Why a Booktrail?
1901, 2025: There are many secrets hidden between the pages of a book
The BookBinder’s Secret
What you need to know before your trail
Lilian Delaney, apprentice to a master bookbinder in Oxford in 1901, chafes at the confines of her life, caught between the oppressive walls of her father’s bookshop and the limitations of being a woman in a man’s profession. But when a burned book comes into her possession, she finds hidden beneath the binding a fifty-year-old letter speaking of love, fortune and murder.
Lily is drawn into the mystery, which hints at a forbidden romance between young lovers, and learns there are other books which conceal more of the story. Lily becomes obsessed with finding them, but she is not the only one looking, and what began as a simple intrigue quickly turns dangerous.
Her journey takes her across the country, to the eccentric booksellers of London, private libraries of unscrupulous collectors and the dusty archives of society papers, as she delves further into the heart of the secret. But with sinister forces closing in, willing to do anything to obtain the books, Lily’s world begins to fall apart, and she must decide if uncovering the truth is worth losing everything
Locations
Reset- England - Oxford
- A: St Giles'
- B: Hythe Bridge
- C: Victor Street
- D: Bodleian Library
- England - London
- E: Cecil Court
- F: Foyles
- G: Paddington Station
Travel Guide
Oxford
Much of the novel is set in Oxford and its where we get to visit and be in the Bookbinders building and rooms. Such a fascinating place as you get to see how books are bound and what the work involves. Its fascinating! Lots of gothic detail involving spires and dark academia vibes which is perfect.
London
Cecil Court is the magical alley where books of all ages and descriptions are sold. This is very much true despite the fact that the bookshop/binders in the novel is sadly not real. Or is it…
It’s a very special place regardless!
Bath is also mentioned – as this is where Tynedale House is close to – around 5 miles out of the city. It’s where Dr Abraham resides. This is not on the map as the house is fictional and to be honest – the magic is in London and Oxford.
BookTrail Boarding Pass: The Bookbinder’s Secret
Destination/location: Oxford, London Author/guide: A D Bell Departure Time: 1901, 2025
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