The Thirteenth Tale

A Novel

By: Diane Setterfield

Narrated by: Bianca Amato, Jill Tanner

Winner of the 2007 Audie Award for Literary Fiction and Finalist for Multi-Voiced Performance

Instant #1 New York Times bestseller

“Readers will feel the magnetic pull of this paean to words, books and the magical power of story.”—People

“Eerie and fascinating.”—USA TODAY

Sometimes, when you open the door to the past, what you confront is your destiny.

Reclusive author Vida Winter, famous for her collection of twelve enchanting stories, has spent the past six decades penning a series of alternate lives for herself. Now old and ailing, she is ready to reveal the truth about her extraordinary existence and the violent and tragic past she has kept secret for so long. Calling on Margaret Lea, a young biographer troubled by her own painful history, Vida disinters the life she meant to bury for good. Margaret is mesmerized by the author's tale of gothic strangeness—featuring the beautiful and willful Isabelle, the feral twins Adeline and Emmeline, a ghost, a governess, a topiary garden and a devastating fire. Together, Margaret and Vida confront the ghosts that have haunted them while becoming, finally, transformed by the truth themselves.

Captivating & Fulfilling

Could not stop listening. Several times I thought I had it all figured out, but I was wrong. Plenty of twists, and she still managed to tie up the entire story nicely. Worth every page.

Engrossing, intricately woven tale

I loved it. Beautifully structured, with well developed, complex characters. Once I started listening, I didn't want to put it down. An emotionally and intellectually riveting story.

Love this book!

I reread this book every few years and enjoy it all over again, it's a book I recommend to others.

Extravagantly Rich Storytelling

Much like a decadent dessert that tempts you to sneak another taste, I was drawn to enjoying this book twice in a row, pure delight & pleasure. Such a treasure truly!

Enjoyable.

I now know why there’s an abridged version. I think if I were to do it over I would’ve read that version because it would’ve held my interest more and the ending would’ve been all the more enjoyable. I think the book has a lot of strong aspects including the protagonist.

Wow

This was a little slow to start for me but once I got into Vida's story I just could not stop. It's an old fashioned type tale in a contemporary style.The protagonist is a little stand-offish to begin but I soon started to relate to her. I will listen to this one again.

Please make the movie!

I found this story addictive and was very pleased with the way the tangled web became unraveled in the end. I really enjoyed the narration as well- it was very engaging. I truly hope they make this story into a movie. I've already started casting the characters in my head. I will definitely listen to this story again in the future!

Enchanting to the Last

I was completely captured by this audio book. The writing, the narration, the entire production is a masterpiece.

Masterful

What did you love best about The Thirteenth Tale?

what didn't I love. The story was smart, well told, tidy and kept me fully engaged. There narrators were absolutely perfect for the story - their voices ambrosia to my ears. I am looking forward to more from Ms. Setterfield and will seek out other stories narrated by Ms. Amato and Ms. Tanner.

Wow! Amazing story.

Twists and turns- the story drew you in and it was quite enjoyable. Performance was outstanding.