The White Mirror: A Mystery

"Narrator David Shih...keeps his enunciation even and crisp, teasing out the clues as this tale, intricate as a tapestry, begins to unravel its secrets." - AudioFile Magazine

In The White Mirror, the follow-up to Elsa Hart's critically acclaimed debut, Jade Dragon Mountain, Li Du, an imperial librarian and former exile in 18th century China, is now an independent traveler. He is journeying with a trade caravan bound for Lhasa when a detour brings them to a valley hidden between mountain passes. On the icy planks of a wooden bridge, a monk sits in contemplation. Closer inspection reveals that the monk is dead, apparently of a self-inflicted wound. His robes are rent, revealing a strange symbol painted on his chest.

When the rain turns to snow, the caravan is forced to seek hospitality from the local lord while they wait for the storm to pass. The dead monk, Li Du soon learns, was a reclusive painter. According to the family, his bizarre suicide is not surprising, given his obsession with the demon world. But Li Du is convinced that all is not as it seems. Why did the caravan leader detour to this particular valley? Why does the lord's heir sleep in the barn like a servant? And who is the mysterious woman traveling through the mountain wilds?

Trapped in the snow, surrounded by secrets and an unexplained grief that haunts the manor, Li Du cannot distract himself from memories he's tried to leave behind. As he discovers irrefutable evidence of the painter's murder and pieces together the dark circumstances of his death, Li Du must face the reason he will not go home and, ultimately, the reason why he must.

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The White Mirror: A Mystery

"Narrator David Shih...keeps his enunciation even and crisp, teasing out the clues as this tale, intricate as a tapestry, begins to unravel its secrets." - AudioFile Magazine

In The White Mirror, the follow-up to Elsa Hart's critically acclaimed debut, Jade Dragon Mountain, Li Du, an imperial librarian and former exile in 18th century China, is now an independent traveler. He is journeying with a trade caravan bound for Lhasa when a detour brings them to a valley hidden between mountain passes. On the icy planks of a wooden bridge, a monk sits in contemplation. Closer inspection reveals that the monk is dead, apparently of a self-inflicted wound. His robes are rent, revealing a strange symbol painted on his chest.

When the rain turns to snow, the caravan is forced to seek hospitality from the local lord while they wait for the storm to pass. The dead monk, Li Du soon learns, was a reclusive painter. According to the family, his bizarre suicide is not surprising, given his obsession with the demon world. But Li Du is convinced that all is not as it seems. Why did the caravan leader detour to this particular valley? Why does the lord's heir sleep in the barn like a servant? And who is the mysterious woman traveling through the mountain wilds?

Trapped in the snow, surrounded by secrets and an unexplained grief that haunts the manor, Li Du cannot distract himself from memories he's tried to leave behind. As he discovers irrefutable evidence of the painter's murder and pieces together the dark circumstances of his death, Li Du must face the reason he will not go home and, ultimately, the reason why he must.

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The White Mirror: A Mystery

The White Mirror: A Mystery

by Elsa Hart

Narrated by David Shih

Unabridged — 11 hours, 42 minutes

The White Mirror: A Mystery

The White Mirror: A Mystery

by Elsa Hart

Narrated by David Shih

Unabridged — 11 hours, 42 minutes

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Overview

"Narrator David Shih...keeps his enunciation even and crisp, teasing out the clues as this tale, intricate as a tapestry, begins to unravel its secrets." - AudioFile Magazine

In The White Mirror, the follow-up to Elsa Hart's critically acclaimed debut, Jade Dragon Mountain, Li Du, an imperial librarian and former exile in 18th century China, is now an independent traveler. He is journeying with a trade caravan bound for Lhasa when a detour brings them to a valley hidden between mountain passes. On the icy planks of a wooden bridge, a monk sits in contemplation. Closer inspection reveals that the monk is dead, apparently of a self-inflicted wound. His robes are rent, revealing a strange symbol painted on his chest.

