Author: Biggers, Earl Derr
Publisher: Academy Chicago Publishers
Publication Date: 05/28/09
In "The Black Camel" (1929) Charlie is back home - promoted from sergeant to inspector - and is tasked to investigate murder of famous Hollywood actress Shelah Fane, who was stabbed to death in a secluded spot on Waikiki Beach. The public outcry makes it imperative that Chan find the murderer immediately.
In a paraphrase of dialogue found in many mystery movies, he says, "Let nothing be touched until I touch it." There is also a scene reminiscent of many in the Chan films. Charlie has found a letter from the victim, which may disclose her killer. Before he can read it, the lights go out, he is struck on the head, and the letter is stolen.
Charlie continues to mangle English - albeit delightfully - when he tells a suspect, "I could place you beneath arrest." In this case he is assisted by Kashimo, a local policeman of Japanese origin, who annoys him greatly. Chan must put up with hearing someone refer to Chinese as "heathen." The same person asks when Chan appears to investigate, "Why can't they send a white man?" There are scenes of the Chan family at their home on Punchbowl Hill. To his favorite child, daughter Rose, who tells him the world is changing and becoming faster, he reluctantly agrees, replying, "Should I pause to think deeply I would be plenty lonesome man."
The title of this book is attributed to an old Eastern saying that "Death is the black camel that kneels unbidden at every gate." Charlie uses some animal imagery himself when he says, "The man who is about to cross a stream should not revile the crocodile's mother."
