The Storyteller's Secret

by Sophie Austin

The stunning new novel from the writer of The Lamplighter's Bookshop , perfect for fans of The Lost Bookshop and The Keeper of Stories He can’t bear to remember. She is desperate to forget…

Drawn together — two souls bound by secrets …

At the Penny Farthing Theatre, Ava Adams is The Storyteller, using hypnotism to draw forgotten memories from the lost and lonely. Taught by her late mother, Ava once believed in her gift — until heartbreak shattered her confidence.

Damien Carter is running from disaster when he sees Ava’s face on a faded poster. It feels like he’s been waiting for her all his life.

But as dark forces conspire to break them, can they reach beyond the prison of their memories to find redemption together?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance

384 pages, Paperback

Published May 5, 2026

About the author

Originally from London, I'm a historical fiction novelist who now lives in Sweden. My debut novel, THE LAMPLIGHTER'S BOOKSHOP (coming March 2025) is a turn of the century tale of rivalry, redemption, and love set under the darkening skies of York in 1899.

I LOVE spending time in Victorian England, both in my writing and in my reading.

Step back in time with me!

Reviews

[Magdalena (magdal21) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another really enjoyable historical fiction read from Sophie Austin! Set in 1899 Liverpool, The Storyteller’s Secret follows Ava, a young woman gifted with the ability to draw out forgotten memories through hypnosis, who is trying to live up to her late mother’s legacy while rebuilding her life after a broken engagement. Alongside her is Damien, a man with a troubled past who is very much on the run from his own history. When their paths cross, they discover that together they can do more than they ever could alone.

Just like in Sophie Austin’s debut The Lamplighter’s Bookshop, the writing here is vivid and immersive, with a strong sense of time and place. This book is a total page turner. The plot itself is fairly classic, although the hypnosis and mesmerism lore is interesting to explore. However, what really makes it stand out is how real the characters feel, especially Ava.

One of the things I loved most is how Ava behaves like an actual human being. Even when she is faced with uncomfortable truths, there are no ridiculous impulsive choices or forced misunderstandings used just to manufacture drama. This is particularly clear in her relationship with Damien. Ava’s first instinct is to understand him. She does not immediately walk away even when she learns more about his past. Damien is a more familiar kind of character, the mysterious man with secrets, but he still feels believable and well handled. The novel also features a strong cast of side characters, including Ava’s brother Oliver and her former fiancé Jem. I really appreciated that the author does not try to turn anyone into a villain, because that is simply not how real life works.

All in all, this was a fast, cozy, and satisfying read that delivered exactly what I was hoping for. Highly recommended, and I will definitely be keeping an eye on Sophie Austin’s future books.

Thank you NetGalley and HarperFiction for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Mana · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Storyteller's Secret by Sophie Austin transports readers to a world where memories hold the secret to healing and connection. What if a strange storyteller could unlock your secret or forgotten past? Set at the gloomy Penny Farthing Theatre, the tale follows Ava Adams, a brilliant hypnotist who extracts hidden memories from the lost and lonely. Her skill, imparted by her late mother, once gave her confidence, but tragedy made her doubt herself. When Damien Carter, a man fleeing calamity, notices her face on a faded poster, fate brings them together for a trip that tests what they remember about themselves and each other.

This isn't your typical historical fiction. It's a narrative about memory, atonement, and the importance of human connection. Ava is not your normal heroine; she's tough, but you can see the flaws. Damien is lugging about a haunted past, desperate for an escape. Their friendship grows fascinatingly, sometimes sweet, sometimes raw, but always believable. The real question is whether they will ever be able to break free from the cages created by their memories and secrets. And just when you think you know where things are going, Austin ramps up the tension with these subtle, almost ghostly forces conspiring to keep them apart. It is suspenseful, but it never loses sight of the story's central theme.

