferring instead writers such as Rudyard Kipling and Richard Harding Davis. Following his graduation from Harvard in 1907, he worked briefly for the Cleveland Plain Dealer and at Bobbs-Merrill publishers. By 1908, Biggers was hired at the Boston Traveler to write a daily humor column. Soon, however, he became that paper's drama critic. It was at this time that he met Elanor Ladd, who would later become his wife and who would have a marked influence in his writing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
August 16, 2017
"The moment has charm." -- Charlie Chan
Earl Derr Biggers wrote in a style which lent itself to romance as well as mystery. Perhaps only M.M. Kaye blended the two as perfectly as Biggers. His greatest creation, Charlie Chan, is in romantic San Francisco in Behind That Curtain, but he can feel the trade winds of Hawaii calling him back to Honolulu for the birth of his eleventh child. Yet the romance of a misty San Francisco filled with the Orient beckon him to remain long enough to solve a crime.
Bill Rankin is the reporter bringing the visiting sleuth from Honolulu, together with Scotland Yard's, Sir Frederic Bruce, to write a feature based on their exploits. But it is Frederic's regrets in connection with an unsolved murder, and the seemingly unrelated disappearance of Eve Durand from India nearly 15 years prior, that haunt their conversation. Barry Kirk and the pretty young D.A. he's immediately smitten with, June Morrow, plead for Charlie to stay when Sir Frederic is murdered. There are as many suspects to ponder over as there are mysterious clues. But which is that elusive "essential clue" so beloved by Scotland Yard?
Charlie initially wants no part in the investigation. Only once onboard the S.S. Maui does Charlie overhear a conversation which has him rushing down the gangplank to join Barry and June. Captain Flannery's methods, however, are as heavy-handed as Charlie's are subtle. Charlie discovers evidence of two other missing young women, and suspects a possible connection to yet another unsolved murder. How does a world famous adventurer fit into the picture? Are the slippers the essential clue, or something else? In the end, of course, our favorite detective from the Islands realizes the clue has been there all along.
Behind That Curtain has so much atmosphere it washes over the reader like a sudden rain shower. San Francisco during the '20s is alive with cable cars, and quaint bungalows for shelter from the rain, beneath the delicate pen of Earl Derr Biggers. Dark passages and murder do exist in Biggers's mysteries, but he always allows the elegant Chan to guide us away from danger, and towards romance.
There is an innocence to the romance between Barry and June indicative of another time, as is the writing style of Biggers. Both Biggers and his creation, Charlie Chan, are at the top of their game here, funny and wise. The final scenes hold humor and a dash of romance. Behind That Curtain offers one of the most charming endings of any entry in the Charlie Chan canon. A must read for those who like their mysteries very old-fashioned, and a bit on the romantic side.
Earl Derr Biggers wrote in a style which lent itself to romance as well as mystery. Perhaps only M.M. Kaye blended the two as perfectly as Biggers. His greatest creation, Charlie Chan, is in romantic San Francisco in Behind That Curtain, but he can feel the trade winds of Hawaii calling him back to Honolulu for the birth of his eleventh child. Yet the romance of a misty San Francisco filled with the Orient beckon him to remain long enough to solve a crime.
Bill Rankin is the reporter bringing the visiting sleuth from Honolulu, together with Scotland Yard's, Sir Frederic Bruce, to write a feature based on their exploits. But it is Frederic's regrets in connection with an unsolved murder, and the seemingly unrelated disappearance of Eve Durand from India nearly 15 years prior, that haunt their conversation. Barry Kirk and the pretty young D.A. he's immediately smitten with, June Morrow, plead for Charlie to stay when Sir Frederic is murdered. There are as many suspects to ponder over as there are mysterious clues. But which is that elusive "essential clue" so beloved by Scotland Yard?
Charlie initially wants no part in the investigation. Only once onboard the S.S. Maui does Charlie overhear a conversation which has him rushing down the gangplank to join Barry and June. Captain Flannery's methods, however, are as heavy-handed as Charlie's are subtle. Charlie discovers evidence of two other missing young women, and suspects a possible connection to yet another unsolved murder. How does a world famous adventurer fit into the picture? Are the slippers the essential clue, or something else? In the end, of course, our favorite detective from the Islands realizes the clue has been there all along.
Behind That Curtain has so much atmosphere it washes over the reader like a sudden rain shower. San Francisco during the '20s is alive with cable cars, and quaint bungalows for shelter from the rain, beneath the delicate pen of Earl Derr Biggers. Dark passages and murder do exist in Biggers's mysteries, but he always allows the elegant Chan to guide us away from danger, and towards romance.
There is an innocence to the romance between Barry and June indicative of another time, as is the writing style of Biggers. Both Biggers and his creation, Charlie Chan, are at the top of their game here, funny and wise. The final scenes hold humor and a dash of romance. Behind That Curtain offers one of the most charming endings of any entry in the Charlie Chan canon. A must read for those who like their mysteries very old-fashioned, and a bit on the romantic side.
December 30, 2021
The first two-thirds were great, but then there was a drop in storyline's quality and the last third was unexpectedly bad. There are too many coincidences; the crime's solution came out of the blue; and there are some rotten red herings here.
