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The Bookbinder's Secret: A Novel
Every book tells a story. This one tells a secret.
A young bookbinder begins a hunt for the truth when a confession hidden beneath the binding of a burned book reveals a story of forbidden love, lost fortune, and murder.
Lilian ("Lily") Delaney, apprentice to a master bookbinder in Oxford in 1901, chafes at the confines of her life. She is trapped between the oppressiveness of her father’s failing bookshop and still being an apprentice in a man’s profession. But when she’s given a burned book during a visit to a collector, she finds, hidden beneath the binding, a fifty-year-old letter speaking of love, fortune, and murder.
Lily is pulled into the mystery of the young lovers, a story of forbidden love, and discovers there are more books and more hidden pages telling their story. Lilian becomes obsessed with the story but she is not the only one looking for the remaining books and what began as a diverting intrigue quickly becomes a very dangerous pursuit.
Lily's search leads her from the eccentric booksellers of London to the private libraries of unscrupulous collectors and the dusty archives of society papers, deep into the heart of the mystery. But with sinister forces closing in, willing to do anything for the books, Lilian’s world begins to fall apart and she must decide if uncovering the truth is worth the risk to her own life.
* This stunning edition includes full-color designed endpapers, unique foiled front and back case stamps, and special interior design elements. While supplies last! *
A young bookbinder begins a hunt for the truth when a confession hidden beneath the binding of a burned book reveals a story of forbidden love, lost fortune, and murder.
Lilian ("Lily") Delaney, apprentice to a master bookbinder in Oxford in 1901, chafes at the confines of her life. She is trapped between the oppressiveness of her father’s failing bookshop and still being an apprentice in a man’s profession. But when she’s given a burned book during a visit to a collector, she finds, hidden beneath the binding, a fifty-year-old letter speaking of love, fortune, and murder.
Lily is pulled into the mystery of the young lovers, a story of forbidden love, and discovers there are more books and more hidden pages telling their story. Lilian becomes obsessed with the story but she is not the only one looking for the remaining books and what began as a diverting intrigue quickly becomes a very dangerous pursuit.
Lily's search leads her from the eccentric booksellers of London to the private libraries of unscrupulous collectors and the dusty archives of society papers, deep into the heart of the mystery. But with sinister forces closing in, willing to do anything for the books, Lilian’s world begins to fall apart and she must decide if uncovering the truth is worth the risk to her own life.
* This stunning edition includes full-color designed endpapers, unique foiled front and back case stamps, and special interior design elements. While supplies last! *
391 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 13, 2026
156 people are currently reading
25356 people want to read
About the author
A.D. Bell
1 book126 followersA. D. Bell lives in Oxford, haunting the city’s bookshops of a weekend, writing in their cafes and walking the winding paths of her characters. Their debut, The Bookbinder’s Secret, will be released in the UK by HQ in November 2025 and in the US by St Martin’s Press in January 2026.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 479 reviews
November 9, 2025
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This story takes place in Oxford in the year 1901. Bookbinder Lily feels disheartened by her job as a bookbinder because it is a male-dominated field, and then a mysteriously burned book ends up on her workbench. Under its binding, she finds a mysterious, fifty-year-old letter that shares a story of forbidden love, lost riches, and even a murder. This one clue has Lily obsessed with finding the series of scattered books that hold the rest of the story. As she races through the personal libraries of book collectors, she realizes that she isn't the only one searching, and maybe some secrets are meant to stay that way.
This book was a wonderfully enchanting read. I loved the way it blends historical fiction with a touch of magic effortlessly. The story sucked me in with its details, especially because books are at the forefront, and they hold more than just stories within their pages. The main mystery is very compelling and kept me turning the pages late into the night. There were a lot of descriptions about bookbinding itself as well.
What stood out the most to me was the atmosphere the author created—it's both cozy and suspenseful in equal measure. Because of the descriptive nature of the book, I will admit that the pacing felt slightly slow in a few places, but the beautifully crafted characters and the intriguing plot more than made up for it. It’s a very heartfelt story about the power of books and the secrets they can keep. I highly recommend this for anyone looking for a captivating tale of magic and mystery.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
The Book Review Crew Blog
This story takes place in Oxford in the year 1901. Bookbinder Lily feels disheartened by her job as a bookbinder because it is a male-dominated field, and then a mysteriously burned book ends up on her workbench. Under its binding, she finds a mysterious, fifty-year-old letter that shares a story of forbidden love, lost riches, and even a murder. This one clue has Lily obsessed with finding the series of scattered books that hold the rest of the story. As she races through the personal libraries of book collectors, she realizes that she isn't the only one searching, and maybe some secrets are meant to stay that way.
This book was a wonderfully enchanting read. I loved the way it blends historical fiction with a touch of magic effortlessly. The story sucked me in with its details, especially because books are at the forefront, and they hold more than just stories within their pages. The main mystery is very compelling and kept me turning the pages late into the night. There were a lot of descriptions about bookbinding itself as well.
What stood out the most to me was the atmosphere the author created—it's both cozy and suspenseful in equal measure. Because of the descriptive nature of the book, I will admit that the pacing felt slightly slow in a few places, but the beautifully crafted characters and the intriguing plot more than made up for it. It’s a very heartfelt story about the power of books and the secrets they can keep. I highly recommend this for anyone looking for a captivating tale of magic and mystery.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
January 13, 2026
The Bookbinder's Secret by A.D. Bell is wonderful period adventure.
This is the story of Lillian Delaney living in Oxford at the start of the 20th century - a bookbinder of excellence in world traditionally dominated by men- who finds herself trapped in world caring for her father in his bookshop whilst working as a bookbinder for the elderly Mr Caxton. Her life changes when she acquires a book that is burnt on its edges and within its endpapers she discovers fragments of a story- a love story of a couple who are separated from one another through the possibility of a murder.
This mysterious book is one of six each containing a piece of the story hidden within its cover. A puzzle to be solved.
From this moment Lily finds herself pulled into a world of danger as some people will go to any length to retrieve this book and the remaining five.
A story that moves between Lily's journey to track down the remaining novels and the tale of a couple whose love and lives are threatened fifty years earlier. Lily encounters a variety of book sellers and collectors- is everyone who they seem? And when tragedy strikes close to home, she knows that she must compete this challenge to find the truth and fight against the evil that wants to ruin her life.
A. D. Bell's research in to the process of book binding and restoration and the world of book collectors and the desire to acquire rare tomes is fascinating; in many senses this is the key to the book's enjoyment.
The pace is good and Lily is a strong and determined lead protagonist. Although set in 1901, it could easily have been earlier as it had a slight Dickensian feel. Not as gothic or dark in tone ( think Shadow of the Wind) as it could have been but certainly a great brooding read for a winter’s evening ( with Lily's love life added into the plot for extra intrigue).
An enjoyable race against time adventure
Thank you to NetGalley for the advance copy
This is the story of Lillian Delaney living in Oxford at the start of the 20th century - a bookbinder of excellence in world traditionally dominated by men- who finds herself trapped in world caring for her father in his bookshop whilst working as a bookbinder for the elderly Mr Caxton. Her life changes when she acquires a book that is burnt on its edges and within its endpapers she discovers fragments of a story- a love story of a couple who are separated from one another through the possibility of a murder.
This mysterious book is one of six each containing a piece of the story hidden within its cover. A puzzle to be solved.
From this moment Lily finds herself pulled into a world of danger as some people will go to any length to retrieve this book and the remaining five.
