The Shakespeare Secret: A Novel

by D.J. Nix

Shakespeare is a woman—three women, in fact, who hire a footloose actor as the face of their writing. When they become suspects in a plot to kill Queen Elizabeth, their secret identity is suddenly at risk–along with the queen’s life–in this imaginative historical novel for fans of Hamnet and The Tower.

Everyone knows of William Shakespeare the rakish former actor and famous playwright. But few know the three women writing every word of his sonnets and plays: Mary Herbert, Countess of Pembroke, a frustrated poet; Emelia Bassano, a court musician with a passion for complex stories; and Jane Daggett, a seamstress with an impressive ability to spin fantastic plots. Frustrated by the patriarchal restrictions of their sixteenth century society, they come together to write anonymously.

Soon the three women come under the scrutiny of one of the Queen’s spies, who notices their surreptitious meetings and odd behavior and suspects they are involved in an ongoing plot to kill the Queen. To help guard their secret as they face inquisition, they hire an actor named Will Shakespeare to be the face of their endeavor and divert attention.

As the plague deepens its grip on London and the Queen’s man traces their every move, the women are forced to choose between admitting what they’ve done and betraying each other to the Crown, or hiding the truth at risk of endangering the Queen herself.

The Shakespeare Secret is a thrilling feminist tale of perseverance, justice, and freedom where friendship and trust are put to the test, for fans of Tracy Chevalier and Charlie Lovett.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Fiction, Shakespeare, Historical, Theatre

336 pages, Hardcover

First published July 29, 2025

Reviews

[ABCme · Rating 4 out of 5]

A chance meeting brings three women together in the warmroom of London's Whitehall Palace. Mary, a writer, Emilia, a musician and Jane, a seamstress have just watched another mediocre stage play and are convinced they can write a better version. Needless to say, in 1592's Elizabethan court there's no way that is going to happen. But our ladies have a plan. And so it begins...

The Shakespeare Secret is intriguing, fun, fast paced and well crafted historical fiction. The characters are powerful intelligent women who face whatever comes their way, in palace life as well as plague ridden London.
Despite the predictable ending this is a highly entertaining read that had me glued to its pages.

Thank you Netgalley and Alcove Press for the ARC.

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐

What if the best-known plays in the English-speaking world were written under a pseudonym? Is it possible that three women (a frustrated poet, a court musician and a seamstress) collaborated to create ‘Shakespeare’?

Had it not been for one of the Queen’s spies noting their suspicious behaviour, their identity may have been concealed and their secret kept … a secret. Now Mary Herbert, Countess of Pembroke Emelia Bassano and Jane Daggett are put in a compromising position of outing each other or dealing with the accusations of a plot to kill the queen.

Nix’s story highlights friendship and trust and relies on startling revelations to propel the mystery. It has a great sense of humour, a true-to-history setting, good pacing and a fantastic premise.

This imaginative historical fiction novel was a satisfying read.

Gorgeous cover!

I was gifted this copy by Alcove Press and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

[Ada McCloud · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t love this story more! The fierce friendship between Mary, Emilia, and Jane is, I believe, what every woman wants. The twists in the story keep you engaged and rooting for justice and love. Now I need to reread some Shakespeare.

Nix did a great job with 3 very different women, overcoming their circumstances and finding each other and themselves along the way. The plight of women in 1591, seen as less than men, unintelligent, incapable of thinking and understanding, and to be lorded over by their husbands or other men, still echoes in the lives of women in 2025.

I recommend this historical fiction to anyone who loves a great story. Pay attention to the truths and see strong women in your life in Mary, Emilia, and Jane.

[Elise Shea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the privilege of reading the ARC of this book! What a fun read. Not my usual genre, but DJ’s writing style and character development was so well done.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

There has long been discourse on whether William Shakespeare was the author of all the plays in his catalogue. What if in reality it was actually three strong, intelligent women from different backgrounds that brought their knowledge and story telling skills together. D.J. Nix's novel "The Shakespeare Secret" does exactly this. Mary Herbert, Countess of Pembroke; Emilia Bassano, court musician; and, Jane Daggett, the mistress of the wardrobe for the players are great story tellers and determined to find a way to put their talents upon the stage. Jane is able to convince William Shakespeare to pass the plays as his own work so that the women are able to have their plays viewed in public. Shakespeare is willing to take on their request because he wants to move forward in the company. All are soon caught up in the conspiracy and fear over papist plots and spies, throwing their life and liberty at risk. At the same time, the Plague is also starting to hit London.

I really enjoyed this book and sped through it. It is well written, with great character development. I particularly enjoyed the part where they were writing the Taming of the Shrew (which is one of my favourite Shakespeare plays).