"PLOT SUMMARY (from WIKIPEDIA):
It is set almost exclusively in California (as opposed to Chan's native Hawaii), and tells the story of the former head of Scotland Yard, a detective who is pursuing the long-cold trail of a murderer. Fifteen years ago, a London solicitor was killed in circumstances in which the only clue was a pair of Chinese slippers, which he apparently donned just before his death. Sir Frederic Bruce has been following the trail of the killer ever since. He has also been interested in what appears to be a series of disappearing women around the world, which has some connection to the disappearance of a woman named Eve Durand in rural India also fifteen years ago. Just when it seems he might finally solve the murder case, at a dinner party to which a number of important and mysterious guests have been invited, Inspector Bruce is killed—and was last seen wearing a pair of Chinese slippers, which have vanished. It is left to Chan to solve the case and tie up all loose ends."
"PLOT SUMMARY (from WIKIPEDIA):
It is set almost exclusively in California (as opposed to Chan's native Hawaii), and tells the story of the former head of Scotland Yard, a detective who is pursuing the long-cold trail of a murderer. Fifteen years ago, a London solicitor was killed in circumstances in which the only clue was a pair of Chinese slippers, which he apparently donned just before his death. Sir Frederic Bruce has been following the trail of the killer ever since. He has also been interested in what appears to be a series of disappearing women around the world, which has some connection to the disappearance of a woman named Eve Durand in rural India also fifteen years ago. Just when it seems he might finally solve the murder case, at a dinner party to which a number of important and mysterious guests have been invited, Inspector Bruce is killed—and was last seen wearing a pair of Chinese slippers, which have vanished. It is left to Chan to solve the case and tie up all loose ends."
November 14, 2021
The third Charlie Chan mystery is marvelous fun. Set in San Francisco, the action takes place immediately after the events in The Chinese Parrot. Charlie Chan has his ticket back to Honolulu and he's anxious to get home.
Alas, the murder of Sir Frederic Bruce (a famous, now retired, Scotland Yard detective) during a dinner party that Chan attended, causes him to reluctantly change his mind about going home. Sir Frederic was in San Francisco because he believed he was about to solve both an old murder case and an old missing person case; cases that he believed were linked, even though they occurred thousands of miles apart.
The plot is rather convoluted, with vast schools of red herrings impeding Chan and his assistants--the lovely lawyer from the DA's office, Miss June Morrow, and businessman Barry Kirk, who had hosted the dinner party. Officially, Chan is assisting the San Francisco police, represented by the obnoxious (and not too bright) Captain Flannery, but the reader knows who is the real detective.
All ends well, of course. Though I'm not sure the author 'played fair'. Never mind! The murderer of Sir Frederic is caught, the missing person found, and Charlie Chan finally sets sail for Honolulu.
Now--on to #4--The Black Camel
Alas, the murder of Sir Frederic Bruce (a famous, now retired, Scotland Yard detective) during a dinner party that Chan attended, causes him to reluctantly change his mind about going home. Sir Frederic was in San Francisco because he believed he was about to solve both an old murder case and an old missing person case; cases that he believed were linked, even though they occurred thousands of miles apart.
The plot is rather convoluted, with vast schools of red herrings impeding Chan and his assistants--the lovely lawyer from the DA's office, Miss June Morrow, and businessman Barry Kirk, who had hosted the dinner party. Officially, Chan is assisting the San Francisco police, represented by the obnoxious (and not too bright) Captain Flannery, but the reader knows who is the real detective.
All ends well, of course. Though I'm not sure the author 'played fair'. Never mind! The murderer of Sir Frederic is caught, the missing person found, and Charlie Chan finally sets sail for Honolulu.
Now--on to #4--The Black Camel
July 10, 2024
Rasistowskie i seksistowskie*, czyli klasa gatunku kryminalnego, ha! Czyta się rewelacyjnie.
*Na dzisiejsze standardy. Na rok 1928 musiała być to bardzo postępowa książka.
*Na dzisiejsze standardy. Na rok 1928 musiała być to bardzo postępowa książka.
July 28, 2014
I read my first Charlie Chan books 30+ years ago in high school. After 3 decades and having forgotten the story in this book, I decided to revisit Earl Derr Biggers famous detective. I half expected to find a very different character than I found so long ago. Yet, I was remarkably satisfied with the story. Chan is affectingly humble, yet imminently clever in his quiet wisdom. I also found the dialogue to be quite witty at times, almost like watching a fast paced mystery film from the 1930s or 1940s. Overall, this was a pleasurable light read. I'm glad I decided to take a walk down memory lane and revisit my old friend Charlie Chan.
August 2, 2020
ENGLISH: A mystery novel, third in the Charlie Chan series, where the Chinese detective from Honolulu gives a lesson, not just to the big-mouth stupid official investigator, but also to an invited detective from Scotland Yard.
This convoluted novel, where several characters are not what they seem to be at first sight, baffled me in such way that I was surprised by the solution. Fortunately, I'm not alone in this situation, which includes the two detectives, the beautiful deputy D.A., and most of the other characters in the novel.
ESPAÑOL: Tercera novela de misterio de la serie de Charlie Chan, donde el detective chino de Honolulú da una lección, no solo al estúpido y bocazas investigador oficial, sino también a un detective invitado de Scotland Yard.
Esta novela enrevesada, en la que varios personajes no son lo que parecen ser a primera vista, me desconcertó hasta tal punto que me sorprendió la solución. Afortunadamente, no estoy solo en esta situación, pues me hacen compañía los dos detectives, la bella ayudante del Fiscal del Distrito, y casi todos los demás personajes de la novela.
This convoluted novel, where several characters are not what they seem to be at first sight, baffled me in such way that I was surprised by the solution. Fortunately, I'm not alone in this situation, which includes the two detectives, the beautiful deputy D.A., and most of the other characters in the novel.
ESPAÑOL: Tercera novela de misterio de la serie de Charlie Chan, donde el detective chino de Honolulú da una lección, no solo al estúpido y bocazas investigador oficial, sino también a un detective invitado de Scotland Yard.