A story that moves between Lily's journey to track down the remaining novels and the tale of a couple whose love and lives are threatened fifty years earlier. Lily encounters a variety of book sellers and collectors- is everyone who they seem? And when tragedy strikes close to home, she knows that she must compete this challenge to find the truth and fight against the evil that wants to ruin her life.
A. D. Bell's research in to the process of book binding and restoration and the world of book collectors and the desire to acquire rare tomes is fascinating; in many senses this is the key to the book's enjoyment.
The pace is good and Lily is a strong and determined lead protagonist. Although set in 1901, it could easily have been earlier as it had a slight Dickensian feel. Not as gothic or dark in tone ( think Shadow of the Wind) as it could have been but certainly a great brooding read for a winter’s evening ( with Lily's love life added into the plot for extra intrigue).
An enjoyable race against time adventure
Thank you to NetGalley for the advance copy
November 14, 2025
Thank you HQ for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Wow I can’t really put into words how much I enjoyed this book, it was simply stunning and very beautifully written. It has everything I look for in a book, mystery, suspense, romance, adventure, secrets and murder. This book set in Oxford 1901 is told from the point of view of Lilian Delaney who is an apprentice book binder, Lilian feels the struggle of being a woman in man’s world and profession. Lilian comes into possession of a badly burnt book when undergoing a commission. Hidden beneath the bindings of the book is the beginning of a mystery that others will kill to keep buried.
The beginning is slow to begin with but not for long, the author does a wonderful job of building the suspense up until the gripping conclusion. I really felt for Lilian she was truly put through the wringer in this book, she went all over the country and encountered many unique and interesting characters along the way. Ambrose Fane he was a rake but I loved him. I was truly gripped by this book, once I started reading I really did not want to put it down. It was a testament to the authors skill that this book had me hooked. There is romance in this book and I was kept guessing what would happen with Lilian and Harry and whether they would get past their differences, I was hoping they would. Overall a truly gripping, amazing book and one I would not hesitate to recommend. This book was one of the first Arc’s I ever read so it has a special place in my heart.
Wow I can’t really put into words how much I enjoyed this book, it was simply stunning and very beautifully written. It has everything I look for in a book, mystery, suspense, romance, adventure, secrets and murder. This book set in Oxford 1901 is told from the point of view of Lilian Delaney who is an apprentice book binder, Lilian feels the struggle of being a woman in man’s world and profession. Lilian comes into possession of a badly burnt book when undergoing a commission. Hidden beneath the bindings of the book is the beginning of a mystery that others will kill to keep buried.
The beginning is slow to begin with but not for long, the author does a wonderful job of building the suspense up until the gripping conclusion. I really felt for Lilian she was truly put through the wringer in this book, she went all over the country and encountered many unique and interesting characters along the way. Ambrose Fane he was a rake but I loved him. I was truly gripped by this book, once I started reading I really did not want to put it down. It was a testament to the authors skill that this book had me hooked. There is romance in this book and I was kept guessing what would happen with Lilian and Harry and whether they would get past their differences, I was hoping they would. Overall a truly gripping, amazing book and one I would not hesitate to recommend. This book was one of the first Arc’s I ever read so it has a special place in my heart.
July 14, 2025
✨ Book Review: The Bookbinder’s Secret ✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
📚 Publish Date: January 13, 2026
Some books entertain. Some books enchant. This one bound me, heart, mind, and soul.
From the very first page, The Bookbinder’s Secret wrapped around me like a cherished story passed down through generations. This is not just a book, it’s an experience, a journey, and for me, an instant favorite. I will be thinking about this story forever. Set in 1901 Oxford, this novel brings to life the exquisite art of bookbinding through the eyes of a remarkable young woman, Lilian Delaney, an apprentice bookbinder with fire in her spirit and clarity in her convictions. Lilian is a main character I will never forget, strong, independent, intelligent, and deeply human.
What begins with the mystery of a burned book evolves into a rich, layered tale filled with romance, suspense, history, and literary passion. This is a story within a story and somehow, my own story attached itself to the pages.
I was hooked from the start. Fast paced yet lyrical, this novel read like poetry and danced like music. I savored every sentence. It thrilled me, moved me, and reminded me why I love reading so deeply.
As a craft lover, I adored the spotlight on the history and techniques of bookbinding, an art form I now want to explore myself. This book reminded me that the tools of a craft can also be tools of empowerment.
If you love books about books, strong heroines, historical mysteries, or stories that pull you into another time and place, you need The Bookbinder’s Secret on your shelf. I can’t wait to own a finished copy. Automatic buy from this author going forward.
Thank you to @stmartinspress for the opportunity to read this stunning novel early for an honest review.
#TheBookbindersSecret #BookReview #SMPEarlyReaders #HistoricalFiction #Bibliophile #BookLovers #BooksOfInstagram #ReadersOfInstagram #HistoricalMystery #BookTok #FictionAddict #StoryWithinAStory #CraftLoversRead #MustRead2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
📚 Publish Date: January 13, 2026
Some books entertain. Some books enchant. This one bound me, heart, mind, and soul.
From the very first page, The Bookbinder’s Secret wrapped around me like a cherished story passed down through generations. This is not just a book, it’s an experience, a journey, and for me, an instant favorite. I will be thinking about this story forever. Set in 1901 Oxford, this novel brings to life the exquisite art of bookbinding through the eyes of a remarkable young woman, Lilian Delaney, an apprentice bookbinder with fire in her spirit and clarity in her convictions. Lilian is a main character I will never forget, strong, independent, intelligent, and deeply human.
What begins with the mystery of a burned book evolves into a rich, layered tale filled with romance, suspense, history, and literary passion. This is a story within a story and somehow, my own story attached itself to the pages.
I was hooked from the start. Fast paced yet lyrical, this novel read like poetry and danced like music. I savored every sentence. It thrilled me, moved me, and reminded me why I love reading so deeply.
As a craft lover, I adored the spotlight on the history and techniques of bookbinding, an art form I now want to explore myself. This book reminded me that the tools of a craft can also be tools of empowerment.
If you love books about books, strong heroines, historical mysteries, or stories that pull you into another time and place, you need The Bookbinder’s Secret on your shelf. I can’t wait to own a finished copy. Automatic buy from this author going forward.
Thank you to @stmartinspress for the opportunity to read this stunning novel early for an honest review.
#TheBookbindersSecret #BookReview #SMPEarlyReaders #HistoricalFiction #Bibliophile #BookLovers #BooksOfInstagram #ReadersOfInstagram #HistoricalMystery #BookTok #FictionAddict #StoryWithinAStory #CraftLoversRead #MustRead2026
January 9, 2026
“I wished to bury myself in books and yet the real world called.”
I’ve felt like Lilian many, many times!
This captivating historical fiction appeals to booklovers and those who love a good mystery. I was pulled into the search after a bookbinder discovered a mysterious note beneath the cover of an old, charred book. I read way past my bedtime, wanting to uncover who wrote the note and why. I got lost in Lilian’s world and rooted for her to stand tall. I love that reading this book coincided with my bookbinding class! Miss Lilian Delaney was a wonderfully crafted character and was balanced well with her father and the less savory characters in the mystery.
I was left contemplating whether uncovering the truth is worth the risk to one’s life or not.
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
I’ve felt like Lilian many, many times!
This captivating historical fiction appeals to booklovers and those who love a good mystery. I was pulled into the search after a bookbinder discovered a mysterious note beneath the cover of an old, charred book. I read way past my bedtime, wanting to uncover who wrote the note and why. I got lost in Lilian’s world and rooted for her to stand tall. I love that reading this book coincided with my bookbinding class! Miss Lilian Delaney was a wonderfully crafted character and was balanced well with her father and the less savory characters in the mystery.
