What do you think?
The Hidden Library: An uplifting story of secrets, friendship, romance and the love of books
A heartwarming mystery filled with books, secrets and second chances, perfect for fans of Freya Sampson, Evie Woods and Sally Page - and everyone who loves books about books.
Sometimes the right story leads you home . . .
When bestselling author Helen finds herself at the centre of a scandal, she escapes to Rathbrooke Hall on a remote island off the Northumberland coast. Tasked with cataloguing the books of a reclusive collector she’s relieved to be out of the glare of publicity, even if the locals are less than welcoming.
But as she spends more time among the dusty bookshelves and rare first editions, she uncovers clues to a secret collection of books that could save the island – and the community that she’s begun to feel part of. Can she unravel the mystery of the hidden library and can she trust Thiago, a charming librarian with secrets of his own?
Praise for Sharon Gosling's The Forest Hideaway
'Ethereal and enchanting. I loved it!' Heidi Swain, All Wrapped Up
‘Aching romance’ Woman's Weekly
'Unusual, absorbing and engaging . . . A fascinating novel’ Rachel Hore, The Secrets of Dragonfly Lodge
‘Full of hope, friendship and new beginnings – the perfect autumn escape’ Holly Martin, The Cottage on Christmas Gardens
'Evocative and atmospheric . . . a beautifully depicted story about hope, connection, and not giving up on your dreams' Holly Miller, The Spark
‘An uplifting and atmospheric tale’ heat
Sometimes the right story leads you home . . .
When bestselling author Helen finds herself at the centre of a scandal, she escapes to Rathbrooke Hall on a remote island off the Northumberland coast. Tasked with cataloguing the books of a reclusive collector she’s relieved to be out of the glare of publicity, even if the locals are less than welcoming.
But as she spends more time among the dusty bookshelves and rare first editions, she uncovers clues to a secret collection of books that could save the island – and the community that she’s begun to feel part of. Can she unravel the mystery of the hidden library and can she trust Thiago, a charming librarian with secrets of his own?
Praise for Sharon Gosling's The Forest Hideaway
'Ethereal and enchanting. I loved it!' Heidi Swain, All Wrapped Up
‘Aching romance’ Woman's Weekly
'Unusual, absorbing and engaging . . . A fascinating novel’ Rachel Hore, The Secrets of Dragonfly Lodge
‘Full of hope, friendship and new beginnings – the perfect autumn escape’ Holly Martin, The Cottage on Christmas Gardens
'Evocative and atmospheric . . . a beautifully depicted story about hope, connection, and not giving up on your dreams' Holly Miller, The Spark
‘An uplifting and atmospheric tale’ heat
- GenresFiction
Audible Audio
Published August 27, 2026
About the author
Sharon Gosling
59 books129 followersSharon Gosling began her career in entertainment journalism, writing for magazines in the science fiction and fantasy genre, before moving on to write tie-in books for TV shows such as "Stargate" and the 'reimagined' "Battlestar Galactica."
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Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Helen Thorne’s life comes crashing down around her. News of an affair, many years ago, comes to life just as her book is being adapted into a film. Suddenly the centre of media interest, the adaptation is put on hold. Helen escapes to Rathbrooke Hall, located on a small island, to catalogue the house and contents of its recently deceased owner. Here there is no phone signal, no internet and an amazing library full of first edition and rare books to catalogue. Then the mysterious Thiago Montero turns up.
This was a cosy read, and one I enjoyed. Although it was listed as a romance, there is very little romance. It’s more a gentle mystery. It is well written, all the main characters are very likeable. Housekeeper Martha, who’s escaped her past. He’d teen daughter Cora, not so grumpy gardener Rufus and librarian Thiago (who I kept getting his name mixed up with Inigo Montoya for some reason!). And obviously Helen herself.
This was a cosy read, and one I enjoyed. Although it was listed as a romance, there is very little romance. It’s more a gentle mystery. It is well written, all the main characters are very likeable. Housekeeper Martha, who’s escaped her past. He’d teen daughter Cora, not so grumpy gardener Rufus and librarian Thiago (who I kept getting his name mixed up with Inigo Montoya for some reason!). And obviously Helen herself.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The plot
Helen Thorne, writer, has gained fame for writing a book called ‘All of the Above’, described in the press as the new feminist bible. During a girls’ get-together to announce and celebrate the making of the movie of Helen’s book, she gets a text. It is the inciting incident for everything that follows and sets a tone that runs through till the end.
The text is from a past lover, a married man who ten years earlier, when Helen was just young and naive, had led her on into the affair with his oh-so-charming ways, and promises–all unkept. The affair ended painfully, but the man seemingly jokingly said he’d want part of her fame should things go well. Now he is back for his share; blackmailing her by threatening to expose the romance, making her the villain of the piece. The other lady involved is one of the country’s most loved actresses.
Things turn nasty when Helen’s friend tells him to get lost via text. The next day, hung over and sleepy, she discovers that he has exposed her sins and the movie deal is off. In fact, her career, all she seemed to have stood for in her novel, appears to be nothing more than hypocrisy and lies.
She needs to escape the inevitable pack of bad-news hunting journalists out for salacious details, and ready to paint her the villain of the trio.
Her mother, a solicitor, offers her a lifeline. One of her firm’s clients, a reclusive book fanatic, Cyril Gissing, has died. He lived on a remote Northumberland island called Rathbrooke. With no internet and no mobile phone signal, it offers the perfect place to hide out until matters quieten down.
As to what Helen will do there, her mother advises that she needs to find Cyril’s will as well as catalogue his collection of valuable books. After all, she has a Master’s degree in that area.
Helen arrives on the island one stormy night, guided through a most treacherous storm by Rufus; handyman and gardener on the island who lives in the now unused lighthouse near its harbour.
The ten-hectare island is being battered by the storm, but soon she is safely within its thick stone wall building. Fed and watered by Mr Gissing’s housekeeper, Martha Darling, she is shown her rooms and rests for the night in front of the roaring fire, but with no electricity. But as she tries to settle, she hears a child’s footsteps running through the dark and hulking building.
Later the next day she gets to meet Cora, Martha’s sullen daughter (of indeterminate age, possibly pre-teen) from an abusive marriage that she managed to escape from–not unlike the situation Helen finds herself in. When asked about the sounds of children, she is told there is nobody else on the island.
It is clear from conversations with Martha and Rufus that they are all very worried about what will become of them if no will is found. For Cora, who loved Cyril and his work, things seem particularly hard-hitting. She runs the large, ornate greenhouse that helps feed them as well as helping with the rare breed sheep peculiar to the island that bring in funds when sold on the mainland.
But as Helen digs deeper through the books in search of the elusive will, she discovers some of Cyril’s notes, as well as letters received over many years from someone called Thiago Montera. Cyril was clearly obsessed with something, but what she is reading seems to be in some code. Pursuit of the will takes second place as Helen tries to solve this new mystery.
Cora is no help, even though she knew the old man better than anyone and had his trust. In fact, she manifests a lot of animosity towards Helen, as though she is to blame for the collapse of their onetime idyllic life and all the recent woes, including Cyril’s death. What secrets she holds, secrets only she and Cyril shared, she is determined not to let go of.
One rainy night, a stranger arrives in another storm. Like an elegant storm-washed pirate, Thiago Montera arrives and bangs the building’s massive doors to be let in. It turns out, as we the readers have already been privy to by side notes in the story, Thiago is a longtime friend and book hunter for Cyril, and seeks out rare and forgotten tomes for his collection. Driven by not hearing from his friend for too long, he has sailed his own boat to the island from afar.
With no means of validation if this man is the same as the one Helen had found in correspondence in Cyril’s library, can she trust him? Soon, his passion for books is clear, and Helen becomes trusting of his good intent. The search for the will goes on, but threads of information about Cyril’s obsession lead to fresh revelations and discoveries about something very important, rare, and extremely valuable. Something that could change the whole situation of the island and its inhabitants.
