What do you think?
The Bookbinder's Code
Not yet published
Expected 26 Jan 27Bookbinder Lily Delaney must unravel a mystery involving a missing man, a long-ago secret society, a murder, and the supposedly mythical, heretical Liber Numerorum—The Book of Numbers—in this compelling sequel to the national bestseller, The Bookbinder's Secret.
Read on if you dare!
That is the epigraph in the hidden journal found by bookbinder Lilian "Lily" Delaney when her friend, mentor, and partner John Caxton disappears after a stranger comes knocking on the bindery door.
In the sweltering Oxford summer of 1903, while searching in his study for clues, Lily finds a hidden journal full of coded messages, written by Mr Caxton forty years before. As Lily digs deeper, rumours surface of a secret society he belonged to in his university days and tales of a book that should not exist – the mythical, heretical, Liber Numerorum. The Book of Numbers.
But Lily is not the only one looking for Mr Caxton and the threats start to pile up. She races across the country, to auction houses, Oxford colleges and into the ballrooms of high society. As she learns more of Mr Caxton’s past, Lily begins to suspect her kindly mentor is anything but. When a member of his old university society is killed before her eyes, Lily fears Mr Caxton will be next if she doesn’t find him soon. But even if she does, will he still be the same man she knew?
Read on if you dare!
That is the epigraph in the hidden journal found by bookbinder Lilian "Lily" Delaney when her friend, mentor, and partner John Caxton disappears after a stranger comes knocking on the bindery door.
In the sweltering Oxford summer of 1903, while searching in his study for clues, Lily finds a hidden journal full of coded messages, written by Mr Caxton forty years before. As Lily digs deeper, rumours surface of a secret society he belonged to in his university days and tales of a book that should not exist – the mythical, heretical, Liber Numerorum. The Book of Numbers.
But Lily is not the only one looking for Mr Caxton and the threats start to pile up. She races across the country, to auction houses, Oxford colleges and into the ballrooms of high society. As she learns more of Mr Caxton’s past, Lily begins to suspect her kindly mentor is anything but. When a member of his old university society is killed before her eyes, Lily fears Mr Caxton will be next if she doesn’t find him soon. But even if she does, will he still be the same man she knew?
Kindle Edition
Expected publication January 26, 2027
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
September 11, 2026
4.5 stars
This was such a good sequel. It still has the great themes of the first book with a historical mystery. The mystery again was very interesting. I was a bit frustrated by the relationship drama. But I liked how things worked out in the end. The characters are well written. They feel like real people. I do hope this series will continue. I would read more books like these. I’m pretty attached to Lilian. I’m not sure why neither book feels like 5 stars but I would highly recommend this series!
Thank you to NetGalley, A. D. Bell, and St. Martin's Press for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
This was such a good sequel. It still has the great themes of the first book with a historical mystery. The mystery again was very interesting. I was a bit frustrated by the relationship drama. But I liked how things worked out in the end. The characters are well written. They feel like real people. I do hope this series will continue. I would read more books like these. I’m pretty attached to Lilian. I’m not sure why neither book feels like 5 stars but I would highly recommend this series!
Thank you to NetGalley, A. D. Bell, and St. Martin's Press for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
After reading the synopsis for The Bookbinder’s Code, set in England in 1903, I downloaded the advance reader copy from NetGalley.com during its 48-hour availability window. At first, I worried I would have to race through the novel despite having little time to spare. Fortunately, the deadline applied only to the download—not to the reading. Relieved, I could slow down, settle in, and enjoy the mystery.
A.D. Bell’s latest novel speaks the love language of readers and library dwellers who cherish first editions and the look and scent of old books. The main character, Lilian Delaney, runs her late father’s bookstore while apprenticing with bookbinder John “Jack” Caxton. When Caxton disappears, Lilian discovers a journal he wrote in various codes, including the Polybius code. In it, a younger Jack recounts his involvement with a university group called Liber Liberatus—“free the book”—whose members stole rare, mysterious, and sometimes heretical volumes from collectors who hid them from public view. They helped people "Marie Kondo" their bookshelves, only the collectors were not filled with joy when their mysterious books disappeared.