I was left contemplating whether uncovering the truth is worth the risk to one’s life or not.
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Currently reading
January 12, 2026almost pub day - bumping this one up, too!!! My gosh, I love the premise of this one. Sounds so good. Only a few chapters in and I am already loving it.
"Every book tells a story. This one tells a secret.
A young bookbinder begins a hunt for the truth when a confession hidden beneath the binding of a burned book reveals a story of forbidden love, lost fortune, and murder."
Thank you, St. Martin's Press, for sending me this ARC.
Pub Date: Jan 13, 2026
As always, all thoughts are my own. 📚💕✨
"Every book tells a story. This one tells a secret.
A young bookbinder begins a hunt for the truth when a confession hidden beneath the binding of a burned book reveals a story of forbidden love, lost fortune, and murder."
Thank you, St. Martin's Press, for sending me this ARC.
Pub Date: Jan 13, 2026
As always, all thoughts are my own. 📚💕✨
![Profile Image for Samantha✨ [reads everythinggggg].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1753198950i%2F154238456._UY200_CR67%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
September 30, 2025
4.5/5 I received The Bookbinder’s Secret by A.D. Bell through a Goodreads giveaway, and as a newer fan of historical fiction—and a lifelong fan of mysteries—this book was right up my alley. It was beautifully written, it did not disappoint, and I’d recommend it to anyone who enjoys those genres or is interested in stepping outside their usual reads for something truly engaging.
The writing was wonderful, and the pacing felt perfect. Right from the beginning, I was pulled in by the way the author meticulously describes the environment and draws you into the characters’ lives.
I also loved how much I learned about bookbinding—the care, patience, and diligence it requires. I’ve always enjoyed looking at old bound books, and since this was such a central subject in the story, it made me love the book even more.
In addition to everything else, this story comes with a gripping mystery that hooked me from the very first pages and kept me engaged all the way through. Much to my dismay (but really, delight), I never managed to figure it out—making the ending an even bigger treat!
Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves mysteries, historical fiction, or just books in general. Wonderfully written!
The writing was wonderful, and the pacing felt perfect. Right from the beginning, I was pulled in by the way the author meticulously describes the environment and draws you into the characters’ lives.
I also loved how much I learned about bookbinding—the care, patience, and diligence it requires. I’ve always enjoyed looking at old bound books, and since this was such a central subject in the story, it made me love the book even more.
In addition to everything else, this story comes with a gripping mystery that hooked me from the very first pages and kept me engaged all the way through. Much to my dismay (but really, delight), I never managed to figure it out—making the ending an even bigger treat!
Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves mysteries, historical fiction, or just books in general. Wonderfully written!
Review of advance copy
3.75 stars
November 8, 2025
I won this book in a Goodreads’ Giveaway.
The mystery behind the hidden notes that were stored inside the books and the love story they told was bittersweet. Our main character, Lilian, was going through a love triangle romance, but within the letters, a forbidden romance was being told. Forbidden romances is my favorite trope, and I wasn’t expecting it in this book.
I found it interesting how the burnt book that Lilian gets fixated on in this story has the author name Abel Bell, and the author of this book is A.D. Bell. In the book, Lilian does find the author and Abel says that her quest of finding all the hidden letters would make a good story and asked her to return to tell them everything when she found them all. It was never shown to us Lilian returning to tell Abel the rest of her journey, but the idea that the author's name on this book was intentional is a fascinating detail.
The mystery behind the hidden notes that were stored inside the books and the love story they told was bittersweet. Our main character, Lilian, was going through a love triangle romance, but within the letters, a forbidden romance was being told. Forbidden romances is my favorite trope, and I wasn’t expecting it in this book.
I found it interesting how the burnt book that Lilian gets fixated on in this story has the author name Abel Bell, and the author of this book is A.D. Bell. In the book, Lilian does find the author and Abel says that her quest of finding all the hidden letters would make a good story and asked her to return to tell them everything when she found them all. It was never shown to us Lilian returning to tell Abel the rest of her journey, but the idea that the author's name on this book was intentional is a fascinating detail.
January 13, 2026
This book has it all. Intrigue, memorable characters, unique situations, books, villains and light romance. I loved the ending, some of it was unexpected and unpredictable. The story moved along at a nice pace. Outstanding narration. Highly recommend.
I was blessed with an audio ARC. Thank you, NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own and unbiased.
I was blessed with an audio ARC. Thank you, NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own and unbiased.
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January 7, 2026
Book Riot’s Most Anticipated Books of 2026:
An apprentice to a master bookbinder discovers a letter hidden beneath the binding of a burned book, one that contains the story of forbidden love—and a confession to murder. She soon learns that there are more letters hidden in more books and is determined to track them down. The trouble is, she's not the only one looking for them, and this quest has put a target on her back. Books about books are already of interest. Now take a book about books, set it in early 20th-century Oxford, and throw in secrets, murder, and a trip into London's literary underbelly, and that's a book I'm absolutely going to read in 2026. —Vanessa Diaz
An apprentice to a master bookbinder discovers a letter hidden beneath the binding of a burned book, one that contains the story of forbidden love—and a confession to murder. She soon learns that there are more letters hidden in more books and is determined to track them down. The trouble is, she's not the only one looking for them, and this quest has put a target on her back. Books about books are already of interest. Now take a book about books, set it in early 20th-century Oxford, and throw in secrets, murder, and a trip into London's literary underbelly, and that's a book I'm absolutely going to read in 2026. —Vanessa Diaz
September 6, 2025
Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing this ARC!
An Edwardian mystery for bibliophiles. Oxford, 1901. Lilian Delaney is a bookbinding apprentice who happens upon the trail of a fifty-year-old scandal tucked into the pages of a novel. What starts as a booklover’s curiosity becomes a breathless life-or-death race to the truth.
This book has lovely ingredients that I am sure many will enjoy: the twists and turns are well crafted, the period setting creates an aesthetic backdrop for a moody mystery, and the author’s genuine passion for bookbinding shines through! Unfortunately, the final recipe was not quite to my taste.
There were three areas of concerns for me: pacing, show vs. tell, and b-plots.
Pacing. The first hundred pages lack motivation. There are no clear stakes and the plot stagnates; had this not been an ARC, I likely would have DNF’d. This does resolve in the second half and once a sense of urgency kicks into gear, the story moves well– you just have to make it that far first.
Show vs. Tell. The narrative skews heavily towards “tell”, especially in the ‘mystery pages’. Without giving spoilers, the formatting choice feels like data dumping; keeping the reader at emotional arm’s-length from what should be the juiciest parts of the story.
B-Plots. Specifically, the love-triangle. It didn’t work for me. Neither of the male love interests were given enough scene time with Lilian to matter. Instead of interacting with them directly, she largely broods to herself then simply declares how she feels. From a reader’s perspective, I didn’t know either of them well enough to care.
Overall, I would rate this 2.5 out of 5. There were entertaining aspects to the story but personally, this book was not my cup of tea.
An Edwardian mystery for bibliophiles. Oxford, 1901. Lilian Delaney is a bookbinding apprentice who happens upon the trail of a fifty-year-old scandal tucked into the pages of a novel. What starts as a booklover’s curiosity becomes a breathless life-or-death race to the truth.
This book has lovely ingredients that I am sure many will enjoy: the twists and turns are well crafted, the period setting creates an aesthetic backdrop for a moody mystery, and the author’s genuine passion for bookbinding shines through! Unfortunately, the final recipe was not quite to my taste.