The twists and turns that take place from this point, the values that we place on trust, who we trust and why we do what we do, ramp up the suspense to storm pitch and ferocity and get thoroughly shaken, much like the burgeoning love that Helen feels sparks of for Thiago. There are lies told, half truths and crimes yet to unfold, like the very best of a stormy Hitchcock movie. Be prepared for a roller coaster finale that delivers 110% on all storm-washed levels.
So, what did we think?
This really did capture the imagination and kept us turning pages. The passion in the scene-setting – so natural and light a touch that clearly belies the effort, skill, and patience to create such an atmospheric read. A locked-island mystery? Well, this very nearly is, save for a few forays to the mainland. There are plenty of locked doors and secrets to be revealed, not least being a particular Mulberry Tree that lives sheltered in the middle of the enclosed grounds. It would be too big a spoiler to give away what Cyril and Thiago were communicating on, his passion, so I won’t, but it too is woven into the story from centuries past to present and, dare I say, into the future.
We have little injections of correspondence from various characters throughout the book, which add an extra dimension and little plot clues and twists. We initially, like the stormy and dramatic prologue that ably sets the island and North Sea for what they can be, wondered what was going on. But soon things became clear.
As to the ending, well, I was very happy. More than that, I dare not say, as it was a cliffhanger to the final few pages.
Final summing up thoughts
A refreshing, very readable tale, filled with tangible heart, passion, and adventure, from an author who loves books and writing. A perfect summer read for any time of the year.
Helen Thorne, writer, has gained fame for writing a book called ‘All of the Above’, described in the press as the new feminist bible. During a girls’ get-together to announce and celebrate the making of the movie of Helen’s book, she gets a text. It is the inciting incident for everything that follows and sets a tone that runs through till the end.
The text is from a past lover, a married man who ten years earlier, when Helen was just young and naive, had led her on into the affair with his oh-so-charming ways, and promises–all unkept. The affair ended painfully, but the man seemingly jokingly said he’d want part of her fame should things go well. Now he is back for his share; blackmailing her by threatening to expose the romance, making her the villain of the piece. The other lady involved is one of the country’s most loved actresses.
Things turn nasty when Helen’s friend tells him to get lost via text. The next day, hung over and sleepy, she discovers that he has exposed her sins and the movie deal is off. In fact, her career, all she seemed to have stood for in her novel, appears to be nothing more than hypocrisy and lies.
She needs to escape the inevitable pack of bad-news hunting journalists out for salacious details, and ready to paint her the villain of the trio.
Her mother, a solicitor, offers her a lifeline. One of her firm’s clients, a reclusive book fanatic, Cyril Gissing, has died. He lived on a remote Northumberland island called Rathbrooke. With no internet and no mobile phone signal, it offers the perfect place to hide out until matters quieten down.
As to what Helen will do there, her mother advises that she needs to find Cyril’s will as well as catalogue his collection of valuable books. After all, she has a Master’s degree in that area.
Helen arrives on the island one stormy night, guided through a most treacherous storm by Rufus; handyman and gardener on the island who lives in the now unused lighthouse near its harbour.
The ten-hectare island is being battered by the storm, but soon she is safely within its thick stone wall building. Fed and watered by Mr Gissing’s housekeeper, Martha Darling, she is shown her rooms and rests for the night in front of the roaring fire, but with no electricity. But as she tries to settle, she hears a child’s footsteps running through the dark and hulking building.
Later the next day she gets to meet Cora, Martha’s sullen daughter (of indeterminate age, possibly pre-teen) from an abusive marriage that she managed to escape from–not unlike the situation Helen finds herself in. When asked about the sounds of children, she is told there is nobody else on the island.
It is clear from conversations with Martha and Rufus that they are all very worried about what will become of them if no will is found. For Cora, who loved Cyril and his work, things seem particularly hard-hitting. She runs the large, ornate greenhouse that helps feed them as well as helping with the rare breed sheep peculiar to the island that bring in funds when sold on the mainland.
But as Helen digs deeper through the books in search of the elusive will, she discovers some of Cyril’s notes, as well as letters received over many years from someone called Thiago Montera. Cyril was clearly obsessed with something, but what she is reading seems to be in some code. Pursuit of the will takes second place as Helen tries to solve this new mystery.
Cora is no help, even though she knew the old man better than anyone and had his trust. In fact, she manifests a lot of animosity towards Helen, as though she is to blame for the collapse of their onetime idyllic life and all the recent woes, including Cyril’s death. What secrets she holds, secrets only she and Cyril shared, she is determined not to let go of.
One rainy night, a stranger arrives in another storm. Like an elegant storm-washed pirate, Thiago Montera arrives and bangs the building’s massive doors to be let in. It turns out, as we the readers have already been privy to by side notes in the story, Thiago is a longtime friend and book hunter for Cyril, and seeks out rare and forgotten tomes for his collection. Driven by not hearing from his friend for too long, he has sailed his own boat to the island from afar.
With no means of validation if this man is the same as the one Helen had found in correspondence in Cyril’s library, can she trust him? Soon, his passion for books is clear, and Helen becomes trusting of his good intent. The search for the will goes on, but threads of information about Cyril’s obsession lead to fresh revelations and discoveries about something very important, rare, and extremely valuable. Something that could change the whole situation of the island and its inhabitants.
The twists and turns that take place from this point, the values that we place on trust, who we trust and why we do what we do, ramp up the suspense to storm pitch and ferocity and get thoroughly shaken, much like the burgeoning love that Helen feels sparks of for Thiago. There are lies told, half truths and crimes yet to unfold, like the very best of a stormy Hitchcock movie. Be prepared for a roller coaster finale that delivers 110% on all storm-washed levels.
So, what did we think?
This really did capture the imagination and kept us turning pages. The passion in the scene-setting – so natural and light a touch that clearly belies the effort, skill, and patience to create such an atmospheric read. A locked-island mystery? Well, this very nearly is, save for a few forays to the mainland. There are plenty of locked doors and secrets to be revealed, not least being a particular Mulberry Tree that lives sheltered in the middle of the enclosed grounds. It would be too big a spoiler to give away what Cyril and Thiago were communicating on, his passion, so I won’t, but it too is woven into the story from centuries past to present and, dare I say, into the future.
We have little injections of correspondence from various characters throughout the book, which add an extra dimension and little plot clues and twists. We initially, like the stormy and dramatic prologue that ably sets the island and North Sea for what they can be, wondered what was going on. But soon things became clear.
As to the ending, well, I was very happy. More than that, I dare not say, as it was a cliffhanger to the final few pages.
Final summing up thoughts
A refreshing, very readable tale, filled with tangible heart, passion, and adventure, from an author who loves books and writing. A perfect summer read for any time of the year.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Hidden Library is an excellent story in its own right, well written, easy and enjoyable to read, with well crafted characters. But it’s filled with subtext on various levels and in differing ways, and this is what makes it outstanding. Woven throughout are the difficulties of relationships, the sometime disconnect between the sexes, of men making use of women rather than respecting us, of the challenges women of all ages face. Of the misuse of power. The tendencies we all have to repeat our mistakes and how we might learn to address them, to grow. How we might find ways to discern fact from fiction, within ourselves, and how others might seek to mislead us.
Through the story being set on an island with no internet access, it cleverly reveals how destructive our constant access to it has become, how truth, reality and meaning has been largely lost. How our connections, thoughts and explorations have become limited by what is assumed and paraded before us endlessly. The fear of letting that go, and the increasing relief that not being plugged into it can create.
