The Curse of Living Knowledge
The Curse of Living Knowledge: A Gothic Mystery of the Qing Dynasty (Book 2 of The Suzhou Mysteries)
Dave Alber’s The Curse of Living Knowledge (Book 2 of The Suzhou Mysteries) is now available!
Dive into a Gothic tale where Qing Dynasty scholar-official Shen Bingcheng and the brilliant but memory-scarred Yan Yonghua—real-life founders of Suzhou’s iconic Couple’s Retreat Garden—journey to the enigmatic Yushan Academy, confront a mystery related to Sun Tzu, author of The Art of War, the mysterious Bai Ze creature, Yushan Mountain’s secrets, and the dark side of enlightenment.
Author Dave Alber invites you to uncover three chilling Gothic tales set against the backdrop of Qing Dynasty China.
In the shadow of Yushan Mountain, knowledge hungers—and minds are its feast.
Following their harrowing encounters in Suzhou, scholar-official Shen Bingcheng and the brilliant but memory-scarred Yan Yonghua embark on a perilous journey to the enigmatic Yushan Academy. Here, amidst mist-shrouded peaks and whispering pines, they confront a legacy of forbidden wisdom that blurs the line between enlightenment and madness.
Three Mysteries Unfold:
- The Mirror of the Enemy – Haunted by past horrors, Shen and Yan set out for Yushan with a guilt-ridden carriage driver whose cursed bridge hides a tragedy. As they trade tales of sorcerer’s mirrors and flawed weavers, each story mirrors their own burdens—Shen’s grief, Yan’s forgotten sins, and the crushing weight of truths too heavy to bear.
- The Mountain That Drinks Ink – The ascent to Yushan Academy becomes a descent into fractured minds. When a former scholar collapses, raving about the mountain’s “thirst for ink,” Yan recognizes his madness as her own—a half-remembered nightmare of dagger-lit rituals and a blinding light that strips sanity. What awaits them at the summit is more than a school: it is a living thing, hungry for those who seek its secrets.
- The Curse of Living Knowledge – Within Yushan’s hallowed halls, a sinister order thrives on psychological torment and sacrifice. Yan confronts her traumatic past as a woman disguised among male scholars, while Shen uncovers the academy’s darkest ritual: the legend of Bai Ze, a mythical beast said to grant ultimate wisdom at the cost of one’s humanity. As they navigate hidden passages and the perilous Astral Observatory, they must outwit a secret society that consumes dissenters—leaving only ash and shattered minds in its wake.
Richly atmospheric and steeped in the folklore of Qing Dynasty China, The Curse of Living Knowledge is a masterful blend of historical fiction and Gothic horror. This second installment in The Suzhou Mysteries series reimagines the lives of Shen Bingcheng and Yan Yonghua—the real-life founders of Suzhou’s iconic Couple’s Retreat Garden—as they navigate a world of mystery, grief, and ultimately, love.
Praise for The Suzhou Mysteries:
“A masterful blend of historical fiction and gothic horror—Alber’s China is as haunting as it is vivid.”
Perfect for fans of:
- The Ghost Bride by Yangsze Choo
- Babel by R.F. Kuang
- The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón
Will Shen and Yan expose the academy’s secrets—or become the next victims of its insatiable hunger?
Dive into this richly atmospheric tale where every page pulses with psychological suspense, Qing Dynasty folklore, and the timeless question: How much truth can a mind endure before it breaks?
The Suzhou Mysteries continue…
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