[Erin Molta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Historical fiction at its best

I Could. Not. Put. This. Down. I read it in one sitting. Who needs sleep? A fascinating premise and a fast, almost suspense-like pace. Mining a deep emotional well and highlighting the tight restrictions of women of ALL classes, even as the mighty Queen Elizabeth sat on the throne. A novel to dig your teeth into and savor long after you finish.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was Shakespeare a woman? Author D.J. Nix’s son pitched the idea to him and he then read Elizabeth Winkler’s article in the June 2019 edition of The Atlantic, “Was Shakespeare a Woman?” This inspired D.J. Nix into writing a compelling story.

Three women in Elizabethan England share a secret – they are the true authors of Shakespeare’s sonnets and plays. Mary Herbert, the Countess of Pembroke is a frustrated poet who has suffered a loss. Emelia Bassano is a court musician and mistress to the Lord Chamberlain. Jane Daggett is a seamstress for the Queen’s men’s players and invents stories of her own. As one of the Queen’s spies (Robert Cecil) zeroes in on them, they hire an actor named Will Shakespeare to be their “face.” Will they be discovered?

My thoughts on this novel:
• I’ve been down and out without my computer for the past couple of weeks, so I am sadly behind on reviews. Now that my computer is repaired, I will work on getting caught up.

• The Shakespeare Secret has short engaging chapters and was a fast-paced historical fiction read.

• Robert Cecil thinks the three ladies are plotting to kill Queen Elizabeth. How do they get out of this accusation?

• I really loved the Elizabethan time period and setting.

• This novel made me want to read Shakespeare. I took a Shakespeare class in high school and in college, but it has been a while. We have a play slotted for next year for my Back to the Classics Book club. I am looking forward to it.

• I loved the strong women characters during this perilous time in history.

• It was fun to read the process of them writing the plays, such as Taming of the Shrew. I can get behind the reimagining of a terrible play and making it into a better story. It sounds like fun.
Overall, The Shakespeare Secret by D.J. Nix was a great historical suspense novel with a feminist twist.

Book Source: Thank-you to @david.nix.author @alcovepress @austenprose for a review copy of this novel as part of the Austenprose PR Book Tour.

This review was first posted on my blog at: https://lauragerold.blogspot.com/2025...

[Debra Slonek · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have you heard any good secrets lately? I have certainly read about a good secret. Why don’t you join me? What do a countess, a courtesan and a seamstress have in common? Let’s find out…They conspired to write a play in secret.

Mary, Emelia and Jane came from very different walks in life. They were frustrated creatives with a love and passion for words and storytelling. As fate would have it, their paths crossed and a shadow sisterhood was born. During clandestine remarkable meetings, imagination and creativity flourished while friendships (tentative at first) formed. As they learned to trust, they nourished and encouraged each other. Their new friendships and trust were tested as they dealt with a ruthless patriarchy intent on evil and layered with corruption.

Tired of the limited options available and the multitudes of restrictions placed on women during the 1590’s in London, our trio decided to pool their talents. Their writing efforts became some of the most enjoyed and best known plays of their era, perhaps in all of history.

They still needed a man to present their work to the world and claim it as his own. That is where Will comes in…William Shakespeare.

Some secrets are hard to keep, instead, they must be managed.

Read this well imagined and well written book to see how it all plays out!

I received copies of this book from Alcove Press through AustenProse and NetGalley. All thoughts expressed in this review are mine.

[Mindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Partner @austenprose @alcovepress for the #gifted NetGalley link.

This was a very unique book. I was very intrigued by the description and I was excited to read it. The author does a great job with introducing the reader to the three women Mary, Jane, Emilia. Each of them needing an escape from their situation when meeting each other. I liked how the author brought them together and showing the women’s frustrations with the limitations of the time period with their different stations. I enjoyed how they were each from different backgrounds, but with similar interests.

I loved how Shakespeare is brought into the story and the complications of their meetings and what comes of it. There is so much to enjoy with this story. Add in the plague, spies, suspenseful and tense moments, impossible decisions, friendship, sacrifice, and so much more. I loved this play on the conspiracy theory of Shakespeare’s works.

I received a NetGalley link for tour purposes. All views are my own.

[Samantha Gagen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Alcove Press for sending this ARC. This review is voluntary; all opinions are my own.

Rating: 4.5/5

“Then let this shadow sisterhood commence, and may God preserve us.”

The Shakespeare Secret takes rumours and conspiracy theories that have been flying around for ages - namely, that the plays published under Shakespeare’s name were actually written by someone else - and runs with them. As a fan of Tudor/Elizabethan history and historical fiction, and who has been loving the “what if x was true” game since reading The Other Boleyn girl way back in grade 8 or 9, this book was right up my alley! While I don’t really care about the “Shakespeare authorship question” and am perfectly content believing William Shakespeare did indeed write the things attributed to him - that is, until solid proof otherwise is provided - I greatly enjoyed exploring the “what if” presented in this novel.

Not only is a little harmless “what if” in historical fiction entertaining and engaging, particularly when presented atop my favourite historical backdrop, but this one had another great thing going for it - in this novel, the plays written by “Shakespeare” are in fact written by three women from three very different walks of life. Due to rigid societal constructs (largely, the patriarchy but propped up by religious doctrine of the time), the women must write in secret, pulling in an actor to take credit for their work and offer them a shield against scrutiny. Buuuuut naturally, things go a bit wrong, because how else would we have a plot?

