The Californian Curse

Details:
In the glittering Hollywood of 1940, where secrets lurk behind every movie scene, famed detective Charlie Chan is drawn into a mystery that has surrounded the film city for decades. An old acquaintance contacts him with an enigmatic message about a lost script, and suddenly Chan is faced with the unsolved mystery of the death of renowned director Thomas H. Ince, the "Father of the Western". Supported by his clever daughter Lily, who is making a name for herself in film studies, they search the hidden corners of glamorous Hollywood. In the process, their paths cross with the young directorial genius Orson Welles, who is currently working on his masterpiece "Citizen Kane", a film that also illuminates the dark secrets of Hollywood's powerful. They come across hidden affairs and hear of rumours whispered in the dark corners of the film studios. The Chans are determined to uncover a secret so explosive that it could change the way film history is understood. But in a city where appearances are often reality, who can they really trust? Join Charlie Chan and his daughter on their journey through a labyrinth of intrigue and danger as they unravel the shadows over Hollywood's legendary history. Historical facts
Thomas H. Ince, an important film producer and director of the early Hollywood era, died under mysterious circumstances in 1924. He celebrated his 42nd birthday on board the yacht of media mogul William Randolph Hearst. Officially, acute heart disease was given as the cause of death. However, contradictory reports and the lack of a full autopsy led to speculation and rumours. One widespread but unsubstantiated theory is that Ince was accidentally shot by Hearst, who was actually aiming at Charlie Chaplin, a supposed rival for the favour of actress Marion Davies. This incident remains the subject of speculation and conspiracy theories to this day. Published as serial
In the tradition of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's iconic Sherlock Holmes tales, originally published as serials in the Strand Magazine during the late 19th century, I have chosen to adopt a similar format for unveiling this mystery. The power of the serial is that it allows both writer and reader to travel together on a journey whose ultimate destination remains unseen. Each installment provides enticing glimpses of what is to come without prematurely dispelling the tantalizing aura of mystery that surrounds the narrative. Update Tracker:
12.01.2024: The story is complete! There will only be minor updates.