The coded journal opens with the enticing warning, “Read on if you dare!” This epigraph first drew me into the story. Caxton’s disappearance is linked to the group’s theft of the Book of Numbers, or Liber Numerorum, and the tragedies that followed. Lilian must uncover the book’s whereabouts, even as many of the people she tracks down insist it never existed.
Meanwhile, a mysterious, grey-eyed man shadows her while she investigates, which soon leads to dangerous consequences, including assault and murder.
As Caxton’s past troubles spill into the present, Lilian faces crises of her own. While searching for her mentor and friend, she falls out with her long-time boyfriend, Harry. Later, she discovers that Harry betrayed her.
Her father’s solicitor then informs her that a man claiming to be her father’s son intends to contest her inheritance of the bookstore. Lilian may lose everything in her search for the truth. The author also hints, through the burn scar on Lilian’s hand, that she endured a similar dangerous ordeal while investigating the mystery of another book.
Historical Accuracy
This story spans the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, but the author describes a character with modern social attitudes toward marriage and childbirth. I say "some" because John Caxton, a homosexual man, lives secretly with Robert, who fears reporting John's disappearance because their relationship could lead to arrest—a credible danger for the time. Bisexuality is covertly mentioned as part of the narrative and is not openly acknowledged. Lilian decodes this information in John's journal. Lilian, however, lives with a man at the beginning of the novel. She openly resisted marriage and childbearing even at the end of the novel. She could not escape censure for living with a man even in 1903. Her business thrives in the novel, but I fear in reality, something like this -anything that smacked of immorality - would ruin her business.
I think the author could have cut out the romantic parts anyway. I read on for the mystery. The strange book that did or didn't exist, codebreaking a once-hidden journal, disappearances, betrayals, and hidden dangers lurking made this book a gem.
The Treatment of the Bible
Lilian twice expresses little interest in the Bible and assumes Caxton feels the same. I found that difficult to believe: a bookbinder would value its craftsmanship, history, and appeal to collectors regardless of not sharing its teachings. As a Christian and Bible student, I may be especially sensitive to this point, but I have studied Victorian literature. People from this time period knew their Scripture very well; in fact, authors alluded to Scripture passages in their novels and often without the full passage of reference. Indifference seemed unlikely among people devoted to rare and historic books.
Plus, the reverence held for another book in the novel also added to this feeling that the Bible is similar in that it holds mysteries, prophecies, and the like.
Bookstore to Bindery—and Back
Frequent shifts between the bookstore and bindery distracted from a mystery strong enough to stand on its own. Hiring Rose to manage the bookstore made sense because Lilian was already stretched thin. Still, I wanted the story to return sooner to the missing bookbinder and the grey-eyed figure shadowing her.
A Fuller Recap
Lilian’s burn scar recalls an earlier book-related investigation with warnings she ignores. I wanted a fuller recap instead of scattered hints that seemed intended to send readers back to the first novel.
I loved this story for the search and suspense, the mystery, hidden journal and codebreaking, Lilian’s loyalty and fierce friendships, and the love and appreciation shown for books. Now, I did skim some of the story to come back to the plot, and I recommend reading The Bookbinder's Secret first. I felt like I missed the backstory.
Bell’s forte is character-building. I could picture the people and places, and halfway through I remembered another story about the hunt for a mysterious book. Deborah Harkness's book A Discovery of Witches is the name of the series on Netflix with Teresa Palmer and Matthew Goode.
Diana Bishop is a scholar and historian researching Elias Ashmole’s papers at the Bodleian Library. She calls up Ashmole 782, also known as The Book of Life, something no one has been able to do. Unlike the witches, warlocks, vampires, and demons, Diana has no trouble asking for and receiving the book. She can also connect with the book on a deeper level.
