Re: New Book, "Death, I Said: A Charlie Chan Mystery"
Rush, I agree. I finished it yesterday and it is spot on as far as being a pastiche on Biggers' novels. For those looking for something more aligned to Biggers' Chan novels, it's a hit. I think it's marvelous!
Perhaps not the same flowery prose equal to Biggers, but it does a **** good job and no slapstick aphorisms :).
Re: New Book, "Death, I Said: A Charlie Chan Mystery"
Dear Lou,
Thank you! As our resident Earl Derr Biggers guru, your approval is gold! I will work my way through the book as fast as I can. Oh, those nagging interruptions!
Re: New Book, "Death, I Said: A Charlie Chan Mystery"
Lou and Rush, My copy arrives this evening. Hopefully it is as good as you guys say it is. Truly looking forward to a story that can capture the essence of Biggers' originals.
Re: New Book, "Death, I Said: A Charlie Chan Mystery"
Sorry for the late follow-up. I finished reading the book in about a day. It is certainly a quick and enjoyable read. It isn't a bad story but it really seemed like it was just a vehicle to name drop characters from previous Bigger's Chan books. As such I hope that Mr. Swann will continue on with other Chan stories and more fully develop the characters as this was a very good first effort. He certainly left us with a final hook that could be turned into its own story line as a continuation of the Chan canon.
Re: New Book, "Death, I Said: A Charlie Chan Mystery"
Henry, well put. I DID think the first part could have been a bit stronger. However, it gained momentum after awhile (in my opinion.) And once I picked up on who-was-who at the College, I enjoyed it more. It will be hard for ANYONE to match Biggers writing. I believe Mr. Swann has another book coming out next year. As you say, hopefully, his stories will improve with each one. Nice feedback. T.Y.S.M.