This book is part historical fiction, part feminist literature, with some sweet romance subplots thrown in for good measure. Fans of Shakespeare will enjoy the male characters for their witty (read: dirty) banter that makes them interesting side characters without detracting from the shine of the female characters. From what I gleaned in high school, both as a student and teacher, William Shakespeare is known for writing many matters of the heart, cutting reflections on society, and all manner of dirty jokes. I think he’d be quite pleased with the characters (male and female) crafted in this book. Those passionate about Elizabethan history, or at least Tudor/Elizabethan historical fiction, will also probably chuckle like I did when the identity of the primary antagonist is revealed. It was a good choice, for sure!

[Marlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

It begins as a question of identity – or rather an obfuscation of identity. The question of whether Shakespeare was really Shakespeare.

A question that has been hotly debated for centuries.

There’s not a question that a man named William Shakespeare existed, that he was a player (actor) upon the Elizabethan stage, and that the events that are attributed to his life did happen to a man named William Shakespeare – however he might have signed or spelled that name.

The question has always been about whether or not the actor named William Shakespeare was the true author of the brilliant and captivating plays attributed to him. The reasons for those questions have always been cruel and elitist and classist and a whole bunch of other ‘ists’ that basically boil down to the idea that a man from the middle class with a middle class education (at best on both counts) couldn’t possibly have had the brains or the wit or more importantly the education and the background – to have written the plays published under his name.

After all, history only has his word for it – and his motives for pretending to be the author are fairly obvious.

This book takes that centuries-old question and pushes it further, well, out there. If William Shakespeare wasn’t the author, then who was – and why would they need to hide behind him so thoroughly and successfully?

In this fascinating, compelling historical novel, Shakespeare isn’t the author of his plays – he’s the front man for a group of authors who society of the time would have found even less believable – and more dangerous – than a middling player from Stratford-upon-Avon.

Mary Herbert, Emilia Bassano, and Jane Daggett each have a bone to pick with the way that female characters are written – and performed – by the entirely male theater companies that ‘grace’ the stages of Elizabeth I’s court.

Because those plays and performances are utterly cringeworthy, ruining their stories while reinforcing the prevailing stereotypes of women in their world. Stereotypes that not a one of the three women embodies at all. If anything, they are all the exact opposite – but constricted by the roles that their world places upon women no matter their class.

Mary Herbert, Countess of Pembroke, is a poet forced to hide behind editing her late brother’s work. Emilia Bassano, court musician, is a brilliant composer who is reduced to her beauty and her voice in a court where rank has its privileges – including the privilege of relegating her to the role of courtesan. Jane Daggett, the lone fictional protagonist in this proposed quadrumvirate, is a storyteller par excellence whose low position means that no one expects this illiterate seamstress to be able to piece together a good story under any circumstance – or even understand one when she sees it.

They each seek escape from the sly, spying, conniving, voracious members of the court as a terrible performance is questionably entertaining the queen. Together they hatch a plan to save their collective sanity – even if they can never own up to what they’ve done.

Jane imagines the plot of what the terrible hack-job of a play should have been. Emilia and Mary write the dialogue. Jane, the wardrobe mistress for the company of players currently onstage, volunteers to present the scene they have just written to one of the more personable but downtrodden players – the hapless Will Shakespeare – to learn if their collective imaginings might possibly be worthy of presenting before an audience.

What they’ve created, together, is the opening scene for The Taming of the Shrew. But what they’ve done, with their secret writing and clandestine meetings, is to draw the attention of the court’s spymaster. Because secret meetings, especially secret meetings with noblewomen that produce reams of even more secret documents might sow the seeds of a plot against the Queen.

And in his zeal for investigation, for seeing treason where there is merely a revolt against the natural order of literature instead of a rebellion against the crown, the Queen’s spymaster places the cabal that would be Shakespeare at hazard of not just their liberty but their very lives.

Escape Rating A-: This was absolutely fascinating – and all the more so because the germ of the original idea is rooted in an original article written by journalist Elizabeth Winkler that became the book Shakespeare Was a Woman and Other Heresies. The original article just asked the question – the one that is explored in this work of fiction. The resulting storm engendered Winkler’s book, even as the idea generated this one.

Writing is generally a lonely activity – or it certainly was in Shakespeare’s day. The image of the writer holed up in a lonely room with a drink and either a pen (or later a typewriter) is pretty much baked into the collective consciousness. We don’t expect anyone else to be in the room where THAT happens.

There are plenty of writers – even in the present day – who, when unmasked, turn out to be something or someone other than they presented themselves to be. The idea that William Shakespeare the player was not William Shakespeare the playwright has been around for centuries.

What this story does is tell that ‘what-if’ story in a way that catches the heart and mind of the reader and makes them feel like they ARE in the room where it happens. It may initially seem like the women are more of our time than their own, but Herbert and Bassano are both real historical figures and their works still exist. It’s more plausible than it initially seems.

