So much fun!
Lillian’s curiosity and love of books starts her on a journey she will regret - but we won’t. When she finds part of a secret letter hidden in the binding of a book, she soon learns that others, with more nefarious reasons than her own, are also on a quest for the book and the other 5 that will complete the story.
As she does (or doesn’t) find each book, the story of the letter writer becomes more and more compelling. Lillian, the good and bad people around her, and we can’t wait to put all 6 pieces of the story together.
There are many tragic bumps along the way for our young heroine. But, after growing up rather sheltered, she certainly learns the ways of the world (more than she would have liked to, I’m sure) and understands what is important to her.
In addition to the story, we get a real insight into the art of bookbinding which, for me, was a true bonus. I will not look at a beautifully bound book in the same way again. I will appreciate each part of its construction and the thought and skill that it took.
This was a page turner.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinions!

3.5 stars rounded up

This book had issues, but they were easy to forgive because the story at least kept me engaged. There did reach a point about 30% in when it struck me that Lily was tasked with finding six books and I felt myself groaning inwardly. It felt like watching Harry, Ron and Hermione attempting to round up horcruxes again. At certain points in the story I couldn't even recall how many books were left.

I think the best things about this book were the way the plot progressed and the tertiary characters. In fact, nearly every side character was more endearing to me than Lily and Harry. The love story between the FMC and MMC got off to a decent start and then kind of descended into flames and ended in a slump. Definitely a divorce in that future. And Lily herself seemed to just be full of nothing but stupid, chaotic decisions that made me outright hate her at points. "Why are you doing this? why???" seemed to be my mantra.

Past the 50% mark, at least, the story picked up and I found myself getting more invested in the outcome. Despite myself and how much I hated Lily for creating so many problems with easy solutions that she was dead set on ignoring, I still was drawn in and wanted to see the thing through. The last 20% kept me rooted to my Kobo and I finished it in a sitting.

Overall, worth the read, but maybe not a reread.

Every once in a while, a book comes along that does not just entertain but completely consumes you. The Bookbinder’s Secret did exactly that. It is, without hesitation, my new favorite book of all time.

From the very first scene, I was swept into a labyrinth of stories within stories: hidden manuscripts, coded names, secret letters tucked inside bindings, and confessions written into the very fibers of books. The author captures the reverence of literature with prose so poetic it often felt Shakespearean. Lines such as “every stolen kiss all the sweeter for the deception” and the lush sensory descriptions of books like the smell of leather, ink, and glue, pulled me into a world where books are not just objects but vessels of memory, love, betrayal, and even danger.

And while every thread of the narrative was compelling, Ambrose was by far my favorite character. His presence leapt off the page, charismatic, sharp, and unorthodox, yet deeply sincere in his own way. He embodied the tension between reputation and truth, appearance and authenticity, and I found myself looking forward to every scene he was in.

I also adored Mr. Caxton. His kindness, wit, and graciousness shone through every interaction, and his unwavering ability to be the light she needed made him unforgettable. He carried a genuineness that grounded the story, balancing the darker secrets with warmth and integrity. His presence was a quiet reminder of how compassion can illuminate even the heaviest of narratives.

The novel beautifully intertwines history with human longing. I was enthralled by the complexity of characters like Isabel, William, Julia, and Isaac, lives bound together across generations, their stories revealed piece by piece, hidden in plain sight. The puzzles, acrostics, and layered secrets made the reading experience feel like solving a riddle alongside the narrator. At the same time, the emotional weight such as grief, rage, devotion, and the ache of lost opportunities kept me deeply invested. By the end, I was not just following a mystery, I was carrying their heartbreaks and triumphs in my own chest.

What sets this book apart is how seamlessly it marries the craftsmanship of bookbinding with the artistry of storytelling. The narrator’s reflections on turning something weak and dull into something lasting and beautiful resonated as a perfect metaphor for the novel itself: an act of preservation, of giving forgotten stories a second life.

By the final pages, I sat in awe of how everything connected, the codes, the legacies, the hidden truths. This story is not only about books; it is about resilience, love that outlives generations, and the power of stories to endure in every form they take.

