The House Without a Key

Earl Derr Biggers

Charlie Chan Mysteries Book 1 · LA CASE Books · AI-narrated by Mike (from Google)

About this audiobook

The House Without a Key is the classic novel in which Charlie Chan makes his debut as Inspector of the Honolulu Police Department. Earl Derr Biggers brings Honolulu to life with deft descriptions of the landscape and of its hybrid ethnic communities. With the creation of Detective Chan, Biggers also shatters stereotypes and is ahead of his time in highlighting the positive aspects of Chinese-Hawaiian culture, just as his skillful rendering of San Francisco is noteworthy of its modernity and keen sense of place. 

Ratings and reviews

There are a couple gaffes with the auto-reader getting the wrong word or pronunciation, and of course it always sounds conversational whatever the mood of the characters, but overall it is still enjoyable. I've heard human readers do much worse... Happy to find any audio of these old stories. Social norms are dated of course, but the mystery is excellent and timeless. Highly recommend, great value!

About the author

Earl Derr Biggers (August 26, 1884 – April 5, 1933) was an American novelist and playwright. His novels featuring the fictional Chinese American detective Charlie Chan were adapted into popular films made in the United States and China.