When you’re a book lover and you get an historical fiction book that’s about books which is also a mystery and a story with a story then you’ve hit the jackpot!
The Bookbinder’s Secret is all of those things. I was absorbed from the first word to the last full stop. It also allowed me into a world I had not encountered before – bookbinding. In fact, the book world in general and it seems that the world of books at the turn of the century had its darker side. Although the book begins in 1901, I did find there was quite a Victorian feel to the story.
Enter Lillian, Lily, daughter of a book seller and an apprentice bookbinder. Not a run of the mill profession back then and another compelling aspect of this story is the place of the women in a professional world and the attitudes they encountered. Sometimes, sadly, it feels that not everything has changed.
Lily is an interesting character. Strong, stubborn maybe, very resourceful. But possessed of an indomitable spirit. There were times when I found her hard to like but overall, I celebrated her resilience and her perseverance. There are some other really great characters in the book. I couldn’t help feeling such affection for Mr Caxton. And I loved Ambrose Fane, he did provide a little light relief for me certainly.
The catalyst for the story is Lily’s acquisition of a burned book. Hidden underneath the binding of that book she finds a letter that hints of romance and homicide. Intrigued by her find Lily wants to know more. And it is this curiosity that sends her spiralling into a mystery that threatens her and those she loves. And I’m reluctant to give too much more away!
Well researched, well-paced and plotted ,it is a dark story that somehow seems perfect for autumn and winter days. The ending is largely redemptive and whether it is the author’s intention or not there was a strong hint that there may be more stories of Lily and the world of books to follow. Unless that’s just wishful thinking on my part! My understanding is that this is the first book by this writer. I fervently hope that it is not the last.
My thanks to HQ stories for a gifted copy.
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