Austin's lyrical, emotive writing style is ideal for the hazy, gas-lit environment of 19th-century theater. The pacing is effective; you are immediately drawn in by the colorful, captivating scenes interspersed with quiet, reflective moments. The dialogue is realistic, and the story is given further depth by the alternate points of view, particularly Ava's bittersweet perspective on her grief and gift. Even though the plot occasionally veers heavily toward drama, you really want to turn the pages to find out what happens next.

If you enjoy historical romance with psychological twists, you'll be perfectly at home. Austin combines intrigue, love, and just enough magic to keep you guessing. The characters are believable, the story stays with you, and it's ideal for anyone who is curious in the stories we carry and choose to tell. If you're fascinated by the delicate dance of remembering and forgetting, and you believe in the power of tales to heal, you should read this book. It's the kind of novel that draws you into the shadows of the past and refuses to let go.

[Trina Dixon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a lovely story of showcasing Ava Adams talent in mesmerism who feels she's lost her way and doubts her talent, and the tale of Damien Carter who's haunted by a tragedy in his past. As their paths collide, maybe they can help each other.
Although I enjoyed the storyline I did find it quite slow paced, I felt it lost its way slightly in the middle and was just musings of the main characters. However once I got past this period the pacing picked up and ended satisfactorily. The setting was atmospheric and nostalgic.

[Books By Your Bedside · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded up

Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.

I had read a few thrillers back-to-back before this and so I was keen to read something a little different, if not necessarily lighter.

Sophie has this unique talent for creating a sense of place, space, time, and atmosphere. She doesn't just present a list of adjectives describing the weather, she invokes all your senses so you can hear the horse and cart, feel the wind, smell the fresh raindrops, and it really grabs you and you find yourself feeling more involved with the story.

I love it when historical books are set in a theatre. I love the theatre, there's something magical about it, and if you add that with this almost nostalgic, romanticised idea of a theatre within a historical setting, it makes it even more magical.

Ava was a good main character. She has been through some hardships and she's at a crossroads and she isn't sure what to do to help herself and her family, she's conflicted, and I felt for her and really wanted her to succeed.

Damian is the other protagonist. He's a bit hard to work out. He's mysterious, down on his luck, running or hiding from something or someone, and you're not sure if he is to be trusted.

There are many other characters, from Ava and Damian's pasts, her family, friends, and colleagues. Some have bigger roles than others, but generally this is Ava and Damian's story and they work well together, as well as in their individual stories.

I find dialogue the hardest thing to write, and Sophie has managed to create realistic and believable conversations that just feel right.

There is a magical element, and fantasy, worked into this historical novel; it's about memories, what you want to forget, what you want to remember, moving forward, love, loss, friendships, and hope.

It's an historical novel for the most part, but there's also crime and thrill, romance, and a touch of magic.

It is a thoroughly enjoyable book and flows well. It's not particularly fast paced but it still doesn't feel like a slow, sluggish story. It still feels exciting and if you're like me you'll zoom through it. The last quarter or so is especially good.

I don't know if Sophie is planning on sticking to the historical genre for future books; if she does then we're in safe hands, but I am intrigued to see how her talents would lie in something a little different.

[Claire Grove · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by this author - really enjoyed her first one and this one didn’t disappoint either.

The story of Ava, who is trying to see if she can match her late mother’s skill in the act of mesmerism and Damien who is running away from his past, where he is convinced he is ‘bad’ and deserves to be punished. With plenty of twists and turns along the way and including a great cast of characters from Ava’s family, the theatre owner, Lilian and the really interesting sounding, Mr Jane, the tea shop owner.

Highly recommended.

[Tzia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ava Adams was a mesmerist, following in her mother's footsteps. With her name in lights and about to take over her mothers act, a heartbroken Ava walks away. Months later, when she returns home to her father and brother, Ava meets Damien Carter - just passing through Liverpool on his way to America and a fresh start. Pursued by his past while Ava tries to forget hers, the two are drawn together - and slowly they might just be able to find their own missing pieces.

This is a very sweet book on the power of overcoming fear and self-limiting beliefs, on grief, and on friendship. The subplot with Ava's bother Oliver is a lovely touch and works well, though I enjoyed the sub-plot with theatre owner Lillian far less - I actually forgot it was happening at one point, it seemed to be brought back in to further the main story but nothing else.

