Suzhou Secret Whispers
Suzhou Secret Whispers: A Gothic Mystery of the Qing Dynasty (Book 1 of The Suzhou Mysteries)
Step into the shadowy canals and mist-laden streets of 19th-century Suzhou, where ancient legends, dark secrets, and the lives of two extraordinary historical figures intertwine in this gripping Gothic mystery.
Mystery of the Qing Dynasty, author Dave Alber invites you to uncover three chilling Gothic tales set against the backdrop of Qing Dynasty China.
As the Lunar New Year approaches, the city buzzes with anticipation, but beneath the festive veneer lies a world of whispered curses, vengeful spirits, and hidden truths. Shen Bingcheng, a broken silk merchant haunted by the tragic loss of his family, is pulled from despair by a mysterious and brilliant scholar. Together, they are drawn into a web of intrigue that spans from the crumbling teahouses of Pingjiang Road to the opulent mansions of Shantang Street.
From the terrifying legend of the Nian, a monstrous beast that feasts on human flesh, to the haunting presence of a fox spirit that preys on ambition and desire, Shen and the scholar must unravel a series of chilling mysteries. Along the way, they encounter a cast of unforgettable characters: a grieving lute player, a flower spirit whose voice lures men to their doom, a murderous opera singer, and a brilliant inventor haunted by his father’s cursed legacy.
As the boundaries between reality and superstition blur, Shen and the scholar confront their own demons while navigating a labyrinth of deceit, betrayal, and supernatural forces. Will they uncover the truth before the shadows consume them, or will they become the next victims of Suzhou’s dark whispers?
Richly atmospheric and steeped in the folklore of Qing Dynasty China, Suzhou Secret Whispers reimagines the lives of Shen Bingcheng and Yan Yonghua—the real-life founders of Suzhou’s iconic Couple’s Retreat Garden. Through their fictional adventures, the novel explores themes of grief, love, and the transformative power of human connection, all set against the backdrop of Suzhou’s rich cultural heritage.
Perfect for fans of The Ghost Bride and The Night Tiger by Yangsze Choo, Suzhou Secret Whispers invites you to walk through Suzhou’s shadowed courtyards and moonlit gardens, where every mystery solved brings them closer to healing, love, and the creation of beauty. Dive into this tale of love, loss, and the enduring power of the human spirit against the forces of darkness. Suzhou’s mysteries await—will you uncover its secrets?
About Dave Alber
A storyteller at heart, Dave Alber crafts worlds where the line between history and mystery blurs.
With a passion for blending rich narratives with immersive, cutting-edge technologies, he invites readers to explore both the past and the present through vivid, multi-dimensional storytelling.
Whether it’s the winding alleys of Suzhou or the shadows of forgotten legends, Dave’s work captivates with its intricate characters, timeless themes, and gripping suspense.
When he’s not writing, you can find him exploring new ways to merge the worlds of art and narrative—constantly searching for the next story that demands to be told.
Hybrid VR Paintings by Dave Alber
Experience Art Like Never Before as the author combines traditional oil painting with the immersive power of virtual reality, inviting you to explore art in a groundbreaking way. Imagine standing in an art gallery, captivated by a painting, and stepping into the artwork itself. With Hybrid VR Paintings and the VR Paintings app, you can do exactly that—enter vibrant, thick impasto oil paintings and experience them as fully immersive 360° VR environments.
Note: The QR codes in this book no longer have active links to the VR painting images.
However, the VR images can be found online at: https://kuula.co/profile/DaveAlber
Dave Alber’s fine art website is: http://davealber.com/wp/
A Curious Heart’s Wanderlust in China
Discover the Heart of China Through Art, Myth, and Adventure as the author invites you on a journey into the vibrant landscapes, traditions, and stories of China. Through the eyes of a curious traveler, this book brings China’s cultural richness to life—allowing you to experience its cuisine, architecture, folklore, and social traditions in vivid detail.
The Heart of Myth: Wisdom Stories From Endangered People
A global anthology of myths from the living polytheistic traditions of six continents
Dave Alber’s The Heart of Myth unpacks the spirituality of the myths of each region in a local context, then traces connections and archetypes between regions so that world myth may be understood as both a communicative vocabulary and a grand cultural continuity.