Esta novela enrevesada, en la que varios personajes no son lo que parecen ser a primera vista, me desconcertó hasta tal punto que me sorprendió la solución. Afortunadamente, no estoy solo en esta situación, pues me hacen compañía los dos detectives, la bella ayudante del Fiscal del Distrito, y casi todos los demás personajes de la novela.
October 1, 2015
Last Winter, I went on a tear through all of Earl Derr Biggers' Charlie Chan mysteries. I was mesmerized by the famous detective, both for his incredibly interesting sleuthing skills and the fact that all of the stories are set in the 1930's. Consequently, as you read through his storytelling, you are transported to a completely different land of enchantment and mystery with, as always, more than one suspect to keep Charlie hot on multiple trails!
This book takes place in San Francisco shortly after the action in the previous book, The Chinese Parrot, which took place in the burgeoning area of Palm Springs. In this tale, nearly all of the action takes place at a dinner party, where an old friend of Charlie's, Chief Inspector Sir Frederic Bruce of Scotland Yard is murdered in an office a flight down from the party. Sir Frederic was on the tail of his own culprit and had his own clues that he was tracking down, which he manages to divulge to Charlie before his demise!
Off on the trail goes our Charlie, along with a bumbling San Francisco detective, who is put on the case. Along for the ride, Charlie can hardly resist a challenge from a beautiful, intelligent woman like June Morrow, deputy district attorney and the lawyer in charge of prosecuting Sir Frederic's murder, as well as a steely eyed international explorer, other members of Scotland Yard, a rich charming American and his equally rich aunt, the requisite suspicious butler and a handful of other period types. It seems that Biggers deliberately filled the tale with as many stereotypical murder mystery characters as possible.
Unlike previous tales, which take place out and about in the areas where they are set (early 1920s Honolulu in the first story and later 1920s Palm Springs in the second), this one takes place almost entirely in a closed apartment in San Francisco in the early 1930s. Still, it matters not that we are stuck in an apartment that is connected to an office one level down, the mysterious atmosphere is still imparted through the imagined dress of our perpetrators, who are almost entirely rich snobs.
Biggers does a good job presenting and nurturing his red herrings while allowing the evidence to unfold. The test of a well-written mystery is that the reader, by paying attention can solve it before the entire mystery is revealed. In Behind that Curtain, it is just possible to guess "whodunit", but there is a difference between guessing the solution and having the evidence. This book walks that line very closely and trips up the reader who thinks he/she has actually got the culprit!
As I have suggested to others, having read the entire series already, you would do yourself a favor to read the entire set of 6 books. Each one has something else to show you and the amount of Charlie Chan witticisms that we all know and spout (like Confucius) are absolutely endless!
This book takes place in San Francisco shortly after the action in the previous book, The Chinese Parrot, which took place in the burgeoning area of Palm Springs. In this tale, nearly all of the action takes place at a dinner party, where an old friend of Charlie's, Chief Inspector Sir Frederic Bruce of Scotland Yard is murdered in an office a flight down from the party. Sir Frederic was on the tail of his own culprit and had his own clues that he was tracking down, which he manages to divulge to Charlie before his demise!
Off on the trail goes our Charlie, along with a bumbling San Francisco detective, who is put on the case. Along for the ride, Charlie can hardly resist a challenge from a beautiful, intelligent woman like June Morrow, deputy district attorney and the lawyer in charge of prosecuting Sir Frederic's murder, as well as a steely eyed international explorer, other members of Scotland Yard, a rich charming American and his equally rich aunt, the requisite suspicious butler and a handful of other period types. It seems that Biggers deliberately filled the tale with as many stereotypical murder mystery characters as possible.
Unlike previous tales, which take place out and about in the areas where they are set (early 1920s Honolulu in the first story and later 1920s Palm Springs in the second), this one takes place almost entirely in a closed apartment in San Francisco in the early 1930s. Still, it matters not that we are stuck in an apartment that is connected to an office one level down, the mysterious atmosphere is still imparted through the imagined dress of our perpetrators, who are almost entirely rich snobs.
Biggers does a good job presenting and nurturing his red herrings while allowing the evidence to unfold. The test of a well-written mystery is that the reader, by paying attention can solve it before the entire mystery is revealed. In Behind that Curtain, it is just possible to guess "whodunit", but there is a difference between guessing the solution and having the evidence. This book walks that line very closely and trips up the reader who thinks he/she has actually got the culprit!
As I have suggested to others, having read the entire series already, you would do yourself a favor to read the entire set of 6 books. Each one has something else to show you and the amount of Charlie Chan witticisms that we all know and spout (like Confucius) are absolutely endless!
October 11, 2018
Charlie Chan is still in California, waiting eagerly to return to Honolulu, when he meets the retired head of the Scotland Yard CID. Sir Frederic Bruce tells a luncheon party about two crimes that Scotland Yard never solved--the murder of a lawyer, and the disappearance, in India, of a beautiful young woman. When Bruce is murdered after a dinner party, there are several women in attendance who just might be the missing woman. Working reluctantly with Chan is a San Francisco cop and a lovely assistant District Attorney.
September 7, 2023
The is the third adventure of Charlie Chan taking place while our hero makes what he believes to be a quick visit to San Francisco - as a new addition to the Chan clan back in Hawaii is due any day. A big monkey wrench is thrown into these plans after Charlie meets the former head of Scotland Yard who is touring the US. After said meeting he is sucked into - actually shamed into - taking on a new case which involves an old case before he can return home.