There were three areas of concerns for me: pacing, show vs. tell, and b-plots.
Pacing. The first hundred pages lack motivation. There are no clear stakes and the plot stagnates; had this not been an ARC, I likely would have DNF’d. This does resolve in the second half and once a sense of urgency kicks into gear, the story moves well– you just have to make it that far first.
Show vs. Tell. The narrative skews heavily towards “tell”, especially in the ‘mystery pages’. Without giving spoilers, the formatting choice feels like data dumping; keeping the reader at emotional arm’s-length from what should be the juiciest parts of the story.
B-Plots. Specifically, the love-triangle. It didn’t work for me. Neither of the male love interests were given enough scene time with Lilian to matter. Instead of interacting with them directly, she largely broods to herself then simply declares how she feels. From a reader’s perspective, I didn’t know either of them well enough to care.
Overall, I would rate this 2.5 out of 5. There were entertaining aspects to the story but personally, this book was not my cup of tea.
November 10, 2025
3.4 stars
November 30, 2025
The Bookbinder's Secret has a number of elements I enjoy: a historical setting, a *bookish* mystery, a strong central female character, quirky secondary characters. Nonetheless, it just didn't work for me. Part of the reason was, I think, that it has a strong thread of romance in it, and I simply don't enjoy romance, especially straight romance, which I already get enough of from the world I live in. I don't want its heavy presence in my reading as well.
For me, what it boils down to is slow pacing, over-the-top-ness in terms of the mystery part of the novel, and a poorly developed love triangle (the romance thing). I'm an outlier here. This book has been receiving good pre-publication reviews, so look at some of the more enthusiastic reviews as well as mine. This books definitely has a constituency that will enjoy it—I'm just not part of that constituency.
I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via Edelweiss; the opinions are my own.
For me, what it boils down to is slow pacing, over-the-top-ness in terms of the mystery part of the novel, and a poorly developed love triangle (the romance thing). I'm an outlier here. This book has been receiving good pre-publication reviews, so look at some of the more enthusiastic reviews as well as mine. This books definitely has a constituency that will enjoy it—I'm just not part of that constituency.
I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via Edelweiss; the opinions are my own.
October 26, 2025
A CAPTIVATING STORY OF DETERMINATION
Lily Delaney is a bookbinder apprentice in Oxford in 1901, and feels confined by her father’s failing bookshop and her status as a woman in a man’s profession. During a visit to a collector, she finds a burned book with a hidden fifty-year-old love letter. She becomes obsessed with the mystery of the young lovers and finds more hidden pages in another book. As she searches through London’s booksellers, private libraries, and archives, a dangerous man pursues her. With her world falling apart and her life at risk, she must decide if the truth is worth the danger.
The Bookbinder’s Secret is a captivating story about a clever and determined woman well ahead of her time. I thoroughly enjoyed the theme of perseverance and persistence.
The writing was crisp and seamless. Author A. D. Bell weaves a tale of mystery, suspense, and danger, while creating a hopeful sense of anticipation. The characters are well-developed, and you can’t help but root for the intrepid Lily and her quest to uncover the story behind the letters and what happened to the young lovers.
Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advance copy of this book. All opinions expressed here are my own.
Publisher St. Martin’s Press
Published January 13, 2026
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com
Lily Delaney is a bookbinder apprentice in Oxford in 1901, and feels confined by her father’s failing bookshop and her status as a woman in a man’s profession. During a visit to a collector, she finds a burned book with a hidden fifty-year-old love letter. She becomes obsessed with the mystery of the young lovers and finds more hidden pages in another book. As she searches through London’s booksellers, private libraries, and archives, a dangerous man pursues her. With her world falling apart and her life at risk, she must decide if the truth is worth the danger.
The Bookbinder’s Secret is a captivating story about a clever and determined woman well ahead of her time. I thoroughly enjoyed the theme of perseverance and persistence.
The writing was crisp and seamless. Author A. D. Bell weaves a tale of mystery, suspense, and danger, while creating a hopeful sense of anticipation. The characters are well-developed, and you can’t help but root for the intrepid Lily and her quest to uncover the story behind the letters and what happened to the young lovers.
Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advance copy of this book. All opinions expressed here are my own.
Publisher St. Martin’s Press
Published January 13, 2026
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com
September 29, 2025
Thank you, Goodreads , the author and publisher for this book. Cute story. 3 stars
Stacey Bankey
Stacey Bankey
October 24, 2025
Lilian Delaney, willing apprentice to a master craftsman of the sacred art of book binding in Oxford, 1901, cannot help but feel trapped, increasingly chafing within the confines of her limited life, at one side caught between her father’s bookshop, along with the oppressive nature of being a woman daring to be a part of a man’s profession, the other she longs to be her own woman.
Yet her dreary life all changes inexplicably when a burned book falls into her possession, for hidden underneath the binding is a fifty-year-old letter that speaks of love, fortune, and murder…
Lily is instantly drawn into the mystery, which hints at forbidden romance between young lovers, and as she dives deeper she learns various volumes may conceal more of this thrilling story and soon finds herself obsessed with tracking down the next piece of the puzzle, however she is not alone in this endeavour and what begins as intrigue quickly turns ugly.
Journeying across the length and indeed breadth of the country, meeting eccentric booksellers, private libraries of unscrupulous collectors, and the dusty archives of society papers of yesteryear, as Lilian falls further into this fantastically impossible world.
Sinister forces are all around her, willing to do anything and everything to obtain these rare gems of books, and Lily’s world starts to crumble like ashes in her hands, she must weigh up if this obsession really is worth the cost before she loses it all, and what started as nothing more than a story could end in tragedy.
A thrilling, eclectic, mystery-filled romp of a novel, The Book Binder’s Secret is a standout for this year and one not to be missed!
Yet her dreary life all changes inexplicably when a burned book falls into her possession, for hidden underneath the binding is a fifty-year-old letter that speaks of love, fortune, and murder…
Lily is instantly drawn into the mystery, which hints at forbidden romance between young lovers, and as she dives deeper she learns various volumes may conceal more of this thrilling story and soon finds herself obsessed with tracking down the next piece of the puzzle, however she is not alone in this endeavour and what begins as intrigue quickly turns ugly.
Journeying across the length and indeed breadth of the country, meeting eccentric booksellers, private libraries of unscrupulous collectors, and the dusty archives of society papers of yesteryear, as Lilian falls further into this fantastically impossible world.
Sinister forces are all around her, willing to do anything and everything to obtain these rare gems of books, and Lily’s world starts to crumble like ashes in her hands, she must weigh up if this obsession really is worth the cost before she loses it all, and what started as nothing more than a story could end in tragedy.
A thrilling, eclectic, mystery-filled romp of a novel, The Book Binder’s Secret is a standout for this year and one not to be missed!
January 7, 2026
The Bookbinder’s Secret is a historical fiction novel with all of the story elements that I enjoy: an independent, book loving heroine, a mystery with an escalating sense of danger, and a romance. There’s also a story within the story about a forbidden love that I really enjoyed.
I struggled somewhat with the overall pacing and a few of the plot points. The central mystery is slow to develop with a wide array of characters to keep track of. I had a bit of a challenge connecting with Lily because of all of her lies and stealing. And the love triangle between her, her one night stand, and her teenage sweetheart did not feel fully developed. The action picks up in the last third and kept me entertained. The ending was thorough, but it did drag a bit. Ultimately this novel has an interesting premise and a lot of action, but its pacing was inconsistent for me. 3.5/5⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for an advanced listener copy of The Bookbinder’s Secret by A.D. Bell in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own. I enjoyed the audiobook featuring narrator Olivia Vinall. She captures the essence of Lily well.
