The novel follows Salomón Rulfo, a grief-stricken literature professor plagued by a recurring nightmare of a brutal ritualistic murder. When the murder occurs in reality exactly as he dreamed it, Salomón is pulled into a hidden world where thirteen "muses"—also called "ladies"—control human destiny through the power of verse.

: The book's eerie atmosphere and unique premise led to its 2017 film adaptation, Muse , directed by Jaume Balagueró. La dama número trece (Best Seller) (Spanish Edition)

Somoza explores the dark side of inspiration, suggesting that history’s greatest poets were not merely talented but were conduits for these "witches of the word". In this universe, a perfectly recited poem can kill, maim, or drive a person to madness. The Thirteen Ladies