I would have liked to see a little more mesmerism in the story - not necessarily performed by Ava - though I'm aware that isn't the aim of the book. I also would have liked to know the background characters a little better. There were points, particularly towards the end, when it felt like the book was dragging and the longing was becoming repetitive.

That said, this was a lovely heartwarming tale and very relatable. It invites you think about the memories you keep and the ones you may have forgotten, and encourages you to question why you think what you think about yourself. The attraction between Ava and Damien is a slow burn which is lovely, and on the whole the book feels like it's giving you a warm, velvet curtained hug.

- Thanks to NetGalley for granting me this ARC in exchange for an honest review -

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read The Lamplighter’s Bookshop last year, and loved it so when the publisher asked me to read this book for review, I couldn’t wait to download it.

This book is beautifully descriptive, Sophie Austin had me imagining Liverpool at the turn of the twentieth century. It opens with Ava Adams, a performer of mesmerism, on stage as her mother's act The Memory Binder. She freezes on stage as she remembers her fiancé breaking off the engagement. She fled to Edinburgh to find her mother’s mentor. When she returns she finds that she needs to hold her family together whilst trying to find her gift again.

Damien Carter, is used to fleeing from his past. Over the years he has gone from place to place stealing and gambling to pay his way. He stops in Liverpool to board a steamer bound for New York but he cannot charm his way onto the ship. His life soon changes when he meets Ava and they try to use mesmerism to unlock a memory from his childhood.

This book is quite fast paced compared to The Lamplighter’s Bookshop. I loved the characters and their connections. I enjoyed how everyone in the book was connected in some way. I like the way Austin approached the topic of grief, with Ava’s father still mourning his wife and the support he gets from the widows and widowers group. Ava is mourning her mother and her relationship with Jem ending. Damien is also grieving for his lack of childhood and the love of his father. This grief is like a black cloud that follows each character through the book.

I recommend this book to those who love historical fiction, it has a hint of the supernatural but I wouldn’t describe it as being too much of a fantasy. Mesmerism is similar to hypnotherapy.

Thank you so much to Harper Collins, Harper Collins UK and Harper Fiction for letting me read this NetGalley ARC.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

There’s something quietly magical about Sophie Austin’s writing, and The Storyteller’s Secret captures it beautifully. Set in nineteenth-century York, the novel introduces us to Ava Adams, known as “The Storyteller,” whose gift of hypnotism allows her to draw out long-buried memories from the lost and the lonely. But when her own heart is broken, Ava vows to leave her gift behind — until Damien Carter, a man running from disaster, stumbles across an old advertisement bearing her face.

What follows is a tale of memory, redemption, and the fragile hope of connection. Austin blends historical detail with a touch of the fantastical, creating an atmosphere that feels both grounded and dreamlike. The cobbled streets, the bookshops, the whispers of forgotten pasts — all of it builds a world that is rich, immersive, and tinged with melancholy.

What makes the story so compelling is the emotional core: Ava’s struggle between protecting herself and opening her heart again, and Damien’s desperate need to unlock the truth of his past. Their journeys intertwine in ways that feel tender and deeply human, reminding us how memory can both imprison and free us.

Casually speaking, this is one of those novels you sink into on a quiet evening, letting the atmosphere wrap around you. It’s spellbinding, romantic, and full of heart — a story that lingers long after the last page.

With thanks to Sophie Austin, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC.

