The Thirteenth Tale

Title: The Thirteenth Tale

Author: Diane Setterfield

Genre: Gothic mystery suspense

Publisher: Orion

Published Date: 2006

Book Length: 408

Format Read: Hardback

Star Rating: 5***** I loved it and highly recommend

About Book: And what is the secret that strikes at the heart of Margaret's own, troubled life? As Margaret digs deeper, two parallel stories unfold, and the tale she uncovers sheds a disturbing light on her own life.

My Thoughts: The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield is a gothic mystery full of suspense and atmosphere. I came across it thanks to my book club—it was their pick for the month—and I’m so glad they chose it. I treated myself to a hardback copy (my favourite format), and it was sold as a first edition. I mention that only because of the dust jacket—it’s beautiful, and when done right, a great dust cover feels like a part of the whole reading experience.

This is truly a book for book lovers. It features a reclusive author, a bookshop, and a personal library—what more could a reader ask for? Setterfield’s writing is lyrical, ebbing and flowing like the sea. At times, it’s frantic and tumultuous; at others, calm and hypnotic. Her prose carries you along in a rhythm that suits the story perfectly.

At its heart, the novel is a sad tale. It centres on a set of twins and their troubled family history, and there are definite echoes of the Victorian gothic tradition throughout. The mood is eerie, the atmosphere thick with secrets, and I found myself utterly engrossed from beginning to end. The twist near the conclusion caught me completely off guard—in the best way!

In conclusion, The Thirteenth Tale is a haunting and beautifully written story that lingers long after the final page. It’s an ideal read for anyone who loves books about books, with a good dose of mystery and a gothic flair. I’d highly recommend it to fans of Rebecca or The Shadow of the Wind. Atmospheric, emotional, and elegantly told—this is one I’ll be thinking about for a long time.