I struggled somewhat with the overall pacing and a few of the plot points. The central mystery is slow to develop with a wide array of characters to keep track of. I had a bit of a challenge connecting with Lily because of all of her lies and stealing. And the love triangle between her, her one night stand, and her teenage sweetheart did not feel fully developed. The action picks up in the last third and kept me entertained. The ending was thorough, but it did drag a bit. Ultimately this novel has an interesting premise and a lot of action, but its pacing was inconsistent for me. 3.5/5⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for an advanced listener copy of The Bookbinder’s Secret by A.D. Bell in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own. I enjoyed the audiobook featuring narrator Olivia Vinall. She captures the essence of Lily well.
January 8, 2026
This historical mystery read started off well. I liked the 1900s setting and the author described it well. I also liked that there were handwritten pages hidden in the binding of books that told a mysterious story of an ill-fated romance in the 1850s. However, the details of the romance story became melodramatic and the story started to drag.
I liked the main character, Lillian and her fatherly relationship with her employer, Mr. Caxton. Her relationship with her partner, Harry, was meant to parallel the ill-fated romance but the former wasn’t developed in detail and it did not pull me in. In addition, the inclusion of a love triangle felt unnecessary.
The bookstore and bookbinding workshop made for an interesting setting but I found that there were too many details about the bookbinding process.
The story, for me, started off with a lot of potential but halfway through it lost steam for me. I know others have enjoyed this one but it was a bit of an overall miss for me.
Thanks to the publisher for this complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
I liked the main character, Lillian and her fatherly relationship with her employer, Mr. Caxton. Her relationship with her partner, Harry, was meant to parallel the ill-fated romance but the former wasn’t developed in detail and it did not pull me in. In addition, the inclusion of a love triangle felt unnecessary.
The bookstore and bookbinding workshop made for an interesting setting but I found that there were too many details about the bookbinding process.
The story, for me, started off with a lot of potential but halfway through it lost steam for me. I know others have enjoyed this one but it was a bit of an overall miss for me.
Thanks to the publisher for this complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
November 2, 2025
I did enjoy this book, and was compelled to find out the ‘truth’ behind the hidden tale. However, I couldn’t help but be bemused why those wanting to collect and so hide the story would pick on a young female bookbinder to do their dirty work – rather than just doing it themselves. And why the story was hidden as it was. It did need concealment – but why use that method!
There were a few too many coincidences, and too many helpful people appearing at just the right time. The characters were either very good – or irredeemably evil. The book was set in Victorian England, but the sentiments often seemed a bit too modern. Hence only a 4-star rating.
The obsession that the bookbinder, Lilian Delaney, had with the story, was understandable. Everyone who loves books has moments like that – you just HAVE to find out the conclusion. But, sometimes you did want to shake her out of her mania – as she put into danger everyone whom she had ever cared about, and all she had ever dreamt of achieving. Could anything be worth such a high price?
I did love the passages about the art of bookbinding. Anyone who loves books cannot help but be smitten by a beautifully bound volume. The idea that you could go to a bookbinder, and have your favourite book rebound in a unique personal binding, is only a dream for many of us bibliophiles without limitless wealth. In the UK, we have the Folio Society, but their works – while stunning – are not personal treasures.
The book is an action filled romp through the Victorian book world, with some very capable female characters, and a couple of gentle, patient, reliable males. Setting aside my comments above, it is well worth a read, and I would recommend it.
I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and not influenced by either the author or publisher.
There were a few too many coincidences, and too many helpful people appearing at just the right time. The characters were either very good – or irredeemably evil. The book was set in Victorian England, but the sentiments often seemed a bit too modern. Hence only a 4-star rating.
The obsession that the bookbinder, Lilian Delaney, had with the story, was understandable. Everyone who loves books has moments like that – you just HAVE to find out the conclusion. But, sometimes you did want to shake her out of her mania – as she put into danger everyone whom she had ever cared about, and all she had ever dreamt of achieving. Could anything be worth such a high price?
I did love the passages about the art of bookbinding. Anyone who loves books cannot help but be smitten by a beautifully bound volume. The idea that you could go to a bookbinder, and have your favourite book rebound in a unique personal binding, is only a dream for many of us bibliophiles without limitless wealth. In the UK, we have the Folio Society, but their works – while stunning – are not personal treasures.
The book is an action filled romp through the Victorian book world, with some very capable female characters, and a couple of gentle, patient, reliable males. Setting aside my comments above, it is well worth a read, and I would recommend it.
I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and not influenced by either the author or publisher.
January 14, 2026
P H E N O M E N A L !!!!!
And, for just a moment, I am speechless...
You know how some books reel you in right from the beginning? Well, this was one of them...
And honestly? I wasn't sure this was one I was going to enjoy, but I certainly did!!!!
Lily is working as an apprentice bookbinder. The year is 1901. Women are not only NOT RECOGNIZED for doing a man's job, but are not even considered! So, she is working in a bookbinding shop, seeing how well she is doing, and how her work is appreciated by the patrons, but she doesn't feel like she is getting any of the glory for her efforts.
Additionally, her father manages a bookstore. But, in recent years, it never seems to have a lot of patrons... and she is a bit worried. Also, her father hovers over everything she does... not so much in a mean way, but he is just concerned about her.
And so, when Lily is sent off to pick up a book for a customer who wants to re-bind a book for his wife, she is ecstatic! The customer tells her exactly what he wants, and she is imagining just how she is going to do the work for this particular book. She is very happy.
But, she notes a smell in the air... of burning? And she asks him and he notes that when he picked up an order of books, there was an extra one that looks like it might've been burned.
It is NOT one that he's ordered.... and he tells her that if she wants it, she can have it.
She is happy to take it, but when she starts to investigate she realizes that there is something hidden in it... and this is when the entire story really begins...
BECAUSE, what Lily finds leads back to a young woman and a young man who fell in love... but it was a kind of 'forbidden love' and her father has threatened her, and him, that they are NOT to see each other again. But, this was many years ago now….
She soon realizes that this is one of several books like this, and that there is a whole story hidden in these layers... and she wants nothing more than to get to the bottom of this... but at what cost??
Because she also comes to realize that her life, and the life of all those who she loves, are now on the line too! And as she travels from place to place to try to discover more about this, she knows she is being watched and followed... and threatened.
This was an absolutely AMAZING book, and in my opinion it gets ALL THE STARS!!!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨✨✨✨✨💫💫💫💫💫🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Thanks so much to #NetGally and #MacmillanAudio for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review!!
This one was just released, yesterday, when I was lucky enough to receive a copy!! So, look for it on shelves now!!
#TheBookbindersSecret by @ADBell and narrated nicely by @OliviaVinall.
OMG! I just read that this was a DEBUT NOVEL for the author(s)!! And wow, that makes the book even more amazing!!
Being as it ended the way that it did, I am hopeful that this is the beginning of a new series... but there is no mention of it, so... fingers crossed.🤞🏼
Also, if this one is on your radar, because you've seen others post about it (which is what happened to me!) ... please add it to your TBR list. I don't expect you will be disappointed!
You can also find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️
And, for just a moment, I am speechless...
You know how some books reel you in right from the beginning? Well, this was one of them...
And honestly? I wasn't sure this was one I was going to enjoy, but I certainly did!!!!