I loved this for the way it presents a much different view, not just of the literary and cultural icon that is William Shakespeare, but a portrait of women’s lives and hopes and dreams at a time when the prevailing male perspective claimed they had none of the above. While the portrayal of the scheming, conniving and absolutely paranoid court of Elizabeth I rang true even as the story peeked behind its glittering curtain into a strong, defiant, class-breaking found sisterhood.

One last reflection; the way that The Shakespeare Secret takes a story we believe we know and pokes hard at all the ‘accepted’ truths reminds me a lot of Josephine Tey’s classic The Daughter of Time. That mystery performs the same service for an entirely different popular image – an image that has its deep and indelible roots in one of William Shakespeare’s famous plays. Whoever William Shakespeare might have been.

Originally published at Reading Reality

[Michelle · Rating 1 out of 5]

I usually love anything written about the Tudor era but these characters were very flat and uninspiring.

[Apricity · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I want to thank NetGalley and Alcove Press for providing me with an ARC.
William Shakespeare might not be the great writer that
we've been told is difficult for anyone to digest. Last year I strted to read Jodi Picoult's By Any Other but DNF'ed it soon. The story wasn't interesting to me.
The premise of this book is intriguing, the plot even more so. Characters are rich and what's more the connections they form, their efforts, the conclusions they form and their striving towards fulfilling their dreams while making sure their everyday lives aren't too changed is written such a way that it feels natural and not preaching.
The characters leave a mark on you and I applauded all our ladies Mary, Emilia and Jane as well as Queen Elizabeth I for their work in men's world.
Robert Cecil wasn't your typical villain either and Will's support to Jane, desire and hardwork to be a writer in truth, especially his delight as he comes to the realization of who the original playwrighters are is just infectious.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

The former English teacher in was intrigued by the title. Many classes where Shakespeare’s plays were studied, these questions of authority have been discussed and debated. The feminist in me LOVES the idea of a woman or women as authors. I read the same article the author used for inspiration, and his story is well written with lots of intrigue and suspense, comedy and sadness - much like the author he wrote about- just not in iambic pentameter!

[RedReviews4You Susan-Dara · Rating 5 out of 5]

D.J. Nix commands the historical landscape with remarkable precision, especially when it comes to the limitations and quiet rebellions of women in the Elizabethan era. His portrayal of women's power is not loud or sweeping—it’s careful, coded, and deeply personal. It was beyond delightful to encounter the women I studied in my Early Modern British Women Writers class—Mary Herbert, Countess of Pembroke, and Emelia Bassano (soon to be Lanier)—and to see them step off the page as living, breathing, and disruptive forces. Their presence alone makes this book shine, and the depth of Nix’s research is wonderfully reflected throughout, adding to the book’s ability to wake me early just to steal more time within its pages.

These names may be familiar: the titled Lady of Letters and the courtesan-musician often dubbed the “Dark Lady.” But this book completes its representation of the many varied roles of women by adding a third voice to the imagined authorship of Shakespeare’s early plays: Jane Doggett, a seamstress for the Queen’s Men acting troupe, recently escaped from charges of witchcraft. With this triad—noblewoman, courtesan, and working-class artisan—we see Elizabethan society refracted through multiple lenses. Their stories challenge us to ask: who truly penned the plays that interrogate gender, power, and the transformative force of language?

What makes Nix’s narrative even more striking is how his own convictions seem to echo through the male characters as well, while firmly anchoring these progressive historical men within the world of the novel. Alfonso Lanier, court musician and soon-to-be knight; Captain Dansby, a survivor of the Spanish Armada’s defense; and William Shakespeare himself—all offer textured counterpoints to the women’s stories. They reflect the idea that what allowed the Elizabethan era to shine in the art of letters was that not all people were limited by sectarian and gendered myopia. Their empathy, ambition, and quiet defiance stand in stark contrast to the cold conviction of William Cecil, the Queen’s Master of Spies. Through these men, Nix explores masculinity not as dominance, but as complexity—mirroring the layered negotiations of power faced by the women.

Nix’s world is rich, vivid, and meticulously detailed. He doesn’t just reconstruct the political moment—he resurrects the emotional truths of individuals navigating a codified and confining world. He brings to light the dynamics that shaped each of them in distinct ways. This book is a celebration of imagination, resistance, and the radical act of storytelling. This is book whose quiet cover reflects the beauty and anonymity of women in this period, yet the power of the women whose story is at the heart of this novel is not diminished by it, but rather safely disguised within it.

Thank you D.J. Nix, AustenProse PR, Alcove Press, and NetGalley foe the arc I read.

[Heidi Malagisi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Everyone knows the story of William Shakespeare—the famed poet, actor, and playwright who revolutionized English literature forever. There have been a series of debates about whether or not Shakespeare truly wrote the plays or someone else did. Well, what if a group of women employed William Shakespeare as a sort of spokesperson for their plays? Can this group of women survive to write another day? This is the premise of DJ Nix’s novel. “The Shakespeare Secret.”