I’m new to these books and have found them very engaging reads. I watched some of the Charlie Chan movies when I was a wee lad, but I am by no means an aficionado. Point being is that the books and the movies are distinctly different beasts to me.
Definitely recommend this book and the series.
I’m new to these books and have found them very engaging reads. I watched some of the Charlie Chan movies when I was a wee lad, but I am by no means an aficionado. Point being is that the books and the movies are distinctly different beasts to me.
Definitely recommend this book and the series.
May 4, 2024
I'm a Charlie Chan addict. Reread mate 4, 2024! Still a good story if a bit dated
September 22, 2020
Probably a two and a half, really - as a lot of the characters were quite misogynistic towards the the female DA, including Charlie, who's usually more sympathetic.
October 20, 2024
The edition of the book I read was an old hardcover I picked up at a used bookstore years ago. This edition was a tie-in to the movie released in 1929, and contains "illustrations from the William Fox 'all-talking' photoplay." Unfortunately, none of the stills from "Behind That Curtain" included in the book show us E.L. Park as Charlie Chan. Instead they focus on the major stars of the film, Warner Baxter, Lois Moran, and Gilbert Emery. Although Chan plays a major role in the novel, the film relegated the character to a bit part.
By downplaying Chan, the Fox film version seems like it was a lost opportunity to bring one of the most intriguing Charlie Chan mysteries to the screen. Chan, still on vacation in the U.S. mainland is anxious to return to Hawaii. After getting drawn into the mystery of "The Chinese Parrot", he gets drawn into another mystery, this time based in San Francisco, delaying yet again his return trip home.
Once again we get a murder at a dinner party. Once again we get a colorful cast of suspects. Once again we get a little budding romance between an eager young man and a seemingly disinterested woman. But we also get a backstory involving a murder in London 15 years earlier and the disappearance of a young woman in India shortly thereafter. We also get an interesting peek into the San Francisco of the late '20s. A time of elevator girls working in office buildings, of a Chinatown peopled by Chinese in traditional Chinese garb, as well as by flappers and Boy Scouts; and of long waits for the next ship leaving for Hawaii if, by chance, you're forced to miss the one that you planned to take.
In this mystery, Chan is helped by a visiting detective from Scotland Yard, and hindered by a detective from the San Francisco police department who wants no assistance from someone like Chan. Chan, of course, unravels the mystery, earning his long delayed "Aloha" to San Francisco.
.
By downplaying Chan, the Fox film version seems like it was a lost opportunity to bring one of the most intriguing Charlie Chan mysteries to the screen. Chan, still on vacation in the U.S. mainland is anxious to return to Hawaii. After getting drawn into the mystery of "The Chinese Parrot", he gets drawn into another mystery, this time based in San Francisco, delaying yet again his return trip home.
Once again we get a murder at a dinner party. Once again we get a colorful cast of suspects. Once again we get a little budding romance between an eager young man and a seemingly disinterested woman. But we also get a backstory involving a murder in London 15 years earlier and the disappearance of a young woman in India shortly thereafter. We also get an interesting peek into the San Francisco of the late '20s. A time of elevator girls working in office buildings, of a Chinatown peopled by Chinese in traditional Chinese garb, as well as by flappers and Boy Scouts; and of long waits for the next ship leaving for Hawaii if, by chance, you're forced to miss the one that you planned to take.
In this mystery, Chan is helped by a visiting detective from Scotland Yard, and hindered by a detective from the San Francisco police department who wants no assistance from someone like Chan. Chan, of course, unravels the mystery, earning his long delayed "Aloha" to San Francisco.
.
July 23, 2021
I think this was my favourite Charlie Chan book - and I'm sure I've read two or three, but Goodreads doesn't seem to remember that.
With the small pool of suspects the mystery had almost a Christie-feel to it. Besides, it was interesting to see Chan with an antagonistic policeman. The mystery and its resolution was good as well. The characters were interesting, but I wish some of them were more fleshed-out. Also, as most books from this time, it was quite sexist, but in an almost endearing way.
With the small pool of suspects the mystery had almost a Christie-feel to it. Besides, it was interesting to see Chan with an antagonistic policeman. The mystery and its resolution was good as well. The characters were interesting, but I wish some of them were more fleshed-out. Also, as most books from this time, it was quite sexist, but in an almost endearing way.
January 5, 2024
Our hero Sergeant Chan of the Honolulu Police Department is in San Francisco waiting for his boat back to Hawaii when he meets up with a world famous detective from Scotland. This detective has been hunting down a woman who went missing 13 year previously. He claims to have found her, but before he can make the reveal he is murdered. Who wants to stop the revelation, and why?
The SFPD is adamant they do not need Chan's help, but we all know better!
The SFPD is adamant they do not need Chan's help, but we all know better!
July 9, 2024
One of my favorite Golden Age writers & series.
May 19, 2018
By far the best mystery yet of the three Charlie Chan novels I have read. And not only the mystery. Even the perspective of the book is thrown in doubt and then tossed into the air repeatedly. As with the first two books, I expected the main protagonist to be yet another White man, with Charlie working behind the scenes. But Behind That Curtain changes things up quite a bit. At first, it seems as if this is the story of Bill Rankin, the reporter. But Rankin quickly disappears into the background. Then, we're introduced to Barry Kirk. Aha! The typical hero of the first two novels—a wealthy socialite in pursuit of a reluctant young woman. But, no, that doesn't work out either. Then, just for a second, it seems as if we're centering in on the young woman, Asst. D.A. June Morrow. But not really. Yes, it seems, finally, that it's Charlie Chan who is driving the action. And that is mostly true, although Kirk and Morrow continue to have their moments. It's all just another part of the puzzle, really, that Earl Derr Biggers has given us. And it also marks another point in the evolution of the Charlie Chan character. Here, he is standing all alone, solving his case despite the interference, doubts, and outright deception on the part of almost everyone else—including Charlie's relatives and fellow Chinese in San Francisco's Chinatown.