At the heart of it lies a real, lost Shakespeare play: Cardenio; and the library at the house. This library, and much of the rest of the house, reminds me of a dream house, where you can find unexpected spaces of various kinds, sometimes vast, or tiny, but always illuminating. You are drawn further into the mystery that has existed for centuries, what such a vast library might hold, and the man whose library it was, who had made it his life’s work to seek and understand. While it’s fascinating in its own right, that importance and significance can be found through the exploration of the written word is a counterpoint to the absurdity and destructiveness of the online world. To not be seduced by the unreal, the greedy, the manipulative, the trivial. To seek real meaning.
It is a romance, at its core, but the romance is with the reality of life as much as between two humans. Of history, understanding, of the wildness of nature and what it can bring us, how we are part of it, of the potential of human connection throughout time, of patience and belonging.
Through the story being set on an island with no internet access, it cleverly reveals how destructive our constant access to it has become, how truth, reality and meaning has been largely lost. How our connections, thoughts and explorations have become limited by what is assumed and paraded before us endlessly. The fear of letting that go, and the increasing relief that not being plugged into it can create.
At the heart of it lies a real, lost Shakespeare play: Cardenio; and the library at the house. This library, and much of the rest of the house, reminds me of a dream house, where you can find unexpected spaces of various kinds, sometimes vast, or tiny, but always illuminating. You are drawn further into the mystery that has existed for centuries, what such a vast library might hold, and the man whose library it was, who had made it his life’s work to seek and understand. While it’s fascinating in its own right, that importance and significance can be found through the exploration of the written word is a counterpoint to the absurdity and destructiveness of the online world. To not be seduced by the unreal, the greedy, the manipulative, the trivial. To seek real meaning.
It is a romance, at its core, but the romance is with the reality of life as much as between two humans. Of history, understanding, of the wildness of nature and what it can bring us, how we are part of it, of the potential of human connection throughout time, of patience and belonging.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Helen Thorne made a mistake, a pretty huge mistake, a mistake that she’s regretted ever since. Now her past transgressions have come back to haunt her and Helen is running from a scandal that is about to be plastered all over the media.
Helen escapes to Rathbrooke Hall, located on one of the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast. No newspapers, no internet, not even a phone signal - it seems like the perfect place to lie low and let the storm blow itself out.
Cyril Gissing, legendary bibliophile, academic and hermit has recently passed away. With no current will stored by his lawyers and executors there remains a massive question mark hanging over the inheritance of his extensive estate.
Helen’s task is to catalogue the estate and all of its contents for valuation and to search the house for a copy of Cyril’s last will and testament, a seemingly straightforward task. But she couldn’t have predicted the breathtakingly vast and amazing library locked away at the heart of the house. Mystery and intrigue persist as a secret Shakespeare link is uncovered.
One night, in the midst of a violent storm there is a knock at the door. Enter ruggedly handsome Spaniard Thiago Montero, a friend and colleague of the recently deceased Gissing. But is Thiago all he says he is or is he hiding a secret? Helen needs to work out who to trust to protect Rathbrooke’s biggest treasures.
The Secret Library is a wholly enjoyable book - it is incredibly well written and the story flows beautifully, with new developments revealed at regular intervals to move the plot along at the perfect pacing - holding your interest and curiosity right to the very end.
Tension builds nicely throughout the book, eventually culminating in a dramatic crescendo that will have you reading as fast as you possibly can to discover the outcome.
I have genuinely enjoyed reading The Hidden Library. Gosling has created well-rounded, believable and likeable (or dislikable where necessary) characters who pop off the page and into your heart.
Helen escapes to Rathbrooke Hall, located on one of the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast. No newspapers, no internet, not even a phone signal - it seems like the perfect place to lie low and let the storm blow itself out.
Cyril Gissing, legendary bibliophile, academic and hermit has recently passed away. With no current will stored by his lawyers and executors there remains a massive question mark hanging over the inheritance of his extensive estate.
Helen’s task is to catalogue the estate and all of its contents for valuation and to search the house for a copy of Cyril’s last will and testament, a seemingly straightforward task. But she couldn’t have predicted the breathtakingly vast and amazing library locked away at the heart of the house. Mystery and intrigue persist as a secret Shakespeare link is uncovered.
One night, in the midst of a violent storm there is a knock at the door. Enter ruggedly handsome Spaniard Thiago Montero, a friend and colleague of the recently deceased Gissing. But is Thiago all he says he is or is he hiding a secret? Helen needs to work out who to trust to protect Rathbrooke’s biggest treasures.
The Secret Library is a wholly enjoyable book - it is incredibly well written and the story flows beautifully, with new developments revealed at regular intervals to move the plot along at the perfect pacing - holding your interest and curiosity right to the very end.
Tension builds nicely throughout the book, eventually culminating in a dramatic crescendo that will have you reading as fast as you possibly can to discover the outcome.
I have genuinely enjoyed reading The Hidden Library. Gosling has created well-rounded, believable and likeable (or dislikable where necessary) characters who pop off the page and into your heart.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Helen is on the crest of a wave. Her successful novel has been optioned for a film by respected filmmaker Perle Anders, and she's out on the town celebrating with her friends. Her success feels all the sweeter because it seems to have put part of her past firmly behind her.
Before the night is over, however, it comes back to wreck everything.
Reeling, she agrees to do some estate work on Rathbrooke Island, the most distant of the Farne Islands off the Northumbrian coast, for her mother's law office. Cyril Gissing, academic bibliophile, has died without a current will. Helen can lie low on the island, catalogue the contents of Rathbrooke Hall, find the missing will, and wait for everything to blow over, as it surely must.
Nothing to it.
Sharon's novels have been an annual treat for me since discovering The Lighthouse Bookshop a few years ago. How was I not going to pick up a book with that title?
Her books have become more individual over the last couple of years, moving beyond a distinctly enjoyable formula to become something much more her own. In her last, the excellent The Forest Hideaway, she'd scaled her community-centred romances down to a smaller setting with a smaller cast, crafting a tighter, richer novel as a result.
The Hidden Library goes further, bringing us the remote, rambling, vaguely sinister Rathbrooke Hall: a satisfyingly storm-lashed precinct of strange noises, concealed rooms and mysterious papers.
If Helen's arrival unsettles the island's few inhabitants, each with their own reasons for embracing its seclusion, it's nothing compared with the impact of an unexpected visitor one dark and stormy night.
I loved this. It's pacy and smart, full of literary references for bibliophiles to enjoy, and romantic in the Gosling way: convincing and hopeful without ever becoming saccharine. I only wish Rathbrooke Island existed. As someone who grew up in this corner of Northumberland, I loved seeing the landscape of home transformed into somewhere so beguiling, and I'd happily book the first boat over if I could.
Before the night is over, however, it comes back to wreck everything.
Reeling, she agrees to do some estate work on Rathbrooke Island, the most distant of the Farne Islands off the Northumbrian coast, for her mother's law office. Cyril Gissing, academic bibliophile, has died without a current will. Helen can lie low on the island, catalogue the contents of Rathbrooke Hall, find the missing will, and wait for everything to blow over, as it surely must.
Nothing to it.
Sharon's novels have been an annual treat for me since discovering The Lighthouse Bookshop a few years ago. How was I not going to pick up a book with that title?
Her books have become more individual over the last couple of years, moving beyond a distinctly enjoyable formula to become something much more her own. In her last, the excellent The Forest Hideaway, she'd scaled her community-centred romances down to a smaller setting with a smaller cast, crafting a tighter, richer novel as a result.
The Hidden Library goes further, bringing us the remote, rambling, vaguely sinister Rathbrooke Hall: a satisfyingly storm-lashed precinct of strange noises, concealed rooms and mysterious papers.
If Helen's arrival unsettles the island's few inhabitants, each with their own reasons for embracing its seclusion, it's nothing compared with the impact of an unexpected visitor one dark and stormy night.