The Bodleian is mentioned in The Bookbinder's Code, so maybe A.D. Bell meant her stories as a nod to Harkness. I received this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
A.D. Bell’s latest novel speaks the love language of readers and library dwellers who cherish first editions and the look and scent of old books. The main character, Lilian Delaney, runs her late father’s bookstore while apprenticing with bookbinder John “Jack” Caxton. When Caxton disappears, Lilian discovers a journal he wrote in various codes, including the Polybius code. In it, a younger Jack recounts his involvement with a university group called Liber Liberatus—“free the book”—whose members stole rare, mysterious, and sometimes heretical volumes from collectors who hid them from public view. They helped people "Marie Kondo" their bookshelves, only the collectors were not filled with joy when their mysterious books disappeared.
The coded journal opens with the enticing warning, “Read on if you dare!” This epigraph first drew me into the story. Caxton’s disappearance is linked to the group’s theft of the Book of Numbers, or Liber Numerorum, and the tragedies that followed. Lilian must uncover the book’s whereabouts, even as many of the people she tracks down insist it never existed.
Meanwhile, a mysterious, grey-eyed man shadows her while she investigates, which soon leads to dangerous consequences, including assault and murder.
As Caxton’s past troubles spill into the present, Lilian faces crises of her own. While searching for her mentor and friend, she falls out with her long-time boyfriend, Harry. Later, she discovers that Harry betrayed her.
Her father’s solicitor then informs her that a man claiming to be her father’s son intends to contest her inheritance of the bookstore. Lilian may lose everything in her search for the truth. The author also hints, through the burn scar on Lilian’s hand, that she endured a similar dangerous ordeal while investigating the mystery of another book.
Historical Accuracy
This story spans the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, but the author describes a character with modern social attitudes toward marriage and childbirth. I say "some" because John Caxton, a homosexual man, lives secretly with Robert, who fears reporting John's disappearance because their relationship could lead to arrest—a credible danger for the time. Bisexuality is covertly mentioned as part of the narrative and is not openly acknowledged. Lilian decodes this information in John's journal. Lilian, however, lives with a man at the beginning of the novel. She openly resisted marriage and childbearing even at the end of the novel. She could not escape censure for living with a man even in 1903. Her business thrives in the novel, but I fear in reality, something like this -anything that smacked of immorality - would ruin her business.
I think the author could have cut out the romantic parts anyway. I read on for the mystery. The strange book that did or didn't exist, codebreaking a once-hidden journal, disappearances, betrayals, and hidden dangers lurking made this book a gem.
The Treatment of the Bible
Lilian twice expresses little interest in the Bible and assumes Caxton feels the same. I found that difficult to believe: a bookbinder would value its craftsmanship, history, and appeal to collectors regardless of not sharing its teachings. As a Christian and Bible student, I may be especially sensitive to this point, but I have studied Victorian literature. People from this time period knew their Scripture very well; in fact, authors alluded to Scripture passages in their novels and often without the full passage of reference. Indifference seemed unlikely among people devoted to rare and historic books.
Plus, the reverence held for another book in the novel also added to this feeling that the Bible is similar in that it holds mysteries, prophecies, and the like.
Bookstore to Bindery—and Back
Frequent shifts between the bookstore and bindery distracted from a mystery strong enough to stand on its own. Hiring Rose to manage the bookstore made sense because Lilian was already stretched thin. Still, I wanted the story to return sooner to the missing bookbinder and the grey-eyed figure shadowing her.
A Fuller Recap
Lilian’s burn scar recalls an earlier book-related investigation with warnings she ignores. I wanted a fuller recap instead of scattered hints that seemed intended to send readers back to the first novel.
I loved this story for the search and suspense, the mystery, hidden journal and codebreaking, Lilian’s loyalty and fierce friendships, and the love and appreciation shown for books. Now, I did skim some of the story to come back to the plot, and I recommend reading The Bookbinder's Secret first. I felt like I missed the backstory.
Bell’s forte is character-building. I could picture the people and places, and halfway through I remembered another story about the hunt for a mysterious book. Deborah Harkness's book A Discovery of Witches is the name of the series on Netflix with Teresa Palmer and Matthew Goode.