The setting? It almost fits to a tee the model for the classical detective story. Somehow, Biggers has put his reader in the teeming metropolis of San Francisco but also managed to isolate his characters in a bungalow atop a modern skyscraper. A few trips occur—to the D.A.'s office, a club, some restaurants, Chinatown, and some residences. But things always come back to the bungalow, which is almost as lonely and remote as any country house, where whodunits so often take place. There is even a butler in this story. Hard-boiled versus Classic detective. Elements of both exist--although Charlie is certainly no anti-hero. And the hard-boiled, as a genre, was just getting started. Clever man, Biggers.
By this point in the series, Chan is not only endearing, he is someone comforting. With Charlie on the case, things cannot help but work out to the reader's satisfaction. And, yes, it doesn't spoil the plot to say that Kirk gets the girl at the end. A Charlie Chan novel is nothing, if not cathartic.
The setting? It almost fits to a tee the model for the classical detective story. Somehow, Biggers has put his reader in the teeming metropolis of San Francisco but also managed to isolate his characters in a bungalow atop a modern skyscraper. A few trips occur—to the D.A.'s office, a club, some restaurants, Chinatown, and some residences. But things always come back to the bungalow, which is almost as lonely and remote as any country house, where whodunits so often take place. There is even a butler in this story. Hard-boiled versus Classic detective. Elements of both exist--although Charlie is certainly no anti-hero. And the hard-boiled, as a genre, was just getting started. Clever man, Biggers.
By this point in the series, Chan is not only endearing, he is someone comforting. With Charlie on the case, things cannot help but work out to the reader's satisfaction. And, yes, it doesn't spoil the plot to say that Kirk gets the girl at the end. A Charlie Chan novel is nothing, if not cathartic.
May 28, 2017
In Earl Biggers' third outing for Charlie Chan, the Hawaiian detective is returning from solving the Chinese Parrot murder case and anxious to return home to his 11th and newest child.
However, in San Francisco he meets a friend and grudgingly becomes involved another murder mystery.While possible suspects are at a party (with Charlie Chan in attendance), Sir Frederick Bruce, retired Chief Inspector, Scotland Yard is murdered one floor below. This case is a modified form of the locked room mystery. Sir Fredrick had intentionally made it easy for his attacker to enter the room, but he had baited it to attract only one person.
Between the suspects in this case and the representatives of the law, present are: a woman assistant DA, a short tempered American police captain, a steely eyed international explorer, other members of Scotland Yard, a rich charming American and his equally rich aunt, the requisite suspicious butler and a handful of other period types. It would appear that Biggers is deliberately trying to bounce different stereotypical murder mystery characters against each other.
Given the modern sensibilities about the way Charlie Chan is usually portrayed; the one character who is most insistent that Charlie Chan is just a 'China man', is the American police officer and he will have his nose rubbed in his prejudice. Most of the characters are somewhat startled at the concept of an attractive female DA handling a major murder case. She proves herself to be more than competent earns the respect of all. She is also able to hold her own in a budding romance. This is relatively modern stuff for a Jazz age novelist.
Biggers does a good job presenting and nurturing his red herrings while allowing the evidence to unfold. The reader is present as this evidence is uncovered. The test of a well-written mystery is that the reader, by paying attention can solve it before the reveal. In Behind that Curtain, it is just possible to guess "whodunit", but there is a difference between guessing the solution and having the evidence. This book walks that line very closely.
However, in San Francisco he meets a friend and grudgingly becomes involved another murder mystery.While possible suspects are at a party (with Charlie Chan in attendance), Sir Frederick Bruce, retired Chief Inspector, Scotland Yard is murdered one floor below. This case is a modified form of the locked room mystery. Sir Fredrick had intentionally made it easy for his attacker to enter the room, but he had baited it to attract only one person.
Between the suspects in this case and the representatives of the law, present are: a woman assistant DA, a short tempered American police captain, a steely eyed international explorer, other members of Scotland Yard, a rich charming American and his equally rich aunt, the requisite suspicious butler and a handful of other period types. It would appear that Biggers is deliberately trying to bounce different stereotypical murder mystery characters against each other.
Given the modern sensibilities about the way Charlie Chan is usually portrayed; the one character who is most insistent that Charlie Chan is just a 'China man', is the American police officer and he will have his nose rubbed in his prejudice. Most of the characters are somewhat startled at the concept of an attractive female DA handling a major murder case. She proves herself to be more than competent earns the respect of all. She is also able to hold her own in a budding romance. This is relatively modern stuff for a Jazz age novelist.
Biggers does a good job presenting and nurturing his red herrings while allowing the evidence to unfold. The reader is present as this evidence is uncovered. The test of a well-written mystery is that the reader, by paying attention can solve it before the reveal. In Behind that Curtain, it is just possible to guess "whodunit", but there is a difference between guessing the solution and having the evidence. This book walks that line very closely.
January 23, 2022
Oh, Charlie. Charlie. Charlie. Charlie. I like you so much. I really do. But why do you treat Miss Morrow that way? Just because she’s a district attorney? It seems so. I can’t get behind what Chan thinks of a woman supposedly doing a “man’s job,” and it does take one out of the story to read just about every character ridicule her and dismiss her for doing the “intellectual pursuits of men.” But to have Charlie agree with them? It’s too much. This should have been a 5 star novel, but I am a woman, and I, for one, “won’t betray my sex.” Miss Morrow, they did you wrong. Solid mystery, but they did you wrong.
