The Secret Book Society: A Novel

by Madeline Martin

Overview

A captivating new historical novel from Madeline Martin, set in Victorian London about a forbidden book club, dangerous secrets, and the women who dare to break free.

You are cordially invited to the Secret Book Society...

London, 1895: Trapped by oppressive marriages and societal expectations, three women receive a mysterious invitation to an afternoon tea at the home of the reclusive Lady Duxbury. Beneath the genteel facade of the gathering lies a secret book club--a sanctuary where they can discover freedom, sisterhood, and the courage to rewrite their stories.

Eleanor Clarke, a devoted mother suffocating under the tyranny of her husband. Rose Wharton, a transplanted American dollar princess struggling to fit the mold of an aristocratic wife. Lavinia Cavendish, an artistic young woman haunted by a dangerous family secret. All are drawn to the enigmatic Lady Duxbury, a thrice-widowed countess whose husbands' untimely deaths have sparked whispers of murder.

As the women form deep, heartwarming friendships, they uncover secrets about their marriages, their pasts, and the risks they face. Their courage is their only weapon in the oppressive world that has kept them silent, but when secrets are deadly, one misstep could cost them everything.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781335016287
Publisher:	Hanover Square Press
Publication date:	08/26/2025
Edition description:	Original
Pages:	336
Product dimensions:	5.20(w) x 8.00(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

Madeline Martin is a New York Times, USA TODAY, and international bestselling author of historical fiction and historical romance with books that have been translated into over twenty different languages.

Editorial Reviews

A Most Anticipated Book from BookRiot, Parade, Goodreads, and Bookbub

“Martin delivers a compelling tale of four Victorian women finding strength and friendship through forbidden literature, using evocative prose that captures the restrictions of their society and the liberation found in the written word…With a compelling blend of historical detail, female friendship, and shared connections, The Secret Book Society reminds us of the surprising power of literature in our search for connection, independence, and autonomy.” –Booklist

"A top choice for book clubs." –Bookreporter


"Sometimes, velvet-draped parlors conceal more than scandal...they hide whispers of rebellion. And so unfolds a tale of courage, friendship, and the power of books explored in Madeline Martin's latest, The Secret Book Society. Poignant, subversive, and sure to be a hit with book clubs."
—Sarah Penner, New York Times bestselling author of The Amalfi Curse

“Madeline Martin’s The Secret Book Society is a triumph of historical fiction—rich with impeccable research and brimming with heart. She brings Victorian London to life with vivid detail, immersing readers in a world where literature becomes a lifeline and the secret language of flowers speaks volumes. This is a love letter to the power of books, friendship, and the quiet, radical strength of women who dare to dream beyond the constraints of their time. Martin masterfully weaves danger, mystery, and hope into a story that empowers and uplifts. I was completely swept away by this bold, beautiful tale of sisterhood and self-discovery.”
—Eliza Knight, USA Today and international bestselling author of Confessions of a Grammar Queen

"In The Secret Book Society, Madeline Martin crafts a beguiling tale of sisterhood and empowerment, set against the enigmatic background of Victorian England. Fans of Sarah Penner’s The Lost Apothecary will devour this book, which brings together historical mystery, breathtaking suspense and female friendship in a heady and breathtaking masterpiece."
—Pam Jenoff, New York Times Bestselling Author of Last Twlight in Paris

"Martin’s literary fusion of Bridgerton and The Chick’s Earl brims with a mischievous glee, while at the same time offering a sobering look at how women have been subjugated for the simple joy of reading. The novel stands as a testament to women’s ingenuity, strength, and empowerment. Another winner by a masterful writer."
—Fiona Davis, New York Times bestselling author of The Stolen Queen

“The Secret Book Society is a magnificent historical novel about the bonds of sisterhood and the power of books to unite and inspire. Madeline Martin brings the Victorian era to breathtaking life with her lush descriptions and perfectly paced storytelling. Every line is elegantly rendered, conjuring the shimmer of a silk dress, the suspense of a weighted look, and the mystery of soon-to-be discovered secrets. An absolute masterpiece.”
—Mimi Matthews, USA Today bestselling author of The Muse of Maiden Lane

From the Publisher