I was utterly enthralled, and I will be pressing this book into the hands of every reader I know. The Bookbinder’s Secret is a love letter to books, a mystery that will keep you turning pages deep into the night, and an unforgettable journey that lingers long after the last line. And if you can choose to be anything in this world, be like a Mr. Caxton.

Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing this ARC!

An Edwardian mystery for bibliophiles. Oxford, 1901. Lilian Delaney is a bookbinding apprentice who happens upon the trail of a fifty-year-old scandal tucked into the pages of a novel. What starts as a booklover’s curiosity becomes a breathless life-or-death race to the truth.

This book has lovely ingredients that I am sure many will enjoy: the twists and turns are well crafted, the period setting creates an aesthetic backdrop for a moody mystery, and the author’s genuine passion for bookbinding shines through! Unfortunately, the final recipe was not quite to my taste.

There were three areas of concerns for me: pacing, show vs. tell, and b-plots.

Pacing. The first hundred pages lack motivation. There are no clear stakes and the plot stagnates; had this not been an ARC, I likely would have DNF’d. This does resolve in the second half and once a sense of urgency kicks into gear, the story moves well– you just have to make it that far first.

Show vs. Tell. The narrative skews heavily towards “tell”, especially in the ‘mystery pages’. Without giving spoilers, the formatting choice feels like
data dumping; keeping the reader at emotional arm’s-length from what should be the juiciest parts of the story.

B-Plots. Specifically, the love-triangle. It didn’t work for me. Neither of the male love interests were given enough scene time with Lilian to matter. Instead of interacting with them directly, she largely broods to herself then simply declares how she feels. From a reader’s perspective, I didn’t know either of them well enough to care.

Overall, I would rate this 2.5 out of 5. There were entertaining aspects to the story but personally, this book was not my cup of tea.

This is a good mystery about the secrets found in the bindings of old books. However, violence comes along as the main character tries to solve the reason for the secrets. The book.is well written, characters well developed and the mystery is intriguing. My one negative comment is that it started to feel very repetitive and I was losing interest as it started to drag.

The prose of this book is beautifully illustrated. I was entranced immediately. I loved Lilian, her growth as a character was very relatable. At first the plot of the letters was a bit confusing, for why would anyone be after a love story? But as you learn more, the story really holds your attention. I did feel towards the middle it got a little repetitive but i'm glad I stuck to the story, it did not disappoint. And yes, I did notice and enjoy the authors "self insert".

4 🌟 upcoming historical fiction novel! Projected release date January 13th, 2026!

Lillian is a talented young bookbinder in a time dominated by men, working twice as hard to move ahead in the industry. One day she comes across a badly burned book, finding a secret, incomplete letter under the end pages, sparking a dangerous quest to uncover the rest of the letter and unravel the mystery within.

This novel was so intriguing! By the fourth chapter, I was immersed in the story, the intrigue, and the suspense. I felt this novel was well-written and the author did an excellent job of building suspense, as well as tying up loose ends by the conclusion. Lily was strong, determined, and quick-witted, an ideal female protagonist. I also loved how throughout the novel other women were the ones to help solve this mystery, despite being a patriarchal society. There was also a strong balance between evil and good; for every greedy, corrupt character there was one standing up for Lily and assisting her on her journey.

The only drawback for me was the romantic subplot. I felt it wasn’t cohesive with the main storyline and personally could have gone without it, as it was a bit distracting for me.

Such an excellent novel and I’m excited for this release!

Lillian Delaney is a bookbinder in the early 1900s, a unique thing in the then male dominated world in England. She falls upon a burned book and is intrigued when she finds correspondence within its bindings. Having been warned that the book (one of six) is a curse, she is spellbound by the story the letters hold. True to the warnings, bad things begin to happen to Lillian and her family and small circle of acquaintances. A mystery follows, one that Lillian is keen to figure out - who wrote these letters?

“I wished to bury myself in books and yet the real world called.”

I’ve felt like Lilian many, many times!

This captivating historical fiction appeals to book lovers and those who love a good mystery. I was pulled into the search after a bookbinder discovered a mysterious note beneath the cover of an old, charred book. I read way past my bedtime, wanting to uncover who wrote the note and why. I got lost in Lilian’s world and rooted for her to stand tall. I love that reading this book coincided with my bookbinding class! Miss Lilian Delaney was a wonderfully crafted character and was balanced well with her father and the less savory characters in the mystery.