When the rain turns to snow, the caravan is forced to seek hospitality from the local lord while they wait for the storm to pass. The dead monk, Li Du soon learns, was a reclusive painter. According to the family, his bizarre suicide is not surprising, given his obsession with the demon world. But Li Du is convinced that all is not as it seems. Why did the caravan leader detour to this particular valley? Why does the lord's heir sleep in the barn like a servant? And who is the mysterious woman traveling through the mountain wilds?

Trapped in the snow, surrounded by secrets and an unexplained grief that haunts the manor, Li Du cannot distract himself from memories he's tried to leave behind. As he discovers irrefutable evidence of the painter's murder and pieces together the dark circumstances of his death, Li Du must face the reason he will not go home and, ultimately, the reason why he must.


Editorial Reviews

MARCH 2018 - AudioFile

In the misty mountains of northern China during the Qing Dynasty, former imperial librarian Li Du discovers a monk dead on a snowy ledge. Painted around the seemingly self-inflicted wound on his chest is a white circle framed in gold and blue, an inauspicious symbol known as “the white mirror.” Narrator David Shih gives Li Du a tempered, flat tone suitable for a man who knows much but reveals little. Doso, the lord whom Li Du sojourns with, sounds like the low booming of a large bell—intense and unnerving. Women and younger characters slip into a higher, more lyrical range. Throughout, Shih keeps his enunciation even and crisp, teasing out the clues as this tale, intricate as a tapestry, begins to unravel its secrets. E.E. © AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine

From the Publisher

Praise for Jade Dragon Mountain:

“[A] measured, intelligent, first-class debut…The book augurs a brilliant career for Hart: the careful characterization, the beautifully detailed research (minced yak tongue, anyone?), and an innate feel for the enigmatic meanings of murder.”—USA Today

“First-time novelist Elsa Hart recreates the world of 18th-century China with assurance and skill.”—The Wall Street Journal

“This debut historical mystery deftly combines ingenious plotting and suspense with a subtle understanding of China, its culture, and its people. The protagonist, Li Du, a librarian and intellectual, is well worth keeping an eye on.”—Donna Leon

Jade Dragon Mountain delivers a compelling look at Chinese politics, culture and religion, delivering the complexities of each with a character-rich story…One of the year's most engrossing debuts.”—Associated Press

“Part mystery, part exploration of a culture fading into history's shadows, Hart's novel is a fascinating, intelligent debut…Think Agatha Christie writing Shogun…Captivating.”—Kirkus Reviews

“Elsa Hart's debut novel demands attention. Elegantly written, tightly controlled, and sweeping, Jade Dragon Mountain will leave its readers thinking as much about the nature of storytelling and memory as the vivid recreation of a poignant period in the history of China.”—Matthew Pearl

“Political and religious intrigue drives Hart’s compelling debut set in 18th-century China…Hart’s sure command of historical complexities, conflicts between cultures, and plot twists leads to a satisfying conclusion.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

Library Journal

04/01/2016
Hart, who burst forth last year with the wondrously praised Jade Dragon Mountain, returns with a second novel featuring former imperial librarian Li Du. Here, he's traveling with a trade caravan bound for Lhasa that suddenly detours to a hidden valley, where he discovers a dead monk sitting seemingly in contemplation on a wooden bridge, his clothes torn to reveal a mysterious symbol on his chest. As a sudden snowstorm forces the caravan to seek shelter at the home of a local lord, Li Du determines that what looked like suicide is actually murder.

MARCH 2018 - AudioFile

In the misty mountains of northern China during the Qing Dynasty, former imperial librarian Li Du discovers a monk dead on a snowy ledge. Painted around the seemingly self-inflicted wound on his chest is a white circle framed in gold and blue, an inauspicious symbol known as “the white mirror.” Narrator David Shih gives Li Du a tempered, flat tone suitable for a man who knows much but reveals little. Doso, the lord whom Li Du sojourns with, sounds like the low booming of a large bell—intense and unnerving. Women and younger characters slip into a higher, more lyrical range. Throughout, Shih keeps his enunciation even and crisp, teasing out the clues as this tale, intricate as a tapestry, begins to unravel its secrets. E.E. © AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine

Product Details

BN ID: 2940171924294
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Publication date: 08/22/2017
Series: Li Du Series , #2
Edition description: Unabridged
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