New York Times Bestseller“Packed with suspense. . . a gripping edge-of-your-seat thriller.” — Washington Book ReviewThe internationally acclaimed, New York Times bestselling author returns to the magnificent universe he constructed in his bestselling novels The Shadow of the Wind, The Angel’s Game, and The Prisoner of Heaven in this riveting series finale—a heart-pounding thriller and nail-biting … and The Prisoner of Heaven in this riveting series finale—a heart-pounding thriller and nail-biting work of suspense which introduces a sexy, seductive new heroine whose investigation shines a light on the dark history of Franco’s Spain.
In this unforgettable final volume of Ruiz Zafón’s cycle of novels set in the universe of the Cemetery of Forgotten Books, beautiful and enigmatic Alicia Gris, with the help of the Sempere family, uncovers one of the most shocking conspiracies in all Spanish history.
Nine-year-old Alicia lost her parents during the Spanish Civil War when the Nacionales (the fascists) savagely bombed Barcelona in 1938. Twenty years later, she still carries the emotional and physical scars of that violent and terrifying time. Weary of her work as an investigator for Spain’s secret police in Madrid, a job she has held for more than a decade, the twenty-nine-year old plans to move on. At the insistence of her boss, Leandro Montalvo, she remains to solve one last case: the mysterious disappearance of Spain’s Minister of Culture, Mauricio Valls.
With her partner, the intimidating policeman Juan Manuel Vargas, Alicia discovers a possible clue—a rare book by the author Victor Mataix hidden in Valls’ office in his Madrid mansion. Valls was the director of the notorious Montjuic Prison in Barcelona during World War II where several writers were imprisoned, including David Martín and Victor Mataix. Traveling to Barcelona on the trail of these writers, Alicia and Vargas meet with several booksellers, including Juan Sempere, who knew her parents.
As Alicia and Vargas come closer to finding Valls, they uncover a tangled web of kidnappings and murders tied to the Franco regime, whose corruption is more widespread and horrifying than anyone imagined. Alicia’s courageous and uncompromising search for the truth puts her life in peril. Only with the help of a circle of devoted friends will she emerge from the dark labyrinths of Barcelona and its history into the light of the future.
In this haunting novel, Carlos Ruiz Zafón proves yet again that he is a masterful storyteller and pays homage to the world of books, to his ingenious creation of the Cemetery of Forgotten, and to that magical bridge between literature and our lives.
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I’m so glad I discovered Carlos Ruiz Zafon. I’ve read all of his books that have been translated and have loved every one!
This book is the final in the Cemetery of Forgotten Books series. This book opens with 9 year old Alicia Gris whose parents are killed in the war and she is gravely injured. 20 years later, she is an invetigator for the Spanish secret police hoping to solve one last case before she retires forever. With her partner, she discovers a rare book by Victor Mataix. Finding that book leads them on a path to try and find the missing Valls who imprisoned both famous writers David Martin and Victor Mataix. But finding out the truth puts her and those closest to her in grave danger. Characters from the past books – The Semperes and Fermin – return to be intertwined in Alica’s story.
I would say after Shadow of the Wind, this is my second favorite in the 4 book series. This book is LONG, so it took me time to get through, but true to Zafon’s style – the writing is incredible. He was a talented writer, and I was sad to hear of his passing knowing that I would not be reading any more from him in the future. Labyrinth – like all the other books in this series- could be a stand alone book. He does cross a few characters in each book, and to me, this one brought a few things full circle. We even see a reappearance of the famous Julian Carax from book one.
A book about a bookshop that is buried deep in the earth to protect the books will always be a winner for me. The idea of a Cemetery of Forgotten books existing would be incredible. I encourage you to try Zafon’s books. You will not be disappointed.
Great writing.
Wonderful book, love his writing.
Interesting historically and a wonderful mystery.
This book is the final installment of Carlos Ruiz Zafron’s four book story of the Cemetery of Forgotten Books. The books in order are: The Shadow of the Wind, The Angel’s Game, The Prisoner of Heaven, and The Labyrinth of Spirits. Read all of them. You’ll be doing yourself a great favor.
Few series have such a fitting and lovely conclusion.
Since The Shadow of the Wind is #1 on my favorites list – I honestly didn’t thing Labyrinth could live up to my expectations – I was ever so wrong! Carlos Ruiz Zafon is truly a genius. I loved every single page – he is a true entertainer!
NOt an easy read but an enjoyable one.
This book started out very slowly, then picked up after about 300 pages to be a page-turner, and then slowed down again at the end. I had not read the previous books, and perhaps that would have made a difference.
This book is a fabulous epic. Doesn’t matter that it’s the fourth in a series because it works as a stand alone.
It is a wonderful story that goes from the Spanish Civil war through WWII (though not much is mentioned about either except for historical context), focuses on the 60’s and finishes in the 1990s. The best part is you don’t have to know the history of Spain in those times to understand the book.
Top 2, tied with the Weight of Ink. Ordinary Grace is still #1.
A page turner…until the last 100 pages, where it should have ended.
I had a sense of deja vu the entire time I read this book — didn’t I read it already? The mood and the pace and the characters and the feel are all very much like “The Shadow of the Wind”. I guess that’s good…but it is also wrong. Don’t get me wrong — I loved the book. It is a fun read and very atmospheric and impressionistic noir thriller. But in the end, it was too similar to the first book and I don’t feel the need to rush and read the others in the series.
For those who are into tragic femme fatal characters like Alicia Gross, consider “Gentlemen Bastards” by Scott Lynch — it’s very similar but with a touch of magic. Interestingly, it was written first.
Superb
I give this book two stars merely because it hurts too much to give this otherwise-amazing author less. As an avid Zafon fan, I really, really, really tried to read and enjoy this book. I can’t. I cannot recognize the author I so loved in Shadow of the Wind, Angel’s Game, or Prisoner of Heaven. Even the beautiful, haunting prose of past novels is missing, or barely recognizable in the rare sections that only tenuously connect this novel to previous ones. The action is so boring that after my third attempt to read this voluminous book, I quit — less than half-way through. The main character is not only boring but not in the least likable. The action goes round and round in circles. And the mystery is of interest only to those interested in minute intricacies of post-WWII Spanish history. Most of the time I asked myself: why exactly am I reading this book?
I am a fan of Carlos Ruiz Zafon, but this story seemed too padded. It could have been 100-150 pages shorter–and better for it.
I so love this author! Shadow of the Wind is one of my all time favorite books. I’ve read all in this series. All very worth reading, but Shadow of the Wind and this book, Labyrinthof the Spirits, are the best! Awesome read, great characters!
One of my favorite authors
A worthy addition to the trio of books celebrating the Cemetary of Forgotten Books.
I tried, but could not get interested in this book. I very seldom start a book that I don’t finish, but I just could not stick with this one.
Great last book in a four book series by Carlos Zafon. Start with The Shadow of the Wind and read them in order.