[Helen O · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting and quite unusual tale, exploring various interwoven elements. Looking at society and accepted norms from a historical perspective is always interesting, not only because of how things have changed, but it also helps to take a step away from how things are now. Not only in how they may have improved, but how they've stayed the same, or shifted. Being able to put yourself in the place of those who had to hide who they were to retain their freedom may have changed, but not being able to be proud of who you are, to celebrate it, continues in different forms. Set at the end of the Victorian era, the characters are all complex, nuanced and interesting. Equally so how they interact. This is well crafted, and the development of the central characters retains your interest. I may have more insight into Ava's mesmerism than most, having practiced as a clinical hypnotherapist and psychotherapist for years. The crossover between stage hypnotism, which has always appalled me, and the beginnings of the use of hypnosis as a tool for remembering, understanding and healing was well presented and considered. Also authentic, which was pleasing. That the history and memories of the main characters were woven into this added an extra dimension. The love story was subtle and pleasingly unpredictable, with an outcome that was satisfying without being mawkish. I would have given this 5 stars but found the pacing a little slow.

[Emily Pankhurst · Rating 5 out of 5]

Netgalley Review

The writing was engaging from the beginning right through to the end. There were some emotional and thought provoking moments that added an extra layer to the story.

The chapters were fairly long so you got a good chunk of the story before moving on. A couple of the chapters had a date and a place as the title so that you knew when and where you were reading.

There was a good flow between the chapters making it easy to read for long periods of time. I got invested in the story and was interested to see what was going to happen next!

There was a good pace to the story with little things happening to keep you interested and to keep the story moving forward.

The characters were good. They really brought the emotion to the story and gave me something to think about. Both of the main characters had personal things to work through and it was nice to follow them on their journey.

Lastly the settings. There were nice little details dotted throughout the story, especially when the main character was doing her act.

Overall it was a lovely heartfelt read that was full of emotion. I recommend.

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. It was about challenging the past and your thoughts and perceptions of it. This was very closely focused on the two main characters, Ava and Damien, who were both trying to heal and move on.

I think the author did a really good job of making these characters do this in a realistic way on their own instead of relying on each other. I think the author knew exactly what they wanted to achieve with this story as the story was very cohesive, I never felt confused, and it made this very easy to read.

I really enjoy books that feel a bit calmer. There are events going on, but you can take time to get to know the characters and understand them as well. I really enjoyed the historical aspects of the book, and this book is set in Liverpool. I don't think I've ever read a book set there before, so I enjoyed that.

I recommend this book to fans of historical fiction, romance readers, and fantasy readers as I think this book would work well for readers of all these genres.

Thank you to Harper Fiction and the author for a proof copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

[Soozee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this to be a rather maundering love story. Ava has taken over her mother's slot as a mesmerist at the theatre, weaving stories to enable people to retrieve favoured memories. Then she is let down as her fiance ends the relationship, she seems to lose her abilities and runs away to Edinburgh. Her brother is fighting his own demons, wanting to be a cook but apparently unable to get a job. Meanwhile Damien arrives in Liverpool, a thief, cheat and on the run.

How their lives collide is quite interesting. I was disappointed in how the story was written - there was nothing in the dialogue to make me feel I was in Liverpool nor was I transported to the magical world of theatre. There isn't a lot of action, but a lot of soul searching. We explore why Damien is running, what Ava really feels for the men in her life, how her father is coping with his wife's death and how Oliver can fix his life.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Tiphaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

[RATE: 4.5/5] || Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for providing me this arc in exchange for an honest review ! ||

It was really great, and I found here the depth and emotions that I was missing from another book of the same author.

I really appreciated that mesmerism side, and I feel like this is becoming a very niche interest for me in historical fiction. It was really interesting, may it be at first for a theatre show, then Ava's problems with it, and everything else with the more intimist side with Damien. I felt like it was done well and it was also nice to get the pov of someone being hypnotised.

I really enjoyed the romance, and all the issues there has been between them and their difficulties to be together. I hated Miss Lilian with all my heart for manipulating both Ava and Damien. I enjoyed reading all the highs and lows of their romance, it was done well and it was really satisfying.

I'm just a bit sad that we didn't get more at the end, with London - I wish there would be a least a chapter or two about that!

[Heather Howarth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this historical novel. Ava Adams is a hypnotist who works out of the Penny Farthing Theatre in Liverpool. She fled after a negative review of her act to Edinburgh to link in with her mother’s mentor as well as to flee her broken heart.