June 25, 2011
Another winner in the Charlie Chan series, although my least favorite of the three I've read so far.
Coming off his success in the Californian desert mystery, "The Chinese Parrot", Charlie is back in San Francisco awaiting the next ship to Honolulu, Hawaii so that he can re-unite with his very pregnant wife and 10 children. Unfortunately, fate has other plans for Charlie when he is called upon to investigate the shooting death of a retired Scotland Yard detective.
Charlie has to use every skill in his arsenal in order to solve the crime pronto and hussle back to Hawaii.
Coming off his success in the Californian desert mystery, "The Chinese Parrot", Charlie is back in San Francisco awaiting the next ship to Honolulu, Hawaii so that he can re-unite with his very pregnant wife and 10 children. Unfortunately, fate has other plans for Charlie when he is called upon to investigate the shooting death of a retired Scotland Yard detective.
Charlie has to use every skill in his arsenal in order to solve the crime pronto and hussle back to Hawaii.
July 7, 2024
"Za kurtyną" autorstwa Earla Derr Biggersa to fascynująca powieść detektywistyczna, będąca jednym z klasycznych dzieł amerykańskiej literatury kryminalnej. Sięgnęłam po nią nie do końca mając świadomość, że została napisana w roku 1928. Przez całość powieści czuć, że nie tylko historia osadzona jest w dawnych czasach, ale również styl pisania autora, opisy kobiet czy wypowiedzi niektórych postaci ukazuje jak traktowano kobiety w latach 30. XX wieku. Niestety z tego właśnie powodu powieść czytało mi się dość trudno i niekiedy nie mogłam uwierzyć, że kiedyś takie podejście do ukazywania postaci kobiecych było normą. Mimo to zagadka wciągnęła mnie na tyle, by zostać z bohaterami do samego końca.
Fabuła 3. części serii o słynnym detektywie Charliem Chanie kręci się wokół zaskakującej zbrodni, dodatkowo owianej tajemnicą zaginionej Ewy Durand sprzed 15 lat oraz pewnego morderstwa z tego samego okresu. Śledztwo wciąż wydłuża się i nie daje odpłynąć detektywowi z Honolulu w drogę powrotną do domu i nowo narodzonego syna, trzymając go w San Francisco i prowadząc zarówno dzielnego chińskiego sierżanta, jak i czytelnika, przez świat pełen kobiet, tajemniczych zaginięć i sekretów, gdzie nic nie jest takim, jakim się wydaje.
Postacie w "Za kurtyną" są dobrze zarysowane i wielowymiarowe. Charlie Chan to detektyw, który łączy w sobie mądrość, cierpliwość i niezwykłą przenikliwość. Jego filozoficzne podejście do życia, umiejętność dostrzegania detali i głęboka wiedza o ludzkiej naturze czynią go postacią niezapomnianą i inspirującą. Chan jest dowodem na to, że prawdziwa siła detektywa tkwi nie tylko w jego umiejętnościach analitycznych, ale także w mądrości i etycznych wartościach, które kierują jego działaniami.
Intryga w "Za kurtyną" jest skomplikowana i pełna zaskakujących zwrotów akcji. Biggers umiejętnie buduje napięcie, prowadząc czytelnika przez labirynt fałszywych tropów i nieoczekiwanych odkryć, a także wątków odkrywanych przez głównego bohatera, lecz długo skrywanych jedynie w jego umyśle. Każdy rozdział przynosi nowe elementy układanki, a zakończenie jest zarówno zaskakujące, jak i satysfakcjonujące, co sprawia, że książkę trudno odłożyć przed jej zakończeniem.
Podsumowując, "Za kurtyną" Earla Derr Biggersa to znakomita powieść kryminalna, która łączy wciągającą intrygę z barwnymi postaciami i bogatą atmosferą. Nie powiedziałabym jednak, że jest to pozycja ponadczasowa. To książka, która z pewnością zadowoli miłośników klasycznych kryminałów oraz tych, którzy szukają literatury pełnej napięcia, tajemnic i refleksji.
Książka z Klubu Recenzenta serwisu nakanapie.pl
Fabuła 3. części serii o słynnym detektywie Charliem Chanie kręci się wokół zaskakującej zbrodni, dodatkowo owianej tajemnicą zaginionej Ewy Durand sprzed 15 lat oraz pewnego morderstwa z tego samego okresu. Śledztwo wciąż wydłuża się i nie daje odpłynąć detektywowi z Honolulu w drogę powrotną do domu i nowo narodzonego syna, trzymając go w San Francisco i prowadząc zarówno dzielnego chińskiego sierżanta, jak i czytelnika, przez świat pełen kobiet, tajemniczych zaginięć i sekretów, gdzie nic nie jest takim, jakim się wydaje.
Postacie w "Za kurtyną" są dobrze zarysowane i wielowymiarowe. Charlie Chan to detektyw, który łączy w sobie mądrość, cierpliwość i niezwykłą przenikliwość. Jego filozoficzne podejście do życia, umiejętność dostrzegania detali i głęboka wiedza o ludzkiej naturze czynią go postacią niezapomnianą i inspirującą. Chan jest dowodem na to, że prawdziwa siła detektywa tkwi nie tylko w jego umiejętnościach analitycznych, ale także w mądrości i etycznych wartościach, które kierują jego działaniami.
