Behind That Curtain

Behind That Curtain is the third novel in Earl Derr Biggers' Charlie Chan mystery series, set in California during the 1920s. The story centers on a cold case involving a London solicitor's murder from fifteen years prior, where Chinese slippers were the only clue left behind. Detective Charlie Chan becomes involved when Sir Frederic Bruce, formerly of Scotland Yard, is murdered while investigating both the old case and a series of women who have vanished worldwide. The investigation connects events from London to India to San Francisco, as Chan works to uncover the links between these seemingly disparate cases. The novel stands out in the Charlie Chan series for its complex international scope and its exploration of cultural intersections in 1920s California. The narrative combines elements of traditional detective fiction with broader themes of identity, perception, and the bridge between East and West.

Readers praise the complex mystery elements and character development in this third Charlie Chan novel. Many cite the balance between Chan's investigation methods and the atmospheric San Francisco setting. Multiple reviewers note that while slower-paced than modern mysteries, the 1920s period details and cultural observations remain engaging. Likes: - Chan's philosophical observations and quotes - Historical depiction of San Francisco's Chinatown - Multiple interwoven plot threads - Less stereotypical portrayal of Chan compared to films Dislikes: - Slow build-up in first third of book - Some dated language and attitudes - Less action than other Chan novels - Several readers found the ending rushed Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (1,124 ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (89 ratings) "The mystery itself is satisfyingly complex but the real joy is Chan's personality and wisdom" - Goodreads reviewer "Slower than modern mysteries but worth it for the historical atmosphere" - Amazon reviewer

The Judge Dee Novels by Robert van Gulik These mystery novels feature a Chinese magistrate solving crimes in ancient China, blending historical detail with detective work in a similar East-meets-West style as Charlie Chan.

Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie The international scope of the investigation and the connection of events across continents mirrors the structure of Behind That Curtain.

The Skull Beneath the Skin by P. D. James This mystery centers on a cold case with international connections and features methodical detective work to uncover long-buried secrets.

The Chinese Lake Murders by Robert van Gulik The investigation methods and cultural elements combine Eastern and Western detective traditions in the same way as Behind That Curtain.

The Chinese Nail Murders by Robert van Gulik The plot involves tracking clues across different locations and time periods while incorporating Chinese cultural elements into the detective story framework.

🔍 Charlie Chan was partly inspired by a real-life Chinese-Hawaiian detective named Chang Apana, who served in the Honolulu Police Department from 1898 to 1932. 📚 Behind That Curtain was first serialized in the Saturday Evening Post magazine before being published as a novel in 1928. 🎬 The book was adapted into a film in 1929, making it one of the earliest Charlie Chan movies produced by Fox Film Corporation. 🌺 This was the first Charlie Chan novel to take place primarily outside of Hawaii, marking a significant departure from the series' established setting. ✍️ Author Earl Derr Biggers deliberately created Charlie Chan to counter the negative stereotypes of Chinese characters prevalent in American literature and media of the 1920s.