I loved this. It's pacy and smart, full of literary references for bibliophiles to enjoy, and romantic in the Gosling way: convincing and hopeful without ever becoming saccharine. I only wish Rathbrooke Island existed. As someone who grew up in this corner of Northumberland, I loved seeing the landscape of home transformed into somewhere so beguiling, and I'd happily book the first boat over if I could.
September 12, 2026
This was my first book by Sharon Gosling - not sure if I would read another.
My first gripe and I’ve read the same on another review is that none of the Farne Islands is large enough to have a house this big on it. The main one has a light house and a few cottages inhabited for 9 months of the year by National Trust rangers.
My second? - I live slightly further south on the Durham coast and while we have had several storms over especially Autumn/Winter months nothing of the frequent severity of the storms of the books. The storms we have had have been named by the Met Office.
Maybe it’s because the e-copy of the ARC of this book I had, had no acknowledgements or authors notes and perhaps if I had a published copy then these errors would have been addressed - after all it is a work of fiction - but I am unlikely to ever know as I rarely revisit a book once I’ve read it.
The story was interesting. A best-selling novelist, Helen Thorne, has the chance her book would be turned into a film till her last was splashed across social media and the finding was pulled.
Her mother, a solicitor has been tasked with finding the Will of Cyril Gissing, the late owner of Rathbrooke Hall. He is an antiquarian book collector and is sure that he has an original part of Shakespeares work and a sapling from his mulberry tree.
So Helen is dispatched to the Farne Islands to find the Will. There we meet Rufus, Martha and her daughter Cora. Eventually Thiago Montera - a Spanish librarian appears and Crawford Brooks crawls onto the Island - he has far from savoury plans for what he finds.
To use a Shakespeare quote - also used in the book and slightly changed by me - is all well that ends well?
There is so much more I could say - but that would provide so many spoilers and really if this is a genre you enjoy then you need to read the book. It was almost a ‘do not finish’ for me - but I did stick with it and I did find out what happened - a rushed ending to be honest.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for the chance to read this book - all opinions are my own
My first gripe and I’ve read the same on another review is that none of the Farne Islands is large enough to have a house this big on it. The main one has a light house and a few cottages inhabited for 9 months of the year by National Trust rangers.
My second? - I live slightly further south on the Durham coast and while we have had several storms over especially Autumn/Winter months nothing of the frequent severity of the storms of the books. The storms we have had have been named by the Met Office.
Maybe it’s because the e-copy of the ARC of this book I had, had no acknowledgements or authors notes and perhaps if I had a published copy then these errors would have been addressed - after all it is a work of fiction - but I am unlikely to ever know as I rarely revisit a book once I’ve read it.
The story was interesting. A best-selling novelist, Helen Thorne, has the chance her book would be turned into a film till her last was splashed across social media and the finding was pulled.
Her mother, a solicitor has been tasked with finding the Will of Cyril Gissing, the late owner of Rathbrooke Hall. He is an antiquarian book collector and is sure that he has an original part of Shakespeares work and a sapling from his mulberry tree.
So Helen is dispatched to the Farne Islands to find the Will. There we meet Rufus, Martha and her daughter Cora. Eventually Thiago Montera - a Spanish librarian appears and Crawford Brooks crawls onto the Island - he has far from savoury plans for what he finds.
To use a Shakespeare quote - also used in the book and slightly changed by me - is all well that ends well?
There is so much more I could say - but that would provide so many spoilers and really if this is a genre you enjoy then you need to read the book. It was almost a ‘do not finish’ for me - but I did stick with it and I did find out what happened - a rushed ending to be honest.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for the chance to read this book - all opinions are my own
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
First of all, how gorgeous is that cover? I can’t resist a book about libraries and having really enjoyed all Sharon Gosling’s previous novels, I was delighted that this one is so book-focussed.
Helen is best-selling author on the brink of a film deal when a scandal sees her escaping to remote Rathbrooke, an island off the Northumbrian coast. In this place cut off from the rest of the world by the sea, and also because there’s no internet or phone signal, she begins cataloguing the extensive book collection of Cyril, the late owner. As well as working on this task, she is also hoping to uncover his last will which was never lodged with his lawyers. Without that, the future of the island and the handful of people who live on it are at risk.
I really enjoyed the mystery element of this book. It was fascinating to read about the process of going through all the books and also reading the mysterious letters in some chapters which added further intrigue. I loved reading about the possible connection to some long lost works (don’t want to spoil things by saying whose work) and found myself googling to find out more about some of the things mentioned. I always love when I find out something new through fiction.
There is a rather lovely romantic strand to the book but for me this book was more about Helen regaining her confidence and learning to love herself. She blamed herself for something which happened when she was younger and I was quite outraged on her behalf! She doesn’t trust herself to make the right decisions any more and that is put to the test by some unexpected visitors to the island. Being on the island and facing challenges really was a healing opportunity for Helen and I enjoyed following her growth.
The Hidden Library is another compelling novel from Sharon Gosling. It’s an engaging mystery with secrets and second chances. Brimming with books, it’s sure to be a hit with any book lover.
Helen is best-selling author on the brink of a film deal when a scandal sees her escaping to remote Rathbrooke, an island off the Northumbrian coast. In this place cut off from the rest of the world by the sea, and also because there’s no internet or phone signal, she begins cataloguing the extensive book collection of Cyril, the late owner. As well as working on this task, she is also hoping to uncover his last will which was never lodged with his lawyers. Without that, the future of the island and the handful of people who live on it are at risk.
I really enjoyed the mystery element of this book. It was fascinating to read about the process of going through all the books and also reading the mysterious letters in some chapters which added further intrigue. I loved reading about the possible connection to some long lost works (don’t want to spoil things by saying whose work) and found myself googling to find out more about some of the things mentioned. I always love when I find out something new through fiction.
There is a rather lovely romantic strand to the book but for me this book was more about Helen regaining her confidence and learning to love herself. She blamed herself for something which happened when she was younger and I was quite outraged on her behalf! She doesn’t trust herself to make the right decisions any more and that is put to the test by some unexpected visitors to the island. Being on the island and facing challenges really was a healing opportunity for Helen and I enjoyed following her growth.
The Hidden Library is another compelling novel from Sharon Gosling. It’s an engaging mystery with secrets and second chances. Brimming with books, it’s sure to be a hit with any book lover.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Helen Thorne escapes to Rathbrooke Hall, located on one of the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast when a mistake from her past threatens to ruin her career as an author. Hounded by the press and bad mouthed in social media, her mother gives her the chance to get away from it all and catalogue the estate of Cyril Gissing, whilst searching for his current will, to determine who will inherit the hall and its valuable library of books.
Whilst she is there she discovers a small room built in the walls of the pele tower, the oldest part of the hall. This seems to be where Cyril kept his most valuable papers and books, but two men arrive, both at night in a storm, who threaten the library and the work Helen is doing.
The story has a great setting in the huge, partly abandoned house, with splendid gardens, its own flock of sheep and of course the Farne Island puffins. The descriptions of the house bring the place to life. It is the sort of place that has existed for centuries and full of unexpected surprises, with a touch of the wilderness to it.
At the heart of the story is a romance, that builds as the plot progresses, but the themes also touch on abusive relationships and the ease with which men can bully women.
The writing is smooth and easy to read and the plot flows and moves forward well. I think of the books I've read by this author, this is the one I've enjoyed most so far.
With thanks to the author, Netgalley and Simon and Schuster for an early copy in return for an honest review.
Whilst she is there she discovers a small room built in the walls of the pele tower, the oldest part of the hall. This seems to be where Cyril kept his most valuable papers and books, but two men arrive, both at night in a storm, who threaten the library and the work Helen is doing.