Intryga w "Za kurtyną" jest skomplikowana i pełna zaskakujących zwrotów akcji. Biggers umiejętnie buduje napięcie, prowadząc czytelnika przez labirynt fałszywych tropów i nieoczekiwanych odkryć, a także wątków odkrywanych przez głównego bohatera, lecz długo skrywanych jedynie w jego umyśle. Każdy rozdział przynosi nowe elementy układanki, a zakończenie jest zarówno zaskakujące, jak i satysfakcjonujące, co sprawia, że książkę trudno odłożyć przed jej zakończeniem.
Podsumowując, "Za kurtyną" Earla Derr Biggersa to znakomita powieść kryminalna, która łączy wciągającą intrygę z barwnymi postaciami i bogatą atmosferą. Nie powiedziałabym jednak, że jest to pozycja ponadczasowa. To książka, która z pewnością zadowoli miłośników klasycznych kryminałów oraz tych, którzy szukają literatury pełnej napięcia, tajemnic i refleksji.
Książka z Klubu Recenzenta serwisu nakanapie.pl
July 24, 2021
A good mystery, but marred, as with the other Charlie Chan novels, by the frequent dismissive comments about the “the Chinaman.” In addition, in this one there is a female assistant district attorney who is constantly referred to as a girl, even by those who admire her, and chided quite a few times for being too serious and not thinking about marriage. Even Chan is guilty of this.
The mystery centers on a case of a missing woman, or rather three missing women, and their connection to the murder of a lawyer in London 15 years ago. Chan is in San Francisco after having solved another case and is waiting for a boat to Honolulu to greet his new 11th child. He’s asked to help solve the murder of Sir Frederic Bruce, retired from Scotland Yard, who is still on the track of these mysteries. Bruce is found dead after a dinner party that Chan attends, and the rich young man Barry Kirk and assistant district attorney Morrow ask Chan to stay since Captain Flannery, the police detective assigned to the case, is loud but not thoughtful.
Everyone at the dinner party, which featured slides and films presented by the explorer Colonel Beetham is suspected. Eve Durand, a woman who went missing 15 years ago, seems to be the key. Beetham’s sense of honor keeps much information from the investigators although the solution is a good one.
The mystery centers on a case of a missing woman, or rather three missing women, and their connection to the murder of a lawyer in London 15 years ago. Chan is in San Francisco after having solved another case and is waiting for a boat to Honolulu to greet his new 11th child. He’s asked to help solve the murder of Sir Frederic Bruce, retired from Scotland Yard, who is still on the track of these mysteries. Bruce is found dead after a dinner party that Chan attends, and the rich young man Barry Kirk and assistant district attorney Morrow ask Chan to stay since Captain Flannery, the police detective assigned to the case, is loud but not thoughtful.
Everyone at the dinner party, which featured slides and films presented by the explorer Colonel Beetham is suspected. Eve Durand, a woman who went missing 15 years ago, seems to be the key. Beetham’s sense of honor keeps much information from the investigators although the solution is a good one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 28, 2020
I grew up watching the old Charlie Can movies (even the Saturday morning cartoon The Amazing Chan and the Chan Clan) so years ago I picked up this book hoping one day to read it. Boy am I glad I did-I loved it as much as watching those old movies of my youth. This is your typical detective novel from the 1920's and 1930's. Ever the soft spoken Charlie Chan, wanting to return to his home in Hawaii, reluctantly sets out to solve the murder of Scotland Yard's beloved Sir Frederic. It's all here; murder, mysterious suspects, romance, backstories from all the far reaches of the globe, beautiful women and heroic men. Set in one of the greatest cities for mystery, San Francisco of the 1920's. It's a gripping mystery taken on by one of fictions greatest detectives.
I was also impressed that even though this novel was printed in 1928 and there are a number of racial comments especially about the Chinese, Earl Derr Biggers never let them pass. They were always made by people of less character and those that either were showed up by Charlie Chan or you never liked anyway. Although many of the male characters thought she should be at home doing more womanly chores, Biggers made an assistant district attorney, one of the main characters, a woman.
I was also impressed that even though this novel was printed in 1928 and there are a number of racial comments especially about the Chinese, Earl Derr Biggers never let them pass. They were always made by people of less character and those that either were showed up by Charlie Chan or you never liked anyway. Although many of the male characters thought she should be at home doing more womanly chores, Biggers made an assistant district attorney, one of the main characters, a woman.
May 19, 2023
Book #: 41
Title: Behind the Curtain
Author: Earl Derr Biggers
Series: Charlie Chan #3
Format: 237 pages, ebook, omnibus, recent purchase
Pub Date: First published January 1, 1928
Started: 4/20/23 Ended: 5/13/23
Awards: none+
Categories: Next book in a series, Mystery written in 1920's
Rating: ***** five out of five stars
Charlie Chan is on his way home from his adventure of The Chinese Parrot, when he is invited to a dinner party in San Francisco before he catches his ship for his home in Honolulu. Fifteen years ago, a solicitor was killed and a pair of Chinese slippers were taken off his feet. The guest of honor, Sir Frederic Bruce has been trying to find the killer ever since. He has also been investigating the disappearance of three women starting with one who disappeared fifteen years ago. Just before the dinner party is about to start, Sir Bruce is found dead in his room, his Chinese slippers have been taken from his feet. Chan to the rescue!
I am greatly enjoying this entire series and plan to read all the novels.