On her return to Liverpool she finds everything changed - her brother is out of work having broken his arm and her father has become reclusive, having never recovered from the death of his wife.

She meets Damien - who is fleeing his own demons - and needs her talents to uncover his memories.

There is pressure on her to perform by Lillian - the owner of the theatre.

The friendship between Ava and Damien grows - but the question is whether they can escape their respective memories and past secrets to be together.

A story of memory, redemption and hope.

[Stephanie White · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off thank you Netgalley for allowing me to read the ARC - I cannot find the kindle version of this book - so I have no experience with the audible version.

All thoughts, ratings, and comments are my own.

I think this is a very immersive historical read. Turn of the 1900's in England Ava has run away from home for a broken engagement - that once I heard about her brother Oscar, I kind of had a niggling in the back of my head what was going on - and it came true.

We have also Damien, a young man that has been on the run from his "abusive" father - not necessarily physically but certainly mentally, for the last ten years.

The whole book, we have broken characters that all have to find their way back to normal.

Great ending - :) I do like those - I felt like I was in England in that time frame :)

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read and enjoyed The Lamplighter's Bookshop I was delighted to be offered this latest title by Sophie Austin. The writing is good, the descriptions of Liverpool in 1899 well portrayed and the characters in the book are well drawn. So many of the characters are forced into situations they do not want to be in - Ava and Damien particularly and Oliver and Jem too. I do not usually read love stories but this tale is so much more than this. This is more about honesty - with yourself and others, belief in oneself and others and how much everyone needs someone. How important true love is.
An historical novel that gives food for thought.
Many thanks to Netgalley/Sophie Austin/HarperCollins UK for a digital copy of this title. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Teresa Auden · Rating 5 out of 5]

This historical fiction novel has the perfect mix of suspense, drama and romance.
We are who we are today because of what we have done in in the past. However, we are not defined by our past actions, we always have a choice about our future. These are the underlying messages in this story of a man and a woman both trying to run from their respective past failings. Their chance meeting is the key to rethinking who they are and what the future could hold for them if they allow it. Set in 1899 Liverpool, The Storyteller's Secret is a beautifully written story of secrets, love and grief with immensely loveable characters. Perfectly paced from start to finish, I loved this even more than the author's previous novel.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC.

[Clairelettersandmore · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Storyteller’s Secret is a warm, emotional read with a lovely touch of mystery. I really enjoyed how the story blends memory, healing, and romance has a gentle, almost magical feel without leaving the realm of real human emotion. The characters are easy to connect with, and their journeys feel heartfelt and hopeful.

Some parts were a bit predictable, but the atmosphere and emotional depth more than made up for it. It’s the kind of book that wraps you up in its mood and stays with you afterward.

A great pick if you enjoy character-driven stories about love, loss, and the power of storytelling.

[Lyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was wonderful historical fiction. Ava is trying to come to terms with losing her mother and fiancée, her father is also lost in grief, and Damien has secrets in his past that has him fleeing from his father. Ava has a gift, that was like her mother, that she can get people to relax and explore their memories. However, in trying to be the same as her mother she has lost her way. With the demands of Louisa at the theatre and her burgeoning interest in Damien, she needs to sort out herself first. This was entertaining and interesting in its exploration of what memories can do in good ways and bad. Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins for providing this book for me to read and review.

[Rachel Quinlan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved The Lamplighters bookshop and was sceptical about a subsequent book. But this was different in so many ways and even emotionally different.
Ava is grieving her mother and also her fiancée breaking on their engagement - they’d been childhood friends.
Ava’s mother was a Memory Binder, Ava is uncomfortable about filling her mother's shoes on stage.
She is approached by a gentleman wanting to recover a lost memory, one he knows will be sad. Ava agrees to help him.
I was concerned it was going to be about spiritualism or fortune telling, but my fears were unfounded. It was very well written, entertaining and I loved it.. The characters grew as the book went on.