I was left contemplating whether uncovering the truth is worth the risk to one’s life or not.

I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.

A mystery full of twists, threats, and forbidden truths you won’t see coming

The Bookbinder’s Secret by A.D. Bell may begin quietly, but its impact grows page by page until it’s impossible to look away. On the surface, it’s a suspenseful mystery: hidden manuscripts, dangerous secrets, and twists that strike just when the reader feels steady. Beneath that, though, runs a sharper current, a story about women’s voices, the violence of silencing them, and the fight to reclaim space in a world that would rather erase them.

Set in early 20th-century Oxford, it immerses the reader in the tactile world of bookbinding, bookselling, and publishing, describing the processes of creating and repairing books with remarkable authenticity. The writing is highly sensory, with descriptions that allow a skilled reader to see, smell, and hear the surroundings as if standing in the workshop or walking the city streets. It is a book that celebrates the physical presence of books themselves, contrasting the care and artistry of deluxe editions with the mass-produced works of later eras.

The tension in the novel works on multiple levels. There’s the immediate thrill of the mystery — betrayals, rising danger, and revelations that hit hard. At the same time, Bell creates an atmosphere thick with unease, where every discovery feels risky and every silence is suspect. The story is immersive without ever feeling overdone; dust, shadows, and secrecy make the story tighter, not slower. What sets the novel apart is how it blends suspense with deeper themes. The fear isn’t only about who will survive or what secrets will come to light, but about whether those truths will be heard at all. Even small details reinforce this idea. The parallel between the author’s name and the mystery writer in the story is a clever touch in a book so focused on who gets to tell history and who is left out.

The feminist dimension of this novel is impossible to overlook. It doesn’t present itself as a manifesto, but rather as a lived reality for women pushing against the confines of their time. Through its characters and setting, the book quietly but powerfully dismantles expectations placed on women, whether it’s the right to choose not to be a mother, the audacity to pursue a career, or the scandal of claiming ownership over one’s own sexuality. The plot also shines a light on overlooked histories, like women bookbinders slowly gaining recognition in a male-dominated trade. All of these details are blended into the story with subtlety, yet together they create a bold portrait of resistance. What could easily have been a conventional mystery becomes a meditation on women carving space for themselves in a world that insists they remain invisible.

Equally striking is the novel’s treatment of queer characters. They are written not as spectacles or side notes, but as people who simply exist within the community, their identities written easily into the story without fanfare. The main character’s acceptance of them feels refreshingly natural, never framed as an act of defiance or rebellion, but as the most ordinary thing in the world. This understated approach gives the book authenticity, showing diversity not as a point to prove, but as a reflection of reality. In a genre that often leans on stereotypes or dramatization, this matter-of-fact portrayal feels both modern and deeply respectful.

For readers who want more than just a clever puzzle, this novel offers layers of history, atmosphere, and cultural commentary that keep the pages turning long after the mystery itself unfolds. Highly recommended for fans of historical mysteries with depth, daring, and diversity.

Tropes and Vibes in The Bookbinder’s Secret

Historical mystery set in early 20th-century Oxford
Hidden letters and secret manuscripts
Bookbinding and rare book obsession
Female protagonist challenging societal norms
Feminist themes and bodily autonomy
Forbidden knowledge and dangerous secrets
Threats, violence, and escalating suspense
Twists, revelations, and clever plot construction
Quiet, matter-of-fact inclusivity and queer representation
Personal agency vs. societal constraints
Immersive sensory details

In 1901 Oxford, Lilian Delaney, a young bookbinder finds a story of forbidden love hidden beneath the cover lining of a partially burned book. When she discovers that there are more books by this author that also have hidden pages, she sets out to find them. However, she is not the only one looking for these lost pages.

I found the information about bookbinding to be the most interesting part of the book. Lilian's search for each of the missing books seemed too long and somewhat repetitive. I did not care for Lilian. She was self-centered and her sexual liberation seemed out of place in the story.

Thank you, St. Martin's Press and Net Galley for the advanced copy of this book. The comments expressed are my own.

