The Thirteenth Tale

by Diane Setterfield
The Thirteenth Tale cover
Good Books rating 4.33
Gothic
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £10.99
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 5488
  • Added: 2025-10-24
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • ISBN: 9780743298032
  • Publisher: Simon and Schuster
  • Published: 2007-10-09
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield is a mesmerizing debut novel that breathes new life into the ghost story genre. It weaves a tale of secrets, confused identities, and half-truths, all wrapped in a closely plotted narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The story revolves around a reclusive author who shares her darkest secrets with a biographer, revealing a past filled with mysteries and deceptions. This novel is not just a ghost story; it's a masterful exploration of the human psyche and the power of storytelling. Setterfield's intricate plotting and atmospheric writing create a world that is both haunting and captivating, making it a must-read for fans of gothic literature and suspenseful narratives.

Reviews
Beat About The Book · 2022-03-03
intriguing 4.00

The book is a dark gothic mystery that sucks the reader into its intricate plot. The strength of the genre lies in its ability to create a sense of unease and suspense.

The reviewer from Beat About The Book finds The Thirteenth Tale to be a dark and atmospheric gothic mystery. They appreciate the way the book draws the reader in with its intricate plot and sense of unease. The reviewer notes that while it may not be a traditional horror story, it certainly has elements of darkness and suspense that make it a compelling read. The exploration of family secrets and the power of storytelling are particularly well-executed, making this a standout in the genre.

Quick quotes

    The Thirteenth Tale isn't a horror story. It is definitely dark but I'd call it a Gothic mystery.

    The strength of the genre lies in the way it sucks you into a world of intrigue and suspense.

    The exploration of family secrets and the power of storytelling are particularly well-executed.

Kathleen Foxx · Kathleen Foxx · 2021-10-09
captivating 4.50

The writing is captivating and beautifully descriptive, with a lyrical quality that enhances the story. The exploration of family secrets and the power of storytelling is both intriguing and engaging.

Kathleen Foxx is thoroughly impressed by the lyrical and descriptive writing in The Thirteenth Tale. She finds the story captivating and compelling, with a rich, gothic atmosphere that draws the reader in. The exploration of family secrets and the power of storytelling is particularly engaging, and the way the narrative unfolds keeps the reader hooked until the very end. Foxx appreciates the depth of the characters and the intricate plot, which makes the book a standout in the genre.

Quick quotes

    The writing is beautiful! It's captivating, it's compelling, it's descriptive.

    Setterfield's lyrical diction is woven throughout the entire book.

    The exploration of family secrets and the power of storytelling is both intriguing and engaging.

Dr Alice Violett · Dr Alice Violett · 2019-04-07
engaging 4.50

The story is full of mysteries and surprises, but the commentary on storytelling is even more captivating. The exploration of family secrets and the power of storytelling is both intriguing and engaging.

Dr Alice Violett finds The Thirteenth Tale to be a solid story full of mysteries and surprises. However, what truly captivates her is the book's commentary on storytelling itself. The exploration of family secrets and the power of storytelling is both intriguing and engaging, making this a book that stays with the reader long after the last page is turned. Violett appreciates the depth of the characters and the intricate plot, which makes the book a standout in the genre.

Quick quotes

    The Thirteenth Tale is a solid story full of mysteries and surprises.

    But its commentary on storytelling captivated me even more.

    The exploration of family secrets and the power of storytelling is both intriguing and engaging.

Appears in Lists