[Rebecca Evans · Rating 3 out of 5]

A charming historical romantic novel set in 1899 in Liverpool. It tells a story about Ava who is a mesmerist and worked in the theatre until she had a bad review and lost belief in herself and Damien who is running from something in his past that he can't really remember. Can they both help each?

This was a slow burner but definitely worth persevering. The characters you meet brimg thos book to life and help hook you in to this world.

Favourite quote: "But each time we fall - each time we make a mistake - we learn something new... thats why memories are special. Why they are important, without them, who are we?"

Thank you to #NetGalley for this ARC.

[Kimberley C · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second Sophie Austin novel I’ve read, and I can’t recommend her stories enough. From the very first page, The Storyteller’s Secret hooked me and never let me go. The emotional depth of the two main protagonists drew me in immediately, and their arcs unfolded with such grace and power. But it wasn’t just them—every side character, every thread in this vast, intricate tapestry was so richly developed. I rarely cry when I read, but the final chapters had me crying. Sophie Austin is a phenomenal storyteller, and this book is a testament to her extraordinary talent. Five stars, without a doubt!

[Fordie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh another immersive and beautifully written tale of loss, love and finding yourself from Sophie Austin. Her writing pulls me in and keeps me wrapped up in her world, and this was definitely the escapism I needed. Easy to read and hard to put down with characters that are authentic and believable, otherwise troubled but real.
There may have been a few lump in the throat moments for me here ..and a very much loved quote that I highlighted too.
Thank you to the publisher's for an advanced copy of this very enjoyable read.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did like the characters of Ava and Damien. Ava practiced mesmerising but had recently lost her confidence, mainly due to a recent ending of her engagement to Jem. Jem was a long time friend of Ava and her brother, Oliver. Damien was running from something that happened in his past. As Ava and Damien connect they realise that they have feelings for each other but Damien is determined to leave for America. However, I did feel the pace was very slow, hence the 3 stars. There are quite a number of interesting secondary characters. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Dee Groocock · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s 1899, Liverpool, and Ava Adams works in the theatre as a mesmerist, she took over from her mother after she died. After her fiancé calls off their engagement, Ava runs away to Edinburgh, having lost her skill as well.

Upon her return to Liverpool, she meets Damien Carter. Damien is haunted by his past and wants to find out why he has ended up the way he has. Can Ava and Damien help each other?

I did find this to be a slow-paced book, but still an enjoyable read.

I liked the characters in the story and found the subject of mesmerism/hypnotism to be interesting and informative.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

[Gillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story about the power of love. We see how it can take us to the heights of passion and down to the depths of despair. Along the way, we meet with the kind of love which consumes itself and stifles others. A glorious imaging where we also encounter love cast aside by the rules of law; but who has the right to say a love is wrong?
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and by the end, when love had changed minds, the journey felt complete.

[Ruth Matheson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A slow burning story as befits the time in which it is set - 1899. I liked the way the author describes Liverpool back then (and would be applicable to most UK port cities) along with what entertainment was available. She talks about Mesmerism and how this attracted a lot of attention from the Victorians. Most of the characters are relatable to and I did like the ending.


Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC to review

[Sofia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me FEEL EVERYTHING! These characters were complex, flawed, and impossible not to fall in love with. Sophie Austin transported my mind, body, and, soul to a faraway time in a not-so-faraway land. I could see it in front of me, and now that I've finished the book I wish I could back there. The ending was so satisfying but I still want more. I'll be rereading this until her next tale takes me away!

[Emma Watson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely book about loss and forgiveness.

The book was good and once you got into it became a bit more interesting. Each of the main characters were running from things that happened in their lives. There is a nice romance going on will it end happily or will one of them leave only time will tell. To see how hypnotists work was nice.

It was a good book.

[Beth McFarlane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was incredibly lucky to recieve this proof, and my word I was blown away. Historical fiction is not my typical go-to genre in terms of reading, but after picking this book up, I found I couldn't put it down. I found this a cosy read in the evenings, with wonderful character development and the storyline was really nicely paced!! I'll definitely be looking at more of this author's work!