I would like to thank Alcove Press and Net Galley for sending me a copy of this novel. I have not read a lot of novels about the writing of Shakespeare’s plays, but I have heard the many theories on who actually wrote them. When I saw that this novel would focus on a group of women as the so-called authors of the plays, it was such a fun idea that I decided to give it a go.

So, just who were these three women who were the authors of the plays? We begin with Mary Herbert, Countess of Pembroke, who has just returned to the court of Queen Elizabeth I after a three-year absence. She is not one for court life, but she soon finds herself enjoying the company of others below her station. Take, for example, Emilia Bassano, a court musician and mistress to Lord Chamberlain, Baron Hunsdon. And then we have Jane Daggett, the new Mistress of the Wardrobe for the Queen’s Men, a company that was the starting point for a young Will Shakespeare. One fateful day, these three women met and decided to write a play, which would become known as The Taming of the Shrew. Since this was a group of women writing a play, they needed a man to act as their spokesperson to make sure that their play would be performed. Enter young Will Shakespeare, who wanted to make a name for himself.

It seems like such an innocent prospect, that is, until Robert Cecil and his spy Hardwood catch wind of what they think is a Catholic plot against Queen Elizabeth I. Talk about making a mountain out of a molehill. Now, Mary, Emilia, and Jane must escape suspicion while navigating life, love, and playwriting, with Will along for the ride. This was a relatively predictable plot, and I felt a bit bored by the middle of this novel. While the characters are well written, it is hard for me to imagine this group of women together and using the formal Shakespearean dialogue. Other than the few historical characters and locations, it does not feel like Elizabethan England (especially with the mention of tea).

Overall, it’s an okay novel, but it could have been better. The premise had a lot of potential, but it kind of turned into a sappy ending, which is not a bad thing, but I wanted more. If you want a novel about the alternative history of the writing of the early Shakespearean plays, you might enjoy “The Shakespeare Secret” by DJ Nix.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

William Shakespeare is among the most important authors in history, and his works endure to this day. There has been some speculation about his authorship—a fringe theory, but one that inspires a fascinating new novel, The Shakespeare Secret by D.J. Nix.

Here, it is late 1591 when three women of different social class happen to meet and commiserate over their shared dislike of a play they just saw. They think they could write something better, something that represents women characters better. Thus a plot is born to write plays, but they need a man’s name to publish them under. And even with Will Shakespeare’s agreement, they still face scrutiny from the queen’s spies as speculation of treasonous plots threatens their lives.

What I Liked:
- Three women creating together. As unlikely as this trio is (Mary, a countess; Emilia, a musician and mistress of a noble; and Jane, a seamstress), I love their shared feelings about how women are portrayed in plays and their desire to writing something better. They form a sisterhood, lift each other up despite their differences, and shield each other from dangerous scrutiny.
- Better representation of women. The plays Mary, Emilia, and Jane write aim to offer a more layered and complex portrayal of female characters. They call out the hypocrisy of society and do so with witty dialogue. Their plays easily surpass those of the male playwrights. If only 16th-century women were allowed to be playwrights, too!
- Will Shakespeare’s role. He’s more interested in being a poet than a playwright, but he’s happy to put out plays under his name. He doesn’t know who the true authors are, but I enjoyed seeing his role in everything that unfolds here.
- Spies, plots, and treason! It’s not only dangerous for women to dare to write plays; it’s dangerous if their clandestine meetings are misconstrued as something more threatening. Spies and politics add a sense of urgency and danger when all these women want to do is write smart and diverting plays.

Final Thoughts
The Shakespeare Secret is such a fun and thoughtful novel that reimagines the authorship behind William Shakespeare’s plays. I love the focus on women achieving more and changing how society is able to view women through their art. This novel is engrossing and perfect for fans of Shakespeare, Elizabethan era England, and a strong dose of feminism.

Special thanks to David Nix, Alcove Press, Austenprose PR, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book!

* Please read my full review on my blog, Amanda's Book Corner! *

[The Sassy Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review: The Shakespeare Secret by David Nix

Rating: 5 Stars

I recently picked up The Shakespeare Secret by David Nix, and I have to say, it was a fantastic journey, especially as a big Shakespeare enthusiast. The cover alone caught my eye—absolutely stunning—and it pulled me right back into the world of historical fiction, a genre I hadn’t explored in a while. But this book reminded me exactly why I love it, combining rich historical detail with a compelling, well-paced story.

The novel offers a fascinating twist on the Shakespeare authorship question, imagining that the plays we all know weren’t penned by the man himself but by three remarkable women: Mary Herbert, the Countess of Pembroke and a frustrated poet; Emelia Bassano, a talented court musician with a flair for intricate storytelling; and Jane Daggett, a skilled seamstress who crafts extraordinary plots. Bound together by their shared passion and the constraints placed on women in the 16th century, they write in secret, hiding behind the public persona of an actor named Will Shakespeare.

