A place to explore all things surrounding Detective Charlie Chan, his creator Earl Derr Biggers, and their connection with Hawaii, Ohio and mystery fiction. – LOU ARMAGNO
By now everyone should be aware this year marks the 100th anniversary of Earl Derr Biggers' novel, The House Without a Key, 1925. And that the story was first serialized in seven editions of The Saturday Evening Post, beginning with the January 24, 1925 edition. However, it was not until the next week, January 31, … Continue reading January 31, 1925, The Saturday Evening Post, Chapter 7 – Enter Charlie Chan!
HAU'OLI MAKAHIKI HOU or Happy New Year everyone! Especially those born in the Year of The Snake. And a special year indeed for Detective Charlie Chan fans! That first novel (in the title above) was serialized in the Saturday Evening Post over seven-weekly editions, beginning January 24th, 1925. Later that year it was released as … Continue reading A Centennial: The House Without a Key (1925) and Charlie Chan are turning 100!
I want to thank Author John L. Swann and Nicholas K. Burns Publishing, Utica New York, for the read ahead copy to Mr. Swann's second Charlie Chan novella, The Tangled String. It was released November 25th, 2024 available wherever books are sold and just in time for Christmas. The story takes place in Boston, where … Continue reading Book Review: The Tangled String, A Charlie Chan Mystery by John L. Swann
Oh, if they'd only devote this much effort into getting a haircut, a job and becoming a decent member of society. But like Forest told us, "stupid is as stupid does." (Actually I think his momma always said that.) Once again the holidays approach. And those who do dastardly deeds, like the porch pirates, are … Continue reading Seasons Greetings with MAIL SCAMs: a txt msg, counterfeit stamps & a surprise package!
October is World Mental Health Awareness month; October 10th World Mental Health Day. This month's post originated from discussion with Charlie Chan Family Home member, Michael Votta Jr. (aka: "Mike in D.C." to the Chan Family Home clan.) Professor Votta, currently serves as Interim Director of The School of Music and Director of Bands, University … Continue reading Mental Health Awareness: Composer Oscar Levant & Charlie Chan at the Opera.
Call me dense (I never was a history buff,) but it took me a few decades to realized why the book cover for the very first book of Charlie Chan aphorisms Quotations from Charlie Chan, January 1967, looks the way it does. It was purposely meant to mimic another prominent writing Quotations from Chairman Mao … Continue reading Two “little red books” of aphorisms: one $250,000 the other $5.99!
Where were you on the night of April 3rd, 2024 at 12:30PM? Well OK, that's actually in the afternoon but I was trying to be melodramatic. However, if you were not at the University of Minnesota's, St. Paul Campus, Magrath Library, Room 4, then you likely missed Len Freeman's course, Charlie Chan and Friends. Yes … Continue reading Get “schooled” in the land of Chan with this OLLI 5-week course at Univ. of Minnesota!
Here's some exciting news for mystery buffs, who've longed for someone to dare follow up with a true Charlie Chan novel. A new mystery to carry on with Author Biggers' storyline. We have it now in: Death, I Said: A Charlie Chan Mystery by John L. Swann" Nicholas K. Burns Publishing, NY, 2023 Both I, … Continue reading We finally have one! A Charlie Chan Pastiche true to Earl Derr Biggers original novels.
Isn't it great today we have iPhones, Androids, Ipads and GPS. No need to bring a passenger along on a road trip to unfold that map and give you the wrong directions. A simple smart phone will get you anywhere. Still, at some point you'll need to look up and see if you're on the … Continue reading A Christmas Greeting to all from Cleveland, Ohio.
Well considering you've landed here, I really must put in a pitch (to those who never read them) for the six original Charlie Chan novels. We'll get to that later. However, first let me share four destinations to visit when picking out your next mystery read! Watch for the "Hint" following each destination. 1. JANET … Continue reading October is National Book Month! Hmm…what to read?
The Postman on Holiday 