In Behind the Curtain, the third thrilling installment of the Charlie Chan mysteries, Honolulu's most astute detective is drawn into a web of intrigue, betrayal, and murder on the mainland. When a famous stage actress is found dead during a rehearsal-curtains drawn, screams muffled, and a knife still warm-Chan must uncover what lies behind the velvet drapes of high society. With a glamorous but treacherous cast of suspects, an eerie stage haunted by whispered threats, and a killer who always seems one step ahead, Charlie Chan races against time to stop the final curtain from falling-on himself. Lurid, fast-paced, and crackling with suspense, Behind the Curtain is a dazzling blend of pulp drama and locked-room mystery that will keep you guessing until the last shocking reveal.

Earl Derr Biggers (1884-1933) was a master of mystery whose work helped shape the Golden Age of detective fiction. Born in Ohio and educated at Harvard, Biggers began his literary career as a journalist before turning to the world of fiction-where he would leave an indelible mark. Best known as the creator of the legendary detective Charlie Chan, Biggers blended gripping plots, clever dialogue, and exotic locales to craft mysteries that captivated readers worldwide. Inspired by a real-life Chinese-American lawman, Chan was a groundbreaking character: wise, witty, and deeply principled, offering a refreshing counterpoint to the stereotypes of his time. Biggers' novels, including The House Without a Key and The Chinese Parrot, have endured for nearly a century thanks to their elegance, charm, and universal appeal. His stories continue to intrigue modern readers and inspire new adaptations-from film to radio to manga-style reimaginings. Though his life was tragically cut short, Earl Derr Biggers left behind a literary legacy as rich and colorful as the mysteries he so deftly penned.