The Bookshop of Secrets

By: Kerry Barrett

Narrated by: 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?

Readers love The Bookshop of Secrets:

'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

'This book was an absolute joy. I didn’t want to finish it' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'I adored this novel and found it hard to put down. The plot unfolds with ease and you easily warm to the characters'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'Beautifully written' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'An exceptional read' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

©2025 Kerry Barrett (P)2025 HarperCollins Publishers

Critic reviews

'A delicious Art Deco novel with a delightfully acerbic heroine and a cast of fabulously diverse characters having perilous adventures in exotic locations – what more could you want? Lovely fireside reading!' Marius Gabriel

‘What a page turner! A bookshop in wartime Lisbon is the gateway to a thrilling world of mystery, espionage, adventure and romance for brilliant and beautiful Lara.' Daisy Wood

'Original and immersive. If you read one Second World War novel in 2025 – make it this one.' Eva Glyn

‘A lively trip up the vertiginous backstreets of wartime Lisbon that serves up Nazi spies, Edward and Mrs Simpson and a bookshop with a difference, all seen through the eyes of an engaging young British actress. I lapped it up!’ Eliza Graham

'I was completely swept away by the story of smart, savvy heroine, Lara and the wonderfully, eclectic cast of supporting characters. 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

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

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!

Couldn’t put it down

I loved everything about this book!
The story was so enjoyable. The narrator was great. I loved the historical references

Wonderful story!

I loved a different take and perspective on WWII. The narrator was wonderful and the character were so interesting. I highly recommend this book!

Loved this!!

What a great story. I’m always pleased when an interesting storyline can be woven with historical timelines and likeable characters. I was sorry to see this one end.

Great story!

I loved it all. The whole story was great and the narrator was also wonderful!