Seven Keys To Baldpate

"Seven Keys to Baldpate" by Earl Derr Biggers is a captivating mystery novel set in the desolate Baldpate Inn during the off-season. The story begins with Billy Magee, a writer seeking solitude to work on a serious novel, arriving at the inn with a key given to him by a friend. Expecting to be alone, Magee is surprised when he encounters other unexpected guests, each with their own key and mysterious reasons for being there. Among them is Joseph Bland, a haberdasher with a broken heart, and Professor Thaddeus Bolton, who is drawn to the inn by a nostalgic longing for romance. As the night unfolds, the inn becomes a hub of intrigue and secrets, with each character revealing their own story and purpose. The narrative is rich with humor and wit, as Magee navigates the complexities of his fellow guests' intentions while trying to maintain his own quest for isolation. The novel explores themes of love, change, and the unexpected twists of fate, all set against the backdrop of a seemingly deserted mountain retreat. Biggers weaves a tale that keeps readers engaged with its blend of mystery, romance, and comedy, ultimately questioning the nature of solitude and the human connections that disrupt it.