Lily is working as an apprentice bookbinder. The year is 1901. Women are not only NOT RECOGNIZED for doing a man's job, but are not even considered! So, she is working in a bookbinding shop, seeing how well she is doing, and how her work is appreciated by the patrons, but she doesn't feel like she is getting any of the glory for her efforts.
Additionally, her father manages a bookstore. But, in recent years, it never seems to have a lot of patrons... and she is a bit worried. Also, her father hovers over everything she does... not so much in a mean way, but he is just concerned about her.
And so, when Lily is sent off to pick up a book for a customer who wants to re-bind a book for his wife, she is ecstatic! The customer tells her exactly what he wants, and she is imagining just how she is going to do the work for this particular book. She is very happy.
But, she notes a smell in the air... of burning? And she asks him and he notes that when he picked up an order of books, there was an extra one that looks like it might've been burned.
It is NOT one that he's ordered.... and he tells her that if she wants it, she can have it.
She is happy to take it, but when she starts to investigate she realizes that there is something hidden in it... and this is when the entire story really begins...
BECAUSE, what Lily finds leads back to a young woman and a young man who fell in love... but it was a kind of 'forbidden love' and her father has threatened her, and him, that they are NOT to see each other again. But, this was many years ago now….
She soon realizes that this is one of several books like this, and that there is a whole story hidden in these layers... and she wants nothing more than to get to the bottom of this... but at what cost??
Because she also comes to realize that her life, and the life of all those who she loves, are now on the line too! And as she travels from place to place to try to discover more about this, she knows she is being watched and followed... and threatened.
This was an absolutely AMAZING book, and in my opinion it gets ALL THE STARS!!!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨✨✨✨✨💫💫💫💫💫🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Thanks so much to #NetGally and #MacmillanAudio for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review!!
This one was just released, yesterday, when I was lucky enough to receive a copy!! So, look for it on shelves now!!
#TheBookbindersSecret by @ADBell and narrated nicely by @OliviaVinall.
OMG! I just read that this was a DEBUT NOVEL for the author(s)!! And wow, that makes the book even more amazing!!
Being as it ended the way that it did, I am hopeful that this is the beginning of a new series... but there is no mention of it, so... fingers crossed.🤞🏼
Also, if this one is on your radar, because you've seen others post about it (which is what happened to me!) ... please add it to your TBR list. I don't expect you will be disappointed!
You can also find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Bookbinder’s Secret by A.D. Bell
Thank You NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review! All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
I really, really enjoyed this one so much! It was sad at times and what the main female character, Lilian Delaney (who is also the bookbinder), must endure to discover the mystery of the puzzling and curious book she receives is heartbreaking. The novel mainly takes place in 1901 Oxford, but the story within a story alternate to the mid to late 1800’s. What follows is Lilian’s perilous journey as she races to discover the rest of the story hidden within the inner flaps of 6 books total – in which the locations/owners of some of them must be figured out. But Lilian is not the only one after these books containing the pages. Others with nefarious reasons are out to gather those lost pages, and will stop at nothing to secure them, including harming Lilian and those she loves.
Will a mystery of over four decades long finally be laid to rest by a very persistent bookbinder willing to risk herself and everything and everyone she holds dear, or will it all be for naught?
Find out for yourself on January 13, 2026!!!
Thank You NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review! All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
I really, really enjoyed this one so much! It was sad at times and what the main female character, Lilian Delaney (who is also the bookbinder), must endure to discover the mystery of the puzzling and curious book she receives is heartbreaking. The novel mainly takes place in 1901 Oxford, but the story within a story alternate to the mid to late 1800’s. What follows is Lilian’s perilous journey as she races to discover the rest of the story hidden within the inner flaps of 6 books total – in which the locations/owners of some of them must be figured out. But Lilian is not the only one after these books containing the pages. Others with nefarious reasons are out to gather those lost pages, and will stop at nothing to secure them, including harming Lilian and those she loves.
Will a mystery of over four decades long finally be laid to rest by a very persistent bookbinder willing to risk herself and everything and everyone she holds dear, or will it all be for naught?
Find out for yourself on January 13, 2026!!!
November 17, 2025
If there’s one thing I absolutely love, it’s books about books. I adore stories that have a story within and The Bookbinder’s Secret does this so, so well.
From start to finish, I was enthralled. I just could not put this book down. The writing style is utterly beautiful and so captivating. I got lost between the pages and did not want to be found.
This story was such an adventure. It captured my heart and made me emotional. I was so protective of the characters. Lily was so headstrong and I admired her so much, and I adored Mr. Caxton. Every side character was beautifully crafted and fit the story so well.
Not only is this a cozy read, because we learn all about bookbinding and the setting (Oxford) is perfect, but it’s also suspenseful. Believe me when I say this: this book had me in its grip. I just had to know how the story would end.
This book definitely captured my heart. It’s an enchanting read about the power of books and the stories that lie within. Books bring people together and this story definitely confirms that. I’m still sad about reaching the end, because I truly did not want this story to end.
I definitely recommend this to people that love books about books. I hope you will love this story just as much as I did.
Massive thank you to the publisher or this proof copy.
From start to finish, I was enthralled. I just could not put this book down. The writing style is utterly beautiful and so captivating. I got lost between the pages and did not want to be found.
This story was such an adventure. It captured my heart and made me emotional. I was so protective of the characters. Lily was so headstrong and I admired her so much, and I adored Mr. Caxton. Every side character was beautifully crafted and fit the story so well.
Not only is this a cozy read, because we learn all about bookbinding and the setting (Oxford) is perfect, but it’s also suspenseful. Believe me when I say this: this book had me in its grip. I just had to know how the story would end.
This book definitely captured my heart. It’s an enchanting read about the power of books and the stories that lie within. Books bring people together and this story definitely confirms that. I’m still sad about reaching the end, because I truly did not want this story to end.
I definitely recommend this to people that love books about books. I hope you will love this story just as much as I did.
Massive thank you to the publisher or this proof copy.
November 19, 2025
4.5 Stars
Thank you to St. Martin's Press for providing me with a gifted ebook copy of The Bookbinder's Secret through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
The Bookbinder's Secret is a fantastic mix of historical fiction and mystery that draws you into the world of books, and how some of them have held dangerous secrets for the past fifty years. I really loved the way Bell combined Lily's love of books and her determination with unraveling the mystery of the letters she discovered hidden in a book collection written by a mysterious and reclusive author.
There is a lot of great suspense, once Lily realizes the danger her discovery has put her in, and I thought Bell did a great job with the slow burn of revealing the person behind the threats. I also really enjoyed seeing Lily's growth and how her search took her out of her small life and comfort zone and gave her the confidence to feel powerful in her own abilities. The side characters also worked really well in the story, and I found Ambrose and his eccentricities to be my favorite.
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭:
* CW: Violence toward Women
* Early 1900's
* Book Collecting & Bookshops
* Romantic Mystery
* Woman in a "Man's Profession"
* Secrets & Betrayals
* Complicated Family
𝐈𝐬 𝐈𝐭 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐲?
🥶 (No)
If you love books about books with a historical setting, and unexpected twists and turns, then I would highly recommend The Bookbinder's Secret.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press for providing me with a gifted ebook copy of The Bookbinder's Secret through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
The Bookbinder's Secret is a fantastic mix of historical fiction and mystery that draws you into the world of books, and how some of them have held dangerous secrets for the past fifty years. I really loved the way Bell combined Lily's love of books and her determination with unraveling the mystery of the letters she discovered hidden in a book collection written by a mysterious and reclusive author.