As the story unfolds, these women find themselves under suspicion by one of Queen Elizabeth’s spies, who believes they might be involved in a dangerous conspiracy against the Queen. To protect their secret and divert attention, they enlist the real Will Shakespeare to be the public face of their work. Against the backdrop of a plague-ridden London and political intrigue, the stakes grow higher: revealing their secret could mean betrayal and punishment, but silence might risk more than just their own safety.

What I really appreciated about The Shakespeare Secret was how it blends feminist themes with historical suspense. It’s not just about who wrote the plays—it’s about perseverance, friendship, and standing up against societal restrictions. The characters felt vivid and authentic, and the writing kept me hooked from start to finish.

If you enjoy books like Hamnet or The Tower, or if you’re simply intrigued by Shakespeare’s world with a fresh perspective, this one’s definitely worth reading. Overall, The Shakespeare Secret is a beautifully crafted, thought-provoking novel that I highly recommend for anyone who loves history, literature, or a great story well told.

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

In The Shakespeare Secret we meet three seemingly inspired women. Jane, the theatre house seamstress, Mary the Countess of Pembroke and Emelia a court musician. They meet each other in one charming evening and share their love of writing plays and storytelling. This begins their secretive journey of writing their own play in the confines of the church. Their goal is to go unnoticed in their strange meetings and complete their writings. But then they have the even bigger idea of handing their work off to someone Jane knows in the playhouse, William Shakespeare. Over time, their meetings are being noticed by one of the Queen's spies and they are accused of plotting a coup against the Queen.

There were a lot of things that I loved about this story. In each of the main characters, there was a little more rawness to each of their personalities that was uniquely different from other historical fiction. These women were gritty, determined, and pushed aside a lot of their fear in a way that didn't always feel accurate.

The way in which they were determined to reach their goals by stomping on expectations and blowing through conventions was really inspiring and I think this was the element of the story I enjoyed the most. No matter how dangerous it was for them to be doing what they were doing, they continued forward.

I thought some of the elements of the main drama, these women being accused of a plot against their Queen, could have been done a little better with something more at the end. The ending felt too gentle for where everything had built up to by that point. Leaving me feeling like I wanted a little bit more.

Overall, I enjoyed the story greatly and appreciated the perspective of this take on William Shakespeare and 16th Century London. The characters had many inspiring qualities and traits that had me thinking differently about women during this time. Strong willed women that were also on the brink of their own emotional collapse due to their own unique circumstances, but finds the strength to continue forward no matter how dangerous their life may be.

[Dina Ovando-Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

The cover caught my eye and the premise clinched my interest. This is the 1st novel for the author under DJ Nix, he uses the pseudonym Sawyer North for his other novels, this is my 1st book of his.
This historical story is set in the 1592's Elizabethan court, with a alternative version of William Shakespeare, he didn't write his plays, rather a trio of women; Mary Herbert, Countess of Pembroke, a patron of the arts and a poet; held back by societies norms, Emelia Bassano, a beautiful court musician with a love for complex stories; and Jane Daggett, a seamstress with a gift of spinning fabulous stories, wrote them.
They meet by accident and in their desire to see better plays and see women portrayed outside of the norm, they begin to work together to write plays and give the to Will Shakespeare to produce.
While they overcome some obstacles and are able to bring "Taming of the Shrew" to life, more serious complications quickly arise. Their meetings begin to attract the attention of the court, a husband grows suspicious, Shakespeare is suspected and the plot thickens!
There is intrigue, famous historical figures woven in seamlessly, wonderful details that pull you into the 1500's London and court, from the language and dress to the architecture and culture.
The initial meeting and agreement to write together came too quickly and seemed a bit of a stretch for me and the end while satisfying, came together too neatly as well.
Overall, a very solid 3.5 and highly recommend for those who enjoy a historical novel with an intriguing premise. The story is a clean read (some slightly bawdy language and reference to abuse) with romance, humor and suspense as well as friendship, loyalty and the determination of intelligent women finding creative solutions to bringing their dreams to life together.
A big thank you to NetGalley and Alcove Press for the privilege of the ARC, it was a pleasure to read. All opinions expressed are my own.

[rendezvous_with_reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I have been told all my life what I cannot do by those who claim to know better. My parents. My wards. My aunts and uncles and cousins. Patronizing ladies, loathsome lords. They have all instructed me in great detail about the vast length and breadth of what I am not allowed to do. As God is my witness... I will not tell myself what I cannot do. I will not join that unholy parade. I refuse to clap myself in stocks of my own violation and discard the key." ~DJ Nix

