Hi all, thought I'd see if anyone else out there has read the subject book "Chasing Charlie Chan"...there are two books out there?

The first, is a short read by Dave Crosby(145 pgs), 2007. Its about a female detective Charlie Chandler, who goes about quoting aphorisms with her new Japanese police detective partner. Both are recently promoted to detective, and solving a murder at a circus freak show. It's OK; the author's first book. But best described in my opinion as a "corny, fun read".

However, do want to recommend the other for certain, "Chasing Charlie Chan", (2013) by J.L. Abramo. I have not read his other novels (four "Jake Diamond" series, or a stand alone "Gravesend"). It is pure "NOIR" mystery in the style of Dashiell Hammett, James Ellroy, etc. The author doesn't hold back on the cussing, bloodshed, or seedy side of the police and civilians. I could picture "Bogie" as his P.I. Jimmy Pidgeon. It reminded me of Bigger's last novel, "Charlie Chan Carries On" only in the sense that Chan, or rather Warner Oland' mansion in Beverly hills, enter in at around the last 1/4 of the book. It plays off the history & owners of Oland's mansion, his walking off the set of "Charlie Chan at Ringside", the intricacies of the studios 20th Century Fox & Monogram pictures producer Reginald Masters (probably for Sol Wurtzel), Hollywood, and the mob! It is all intertwined in fact and fiction and a GREAT read. The author is accredited with mystery writers awards and memberships, that I won't bore you with. If you like reading mysteries...this one is a GREAT pic.

TXS
Lou

Do you know of a good source for the second book that you mentioned?

John, I bought it on Barnes & Nobles. It was $15.31 (not cheap). I couldn't find anything used, which I usually buy. Amazon.com has a new one for $12.99 or close to that price. Hope that helps. Lou

Thanks. I'll look into this. Sounds like good summer reading.

Thanks for the tip... I've picked it up on my Kindle... look forward to a fun read.

My pleasure Len. I'm more a Charlie Chan "Book" than "Movie" aficionado! Hope you enjoy. Lou

What a fun book/great read….
Warner Oland and the movie mobsters of the 30's make this great fun with a fast paced style that I think many will find enjoyable… and some nice twists intertwining the movie biz stuff, including Oland's disappearance, that play well off what is essentially a current day noir novel.
I recommend it (though don't go looking for any Chan style… just have to take it on its own.)