The story has a great setting in the huge, partly abandoned house, with splendid gardens, its own flock of sheep and of course the Farne Island puffins. The descriptions of the house bring the place to life. It is the sort of place that has existed for centuries and full of unexpected surprises, with a touch of the wilderness to it.
At the heart of the story is a romance, that builds as the plot progresses, but the themes also touch on abusive relationships and the ease with which men can bully women.
The writing is smooth and easy to read and the plot flows and moves forward well. I think of the books I've read by this author, this is the one I've enjoyed most so far.
With thanks to the author, Netgalley and Simon and Schuster for an early copy in return for an honest review.
September 6, 2026
Until I'd finished this book, I didn't realise that this isn't the first time I've read this author. I read The Forgotten Garden two years ago. In fact I was on the blog tour and it was one of my favourite books of the year.
The Hidden Library is probably a bit too 'romancy' for me and I would have liked a more sinister, Gothic element. Maybe hidden skeletons buried in the walls (you'll know where I mean when you get to it), whispering galleries and warnings written in condensation on the mirror. But I still read it in two sittings and couldn't wait to turn the pages. If I was on holiday I'd probably have read it in one go.
I felt really sorry for Helen when the film contract for her best selling novel is pulled because she had an affair with a famous, married actor. Her friend Melanie suggests she was completely taken in by his lies and he's basically thrown her under the bus. She says that no, she is entirely responsible, but I'm with Melanie. She was very young when she met him and totally naive.
I really enjoyed it and the other characters were well drawn and relatable. Rufus is the wizened old gardener who lives in the lighthouse. Martha is the housekeeper, whose daughter Cora is a teenage brat. Rathbrooke Hall was the domain of the late Cyril Gissing who collected rare and ancient books, aided by Spanish 'pirate' Thiago Montera. Helen, escaping the fallout of her disastrous life is there to catalogue the books and artefacts. But she finds a lot more than she bargained for. Highly recommended holiday read, when you want something mysterious, but not too scary.
Many thanks to @annecater for inviting me to be part of #TheHiddenLibrary #blog tour
The Hidden Library is probably a bit too 'romancy' for me and I would have liked a more sinister, Gothic element. Maybe hidden skeletons buried in the walls (you'll know where I mean when you get to it), whispering galleries and warnings written in condensation on the mirror. But I still read it in two sittings and couldn't wait to turn the pages. If I was on holiday I'd probably have read it in one go.
I felt really sorry for Helen when the film contract for her best selling novel is pulled because she had an affair with a famous, married actor. Her friend Melanie suggests she was completely taken in by his lies and he's basically thrown her under the bus. She says that no, she is entirely responsible, but I'm with Melanie. She was very young when she met him and totally naive.
I really enjoyed it and the other characters were well drawn and relatable. Rufus is the wizened old gardener who lives in the lighthouse. Martha is the housekeeper, whose daughter Cora is a teenage brat. Rathbrooke Hall was the domain of the late Cyril Gissing who collected rare and ancient books, aided by Spanish 'pirate' Thiago Montera. Helen, escaping the fallout of her disastrous life is there to catalogue the books and artefacts. But she finds a lot more than she bargained for. Highly recommended holiday read, when you want something mysterious, but not too scary.
Many thanks to @annecater for inviting me to be part of #TheHiddenLibrary #blog tour
September 21, 2026
A book about books is always a good hit, and this one is no exception! Set on a remote island, it combines historical fiction, romance and suspense, with an underlying mystery that had me hooked from the very beginning.
I particularly loved the references to long-forgotten tomes and texts, and the way the story explores the reality versus the fiction surrounding them. Discovering which elements were rooted in history and which were part of the story was fascinating, and I found myself wanting to look into the books and characters mentioned. Sharon’s research is clearly incredibly thorough, but it also feels as though she had a lot of fun bringing these literary discoveries to life.
There are secrets tucked away within all of the main characters, and watching those gradually unravel was hugely entertaining. Just when I thought I had a handle on what was going on, another layer was revealed, keeping me guessing and turning the pages. And then there are the secrets that the island itself is keeping…
The remote setting adds so much to the atmosphere, creating that wonderful sense of isolation where anything could happen and nobody is quite what they seem. I loved the way the different threads came together, and the mystery kept me hooked right through to the end.
No more from me, for fear of revealing spoilers! But if you love books about books, a good mystery, and a story with plenty of secrets to uncover, this is one to add to your reading list.
I particularly loved the references to long-forgotten tomes and texts, and the way the story explores the reality versus the fiction surrounding them. Discovering which elements were rooted in history and which were part of the story was fascinating, and I found myself wanting to look into the books and characters mentioned. Sharon’s research is clearly incredibly thorough, but it also feels as though she had a lot of fun bringing these literary discoveries to life.
There are secrets tucked away within all of the main characters, and watching those gradually unravel was hugely entertaining. Just when I thought I had a handle on what was going on, another layer was revealed, keeping me guessing and turning the pages. And then there are the secrets that the island itself is keeping…
The remote setting adds so much to the atmosphere, creating that wonderful sense of isolation where anything could happen and nobody is quite what they seem. I loved the way the different threads came together, and the mystery kept me hooked right through to the end.
No more from me, for fear of revealing spoilers! But if you love books about books, a good mystery, and a story with plenty of secrets to uncover, this is one to add to your reading list.
Review of advance copy
What a fabulous read. Helen is a successful author whose bestselling novel has been optioned for a film. However, her joy is soon turned to despair when her affair with a famous actor is revealed. To escape the media Helen’s mother asks her to do a job for her law firm.
Briefly, one of her mother’s clients has died intestate. He was an active collector of rare books and Helen is tasked with cataloguing the books and keeping her eye out for a will as he has no known heirs. Rathbrooke Hall is situated on a remote island off the Northumberland coast and there are few people living on the island. Without a will the island community could be at risk. Sorting through his paperwork Helen finds clues to a secret library that could help the remaining islanders keep their home.
This was a wonderful palate cleanser for me after reading a couple of disturbing and dark books. The setting is very atmospheric, the characters are well fleshed and all the detail about the books and the cataloguing was just perfect. And then there is Cora and her cats, that was the icing on the cake for me. A very entertaining and enjoyable mystery drama. Loved it.
Briefly, one of her mother’s clients has died intestate. He was an active collector of rare books and Helen is tasked with cataloguing the books and keeping her eye out for a will as he has no known heirs. Rathbrooke Hall is situated on a remote island off the Northumberland coast and there are few people living on the island. Without a will the island community could be at risk. Sorting through his paperwork Helen finds clues to a secret library that could help the remaining islanders keep their home.
This was a wonderful palate cleanser for me after reading a couple of disturbing and dark books. The setting is very atmospheric, the characters are well fleshed and all the detail about the books and the cataloguing was just perfect. And then there is Cora and her cats, that was the icing on the cake for me. A very entertaining and enjoyable mystery drama. Loved it.
September 2, 2026
I'm all here for books about books and libraries, and this is another stunning read from the author! I loved the setting, the intrigue and the characters so it all made for one of those reads that you just don't want it to end!
Helen is at the heart of the story and she's a highly successful author, but soon finds herself at the centre of a scandal so she's seeking an escape. Remote Rathbrook is where she finds herself, sent there by her mother to help sort out an estate and to find a hidden will. She's met by Rufus, Martha and Cora who all work at the estate and that's when the exploring begins and the secrets begin to reveal themselves.
And soon the secret room is revealed, full of very rare books and we start to learn more about the past of the late owner. I loved the mysteries as they tried to crack the code of the diary and then learning more about each character, wondering what they might be hiding and it all builds up nicely to a very dramatic climax!! Highly recommended!!
