This novel is written by Carlos Ruiz Zafòn, and the title of the book is Marina. It was published in the year of 1999.

The summary of this book, is that Oscar meets a girl full of mist while returning the watch that he stole by mistake exploring the lost corner of Barcelona. Marina takes Oscar to an old cemetery, where a macabre ritual takes place every Sunday of the last week of the month. The ritual happens to be that, a mysterious lady, shrouded with black cloak descends from her cart, and places a rose on an unmarked grave. The story takes an unexpected turn when Marina and Oscar follows the lady to solve the mystery.

In my opinion, I enjoyed the suspense that is withheld throughout the story, but few things were a bit off to me. For an example, Marina lies to Oscar that her father has an illness, but in reality, she has been diagnosed. She doesn’t disclose it. It would be much more straightforward if she had.

All in all I enjoyed the book, not page turner though. I would strongly advocate this book to folks who love Gothic literature, or someone who is looking for a Halloween read. I personally am not that fond of Gothic literature, but wouldn’t mind to read one.

I would give it a solid three out of five. Immensely absorbing, but not really my genre.