Another new Charlie Chan mystery has hit the bookshelves. And with this one there's hope we will FINALLY have a true pastiche: one that continues Author Earl Derr Biggers' storyline.

Author John Swann's, "Death, I said: A Charlie Chan Mystery" (November 2023) is the first book I know of that will follow up with Biggers' storyline, and characters, and not the films or some new plot that disharmonizes with the six original novels.

CAVEAT: I only read three chapters. Last spring John gave me the opportunity to read the first three chapters from his book and I was pleasantly surprised. He brings back into play past characters from the original Chan novels. I just ordered the book from Amazon and if it continues in that same vein as what I read last year, this should be the first of a true Charlie Chan continuation to Biggers literature.

Here's the Amazon description:


Death, I Said: A Charlie Chan Mystery finds the Honolulu police inspector and internationally renowned detective on the case when an old friend's plea for help turns into a mystery as thick as its fog-shrouded San Francisco setting.

Years after their first meeting in the midst of a Hawaiian murder case, John Quincy Winterslip appeals to Chan to discreetly delve into the secrets of a respected San Francisco university. Not as challenging a case, Chan thinks, as those which brought him professional satisfaction and worldwide celebrity. Still, it's an opportunity to see daughter Rose and other family-and to help the young Winterslip.

But something is amiss in the academic community, and Chan's powers are put to the test as violence and death visit the quiet campus. Who is threatening one professor after another with blackmail and death? With wit, wisdom, and intuitive intellect-and the help of Winterslip and daughter Rose-Chan will crack the case and unmask the guilty.

Happy reading, Lou

Dear Lou,

Thank you for posting this information! I have ordered the book, and from your thoughts and description, it promises to be a worthy addition to the Charlie Chan legacy!



Sincerely,
Rush

I now have the book and am in the process of reading it. So far it seems like a VERY worthy Charlie Chan mystery!

Sincerely,
Rush

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 :).

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!

Sincerely,
Rush

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.

Henry

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.

Thank you so much,
Henry

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.