The Emperor's Curse - A Chinese Holiday Murder Mystery, #1

Gold. Immortality. A love that refuses to die.

 

Officer Paige Gold thought the worst day of her life was losing her fiancé. She was wrong.

 

When a robbery at a quiet Gold Rush museum turns deadly, Paige is pulled into a conspiracy tied to stolen gold—and a 2,000-year-old legend of an emperor's quest for immortality. But the deeper she digs, the more the case begins to twist.

 

Strange visions. An unseen presence. And a chilling sense that she's not alone.

 

As the Hungry Ghost Festival approaches its final night, Paige realizes the truth is more

personal—and more dangerous—than she ever imagined. Someone is willing to kill to possess the ancient elixir hidden within the gold… and silence anyone who gets in their way. Including her.

 

Now, with enemies closing in and time running out, Paige must uncover the secret before it disappears again—because this time, the past isn't just haunting her… It's hunting her.

 

Stolen gold. Ancient secrets. Biotech greed. One woman's fight for the truth.

Perfect for fans of supernatural thrillers and international mysteries, The Emperor's Curse blends Chinese folklore, forbidden science, and a fierce heroine's battle for justice in a world where the past refuses to stay buried.

 

This book ends on a cliffhanger. The story continues in Book 2 - Revenge of the Hungry Ghost (coming summer 2026).

 

Top Tropes & Reader Hooks

Ancient artifact conspiracy Ghostly intervention Race against evil Small-town crime with high stakes East-West tradition clash Strong, determined female lead Hidden legacy Untrustworthy friends

 

Emotional Stakes

What if ancient secrets could kill? Some legends are worth dying for. Would you sacrifice everything to learn the truth? Does love endure after death? 

 

What You'll Experience in This Story

Second chances at love and life Connection beyond death One woman defying impossible odds Discovering hidden power and destiny

Restoring justice in a broken world