The House Without a Key is a mystery novel by Earl Derr Biggers, first published in 1925. It is the first novel to feature the Chinese-American detective Charlie Chan. The novel is set in Hawaii and follows the investigation of the murder of a wealthy man, John Quincy Winterslip. Winterslip's niece, Daisy, is the prime suspect, and Charlie Chan is called in to investigate. As Chan investigates, he discovers a web of secrets and lies that leads to a shocking conclusion. Along the way, Chan must contend with a variety of colorful characters, including a mysterious Japanese woman, a shady lawyer, and a dangerous gangster. The novel is a classic example of the "Golden Age" of detective fiction, and is considered to be one of the best examples of the genre. It is also notable for its depiction of Hawaii and its culture, which was relatively unknown to most readers at the time.
By Earl Derr Biggers · First published 1925 · Genre: Mystery, Crime Fiction, Detective Fiction · 23 chapters