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.
From the Author
Suzhou has always held a special place in my heart. It’s where I met my wife, where we got married, and where I’ve found endless inspiration for my writing. The city’s ancient canals, moonlit gardens, and rich cultural heritage have captivated me for years, and it’s this deep connection that led me to write The Suzhou Mysteries.
This series reimagines the lives of Shen Bingcheng and Yan Yonghua, the real-life founders of Suzhou’s iconic Couple’s Retreat Garden, weaving their story into a tapestry of Gothic mystery, folklore, and historical intrigue. Recently, I had the honor of speaking about The Suzhou Mysteries at a symposium hosted by the Suzhou Landscape and Garden Society World Heritage and Historical Cultural Arts Committee. It was a privilege to share my work with an audience that understands and cherishes Suzhou’s unique beauty and history.
Suzhou Secret Whispers is the first novel of The Suzhou Mysteries. It’s a story born from my love for Suzhou and its people, and I hope it transports you to the shadowy canals and mist-laden streets of 19th-century China.
In this web of intrigue that spans from the crumbling teahouses of Pingjiang Road to the opulent mansions of Shantang Street, you’ll encounter the terrifying legend of the Nian, the haunting presence of a fox spirit that preys on ambition and desire, 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.
This is just the beginning—a small taste of the larger journey that awaits in Suzhou Secret Whispers, the first full novel in the series.
Thank you for joining me on this adventure. I hope you’ll fall in love with Suzhou, its mysteries, and its enduring spirit, just as I have.
—Dave Alber
Press Release for Suzhou Secret Whispers:
“Author Dave Alber Launches Gothic Mystery Set in 19th-Century China, Blending History and Supernatural Folklore”
Copyright 2024 and beyond, Dave Alber