The Complete Novels of Earl Derr Biggers: 11 Mystery Classics, Thrillers & Detective Stories (ePub)

Earl Derr Biggers (1884-1933) was an American novelist and playwright esteemed for his significant contributions to the mystery and detective fiction genres. Born in Warren, Ohio, he attended Harvard University, where he graduated in 1907, and subsequently worked in journalism before turning his attention to writing novels. Biggers found enduring fame with the creation of the Chinese-Hawaiian detective Charlie Chan, a character introduced in his novel 'The House Without a Key' (1925), which became part of the larger anthology 'The Complete Novels of Earl Derr Biggers: 11 Mystery Classics, Thrillers & Detective Stories.' The Chan series, which includes 'The Chinese Parrot' (1926) and 'The Black Camel' (1929) among others, reflects Biggers' innovative approach to the detective story, veering away from the conventional hard-boiled detectives of the time. His character Chan was groundbreaking for infusing diversity and sophistication into detective characterization, moving beyond the racial stereotypes prevalent in early 20th-century literature. Moreover, Biggers's eloquent prose is marked by its wit, careful plotting, and a keen sense for setting, which often drew upon his affection for the Hawaiian Islands. Although Biggers's career was prematurely cut short by his untimely death at the age of 48, his works remain celebrated for their intrinsic literary merit and their pioneering role in shaping the detective novel form.