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

Liked it after awhile

This was written of a time period I know little about. It was very interesting to learn more about it as I indulged in the plot and grew fond of each female character. Well written.

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.

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.

a tale of survival, friendship and a mother's love

I adored this story. romantic love isnt at the forefront of the story - instead it is a tale of women supporting each other, being a friend to each other and leaning in solidarity in shared experiences of oppression. I related to each woman differently. as a survivor of DV and as a woman in the 21st century, the book and its messages are modern and yet fit so beautifully into this 18th century setting as well.

I loved this book

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

Girl gang

Women empowering women in a time when they had most rights taken away. I encourage you to give this palate cleanser a chance, you won’t regret it. I will say, the situations faced in the novel are not pleasant, but reflect real life.

Madeline Martin, the best one yet

Let me start this review a little bit differently than I would most, everybody needs a Lady Duxbury in their life. Listen to the book all the way through, trust me you'll get it. Madeline Martin did such an outstanding job and creating characters that are of the Victorian age, but also relatable to someone today. As I got further and further into the book I was so much more invested in each of the characters and it did what the great books do, it made me happy, it made me angry, and around and around I went. I cannot recommend this enough, Madeline Martin really outdid herself! The narration was outstanding! Everybody knows that listens to audiobooks, the narration is just as important as the quality of the book itself and the narrator does not disappoint. She made me really dislike the villains just the sound of their voice and at the same time love listening to the heroines of the book. This writer narrator combination is truly magical.