Helen is at the heart of the story and she's a highly successful author, but soon finds herself at the centre of a scandal so she's seeking an escape. Remote Rathbrook is where she finds herself, sent there by her mother to help sort out an estate and to find a hidden will. She's met by Rufus, Martha and Cora who all work at the estate and that's when the exploring begins and the secrets begin to reveal themselves.
And soon the secret room is revealed, full of very rare books and we start to learn more about the past of the late owner. I loved the mysteries as they tried to crack the code of the diary and then learning more about each character, wondering what they might be hiding and it all builds up nicely to a very dramatic climax!! Highly recommended!!
September 14, 2026
Helen’s seemingly idyllic life crumbles. News of a long-forgotten affair resurfaces just as her book is being adapted into a film. Seizing the opportunity to escape, she immerses herself in a vast library, seeking solitude. Instead of loneliness, she finds an unexpected second chance at belonging and a renewed sense of purpose.
The lovely side characters and the sense of family were such a treat. The island manor house, especially Rathbrooke Hall, was absolutely breathtaking. I could just imagine myself relaxing in that window seat in the library, listening to the waves and water while reading my book, with a fire crackling and a cup of tea nearby. The author really captured the atmosphere perfectly, and I could easily picture myself there.
I really enjoyed the mystery in this book! It was so interesting to follow the author as they went through all the books and to read those mysterious letters in some chapters, which really added to the intrigue.
It’s fast-paced and cleverly executed, packed with literary nods that will delight any book lover. It was such a comforting read and a must-read for anyone like me who loves books!
The lovely side characters and the sense of family were such a treat. The island manor house, especially Rathbrooke Hall, was absolutely breathtaking. I could just imagine myself relaxing in that window seat in the library, listening to the waves and water while reading my book, with a fire crackling and a cup of tea nearby. The author really captured the atmosphere perfectly, and I could easily picture myself there.
I really enjoyed the mystery in this book! It was so interesting to follow the author as they went through all the books and to read those mysterious letters in some chapters, which really added to the intrigue.
It’s fast-paced and cleverly executed, packed with literary nods that will delight any book lover. It was such a comforting read and a must-read for anyone like me who loves books!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I always look forward to a new book by Gosling and was not disappointed. She writes 'place' really well and the descriptions of the island and house are delightful.
Helen Thorne should be having a brilliant evening. Her book's just been published and they're going to make it into a film. When she gets a moderately threatening message from an ex, her friends say she should ignore it, or better, tell him where to go. She doesn't agree but is overridden and everything goes horribly wrong. She's a five-minute wonder in the world of gossip and outraged internet scandal. Luckily, her mother is able to over her an escape. Can she go to a big fancy house on an island off the Northumbrian coast and look for a missing will? Well, of course she can, even if she has to arrive in a storm and there are more mysteries than just the lack of will.
A very entertaining story with great characters, from grumpy tween Cora, to piratical Spanish librarian Thiago. I really enjoyed this.
Helen Thorne should be having a brilliant evening. Her book's just been published and they're going to make it into a film. When she gets a moderately threatening message from an ex, her friends say she should ignore it, or better, tell him where to go. She doesn't agree but is overridden and everything goes horribly wrong. She's a five-minute wonder in the world of gossip and outraged internet scandal. Luckily, her mother is able to over her an escape. Can she go to a big fancy house on an island off the Northumbrian coast and look for a missing will? Well, of course she can, even if she has to arrive in a storm and there are more mysteries than just the lack of will.
A very entertaining story with great characters, from grumpy tween Cora, to piratical Spanish librarian Thiago. I really enjoyed this.
September 3, 2026
4.5⭐️
I devoured this book in one sitting and had an absolutely fabulous time doing it!
The characters were beautifully drawn, and I loved the fmc who was so relatable and realistic. I could really sympathise with the situation she finds herself in, and almost found myself experiencing visceral dread she feels at the thought of going online again along with her.
The side characters and found family vibes were heartwarming, and the island Manor House setting was gorgeous! I loved Rathbrooke Hall, and only wish I could curl up in that window seat in the library there myself, staring out at the waves and water with a book in my lap and the fire blazing.
This was the perfect blend of cosy bookish vibes, hidden secrets and historical mystery, with high enough stakes to keep me rapidly turning the pages and a beautifully understated romance subplot.
Thank you so much to the author, the publishers and NetGalley for this gifted eARC.
I devoured this book in one sitting and had an absolutely fabulous time doing it!
The characters were beautifully drawn, and I loved the fmc who was so relatable and realistic. I could really sympathise with the situation she finds herself in, and almost found myself experiencing visceral dread she feels at the thought of going online again along with her.
The side characters and found family vibes were heartwarming, and the island Manor House setting was gorgeous! I loved Rathbrooke Hall, and only wish I could curl up in that window seat in the library there myself, staring out at the waves and water with a book in my lap and the fire blazing.
This was the perfect blend of cosy bookish vibes, hidden secrets and historical mystery, with high enough stakes to keep me rapidly turning the pages and a beautifully understated romance subplot.
Thank you so much to the author, the publishers and NetGalley for this gifted eARC.
September 4, 2026
went into this read not knowing too much about the story and was surprised with such a delightful read! And what an incredibly beautiful cover! 📖💙
Helen's life appears to be ideal but when it rapidly unravels she jumps at an opportunity to run away and spend time amongst an incredible collection of books. Hoping for solitude, instead she finds an unexpected second chance, belonging and a sense of purpose.
I loved the characters in this wonderful and gentle story which was so easy to read and lose myself in. The isolated setting added to the atmosphere and mystery and I was left wondering how it was going to come together. There was so much for a bibliophile to love about this story about books (including some fabulous references) and I felt completely satisfied when I finished the last page❤️.
Thank you @randomthingstours for my opportunity to read and review this lovely book which I thoroughly enjoyed
Helen's life appears to be ideal but when it rapidly unravels she jumps at an opportunity to run away and spend time amongst an incredible collection of books. Hoping for solitude, instead she finds an unexpected second chance, belonging and a sense of purpose.
I loved the characters in this wonderful and gentle story which was so easy to read and lose myself in. The isolated setting added to the atmosphere and mystery and I was left wondering how it was going to come together. There was so much for a bibliophile to love about this story about books (including some fabulous references) and I felt completely satisfied when I finished the last page❤️.
Thank you @randomthingstours for my opportunity to read and review this lovely book which I thoroughly enjoyed
August 30, 2026
The Hidden Library is a truly special book, and I can highly recommend it. Having never read anything by Sharon Gosling before, I wasn't sure what to expect, but I was soon transported to a tiny Northumbrian Island with an eclectic mix of characters and an intriguing mystery to solve.
I took a moment to warm to Helen, as her scrutiny from the public initially felt warranted, but I soon realised there was more to her story than I'd thought. The character who emerged was entirely likeable, and I was soon invested in her challenge to catalogue the extensive book collection.
This book has a small cast, but I have no desire to include even the slightest spoiler, so I'll leave you to discover them. Except for Thiago, who does get a mention in the synopsis and whom I had pegged from the earliest of pages.
What really captured my imagination was the depth of literary knowledge the author clearly possesses. I found myself completely absorbed by the twists and turns of this book and loved discovering the history behind so many texts.
The history of Rathbrooke Hall, despite being fictional, felt incredibly real, and I could imagine the sights and sounds of the abandoned property as the wild wind whipped against the ageing walls.
Sharon Gosling’s writing created a real sense of place, and I was convinced that the island existed.
This exceptional book is exhilarating, atmospheric and wholly captivating. I loved everything about it and have added it to my books of the year list.
I took a moment to warm to Helen, as her scrutiny from the public initially felt warranted, but I soon realised there was more to her story than I'd thought. The character who emerged was entirely likeable, and I was soon invested in her challenge to catalogue the extensive book collection.
