From bestselling author Louise Fein comes a new historical novel about an encrypted manuscript that unleashes a chain of consequences across 400 years, set in a world of banned books, fear of new ideas, and the dangers of censorship, perfect for fans of The Briar Club and Weyward.

"What power lay there in words on a page. And with that thought, Charlotte knew she would not rest until she had seen what was in the manuscript that Lysbette so desperately wanted to preserve in print.”

London, 1928.

Eleanor and Edward Hamilton have wealth, status, and a happy marriage—but the 1929 financial crash is looming, and they’re harbouring a terrible, shameful secret. How far are they willing to go to protect their charmed life—even if it means abandoning their child to a horrific fate?

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My autumn newsletter will be winging its way on 2nd November 2025 with details of a SUBSCRIBERS ONLY competition to win my last Advance Reader’s copy of Book of Forbidden Words! There will also be some early fascinating facts about the real manuscript and history behind the book. Sign up before 2nd November to make sure you receive your copy.

I’m thrilled that the French edition of The London Bookshop Affair, La Librairie des Faux-Semblants, has won the Grand Prix Du Roman Historique 2025 which is a competition run by my publisher, Hauteville, together with Prima and ça Histoire, the winner being selected by readers, which obviously makes me very happy! The new pocket edition (poche) is out now.