The Bookshop of Secrets

De: Kerry Barrett

Narrado por: Polly Edsell

‘What a page turner!' Daisy Wood, author of The Forgotten Bookshop in Paris

'A delicious Art Deco novel with a delightfully acerbic heroine.' Marius Gabriel, author of The German Daughter

'Original and immersive.' Eva Glyn, author of An Island of Secrets

In a bookshop nestled in the sprawling streets of Lisbon, a shopkeeper leads a double life…

Looking for a new start after her father’s death, Lara Hope arrives in Lisbon in search of a family she’s never met.

As war storms across Europe, Lara finds solace and belonging in her landlady’s tranquil bookshop in one of the most beautiful corners of the city.

But when she witnesses a customer secretly swapping a book, she realises the bookshop is not all it seems. Lara is plunged into a labyrinthine world of mystery and facades, encountering new friends, an unexpected romance, and even royalty… Is she prepared to risk it all for this new life?

'The ending left me wanting more…these characters are too engaging and too ingenious to disappear into the ether' Historical Novel Society

‘I lapped it up!’ Eliza Graham

'A must-read for historical fiction fans and for me, Kerry Barrett’s best book yet.' Annie Lyons

'A gripping ‘what if’ tale with a larger-than-life heroine at its heart.' Tessa Harris

©2025 Kerry Barrett (P)2025 HarperCollins Publishers

Overall an okay WWII based book

Overall it was an okay WWII based book where the narrator is stuck in Lisbon. You never hear about maybe her money or passport being used by someone else but it is the basis of why she needs a job & couldn’t leave. I had wondered if she’d ever learn more about her moms family but you never really hear anymore besides how the family home never had anyone in the family for it to be inherited by when her grandfather died. I had thought maybe that would be coming up again but it was not. An interesting story be told. But I was ready for the book to be over!

Pretty good take on spies in Lisbon and the miracle of dunkirk

Good character development and interesting plot.a nice blend of people from many walks of life.
Could have done without the bad language but it was infrequent.
Liked the descriptions of wartime Lisbon.

Slow, but not bad

The story was alright and the narrator stepped up to the challenge of many voices. But it wasn’t exceptional in any way

The Lisbon Interlude

I loved the connection to history and the flavor of Lisbon throughout the entire story, I thoroughly enjoyed the characters in the story. The danger, the tension and solutions to puzzles and problems. I think I would happily read this story again.

Endearing characters

Decent storyline, and characters, Love the authentic personalities and caring group of people turned friends. Reader made the story better.

Two of my favorite things

I love Lisbon and British accents! Best of both worlds for me! Great story, interesting characters lots of information. My only disappointment were the accents of Portuguese locals. It’s such a beautiful melodic language but delivery was chopped and blunt. Sad to me.

Reader was wonderful with voices.

Reader was amazing with changes in voices per characters. It was so hard to put down.

The power of kindness

The plucky protagonist is lovable and utterly engaging, and I couldn’t help but find myself rooting for her throughout this page -turner of a book. The premise wobbles a bit, but that felt a small price to pay for the pace, the plot turns, and the potent reminder of the magical power of kindness.

A little slow but what a great middle and end!

Didn’t like how slow it seemed at first but LOVED the middle and end! Kept me listening to it!

Great mystery and intrigue with a twist

This was a great listen with a relatable main character who exhibits the best of us - the adventurer, willing worker, stranger in a foreign land, engaging conversationalist and unlikely, but very brave, hero.