There has long been some speculation that Shakespeare did not write his own plays, and after this novel I can see the very possibility of it. This author brilliantly depicts three women as the creative force behind Shakespeare. The first play the women write is my favorite: The Taming of the Shrew, and for the first time I considered why would an uneducated man write such strong roles for women at this period in history, when most women had little to no rights, except for Queen Elizabeth I. Who better to write the speech of strong-willed Katherine, the shrew, than women who feel the weight of gender roles and societal expectations? Portia, from The Merchant of Venice is another case in point that comes to mind. The author pens three admirable women from different stations in Elizabeth's court that are brought together by circumstances to forge an unbreakable bond of friendship and creativity. 
At the risk of sounding prejudiced, I want to say how pleasantly surprised I was by this author's work. So often, I have been disappointed by male authors who ruin a novel by how they sexualize or denigrate a female character. This gentleman author treated his female characters with dignity and respect. They are intelligent, thoughtful, and determined to reach their dreams as playwrights despite the limitations society places upon them, as the above quote proves. This is an author I'll be sure to pick up again. If you're a fan of Shakespeare or even if you're not, this novel is a compelling read until the very end.

I received a gifted copy of the author, publisher, and Austenprose PR.

[Daphne Sharpe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even now, rumours persist over who was the true author of the Shakespeare plays. Suggested names are Henry Wriothesley, Christopher Marlowe, Edward de Vere and Ben Jonson. This novel dares to ask, could a woman be responsible for such works, in a time when society had such low expectations of the female sex?
Mary Herbert is a writer of poetry, patron of the arts and her family are supporters of the Protestant faith. Emilia Bassano is a professional musician and playwright, so when both ladies meet up in this delightful and optimistic novel, they aim to prove that anything can happen if you have talent, good friends and can fly under the suspicious eyes of Queen Elizabeth and her chief spy, Robert Cecil.
These ladies are cultured , well educated and connected to the Royal court, they need someone of the working class to provide a grounding in what the common people appreciate in a play. Enter, stage left, Jane Daggert, wardrobe mistress at the Company of the Queen’s Men, their leader is John Dutton and there is a certain actor working in this troupe, one William Shakespeare.
There is a further complication, in that three ladies working together in secret enterprise may be planning treasonable acts. Cecil has a spy, who has managed to get hold of “ the wrong end of the stick” and there is much comedy to be had from his false assumptions compared to the actual realities of what the ladies are creating!
This is a marvellous study of the English theatre, Shakespeare’s plays, the Plague stricken areas of London, and of course, we all need a Hero riding to the rescue!!
I really enjoyed this novel, it is a compelling and comedic read, which is very intricately crafted. A real Comedy of Errors!!
A five star read.

[Horror Nerd · Rating 2 out of 5]

A noblewoman, a court musician, & a theater troupe seamstress walk into a room....
The setup that three women are really behind the plays of William Shakespeare is a fun plot for a historical novel. The initial few chapters quickly set up our trio (who despite their different social statuses all dream of writing plays that will be consumed by an adoring public), and the plot moves at a fairly good pace. I did think that the three women decided on their secret playwriting a little too quickly, and wanted a bit more setup & initial growth of their friendship.
The secret playwriting activities soon gets the trio unwanted attention from one of the Queen's spies, and that leads them (and their small group of co-conspirators) into a whole lot of trouble. The novel has plenty of fun & quippy dialogue like: "Sheath your sword, my lord, lest your sternness dislodge your codpiece and shock the finer ladies present".
Not all the characters felt very well developed (like the spy sent to spy on the women, or the ever supportive Captain Dansby), and not all really get to participate in the final plan that emerges towards the end of the novel. All the different plot threads do come together at about the 70% mark, and the level of danger & court intrigue really picks up (the parts with Jane hiding out in London, and Shakespeare struggling to maintain his part in the great ruse were my favorite parts).

Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book.

[Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this brilliant and fascinating historical fiction novel, DJ Nix explores what might have happened if three women -- Mary Herbert, Countess of Pembroke and frustrated poet, Emelia Bassano, a court musician and lover of stories, and Jane Daggett, a seamstress with a gift for complex plots -- wrote the plays that William Shakespeare became famous for. Trapped by and frustrated with the patriarchal restrictions of English life under Elizabeth I, the three women meet in secret to create their plays, but this draws the attention of one of the Queen’s spies, and the women must find someone -- William Shakespeare -- to be the face of their project, but the stakes are high and the risks even greater for Mary, Emelia, and Jane. A detailed and immersive feminist story, readers will love the complex characters and high stakes of the Tudor court, and the attention to detail really brings the complicated and exciting nature of the story to life. The historical details and setting really add additional drama and tension to the book, and the character development all three women go through really pulls readers into their stories as individuals and as a team. Fun, entertaining, and absolutely enjoyable, historical fiction readers will absolutely love this brilliant new release.

Thanks to NetGalley and Alcove Press for the advance copy.

