Seven Keys to Baldpate (1913) is a mystery novel by Earl Derr Biggers.
Although he is widely known as the author of a bestselling series of
novels featuring Chinese American detective Charlie Chan, Biggers worked
for years as a struggling mystery writer with moderate success. Seven
Keys to Baldpate is one of his most acclaimed works of fiction from
that period in his career, due in no small part to George M. Cohan's
celebrated stage adaptation of the same year. Cohan's version has since
served as source material for at least seven feature length films.
"'Yes, it's a little more lively in summer, when that's open," answered
the agent; 'we get a lot of complaints about trunks not coming, from
pretty swell people, too. It sort of cheers things.' His eye roamed with
interest over Mr. Magee's New York attire. 'But Baldpate Inn is shut up
tight now. This is nothing but an annex to a graveyard in winter. You
wasn't thinking of stopping off here, was you?'" When William Magee
arrives at Baldpate Mountain from his native New York City, he discovers
that the hotel where he will be staying is virtually closed for the
winter. Despite this setback, Magee manages to secure a key to the
Baldpate Inn. There, he begins to work on what he hopes will become his
first serious novel, his big break after years as a pulp fiction writer.
Soon, other guests begin to arrive, each of them harboring a dangerous
secret. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset
manuscript, this edition of Earl Derr Biggers' Seven Keys to Baldpate
is a classic of American mystery fiction reimagined for modern readers.