It has been praised by Phil Cousineau, Sam Keen, Wes `Scoop’ Nisker, and Malidoma Patrice Somé, Ph.D.
Ravages of Time & Permanence of Wonderby Dave Alber
Embark on a Journey Through Art, Culture, and Innovation as the author invites readers into a unique fusion of traditional and digital art, where physical impasto paintings merge with virtual reality to create immersive experiences. Known for his innovative Hybrid VR Paintings, Alber bridges the physical and virtual worlds, allowing art lovers to explore galleries in a whole new dimension.
The Taotie Image in Chinese Art, Culture, and Cosmology
Unlock the Mysteries of the Taotie in Chinese Art and Culture
The taotie, or “beast mask,” is one of the most iconic symbols in Chinese art, particularly prominent in the Shang dynasty. For centuries, this captivating motif has sparked intrigue, inviting scholars and art lovers alike to ponder its origins, meanings, and influence.
Intimations
Experience Art, Culture, and the Heart of Travel with Intimations
In Intimations, artist and travel writer Dave Alber invites you to embark on a journey through the vivid landscapes and cultural richness of China, Myanmar, and Nepal. This unique art catalog showcases Alber’s 2018 travel paintings, travel articles, and personal reflections, capturing the beauty, traditions, and spirit of life across Asia.
Alien Sex in Silicon Valley by Dave Alber
Explore the Madness of Corporate Culture in a Satirical Sci-Fi Adventure by Dave Alber
This sharp, hysterical satire dives into the surreal depths of modern corporate culture. Meet Alan Burnett, a schizophrenic Southerner who works at a Bay Area tech company that he believes is secretly run by extraterrestrials. As Alan delves deeper into the corporate machine, he uncovers bizarre conspiracies, hidden agendas, and a cosmic plot to control humanity—all through the power of story.
Highly praised by David L. Miller, Ph.D., Doug Brown, Ph. D., Stanley Krippner, Ph.D., John Zerzan, Dr. Robert Ellwood, Dr. Ian Hudson, Dr. William G. Doty, Dennis Patrick Slattery, and Daniel S. Levine.
English Idioms: An Idiomatic Journey to the West
Unlock the Secrets of English Idioms Through a Journey to the West
English Idioms: An Idiomatic Journey to the West is a unique bilingual guide for Chinese speakers learning English. Blending cultural storytelling with language learning, this book uses the beloved Chinese tale of the Monkey King and Journey to the West to teach essential English idioms, vocabulary, and phrases.
Chinese English: English for Chinese Speakers
Chinese English: English for Chinese Speakers is the essential guide for Chinese speakers aiming to improve their English skills with targeted, practical instruction. Designed to address the unique challenges faced by Chinese learners, this book provides a clear roadmap to mastering English pronunciation, grammar, rhythm, and intonation.
The Sound of English: English Pronunciation Practice
Master Clear and Confident English Pronunciation with The Sound of English: English Pronunciation Practice
The Sound of English: English Pronunciation Practice is your essential guide to mastering English pronunciation, designed to help you speak English confidently and clearly. This comprehensive resource focuses on the sounds of English, providing a structured approach to improve your speaking skills, whether for business, academics, or everyday communication.
50 Idioms That You Absolutely Must Know
50 Idioms That You Absolutely Must Know is your essential guide to mastering everyday English expressions. This concise and practical book is packed with both American and British idioms, offering clear definitions and real-life examples to bring each phrase to life. Ideal for business English, academic settings, or casual conversation, this guide makes learning idioms engaging and accessible.
Myth & Medium
Unlock the Power of Myth Through Art and Insightful Essays
Myth & Medium: The Art of Dave Alber is a unique collection that merges art, prose poetry, and myth to explore the eternal themes underlying human experience. Featuring over fifty pieces of original artwork, this catalog delves into the mythological symbols and timeless archetypes that shape our inner worlds, inviting viewers to see beyond the ordinary and connect with something profound.
To the Dawn
An Epic Poem of Cosmology, Myth, and Humanity’s Journey
To the Dawn by Dave Alber is a powerful seven-part epic poem that traverses the realms of cosmology, myth, history, and the timeless human quest for meaning. This ambitious work explores the cycles of creation and destruction, the beauty of the cosmos, and the spiritual undercurrents that shape our past, present, and future.
Copyright 2024 and beyond, Dave Alber