The Secret Book Society

A Novel

De: Madeline Martin

Narrado por: Saskia Maarleveld

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.

©2025 Madeline Martin (P)2025 Harlequin Enterprises, Limited

gripping story line

Very interesting story line. I knew very little about the Victorian period . This was truly eye-opening. Great narration and story. I highly recommend this book.

I loved this book

So good the power of friendship, and women believing and supporting women. I am so glad I read this!

A fabulous read - not to miss!

I read many of Madeline Martins books. I’ve loved them all, but this one is exceptional. Also, the narrator Saskia.M is excellent. The author has a superb way of grasping the emotional state and feelings of her characters. Bravo!

The accurate portrayal of what women endured during those gilded ages and their mistreatment

I liked it all, the details, the descriptions, the emotions, the subtlety and women helping women instead of going against one’s own gender

A must read!

One of the best historical fiction books I’ve ever read! I listened to it in one day!! Definitely recommend!!

Women’s Friendships

Excellent story telling, compelling plot line, interesting characters. I enjoyed this book immensely. Looking forward to reading more from this author.

Story of Courage.

Fantastic read. Story of the importance of Women supporting each other. Informative of lifestyle during the time period.

A tale of the power of friendship

A story that made me shake my head in disbelief and cheer the courage, strength and resilience of women oppressed by social standing and societal norms. I could not stop listening. Loved it.

I love the women supporting women theme

The story was very interesting as it shared commonalities among the women regardless of background or age

Wonderful book!

Another wonderful book by Madeline Martin! If you love stories about female empowerment and sisterhood, then The Secret Book Society is definitely one you should add to your to-be-read list. I truly loved the friendship and camaraderie between Lady Duxbury, Eleanor, Lavinia, and Rose. Each of them have their own individual struggles and heartaches, and the way they stand up for each other and cheer each other on is so endearing. I found myself rooting for them also, and I lost count of the many times I clapped loudly and yelled "You go, girl!" while driving and listening to this audiobook. LOL. Madeline Martin is such an amazing storyteller, and her words flow effortlessly and beautifully. Also, I feel like I'm always learning something new (historically) when I read her work, and this time was no different. I didn't realize during this time period how many women were sent to mental institutions just for not bending to the "rules" of this era, when it was looked down upon for women to read and - heaven forbid - have their own thoughts and opinions. And what can I say about my favorite narrator, Saskia Maarleveld, that I haven't already said countless times before? She is simply incredible. I would happily listen to her recite the alphabet over and over again. When she and Madeline Martin join forces on a story, it's pure magic.