An absolute page turner. It feels like there is so much going on in this book, but it also feels very manageable chaos. I felt very invested in every story arc that was happening. From the romance, to the mystery of the books, to the mystery of the content of the books.

I really enjoyed that the author dove a little bit in to actual book binding. I found those more descriptive sections of Lilly actually practicing bookbinding very interesting.  I felt I could really see with my eyes these books that she was on the hunt for.

I realized while reading that I dislike useless characters. Filler characters. In this book, all the characters are useful. They’re introduced and a lot of times I wrote them off, thinking they were filler characters, but Bell did an excellent job. Weaving her web and connecting all the dots. I really enjoyed how things started to connect as the story picked up pace. I thought this was an extremely well done book, fast paced without feeling rushed. 

My only little criticism is the time period with modern ideas was a little too mixed. I can appreciate wanting to tell a good story rather than limit yourself. You have to set it kind of back in the day if you want it to be in a book binding flush world, because obviously it’s not as common nowadays. I understand that Lilly wasn’t too high on the social ladder so she doesn’t have to follow all the rules … but I too often forgot that we were not in the modern era due to the liberties taken.

Overall, excellent read. Won’t be my last A.D. Bell.

Stats: 400 pages – Expected publication January 13, 2026

**Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for a copy of the ARC in exchange for an honest review.