If you read just one mystery novel this season -- or this year -- make it "The Thirteenth Tale" by Diane Setterfield.
This rich, multi-layered Gothic tale, in the tradition of Daphne DuMaurier and the Bronte sisters, grabs the reader from the first pages and doesn't let go.
"Do You Intend to Tell Me the Truth?"
The Thirteenth Tale is the story of Vida Winter, a best-selling British writer nearing the end of her life, and Margaret Lea, the youngish apprentice bookseller and part-time biographer, whom Ms. Winter has chosen to write her life story. The problem is that Ms. Winter has spent her life telling stories -- including 19 different ones about her background and childhood. Will she be able to tell the truth this time?
The Thirteenth Tale
The Thirteenth Tale is, of course, Ms. Winter's final tale. As it unfolds, the reader meets a troubled family, right out of the pages of Jane Eyre or Wuthering Heights, and a crumbling Gothic mansion called Anglefield, reminiscent of Rebecca's Manderley. There is a secret garden, confused identities, and tragedy, all in the Gothic tradition. But, although this novel pays homage to those great novels that came before, it stands well on its own. To add another layer, Margaret has ghosts of her own, ghosts that are awakened as she hears Ms. Winter's story.
The Forgotten Craft of a Well-Written Novel
It's hard to believe that The Thirteenth Tale is a first novel. The prose is rich and nuanced and the grammar is perfect -- a rarity these days. The frustrated English major in me really shouldn't be bothered when other authors miss the subjunctive "were" for "was" -- or "whom" for "who" – or even "that" for "which", but how delightful it is to read a novel where all of these grammatical subtleties are respected.
The Thirteenth Tale is a wonderful and unexpected surprise. If you're a fan of DuMaurier, Bronte, Dickens, or even Agatha Christie, you're sure to enjoy this novel.
About Diane Setterfield
From the back cover of the book: Diane Setterfield is a former academic, specializing in 20th French literature. She lives in Yorkshire, England.
Book Club Discussion Questions for The Thirteenth Tale
Looking for discussion questions about The Thirteenth Tale for your book club? Take advantage of these questions by Erin Miller, from About.com's Bestsellers site. Spoiler Alert: The questions contain information about the plot and ending of the novel. Click here for the questions.
The copyright of the article Book Review: The Thirteenth Tale in Mystery/Crime Fiction is owned by Sandy Mitchell. Permission to republish Book Review: The Thirteenth Tale in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
AMAZING BOOK!!!!!!!!!! and this is a first? there is no way.
May 9, 2008 2:53 PM
Guest :
the thirteenth tale was a wonderful story. beautifully written and leaves
the reader wanting more and waiting for next novel by this author. Just
when I thought a good read was gone along comes this great book. My copy
is now in mississauga and from there will find Montreal and last but not
least Calgary. Joyce
May 14, 2008 8:44 AM
Guest :
I have been trying to get into the novel and find it difficult because the
author seems to put style over substance. It is beautifully written, but
the excessive descriptions and foreshadowing tend to slow down the movement
. I like a novel that moves the plot and character and keeps the detail in
the background.
Aug 18, 2008 10:18 AM
Guest :
i thought the book was great i never guessed the twist, we are doing the
book for our book club. cindy in woodland hills
Aug 27, 2008 10:35 PM
Guest :
I thought the book was great - very readable. However, i did find the main
protagonist, Margaret, to be extremely melodramatic. I understand it was
meant to be a gothic novel, but i still found her 'voice' to be irritating
in the extreme. It was only because Vida's story was so enthralling that i
continued reading and forced myself to put up with Margaret.
Aug 30, 2008 1:04 PM
Guest :
I agree. Totally amazing book. I cannot put this book down!! I am huge
reader and read everything I can get my hands on. I never buy too many
books because it's done in such a short time I'd spend a fortune. Only
those I REALLY like do I purchase for my collection. I want this one. This
is one of the best fiction books I have ever read.
I too
cannot believe this is a first novel. I want more!!!
Sep 9, 2008 10:36 AM
Guest :
I think it's pretty good so far. it's sorta easy to relate to the whole
love of books thing.
Sep 28, 2008 1:02 PM
Guest :
Excellent! First great fiction novel I've read in a couple of years. So
great that when I googled Diane Setterfield and learned she has no other
published works I was greatly disappointed. I will surely keep an eye out
for any future publication to her credit.
Nov 16, 2008 6:53 PM
Guest :
wow! i have read the book lately!! its nice! i have not
thought that it suits my reading standard! try it guys!!
Nov 16, 2008 6:56 PM
Guest :
wow! i have read the book lately!! its nice! i have not
thought that it suits my reading standard! try it guys!!
Nov 19, 2008 11:48 AM
Guest :
By far the BEST book I have ever read. I cannot wait for another one by Ms.
Setterfield.
Nov 30, 2008 4:04 AM
Guest :
This Book is truly amazing. Any reader would want to read it again. I am
truly fascinated about the words that was written on The Thirttenth Tale.
This book tells a story about twins and I tell you that it may be confusing
as you read the part about mysteries, but if you read the whole story you
will be surprised and I think you guys will also feel emotional because it
is truly a beautiful story. I am looking forward for another book that is
truly beautiful as this one and I have to say Ms. Setterfield that you are
truly a smart woman because of this talent of yours and I have to say that
keep it up and never quit (give up). THANKS A LOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Nov 30, 2008 4:06 AM
Guest :
What a beautiful story this book is.
Dec 29, 2008 12:25 AM
Guest :
THIS BOOK?........JUST AMAZING...... I LOVE IT......... FANTASTIC
EVER I SEEN
Jan 8, 2009 12:45 PM
Guest :
After reading The Thirteenth Tale, I became intrigued with the term
"'gothic". The story in this novel is, indeed, gothic. The
stories (and there are several on-going at any one time) are full of strong
emotions and apprehension. I loved the way that Setterfield was able to
offer the reader threads of information and, then, make sure that
everything was tied up neatly at or near the end. She created an
atmosphere of suspense and a feeling of uneasiness for me, the reader. I
look forward to another novel by this author.
Jan 22, 2009 3:10 AM
Guest :
A friend of mine lent me 'The Thirteenth Tale', and I fell completely in
love with it. Couldn't put it down! Apart from *The Shadow Of The Wind', no
book has made me feel so sad, happy and excited all at once! Aina
Feb 7, 2009 11:35 PM
Guest :
I just love a book every now and then that I cannot put down and this was
one of them. I would wake up in the middle of the night to see what was
happening. ab
Mar 9, 2009 4:51 PM
Guest :
While the settings were so rich in detail, I found the characters lacking beyond being outlined. I never felt empathetic or sympathetic
toward any of the characters. I thought that the descriptions of the
setting were redundant and therefore prohibited the book from taking on any
type of a forward rhythm. Karin
Mar 28, 2009 5:25 PM
Guest :
The audiobook version is amazing!
Mar 31, 2009 1:17 PM
Guest :
I am having a very difficult time with this book as it is moving painfully
slow at the beginning. We are reading it for book club too, and I
sincerely hope my perseverance is paid off as richly as the glowing
comments below would suggest.
May 22, 2009 3:23 PM
Guest :
It's not that good, honestly. And this from someone who loves Gothic
novels. I forced myself to keep reading to the end. It was mildly
entertaining but no more than that. Don't believe the hype.
