If you were captivated by the secrets buried within the Cemetery of Forgotten Books and the way Daniel uncovers layers of hidden stories, you'll be equally enthralled by The Thirteenth Tale. Here, a reclusive author recounts a life full of twists, unreliable truths, and interconnected histories, inviting you to untangle a web of family secrets that is as lush and haunting as Zafón’s Barcelona.

If you loved wandering the shadowy streets of postwar Barcelona and delving into the Cemetery of Forgotten Books, you'll delight in the immersive, meticulously crafted England of Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell. Clarke’s novel surrounds you with magical lore, lost texts, and historical intrigue, creating a world you’ll want to get lost in just as you did with Zafón’s.

If the dual timelines and the interplay of past and present in The Shadow of the Wind resonated with you, Possession will sweep you into a literary quest that spans centuries. Through letters, diaries, and shifting perspectives, Byatt masterfully weaves together the stories of two modern scholars as they uncover the secret lives of Victorian poets, echoing Zafón’s layered storytelling.

If you were intrigued by the flawed, driven characters in The Shadow of the Wind—especially as Daniel and Julián wrestle with secrets, vengeance, and personal demons—you’ll be gripped by the tightly wound students of The Secret History. Tartt’s novel immerses you in a group whose moral boundaries blur as obsession and guilt spiral out of control, much like the haunted figures of Zafón’s world.

If your heart ached and soared with Daniel’s journey and the power of lost and found stories in The Shadow of the Wind, then The Book Thief promises an equally moving experience. Following young Liesel as she discovers the solace and danger of books in Nazi Germany, Zusak crafts a tale that lingers long after the last page, delivering a deeply satisfying emotional journey.