Behind That Curtain

Behind That Curtain is the third novel in the Charlie Chan mystery series by Earl Derr Biggers. The series features the legendary Honolulu police detective Charlie Chan, known for his keen intellect, methodical approach to solving crimes, and his unique, wisdom-filled aphorisms.

The story takes place primarily in San Francisco, where Charlie Chan is attending a banquet in his honor. While in the city, he becomes embroiled in a cold case involving the mysterious disappearance of a young woman, Eve Durand, years earlier. The case is intertwined with the murder of a retired Scotland Yard inspector who had been investigating the disappearance.

As Chan delves deeper, he uncovers a tangled web of secrets, lies, and hidden motives. His investigation takes him from San Francisco's high society to its darker, shadowy underbelly. With his trademark wit and intellect, Chan connects seemingly unrelated clues, ultimately unraveling the mystery and exposing the true culprit.

Earl Derr Biggers created Charlie Chan to counteract negative stereotypes about Chinese people that were prevalent in early 20th-century media. The character became a beloved figure in detective fiction, inspiring movies, radio programs, and other adaptations.