The House Without A Key

Name: The House Without A Key
Author: Earl Derr Biggers

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 · 83,147 words

First lines

Miss Minerva Winterslip was a Bostonian in good standing, and long past the romantic age. Yet beauty thrilled her still, even the semi-barbaric beauty of a Pacific island. As she walked slowly along the beach she felt the little catch in her throat that sometimes she had known in Symphony Hall, Boston, when her favorite orchestra rose to some new and unexpected height of loveliness.

What this Textopian page supports

The House Without A Key is listed on Textopian as a novel by Earl Derr Biggers, dated 1925 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Novel
Author: Earl Derr Biggers
Date: 1925 CE
Language: English
Genres: Mystery, Crime Fiction, Detective Fiction, Thriller, Adventure
Length: 83,147 words
Structure: 23 chapters, 3,486 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Mystery — The book follows the adventures of Charlie Chan, a Chinese-American detective, as he investigates a murder mystery.
Crime Fiction — The book follows the investigation of a murder, and the criminal activities of the suspects.
Detective Fiction — The book follows the adventures of Charlie Chan, a Chinese-American detective, as he investigates a murder mystery.
Thriller — The book contains suspenseful moments as Charlie Chan attempts to uncover the truth behind the murder.