The Chinese Parrot (Charlie Chan #2)

From the lives of two Chinese detectives named Chang Apana and Lee Fook who Biggers had read about in a Honolulu newspaper while on holiday Charlie Chan was partially based. Six Charlie Chan mysteries were written by Biggers. The second book in the series The Chinese Parrot opens as follows: Alexander Eden entered the spacious room with marble pillars where the business of Meek and Eden displayed its merchandise from the foggy street. Suddenly forty magnificent clerks stood at attention behind showcases gleaming with precious stones or brilliant with silver platinum and gold. On the left lapel of each of their pristine morning coats which were free of even the least hint of a wrinkle was a pink carnation that looked as perfect and fresh as if it had actually grown there.