But my memories of the islands were rather dim I dropped into a library to brighten them a bit by a perusal of recent Honolulu newspapers. Then, some years later, in the fall of 1924, the decision to write a mystery novel about Hawaii, based on a plot that had occurred to me while I was over there. 'A little trip to Honolulu, a harmless loitering on the beach at Waikiki. 'It all began so innocently,' related Biggers. It was while on vacation in Honolulu that the seeds were planted in the mind of Earl Derr Biggers for a new kind of hero. In need of an escape to a more temperate climate Biggers and Elanor visited Hawaii in 1920 for sun and relaxation. However, the workload demanded of a successful playwright began to drain the author physically. It was during this time that Biggers became increasingly involved with stage productions. Love Insurance led to another popular play, See-Saw. His next books, Love Insurance (1914) and The Agony Column (1916) continued his success as a novelist. The popularity of Biggers' first novel was to continue through five different film versions spanning thirty years. Cohan bought the dramatic rights to the book and produced a Broadway play that enjoyed a lengthy run. The inevitable financial rewards of his success allowed he and Eleanor to marry.

The book was very well received, resulting in his gaining a national recognition as a writer. This apparent setback afforded Biggers the opportunity to write his first novel, Seven Keys to Baldpate which was published by Bobbs-Merrill in 1913. Biggers' blunt drama reviews offended many, and when the Boston Traveler was purchased by new owners his days at the publication were numbered, and by 1912, he was fired.

Charlie chan carries on book