This book has a small cast, but I have no desire to include even the slightest spoiler, so I'll leave you to discover them. Except for Thiago, who does get a mention in the synopsis and whom I had pegged from the earliest of pages.
What really captured my imagination was the depth of literary knowledge the author clearly possesses. I found myself completely absorbed by the twists and turns of this book and loved discovering the history behind so many texts.
The history of Rathbrooke Hall, despite being fictional, felt incredibly real, and I could imagine the sights and sounds of the abandoned property as the wild wind whipped against the ageing walls.
Sharon Gosling’s writing created a real sense of place, and I was convinced that the island existed.
This exceptional book is exhilarating, atmospheric and wholly captivating. I loved everything about it and have added it to my books of the year list.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Helen is on the island to escape her own life drama and find the will of the island's owner. The story is intriguing and takes a few turns as she hunts for the will and finds other interesting things along the way. At one point in this story I could not stop reading, it felt like the beginning was a slow build up and then when the tension hit I had to know the end. What a journey.
There are gothic elements, although it starts like a romance novel, the journey to the island was reminiscent of a gothic novel and it ends up being an interesting and thrilling mystery.
I hadn't expected that turn of events. Somehow being gothic, cosy, intriguing and a group of characters set on a lovely island. It's actually hard to pin this down. But I enjoyed it
There are gothic elements, although it starts like a romance novel, the journey to the island was reminiscent of a gothic novel and it ends up being an interesting and thrilling mystery.
I hadn't expected that turn of events. Somehow being gothic, cosy, intriguing and a group of characters set on a lovely island. It's actually hard to pin this down. But I enjoyed it
August 27, 2026
This was an enthralling and fascinating read. I loved the idea of Rathbrooke Hall being expanded over the centuries with new wings built and secret passageways and doorways. All with the added shroud of mystery of no one really knowing the truth.
Helen and Thiago searching for the lost Shakespeare play, learning the connected history of Shakespeare to Cy’s collection, and his intense love of discovering lost and forgotten books and paper to ensure they are saved for future generations.
The twists and turns in the book kept me interested and all the characters were amazing, especially Cora and her family of hidden cats.
A fantastic book, full of history, heart and adventure. I would highly recommend it.
Helen and Thiago searching for the lost Shakespeare play, learning the connected history of Shakespeare to Cy’s collection, and his intense love of discovering lost and forgotten books and paper to ensure they are saved for future generations.
The twists and turns in the book kept me interested and all the characters were amazing, especially Cora and her family of hidden cats.
A fantastic book, full of history, heart and adventure. I would highly recommend it.
September 12, 2026
I always enjoy reading books published by this author, and this book did not disappoint me. It was one of those books that you start and just don’t want to put down. The story is about Helen who is herself an successful author, after she finds herself the talk of the social media pages she takes a job on a remote Northumbrian island to catalogue an old library as well as search for a missing will.
The story and characters are well written and the storyline makes you feel like your there in the musty library in this house on a beautiful island with Helen.
My thanks as always to NetGalley and Publisher Simon and Schuster UK | Simon & Schuster UK for such an enjoyable read.
The story and characters are well written and the storyline makes you feel like your there in the musty library in this house on a beautiful island with Helen.
My thanks as always to NetGalley and Publisher Simon and Schuster UK | Simon & Schuster UK for such an enjoyable read.
September 6, 2026
I love books about books and this one is definitely bookish through and through. Author Helen Thorne flees from the exposure of an affair and goes to Rathbrooke island to catalogue the book collection of recently deceased book collector Cyril Gissing. As the story unravels she is unsure who to trust to protect his years of work. I really enjoyed this book of folios and manuscripts with its twists and turns, secrets and lies. A great read, a great cover and a great reminder of the timeless love and appreciation of books.
September 15, 2026
This is a great read.
Helen needs to get away from her everyday life due to something from her past being made public.
Her Mum offers her refuge on a remote island in the North Sea where a property needs to sorted out and a Will needs to be found.
Helen enjoys cataloging a library of rare books but isn’t prepared for what unravels whilst she’s there.
The ancient house and lack of internet provide a great atmosphere and the suspense really builds in the second half of the book.
Thanks to Simon and Schuster UK for the opportunity to read this book.
Helen needs to get away from her everyday life due to something from her past being made public.
Her Mum offers her refuge on a remote island in the North Sea where a property needs to sorted out and a Will needs to be found.
Helen enjoys cataloging a library of rare books but isn’t prepared for what unravels whilst she’s there.
The ancient house and lack of internet provide a great atmosphere and the suspense really builds in the second half of the book.
Thanks to Simon and Schuster UK for the opportunity to read this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book is very well written; despite reading this on a very hot day, I felt that I was on a storm swept island off the Northumberland coast. The characters were really well written and you find yourself wanting to know everything about them and hoping that they will be ok. I felt like Cyril was a man after my own heart with all of his books and I wish we could have found out a bit more about him. There is mystery, subterfuge and romance all rolled into one.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
An ARC from Netgalley
Helen is a best selling writer, in fact her book is being made into a film... until an abusive ex contacts her and when she doesn't give him the answer he wants, he exposes their affair... he's a married famous actor!
No more film, journalists following her everywhere. Helen needs to escape, so her mum sends her to a beautiful house on an island to hunt for the owners will and inventory his possessions.
But Helen finds far more than she was looking for!
Helen is a best selling writer, in fact her book is being made into a film... until an abusive ex contacts her and when she doesn't give him the answer he wants, he exposes their affair... he's a married famous actor!
No more film, journalists following her everywhere. Helen needs to escape, so her mum sends her to a beautiful house on an island to hunt for the owners will and inventory his possessions.
But Helen finds far more than she was looking for!
September 3, 2026
This is a story set around an amazing library of rare and historic books.
There is the cutest reading nook that I think everyone will be jealous of.
There are giant cats, a hidden away tower house on an island, family, drama and mystery.
This story is engaging and fast paced it’s everything you need for a feel good mystery book.
The characters are great or are they? This book is enjoyable until the end with a Shakespeare mystery snaked through the pages
There is the cutest reading nook that I think everyone will be jealous of.
There are giant cats, a hidden away tower house on an island, family, drama and mystery.
This story is engaging and fast paced it’s everything you need for a feel good mystery book.
The characters are great or are they? This book is enjoyable until the end with a Shakespeare mystery snaked through the pages
August 21, 2026
A scandal that ruins everything sends Helen off to a remote island to carry out a cataloguing job for her mother’s solicitors firm, and turns out to be the best place to hide. And it contains an immense library, the like of which Helen has never seen before.
This was a great story, only a handful of characters on this remote place but they were so good - well, most of them, Cora was the typical teenager you’d expect! But the real character was the library. A collection of books that spanned years, and had a hidden section too which was found in clues in letters from the owner to his friend of many years, Thiago. Helen sets out with his help to find them, but can they? Some documents were missing and needed to be found to help their quest.
I really enjoyed this book, well it was about books so what’s not to like, but the whole journey was so gripping and intense that I was keeping everything crossed that they’d find it and Helen would come out of it unscathed. I’ll be looking forward to more from this author too.
This was a great story, only a handful of characters on this remote place but they were so good - well, most of them, Cora was the typical teenager you’d expect! But the real character was the library. A collection of books that spanned years, and had a hidden section too which was found in clues in letters from the owner to his friend of many years, Thiago. Helen sets out with his help to find them, but can they? Some documents were missing and needed to be found to help their quest.
I really enjoyed this book, well it was about books so what’s not to like, but the whole journey was so gripping and intense that I was keeping everything crossed that they’d find it and Helen would come out of it unscathed. I’ll be looking forward to more from this author too.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
One to top this year. I loved reading this. I was fully immersed in the mystery of the lost will, lost historical documents and “The Hidden Library”. The book was both soothing and thrilling.