Title: Behind the Curtain
Author: Earl Derr Biggers
Series: Charlie Chan #3
Format: 237 pages, ebook, omnibus, recent purchase
Pub Date: First published January 1, 1928
Started: 4/20/23 Ended: 5/13/23
Awards: none+
Categories: Next book in a series, Mystery written in 1920's
Rating: ***** five out of five stars
Charlie Chan is on his way home from his adventure of The Chinese Parrot, when he is invited to a dinner party in San Francisco before he catches his ship for his home in Honolulu. Fifteen years ago, a solicitor was killed and a pair of Chinese slippers were taken off his feet. The guest of honor, Sir Frederic Bruce has been trying to find the killer ever since. He has also been investigating the disappearance of three women starting with one who disappeared fifteen years ago. Just before the dinner party is about to start, Sir Bruce is found dead in his room, his Chinese slippers have been taken from his feet. Chan to the rescue!
I am greatly enjoying this entire series and plan to read all the novels.
May 28, 2025
I read the first Charlie Chan novel, The House Without a Key, last year and liked it quite a bit. But to call it a Chan novel is a bit of a misnomer as Chan doesn't appear until halfway through, and the main narrative focuses on another character altogether. In some ways, the mystery was the secondary story. But this one, the third in the Chan series, features Chan front and center. Here, the secondary plot is a romance plot with two other characters, but Chan is present in almost every scene. The mystery itself is a little convoluted but there is a satisfactory ending, and Chan is smart and charming, and easily outshines the San Francisco police inspector who takes exception to Chan's participation in solving the crime. Biggers is not the most interesting stylist, and the vast bulk of the story plays out in dialogue rather than action, but it's still a fun read.
March 24, 2025
Third of the six Charlie Chan mysteries that Biggs wrote, and while dated, it was pretty good as a mystery - keeping the suspense right up until the final reveal; and the historicity of this series makes them books to read.
This outing finds Charlie still in San Francisco, after his previous adventure - it seems the 4th & 5th will be back in Honolulu, and then a finale in San Fran once again…now Chan has been invited to a private dinner to meet the prestigious retired Scotland Yard detective Sir Frederic Bruce, but before the night is over Bruce is murdered, and Chan appears to be the detective best capable of figuring out this killing. Though longing to get back to Honolulu and his family, he agrees to stay on to help the local police; trust Charlie to wrap up the case!
This outing finds Charlie still in San Francisco, after his previous adventure - it seems the 4th & 5th will be back in Honolulu, and then a finale in San Fran once again…now Chan has been invited to a private dinner to meet the prestigious retired Scotland Yard detective Sir Frederic Bruce, but before the night is over Bruce is murdered, and Chan appears to be the detective best capable of figuring out this killing. Though longing to get back to Honolulu and his family, he agrees to stay on to help the local police; trust Charlie to wrap up the case!
October 20, 2017
Another classic Charlie Chan mystery. I just can’t get enough of the these entertaining novels. I too wish there were more of the Charlie Chan novels.
Mr. Biggers has a writing style that I find appealing. I like the clever way he keeps Charlie Chan’s dialogue in harmony with his personality; and the informative and entertaining depiction of 1920s San Francisco. Chan plays a larger role in this novel which I like. I find it interesting that Chan encounters no personal violence in solving crimes; there are no salacious episodes, yet Biggers manages to captivate you by clever dialogue, creative character development and storyline.
Mr. Biggers has a writing style that I find appealing. I like the clever way he keeps Charlie Chan’s dialogue in harmony with his personality; and the informative and entertaining depiction of 1920s San Francisco. Chan plays a larger role in this novel which I like. I find it interesting that Chan encounters no personal violence in solving crimes; there are no salacious episodes, yet Biggers manages to captivate you by clever dialogue, creative character development and storyline.
March 7, 2025
Charlie Chan is on his way home. His ship leaves from San Francisco. However, his postman's holiday isn't over yet.
Staying in a bungalow on the top of a skyscraper, he meets several people. When one is murdered, Charlie ends up investigating.
The clues are there, but aren't obvious. Suspicion moves from person to person even as Charlie seeks to see behind the curtain and unveil the murderer.
This is a fast read and keeps the reader's interest. It is dated in tone as it was written in the late 1940s.
Staying in a bungalow on the top of a skyscraper, he meets several people. When one is murdered, Charlie ends up investigating.
The clues are there, but aren't obvious. Suspicion moves from person to person even as Charlie seeks to see behind the curtain and unveil the murderer.
This is a fast read and keeps the reader's interest. It is dated in tone as it was written in the late 1940s.
June 16, 2020
Honolulu Detective-Sergent Charlie Chan is on vacatio0n in San Francisco. When he gets caught up in the murder investigation of as retired Scotland Yard investigator who is murdered during a dinner party at the home of Barry Kirk. Although Chan is eager to get home, he remains in San Francisco to assist in the investigation.
If you like a whodunit type of mystery, this is one of the best. Only Charlie Chan can tie all the clues together to find the murderer.
If you like a whodunit type of mystery, this is one of the best. Only Charlie Chan can tie all the clues together to find the murderer.
April 12, 2021
So-so mystery. I wanted to like it more than I did in the end. I've read both Derr Biggers non-Chan stories (enjoyed the Agony Column and Fifty Candles) and I kinda liked the first two Charlie Chan's. For me, the story bogged down in the middle third. It seemed stretched, with too many pointless red-herrings and flat characters. Compound that with my guessing out "who-done-it" long before the end (that doesn't always happen for me).
April 5, 2021
These are fun reads. One can’t wait to find out how what Biggers has concealed that he will reveal. This one charming to read for one who has spent time in San Francisco and Honolulu - to catch a glimpse of what Chinatown in particular was like in San Francisco a hundred years ago. This one also has threads of the British Empire, Scotland Yard, and the Silk Road.
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