There is a lot of great suspense, once Lily realizes the danger her discovery has put her in, and I thought Bell did a great job with the slow burn of revealing the person behind the threats. I also really enjoyed seeing Lily's growth and how her search took her out of her small life and comfort zone and gave her the confidence to feel powerful in her own abilities. The side characters also worked really well in the story, and I found Ambrose and his eccentricities to be my favorite.
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭:
* CW: Violence toward Women
* Early 1900's
* Book Collecting & Bookshops
* Romantic Mystery
* Woman in a "Man's Profession"
* Secrets & Betrayals
* Complicated Family
𝐈𝐬 𝐈𝐭 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐲?
🥶 (No)
If you love books about books with a historical setting, and unexpected twists and turns, then I would highly recommend The Bookbinder's Secret.
July 19, 2025
The Bookbinders Secret
3.5 ⭐️
A bookbinder, a hidden secret inside of a book, a murder (or several) and a story that will change one woman’s life.
I really enjoyed this book. As a hobbyist bookbinder I loved the quiet moments of binding in the story and felt very pleased with how accurate the descriptions of binding were, the author is either a binder or did a great job researching, kudos!
I loved the story as well, the multiple narratives within the narrative was done very well.
Lilian is a lonely, despondent girl whose only joy in life is in her bookbinding, when one day she finds a hidden letter inside the bindings of a book saved from a fire. I like her character arc, her decision to let others in and trust those around her as the pages turned. Her love interest was a bit lack luster imo but I’m glad he loved her (I just liked the idea of the romance with Charlie I guess)
I wish we had gotten some moments of tenderness between Lilian and her father because I think it would have made the emotional moments later in the novel hit a lot harder and would have really made us empathize with Lilian a bit more.
My favorite characters were without a doubt Mr. Caxton and Ambrose Fane. I kept picturing Sam Reid as Ambrose and he was just such a complex, somewhat silly and intriguing character i could read a novel about him alone.
I think the structure of the narrative was very well done as it kept me on the edge of my seat wanting to know what the next hidden pages contained much like Lily. The pacing was good, and the interconnected storylines felt like a good payoff after meeting so many characters. Also I loved Dotty, she was awesome.
Overall I enjoyed this but felt the romance could have been done in a way to be more intriguing since it was basically an open and shut case from the beginning, I would have loved a little more conflict or yearning and feel like it was set up for that with Charlie but was then abandoned.
Thanks NetGalley and St Martins Press for the eARC in exchange for my honest feedback!
3.5 ⭐️
A bookbinder, a hidden secret inside of a book, a murder (or several) and a story that will change one woman’s life.
I really enjoyed this book. As a hobbyist bookbinder I loved the quiet moments of binding in the story and felt very pleased with how accurate the descriptions of binding were, the author is either a binder or did a great job researching, kudos!
I loved the story as well, the multiple narratives within the narrative was done very well.
Lilian is a lonely, despondent girl whose only joy in life is in her bookbinding, when one day she finds a hidden letter inside the bindings of a book saved from a fire. I like her character arc, her decision to let others in and trust those around her as the pages turned. Her love interest was a bit lack luster imo but I’m glad he loved her (I just liked the idea of the romance with Charlie I guess)
I wish we had gotten some moments of tenderness between Lilian and her father because I think it would have made the emotional moments later in the novel hit a lot harder and would have really made us empathize with Lilian a bit more.
My favorite characters were without a doubt Mr. Caxton and Ambrose Fane. I kept picturing Sam Reid as Ambrose and he was just such a complex, somewhat silly and intriguing character i could read a novel about him alone.
I think the structure of the narrative was very well done as it kept me on the edge of my seat wanting to know what the next hidden pages contained much like Lily. The pacing was good, and the interconnected storylines felt like a good payoff after meeting so many characters. Also I loved Dotty, she was awesome.
Overall I enjoyed this but felt the romance could have been done in a way to be more intriguing since it was basically an open and shut case from the beginning, I would have loved a little more conflict or yearning and feel like it was set up for that with Charlie but was then abandoned.
Thanks NetGalley and St Martins Press for the eARC in exchange for my honest feedback!
July 18, 2025
"Anyone who loves books knows that smell. Breathes it. That particular perfume that invades and stays. The aroma of imagination, of knowledge waiting."
Oh, what a glorious book! The Bookbinder's Secret quickly immerses the reader into Victorian England and the lost art of creating a new binding for a treasured book. Some of us are fortunate to have a few old books, beautifully bound in leather with exquisite paper, that have been passed down to us as a legacy, but imagine a world where that is the norm. In this story, Lilian Delaney is a gifted apprentice, learning the art of bookbinding in Oxford, a profession dominated by men. Unmarried at the age of 25, an anomaly for a woman, she's not interested in marriage or children, but has her sights set on a career in bookbinding. I was completely consumed by both the mystery of the missing books and the slowly revealed love story hidden in their bindings.
Throughout the story, as Lilian searches for the missing books all over England, she's helped in random ways by other women. These women were strangers of different ages and backgrounds, but didn't hesitate to help her because they knew how difficult the business world was for any woman. Lilians's employer, Mr. Caxton, a generous soul with a dry wit, was my favorite character by far. He was a patient teacher, as proud of her accomplishments as a father, a guardian angel when she desperately needed one, and by the end, a friend. I'm happy to say that I didn't figure out the mystery before it was revealed and was delighted by the intriguing ending. If you are passionate about books, The Bookbinder's Secret is a rare treasure.
"Books were so much more than paper and words; they held magic within them and every hand they passed through was touched by that magic, forever changed, even if they did not know it."
My thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read the ARC. All opinions and the review are entirely my own.
Oh, what a glorious book! The Bookbinder's Secret quickly immerses the reader into Victorian England and the lost art of creating a new binding for a treasured book. Some of us are fortunate to have a few old books, beautifully bound in leather with exquisite paper, that have been passed down to us as a legacy, but imagine a world where that is the norm. In this story, Lilian Delaney is a gifted apprentice, learning the art of bookbinding in Oxford, a profession dominated by men. Unmarried at the age of 25, an anomaly for a woman, she's not interested in marriage or children, but has her sights set on a career in bookbinding. I was completely consumed by both the mystery of the missing books and the slowly revealed love story hidden in their bindings.
Throughout the story, as Lilian searches for the missing books all over England, she's helped in random ways by other women. These women were strangers of different ages and backgrounds, but didn't hesitate to help her because they knew how difficult the business world was for any woman. Lilians's employer, Mr. Caxton, a generous soul with a dry wit, was my favorite character by far. He was a patient teacher, as proud of her accomplishments as a father, a guardian angel when she desperately needed one, and by the end, a friend. I'm happy to say that I didn't figure out the mystery before it was revealed and was delighted by the intriguing ending. If you are passionate about books, The Bookbinder's Secret is a rare treasure.
"Books were so much more than paper and words; they held magic within them and every hand they passed through was touched by that magic, forever changed, even if they did not know it."
My thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read the ARC. All opinions and the review are entirely my own.
September 10, 2025
I was excited about the premise of this book and it drew me in right from the beginning. While I don't know anything about bookbinding, it was fascinating to hear the details about how it was done in the early 1900s.
I felt like the story dragged on a little and there were parts of the second half of the book that didn't quite fit into the feel of the book. I also didn't like that they made one character a homosexual (not a big part of the story) and another character had strange and devilish artifacts and was part of something weird (while not told what it was, it happened at night and included screaming and laughing).