Helen, our heroine, is having a difficult time. She is the well known author of a bestseller that is soon to be filmed. Unfortunately the public outing of her affair with a famous actor has put everything on hold. In order to hide from the public eye she is encouraged by her mother, to help her with a client, Cyril Gissing, who has died with no obvious heirs and they don’t have a will on file. This means moving to the private island he owed to sort his affairs. pride and joy was his massive library of antique books, set in the peel tower of his stately home. As Helen has an MSc in Book History it seemed to be a perfect match.
Initially the move finds Helen feeling bewildered and lost as a storm rages isolating the 3 inhabitants of the island and herself from the mainland. However, it doesn’t take long for the magic of the library and all the history and secrets it holds to warm her and leave her feeling energised. Cyril kept a diary but it was full of strange things including cyphers mixed with Spanish text. As she delves deeper into the mysteries of the library she also discovers about links to Shakespeare including the beautiful old Mulberry tree in the grounds. She finds friendship with the old caretaker and housekeeper and the only thorn in her side is the housekeeper’s teenage daughter who is grieving from the loss of her friend and fears that Helen’s job is to steal everything out from under her and make them all leave the only safe home she has known. There then enters a stranger, the book retriever, historian, librarian the best friend that Cyril corresponded with over 20 years, he potentially holds more clues.
This book has it all books, history, found family, a dash of romance and to top it off mystery and adventure. There are moments of peril that had me on the edge of my seat. Times when, like Helen, I couldn’t work out who to trust. I was completely invested in the search for the truth. I learned new interesting facts about Shakespeare and have added Don Quixote to my ever increasing book wish list. The book was so good that I think I will be imagining myself there in the story with Helen, Cora and Thiago immersed in the magic of the library for days after reading.
Helen, our heroine, is having a difficult time. She is the well known author of a bestseller that is soon to be filmed. Unfortunately the public outing of her affair with a famous actor has put everything on hold. In order to hide from the public eye she is encouraged by her mother, to help her with a client, Cyril Gissing, who has died with no obvious heirs and they don’t have a will on file. This means moving to the private island he owed to sort his affairs. pride and joy was his massive library of antique books, set in the peel tower of his stately home. As Helen has an MSc in Book History it seemed to be a perfect match.
Initially the move finds Helen feeling bewildered and lost as a storm rages isolating the 3 inhabitants of the island and herself from the mainland. However, it doesn’t take long for the magic of the library and all the history and secrets it holds to warm her and leave her feeling energised. Cyril kept a diary but it was full of strange things including cyphers mixed with Spanish text. As she delves deeper into the mysteries of the library she also discovers about links to Shakespeare including the beautiful old Mulberry tree in the grounds. She finds friendship with the old caretaker and housekeeper and the only thorn in her side is the housekeeper’s teenage daughter who is grieving from the loss of her friend and fears that Helen’s job is to steal everything out from under her and make them all leave the only safe home she has known. There then enters a stranger, the book retriever, historian, librarian the best friend that Cyril corresponded with over 20 years, he potentially holds more clues.
This book has it all books, history, found family, a dash of romance and to top it off mystery and adventure. There are moments of peril that had me on the edge of my seat. Times when, like Helen, I couldn’t work out who to trust. I was completely invested in the search for the truth. I learned new interesting facts about Shakespeare and have added Don Quixote to my ever increasing book wish list. The book was so good that I think I will be imagining myself there in the story with Helen, Cora and Thiago immersed in the magic of the library for days after reading.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Blog Tour Review
The writing was engaging and pulled me in right from the beginning. There were lots of unexpected things that happened throughout the story, with multiple elements (paranormal, historical and romance) that kept my interest.
The story opened with a dramatic Prologue before breaking up into chapters. The chapters were fairly long so we got a good chunk of the story before moving on. The last chapter was set three months later which helped to bring the story to a close, whilst at the same time keeping it open.
There was a good flow between the chapters and a good pace to the overall story. There were a few letters interspersed to add some tension and times where the character took the time to reflect and ponder on things.
The characters were enjoyable to read about. The sullen teenager certainly added an unknown element and kept everyone on their toes wondering what was going to happen next! I felt sorry for the main character and wanted her to be able to talk about what happened to her without fear of everyone judging her. It really highlighted how cruel some people can be and how social media affects people's lives.
Lastly the settings. There were excellent descriptions throughout the story. They really brought the drama and intrigue to the story. The settings really became a character in themselves.
Overall an excellent read, full of suspense, twists and wonderful descriptions. I recommend.
The writing was engaging and pulled me in right from the beginning. There were lots of unexpected things that happened throughout the story, with multiple elements (paranormal, historical and romance) that kept my interest.
The story opened with a dramatic Prologue before breaking up into chapters. The chapters were fairly long so we got a good chunk of the story before moving on. The last chapter was set three months later which helped to bring the story to a close, whilst at the same time keeping it open.
There was a good flow between the chapters and a good pace to the overall story. There were a few letters interspersed to add some tension and times where the character took the time to reflect and ponder on things.
The characters were enjoyable to read about. The sullen teenager certainly added an unknown element and kept everyone on their toes wondering what was going to happen next! I felt sorry for the main character and wanted her to be able to talk about what happened to her without fear of everyone judging her. It really highlighted how cruel some people can be and how social media affects people's lives.
Lastly the settings. There were excellent descriptions throughout the story. They really brought the drama and intrigue to the story. The settings really became a character in themselves.
Overall an excellent read, full of suspense, twists and wonderful descriptions. I recommend.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A book featuring books is always a winner and this book is no exception
Published author Helen needs a quick escape from ‘problems’ and so she takes on the job/task of cataloguing a book collection,from the departed Cyril,in the remote Northumberland island housing Rathbrooke Hall
It is a dream job for Helen as she loves rare and old books and is just the escape she needs
But is everything quite as it seems on the seemingly sleepy island? As we meet Thiago the librarian and various other characters it seems not as Helen upsets locals as she starts to uncover things best left alone
Loved the island characters even the ones was suspicious of and all of them helped set the scene for this engaging novel that took me to a world filled with books and more books and a mystery that was enjoyable to be a part of
Surprising turns of events made this a novel you were never sure which way it would go…
Published author Helen needs a quick escape from ‘problems’ and so she takes on the job/task of cataloguing a book collection,from the departed Cyril,in the remote Northumberland island housing Rathbrooke Hall
It is a dream job for Helen as she loves rare and old books and is just the escape she needs
But is everything quite as it seems on the seemingly sleepy island? As we meet Thiago the librarian and various other characters it seems not as Helen upsets locals as she starts to uncover things best left alone
Loved the island characters even the ones was suspicious of and all of them helped set the scene for this engaging novel that took me to a world filled with books and more books and a mystery that was enjoyable to be a part of
Surprising turns of events made this a novel you were never sure which way it would go…
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Helen Thorne, a debut author, finds herself at the centre of a scandal and escapes to Rathbrooke Hall Ona remote island off the Northumberland coast. Her job to catalogue the contents and find the will left by the reclusive owner.
As she explores the library she finds hints to a secret collection of documents. She is helped to discover more by the charming Spaniard, Thiago, who carried out a correspondence with the owner for over 10 years and sought out and rescued books from around the world.
Their hunt is disrupted by the arrival of an American ‘professor’ who claims to have been left the library.
Helen has to decide who to trust.
An enjoyable read - atmospheric and full of engaging characters.
As she explores the library she finds hints to a secret collection of documents. She is helped to discover more by the charming Spaniard, Thiago, who carried out a correspondence with the owner for over 10 years and sought out and rescued books from around the world.
Their hunt is disrupted by the arrival of an American ‘professor’ who claims to have been left the library.
Helen has to decide who to trust.
An enjoyable read - atmospheric and full of engaging characters.
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