Diana Bishop is a scholar and historian researching Elias Ashmole’s papers at the Bodleian Library. She calls up Ashmole 782, also known as The Book of Life, something no one has been able to do. Unlike the witches, warlocks, vampires, and demons, Diana has no trouble asking for and receiving the book. She can also connect with the book on a deeper level.
The Bodleian is mentioned in The Bookbinder's Code, so maybe A.D. Bell meant her stories as a nod to Harkness. I received this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
“…the greatest intrigues always start and end with a book.”
When her beloved mentor and friend suddenly disappears, Lily embarks on a dangerous pursuit to locate a book long believed to be pure myth. What begins as a search for a missing person quickly spirals into an intricate web of secrets, unraveling the sordid past of five college friends bound by hidden truths and quiet betrayals.
While the narrative takes a moment to establish its footing, once the foundation is laid, the story takes off at a thrilling pace. A.D. Bell crafts an atmospheric homage to literature and to everyone who cherishes the weight of a good story. Filled with cryptic ciphers, dark secrets, and Victorian-era intrigue, the setting becomes a character all its own.
Lily is an exceptional protagonist—headstrong, resilient, and unapologetically her own person. In a era defined by rigid social expectations, she boldly casts aside convention to live on her own terms. Her sharp independence is encapsulated brilliantly in one of the book's standout moments:
"As a wife, all about me changed. I would have to give up my name. My rights. My freedom. Honour and obey. I would not obey anyone but myself."
If you are looking for a story with a formidable female lead, rich historical detail, and a puzzle-box mystery with very little romance and no spice, The Bookbinder’s Code is an absolute must-read.
Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
When her beloved mentor and friend suddenly disappears, Lily embarks on a dangerous pursuit to locate a book long believed to be pure myth. What begins as a search for a missing person quickly spirals into an intricate web of secrets, unraveling the sordid past of five college friends bound by hidden truths and quiet betrayals.
While the narrative takes a moment to establish its footing, once the foundation is laid, the story takes off at a thrilling pace. A.D. Bell crafts an atmospheric homage to literature and to everyone who cherishes the weight of a good story. Filled with cryptic ciphers, dark secrets, and Victorian-era intrigue, the setting becomes a character all its own.
Lily is an exceptional protagonist—headstrong, resilient, and unapologetically her own person. In a era defined by rigid social expectations, she boldly casts aside convention to live on her own terms. Her sharp independence is encapsulated brilliantly in one of the book's standout moments:
"As a wife, all about me changed. I would have to give up my name. My rights. My freedom. Honour and obey. I would not obey anyone but myself."
If you are looking for a story with a formidable female lead, rich historical detail, and a puzzle-box mystery with very little romance and no spice, The Bookbinder’s Code is an absolute must-read.
Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This the second book in a new series by A. D. Bell and I really enjoyed reading it. It did not grab me as much as the first book by Bell, The Bookbinder’s Secret, but it was still a really, really good story that was hard to put down! There was a complicated mystery for Lillian, our intrepid bookbinder to solve involving her mentor and a book that should not exist. I think part of the reason I didn’t enjoy this book quite as much is that many of the characters in this book are pretty unlikable and concern for them didn’t draw me in like the previous book. In fact, even Lillian’s mentor felt very unlikable in this book and I really enjoyed his character in the first book. I wanted Lillian to succeed, but mainly for her own safety, not because of any great concern for the characters in the mystery. I found the ending a little disappointing too. No spoilers, but I enjoyed one part of the ending and not another part. It just felt too easy like there were no repercussions for the horror that had just happened. I did enjoy the hopeful part of the ending and I hope it will lead to a new partnership/friendship that could be wonderful in another book. I do look forward to more books in this series and I’m hoping for more soon.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley and for allowing me to read this book. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley and for allowing me to read this book. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A.D. Bell has done it again! I loved The Bookbinder’s Secret and once again we are immersed in a Lilian Delaney adventure. Bright, independent Lilian, a master bookbinder and bookshop owner uncovers secrets from the past while searching for her missing business partner and mentor, John Caxton. While trying to decode a journal she discovers of John’s college days, Lilian travels from Oxford to London to York to libraries and colleges and even a high society ball! No small feat for a woman in that era.