I had high hopes for this book but it didn't maintain that high through the end.
** Cautionary content: innuendo, debauchery, reference to devil worship, stalker, violence, abortion, homosexual couple, death of a parent
*** Favorite quote:
For what is a book but a collection of stories? The story inside the pages, the story of its author, its journey from ink on a page, through a publisher, into the hands of its owners, its binders, its restorers, and readers. I was a small part of this book's story, and the stories of every book I'd worked on, and that gave me an invisible immortality. Books will outlast us all and I was content to be but a footnote in their lives.
I felt like the story dragged on a little and there were parts of the second half of the book that didn't quite fit into the feel of the book. I also didn't like that they made one character a homosexual (not a big part of the story) and another character had strange and devilish artifacts and was part of something weird (while not told what it was, it happened at night and included screaming and laughing).
I had high hopes for this book but it didn't maintain that high through the end.
** Cautionary content: innuendo, debauchery, reference to devil worship, stalker, violence, abortion, homosexual couple, death of a parent
*** Favorite quote:
For what is a book but a collection of stories? The story inside the pages, the story of its author, its journey from ink on a page, through a publisher, into the hands of its owners, its binders, its restorers, and readers. I was a small part of this book's story, and the stories of every book I'd worked on, and that gave me an invisible immortality. Books will outlast us all and I was content to be but a footnote in their lives.
November 5, 2025
The blurb:
Lilian Delaney, apprentice to a master bookbinder in Oxford in 1901, chafes at the confines of her life, caught between the oppressive walls of her father’s bookshop and the limitations of being a woman in a man’s profession. But when a burned book comes into her possession, she finds hidden beneath the binding a fifty-year-old letter speaking of love, fortune and murder.
Lily is drawn into the mystery, which hints at a forbidden romance between young lovers, and learns there are other books which conceal more of the story. Lily becomes obsessed with finding them, but she is not the only one looking, and what began as a simple intrigue quickly turns dangerous.
Her journey takes her across the country, to the eccentric booksellers of London, private libraries of unscrupulous collectors and the dusty archives of society papers, as she delves further into the heart of the secret. But with sinister forces closing in, willing to do anything to obtain the books, Lily’s world begins to fall apart, and she must decide if uncovering the truth is worth losing everything.
My thoughts:
Wow, I was drawn into this book and was keen to follow Lillian’s story and discover the mystery of the books! The storytelling was beautiful and I was lost in the story, so much so that I struggled to put the book down.
Lillian was incredibly brave and headstrong and there were points that I really feared for her safety! Such an incredible tale and I am so thankful to HQ stories publishers for the opportunity to read this ahead of its release.
A book about books, what’s not to love?
Opinions expressed here are my own
Lilian Delaney, apprentice to a master bookbinder in Oxford in 1901, chafes at the confines of her life, caught between the oppressive walls of her father’s bookshop and the limitations of being a woman in a man’s profession. But when a burned book comes into her possession, she finds hidden beneath the binding a fifty-year-old letter speaking of love, fortune and murder.
Lily is drawn into the mystery, which hints at a forbidden romance between young lovers, and learns there are other books which conceal more of the story. Lily becomes obsessed with finding them, but she is not the only one looking, and what began as a simple intrigue quickly turns dangerous.
Her journey takes her across the country, to the eccentric booksellers of London, private libraries of unscrupulous collectors and the dusty archives of society papers, as she delves further into the heart of the secret. But with sinister forces closing in, willing to do anything to obtain the books, Lily’s world begins to fall apart, and she must decide if uncovering the truth is worth losing everything.
My thoughts:
Wow, I was drawn into this book and was keen to follow Lillian’s story and discover the mystery of the books! The storytelling was beautiful and I was lost in the story, so much so that I struggled to put the book down.
Lillian was incredibly brave and headstrong and there were points that I really feared for her safety! Such an incredible tale and I am so thankful to HQ stories publishers for the opportunity to read this ahead of its release.
A book about books, what’s not to love?
Opinions expressed here are my own
January 10, 2026
It's Friday, and I picked this to be my companion for the day. Honestly, I couldn't put it down.
What stood out: In the last few days, I read a book about librarians. This one is about books and a bookbinder. I loved how relatable the main female character was. The smells she got when she sniffed a book felt real. Who doesn't love the smell of books? The way the author spoke of the history of old books - the scents of its previous owners - felt so intimate.
Lillian discovered a letter hidden within the bindings of a book, and it carried truths that someone was willing to kill for. The mystery hooked me. I couldn't put it down. I was with Lillian in her quest to complete the story.
Lillian Delaney is compelling. Her flaws, her mistakes, the decisions that caused her heartache - I loved her even when I didn't agree with her choices. Such a fiery personality.
I appreciated that the author wrapped all the different character stories together in the end.
Three of my favorite quotes that resonated:
"For really, I thought in my naivety, what danger could lie within a book?"
"I stopped more to smell them, for there is nothing like the smell of books to awaken the soul."
"Books are a poor substitute for love, my dear," he said with a kind tone.
"Books don't break your heart."
He shook his head and went back to his work. "Of course they do."
Similar vibes: If you loved The Secret Book Society for its books about books and mystery element.
You'll love this if: You want mystery, adventure, historical fiction, and an unflappable heroine.
Thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the advance copy.
What stood out: In the last few days, I read a book about librarians. This one is about books and a bookbinder. I loved how relatable the main female character was. The smells she got when she sniffed a book felt real. Who doesn't love the smell of books? The way the author spoke of the history of old books - the scents of its previous owners - felt so intimate.
Lillian discovered a letter hidden within the bindings of a book, and it carried truths that someone was willing to kill for. The mystery hooked me. I couldn't put it down. I was with Lillian in her quest to complete the story.
Lillian Delaney is compelling. Her flaws, her mistakes, the decisions that caused her heartache - I loved her even when I didn't agree with her choices. Such a fiery personality.
I appreciated that the author wrapped all the different character stories together in the end.
Three of my favorite quotes that resonated:
"For really, I thought in my naivety, what danger could lie within a book?"
"I stopped more to smell them, for there is nothing like the smell of books to awaken the soul."
"Books are a poor substitute for love, my dear," he said with a kind tone.
"Books don't break your heart."
He shook his head and went back to his work. "Of course they do."
Similar vibes: If you loved The Secret Book Society for its books about books and mystery element.
You'll love this if: You want mystery, adventure, historical fiction, and an unflappable heroine.
Thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the advance copy.
January 14, 2026
I absolutely loved this book! Lilian grew up working in her father's bookshop and has been an apprentice to bookbinder John Caxton for three years. Working in a man's profession, she feels the lack of respect for her ability and knowledge every day. While visiting the library of a private collector, she is given a badly burned book. Then while taking it apart to restore it, she finds a letter in the binding describing young love, lost riches, and even murder. This is only one clue and she begins searching for more, obsessed with the unfolding story. But she soon realizes she's not the only one looking and the mystery may not be worth the risk to her life.
The love of books really shown through from both the character Lilian Delaney and the author. Being able to follow Lilian through some beautiful libraries and following the clues was like a wonderful scavenger hunt, then the threat of danger just added another thrill to the story. I highly recommend this literary mystery!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. The views and opinions expressed in this review are completely my own
The love of books really shown through from both the character Lilian Delaney and the author. Being able to follow Lilian through some beautiful libraries and following the clues was like a wonderful scavenger hunt, then the threat of danger just added another thrill to the story. I highly recommend this literary mystery!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. The views and opinions expressed in this review are completely my own
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