The Labyrinth of the Spirits

A Novel

By: Carlos Ruiz Zafón

Narrated by: Daniel Weyman

New York Times Best Seller

"Packed with suspense...a gripping edge-of-your-seat thriller.” (Washington Book Review)

The internationally acclaimed, New York Times best-selling author returns to the magnificent universe he constructed in his best-selling 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 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 29-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 book sellers, 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 new 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.

©2016 Carlos Ruiz Zafón; Translation copyright 2017 Lucia Graves (P)2018 Orion Publishing Group

Zafon can spin a masterful tale!

This offering from Zafon brilliantly tied together all of the works in the series in a way that left me completely satisfied and with the perfect sense of closure. While I can imagine a follow-up focusing on a central character, I would be ok to formulate her path to happiness in my mind. 28 hours incredibly well spent as the narrator did a masterful job with the characters...bravo!

Great wrap up to the story

This was a very interesting series and I’m glad I listened to all four books. Wonderful descriptions and imagery of Barcelona and the dark days of the dictatorship. It was wonderful to have it all tied up at the end. Interesting end to story.

A Thrilling Conclusion

It was with sadness but the utmost joy that I experienced this fourth and final installment of the Cemetery of Forgotten Books series. It so neatly yet imaginatively pulls the many threads of characters, ideas, and plots together- while also introducing new ones to keep the reader enraptured. I am sad to see the story I love so much end, but I am glad to have a book series to call my favorite forever.

Worth every minute

It is a lot to take in as far as characters and details, but worth the time and energy to pay attention to the detail. I love it!

Dont miss this one!

If you started with Shadow of the Wind and continued through - this is one not to be missed. What a beautiful conclusion to wrapping up this series!!!!!

simply wonderful

the final installment. this is a story for the ages. the characters so dear. just listen

Masterpiece

This was a masterpiece and a stunning completion to the series. I actually found myself slowing down because I wanted to savor it. And I was rewinding chapters which were so wonderful I had to listen again. I wish it didn’t end! Thank you Carlos & Audible.

Beautiful beyond measure

Quite possibly the best book ever written. Beautiful execution by the narrator. Needless to say, I highly recommend.

Great series and great readers

Not my usual kind of book, but I really enjoyed this. All the books tie together, great ending. I recommend!

Riveting, Complex, Challenging

This is not an easy listen for many reasons and it is probably too long.

The story of the Spanish civil war and the tumult under Franco is stark, particularly since it is cloaked in mysticism or dream states. The harsh scenes are tough but the description and language are exceptional. (Even in translation). I might choose to read this in print.