[Chelsie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really fascinating read of the possibility of how Shakespeare could have gotten wrapped up in women writing his plays. This novel follows three women from very different backgrounds that all have put their lives at risk with this endeavor. But they are all following their hearts and doing what they love and that's writing and storytelling. But when their meetings start to get noticed, they become under scrutiny and a tale like their own stories has gotten spun. Their lives are on the line for a supposed plot to kill the queen, however if they give one of them up to take the fall, the other two can go on with their lives as if nothing has happened. Jane knows she has to do this for the other two and decides she will do what it takes to keep their secret. Emelia very heavy with child, doesn't agree with the decision of Jane taking the fall and Mary, one who often knows how to work things in her favor has come up with a plan to save them all, but will it work and will the queen understand the truth behind what Mary has planned? I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline of each woman as well as Shakespeare himself. I haven't read much about him, but this novel makes me want to read more about him and that time. Thank you to the author and publisher for the complementary novel and to Austenprose PR for the tour invite. This review is of my own opinion and accord.

[Jenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the kind of book that sends me down the research rabbit holes. While I have enjoyed many Shakespeare classics and even took a Shakespearean English course, I don’t know very much about his life. I have heard the suggestion that some of his works could have been written by a woman or women and that is where this historical fiction novel takes us.

Real women from history, Jane Daggett, Mary Herbert Countess of Pembroke and musician Emilia Bassano have all been mentioned in association with Shakespeare and even suggested to have written his plays for him. In this novel, that is exactly what happens with Will covering for them. A woman simply could never be a playwright on her own, after all.

Set in Elizabethan England with the backdrop of the plague to rough things up, this book was interesting, entertaining, well written and the characters were loveable. I don’t know how much I believe Shakespeare had help, but after reading this, I can at least say it’s not impossible!

Thank you @alcovepress @david.nix.author and @austenprose for the gifted copy!

#bookreview ##theshakespearesecret #djnix #alcovepress #bookstagram #newbooks #bookreview #bookrecommendations #booktour #historicalfiction #historicalmystery #shakespeare #bookrec #austenprosepr

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an enjoyable take on who actually wrote Shakespeare's plays! Three women from very different worlds, Countess Pembroke, Emelia Bassano, a court musician and mistress of a powerful man, and Jane Daggett, a seamstress with a theatrical troupe, come together to write and they form a bond. The bond is tested when they are accused of a crime against the Queen and they must figure out how to prove their innocence without revealing their secret. I loved this! The way the women found a way to pursue their passion in a society where it was forbidden was fabulous. From Queen Elizabeth to the Countess of Pembroke to Jane Daggett I liked the way the women handle the men they encounter. The characters were interesting and I liked that they were so different and yet all had a common passion and goal. This made it seem real as this often occurs in real life. I must admit the premise has me questioning things and I am going to read Shakespeare sonnets and compare them to the plays. I recommend readers that enjoy historical fiction or Shakespeare add this to their tbr today!

Thanks to Austenprose and the author for the gifted copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[LaPrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

“Men edited only through the persistence of the female sex, and that is our secret. We must exert our will within the shadows of men or possess no will at all-and we must exceed them at their own game.”

“A play is not a play until it comes to life on stage.”

“What you have accomplished can never be stolen from you so long as you live.”

A book on how powerful women can be.

Okay I really enjoyed this book! It is set in the 1500’s so the language is definitely old, but I feel it did not take from the writing but added to it. I loved each and every one of the female characters in this story. Three women coming from different social statuses who join together because they love the same thing and want their voices to be heard. It was a really powerful story.

The fact that it takes a spin on three woman writing for Shakespeare was also super interesting. I think that is what intrigued me the most! I just had a really good time with the story, but the chapters were longgggggg and felt sometimes dragged out. Overall though really good!!

[Chelsea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one! The 3 women were all written very well, and I love how their friendship and determination propelled them. I would have liked a bit more development with their relationships with their men, since the role of women in relation to their men was one of the main points (Emilie kind of realizes she cares for Alfonzo, but more evidence would have helped... Dansby knows Jane is brave, but what real conversations did they have? ...Mary gets Pembroke to trust her, but will he really support her?). But I loved the secret playwriting, and Shakespeare was a really fun character (the side story with his sonnets was great!). And the big scene with the queen hearing her own words in the play was perfect! Overall, well written and very enjoyable.

Content: references to rape (not graphic), references to adultery (not graphic), mild violence, references to death (mildly graphic), some innuendo.


I received this book free from the publisher/author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

[Dr. des. Siobhán · Rating 2 out of 5]

*I received an ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thanks for the free book.*

Shakespeare scholar here who's been to Stratford numerous times, published articles on his works and absolutely adored Upstart Crow. I'm not against challenging Shakespeare's status as The Bard or against narratives that center female lives in a historic setting. However, this book did not really work for me. All the female characters felt artificial and wooden and I genuinely doubt that these women would've been able to write the plays as they are (look at linguistic examinations and other Shakespeare research that investigates exactly these claims), not because they are women but because the plays do not work that way. Again, please challenge Shakespeare but this felt so very...un-English as well... I only later looked up the author's origin and seeing that he is an American man, I'm no longer surprised. It is an entertaining read but I couldn't just do away with a decade of Shakespeare research in my life. Sorry. Maybe also watch Upstart Crow, it's truly hilarious.