I confess, I’ve never once considered the bindings of books. I just know I will pay more attention from now on! This book had me gripped from the very beginning. I found the story and the mystery fascinating. There was a time or 2 I felt myself lose interest, but I was determined to see it through. Just like Lillian, I HAD to know how the story within the story ended.

Thinking back now, there was one small plot point in the book that seemed unnecessary and I’m struggling to remember if it had any effect on the way the story moved forward.

I assume this is a standalone book, but I could see it as a series starter! I’ve read TONS of historical mystery series and I don’t recall any of them delving into the world of bookbinding. I would love to see Lillian solving book related mysteries perhaps aided by her good friend Ambrose? 😉

Thank you to Net Gailey and St. Martin’s Press for an early readers copy of this book. The opinions here are my own.

I initially found myself quickly engaged in the story of Lily Delaney, a bookbinder, who becomes involved in a mystery found in the binding of a burned book.

Although I found the story intriguing and continued to read it I found it did drag on and repeat as she found each book to solve her mystery. It was very sad and had so much loss and heaviness to it that it was hard to want to finish it. She encounters so much challenge that I found it tater depressing.

Ultimately the mystery kept me hanging on till the end, but the points in the story of this woman being very liberated in her lifestyle didn’t fit the narrative. It’s an interesting story but I’m not likely to recommend it. I rushed to get to the end to be a little disappointed by the ending.

3.8
I would love to give this charming, fluid book a better rating, but found that, despite its parts being perfectly pleasant, it just never coalesced for me.

The Bookbinder’s Secret by A. D. Bell is the mysterious story of a past love as well as a recognition that perhaps the heroine has her own relationship mistakes to rectify. Set in 1901, apprentice bookbinder Lilian Delaney finds a book heavily fire damaged that sets her on a dangerous journey that will alter her life. The details the author gives about the art of binding books is fascinating. The prose is beautifully crafted and gives the reader a good idea of social mores during the period setting. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley. Highly recommend.

This book gripped me from the beginning, and I didn't want to put it down when it was time to go be an adult again! The layers of intrigue were captivating, and I wish I could read it again for the first time. If you enjoy tales of high society, being surrounded by books, and cheering for the underdog, you will enjoy this book!

Thank you to NetGalley for a review copy of this book; all opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review.

First, I have to acknowledge the irony of reading this book on an e-reader, while drooling over the details of marbled endpapers and fine calfskin binding, hand-tooled and gilded. Yes, I love books in all their physicality - and these days I read more easily when I can adjust the font size. I fear the actual work of bookbinding is for eyes much younger than mine.

And Lily Delaney, the bookbinder of the title, is definitely young - with a combination of worldliness and naivete that speaks to women's constrained roles at the turn of the 20th century. Having stumbled on a mystery, she wants to solve it herself, and is perhaps not always the best judge of when and where to turn for help. She is more than competent, yet too often unaware of where danger may lurk. There were a few times when I wanted to yell, "Oh you're not going to do that are you?"

This intricately plotted novel is A.D. Bell's first published book, and I happily detect an opening for a possible sequel at the end.

Four and a quarter stars rounded down; the extra quarter point for the matter-of-fact acceptance of characters who are queer just because they are, and not because it moves the plot along.

The Bookbinder's Secret is an engrossing tale set in 1901, Oxford, surrounding a female bookbinder. Lily gets caught up in a dangerous game of cat and mouse when she finds hidden letters in the binding of a book. Historical fiction lovers won't be able to put this one down!

I really enjoyed this historical fiction novel set in Oxford in the early 1900s. When Lily, an apprentice to a bookbinder, discovers a hidden letter in a burned book she's been given, she sets out on a quest to solve the mystery. While the book dragged a bit at 400 pages, I wanted to keep reading to see if Lily would solve the mystery.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this ARC.

I admit I never gave any thought to how is book is bound. I have many old hardcover books but it never crossed my mind on what the process was to make the cover. Some rich person paid to have special covers. What a concept. To have a woman bookbinder has to have been a rare thing. I liked the bookbinder story wrapped around the secret pages trapped in the binding. It was like a story within a story. Each story was interesting and kept me guess what would happen next. A good story.