The Thirteenth Tale

A captivating read, Diane Setterfield's The Thirteenth Tale is a wonderful yarn about books, mysteries, ghosts, and family secrets. This is Diane Setterfield's first novel...and what a master wordsmith she is! I was swept into the story, not only by the unfolding mysteries, but by the flowing lyricism and master craftsmanship of her writing.

Margaret Lea, sheltered within her father's bookstore and own haunted past, is invited by reclusive Vida Winter, a world-renowned writer, to pen her biography. Ms. Winter has yet to tell the truth regarding her mysterious past; so why now does she want to tell her true story? ...and why to Margaret? Margaret is soon drawn into the story of Vida Winter and The Thirteenth Tale -- a story of haunting mysteries, ghosts, twins, and family skeletons. Is Vida Winter telling the truth now? How frustrating, and tantalizing, are Ms. Winter's rules for Margaret (and the reader) to not ask questions and not jump ahead in the story.

This is a wonderful Gothic mystery in every sense. What a joy to read a book about books, libraries, writers, and the love of reading. This is one of the best books I have read in quite some time and I highly recommend it. This is another one we need to discuss! Please visit the website, too! This is one of the best websites I've visited -- don't explore too much, however, until you've read the book.