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Chasing Moonflowers
A Gothic Historical Fantasy
Publishing July 1, 2025
In 1925 colonial Hong Kong, young herbalist Ling Shaw witnesses a murder committed by a bloodthirsty creature. When her uncle is wrongfully arrested for the crime, Ling is the only one to clear her family’s name and find the real killer.
Teaming up with her private school best friend and a Red Society thug from the Kowloon Walled City, she uncovers dark family secrets, occult rituals, vampires, and a sinister plot tied to the Canton Labor Strikes. Ling must overcome ancient and eldritch forces to save her family — and all of Kowloon.
Early Praise for “Chasing Moonflowers”
“A riveting novel that keeps readers looking over their shoulders while unwilling to put it down.” ~ Readers’ Favorite
Chasing Moonflowers is an intriguing blend of mystery and horror, set against a backdrop of political tension and cultural transformation…If you’re into Alma Katsu’s work, this is definitely in your lane: steadily escalating dread, layered characters, and a setting that amplifies the horror in all the right ways. ~ Christopher O’Halloran, Author of Pushing Daisy
“An exceptional read that will transport readers into 1920’s Hong Kong and a world of vampires and magic.” ~ Jordan on Goodreads
“This book set the bar high for historical fantasy! I loved the mystery, the family secrets, and the powerful journey of Ling. I’d absolutely read it again.” ~ Clancy on Netgalley
“I was completely drawn in from the start. It’s a beautifully written story that blends the supernatural with grounded, emotional storytelling.” ~ Trevor on Goodreads
About the Author
Pauline Chow is a writer, coach, and ancestral magic practitioner, crafting alternative histories and optimistic futures. She is a Pushcart Prize nominated author with words in Cosmic Monthly Horror, Space and Time Magazine, Apocalypse Confidential, and more. Not your average data scientist, she once sued slumlords and advocated for affordable housing in Southern California. Now, she lives in the woods and is planning her next trip to a historical (hopefully haunted) hotel.
Published Stories
- Pushcart Prize Nominated: Space and Time Magazine, Issue #147: Born of the Blood Moon: Before the Frog Sang from the Well (Oct 2024)
- APOCALYPSE CONFIDENTIAL, Strange Skies Weird Worlds, Reconfiguration of the Human Spirit (Apr 2024)
- Duck Duck Mongoose, Issue By the Fireplace: Goodnight Nobody (Feb 2024)
- Cosmic Horror Monthly, Issue #43: Dragging Bones from the Ocean (Jan 2024)
- 101 words: Listen, Before It’s Too Late (Jan 11, 2024)
- H.P. Lovecraft Film Festival 2023: Arkham World’s Fair – The Challenge From Beyond Volume 8 (Oct 2023)
- Wicked Shadow Press: Murder on Her Mind Anthology Volume 1 (Mar 2023)
- Chamber Magazine: Work Friends (May 6, 2022)
- 50-word Stories: Cutting Expectations (May 5, 2022)
Essays
- Corsets, Curses, and Colonialism: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of Victorian Horror, Ginger Nuts of Horror (May 2024)
More on Writing
Read my short stories and find my notes on inspiration for each piece on Substack as well as thoughts on creativity, challenges, and transitions.
Personalized Services
- Creativity and Book Publishing Coach
- Developmental Edits
- Motivational Speaking & Author Readings
Connections
Let’s connect on social media.