Set in 1903- this historical fiction is also a mystery with a touch of romance and magic, which doesn’t get in the way of Lilian’s quest. I loved reading about the intricate bookbinding process. The descriptions of rare and ornate books and some that “don’t really exist.”
You don’t have to read the first book, but I’m sure it will help with the backstory (and it was sooo good, I highly recommend.) This one drew me in right from the start and I’m pleased to say this may not be the last we hear from Miss Delaney.
Thank you to @stmartinspress for the opportunity to read this novel early for an honest review.
Set in 1903- this historical fiction is also a mystery with a touch of romance and magic, which doesn’t get in the way of Lilian’s quest. I loved reading about the intricate bookbinding process. The descriptions of rare and ornate books and some that “don’t really exist.”
You don’t have to read the first book, but I’m sure it will help with the backstory (and it was sooo good, I highly recommend.) This one drew me in right from the start and I’m pleased to say this may not be the last we hear from Miss Delaney.
Thank you to @stmartinspress for the opportunity to read this novel early for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
i did not read the bookbinder's secret, the book before this one. and although google said that i should, i found i did just fine without. thank you to netgalley and st martin's press for this advance copy. it was a good read! well developed characters, a ton of mystery and excitement, a lovely oxford and english setting in general, and the story of a young woman who did not want to be a husband's property. yay! lilian delaney is a sensitive, smart, tenacious, adventurous and kind woman in the very early part of the 20th century. and this book is about books. who doesn't love that? lilian owns both a bookshop and co-owns a book bindery. we get to learn plenty about both. and then there is the magic of one particularly elusive book that is stolen, lost, hidden and rediscovered. and.....we are left knowing that there will be another book. i like that as well.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
What an absolute page-turner! Between the historical elements, the intricacies of bookbinding as an art, and the actual elements of cryptography and code breaking, this novel is like a proper nerd dream. I love the way the characters are portrayed, the pacing of the story and everything about it. Easily a top recommendation.
Much appreciation to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the digital copy / uncorrected proof.
Reviewer's Note: This review was provided without compensation, other than a free advance reader copy.
Much appreciation to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the digital copy / uncorrected proof.
Reviewer's Note: This review was provided without compensation, other than a free advance reader copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to NetGalley, the publishers and author for the 48 hour ARC preview!
Historical early 1900’s Books, Secrets, Murder, Love, Betrayal, Intrigue, Grief/Loss, Friendships, New Beginnings…. What more can one ask for?
Love, Love, Love Lilian’s journey and development and adore Ambrose’s character. Enjoyed even more than the first. Lost some sleep staying up much too late to keep reading. Cannot wait to see where her next mystery book takes her.
Can be read as a stand alone however the 1st book provides depth of characters and backstories that will bring book 2 to life!
Historical early 1900’s Books, Secrets, Murder, Love, Betrayal, Intrigue, Grief/Loss, Friendships, New Beginnings…. What more can one ask for?
Love, Love, Love Lilian’s journey and development and adore Ambrose’s character. Enjoyed even more than the first. Lost some sleep staying up much too late to keep reading. Cannot wait to see where her next mystery book takes her.
Can be read as a stand alone however the 1st book provides depth of characters and backstories that will bring book 2 to life!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Loved this book! The main character Lily was a treat to follow! I found it fascinating to rediscover the steps it use to take to print and bind a book!
I didn’t know until the end this is a second book or a series. I had no trouble following the story line . I will go back a read the first because I enjoyed the second !
Thank you #NetGalley and publisher for the arc. It will be very exciting to see how this novel is received when it hits the shelves !
I didn’t know until the end this is a second book or a series. I had no trouble following the story line . I will go back a read the first because I enjoyed the second !
Thank you #NetGalley and publisher for the arc. It will be very exciting to see how this novel is received when it hits the shelves !
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was a very well-written book. I really enjoyed the story...the mystery of it. The characters were engaging and "fleshed-out" well. It was suspenseful, and kept me engaged to the end. I am a bibliophile, and like to learn about older books. I definitely recommend it.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews