Alchemy of Secrets: A Novel

· Macmillan Audio · Narrated by Sutton Foster
2 reviews
Audiobook
10 hr 6 min
Unabridged
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About this audiobook

The HOTLY ANTICIPATED adult debut novel by the beloved, #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING author of the Caraval and Once Upon a Broken Heart series. This audiobook is read by Tony Award–winning actress Sutton Foster

“Foster’s evocative and consistent tone throws the reader a lifeline amid a multitude of uncanny characters and mindbending plots as Garber twists and turns the narrative at every corner.” — Booklist

"Tony Award winner Sutton Foster capably portrays grad student Holland St. James...What better guide to a mystical world of the unknown could there be than Sutton Foster?" — Kirkus

It starts with a class in an old movie theater.

Folklore 517: Local Legends and Urban Myths, taught by a woman called the Professor. Most students believe the Professor’s stories are just fiction, but Holland St. James has always been convinced that magic is real. When she tracks down a local legend named the Watch Man, who can supposedly tell you when you’ll die, the world finally makes sense. Except that the Watch Man tells her she will die at midnight tomorrow unless she finds an ancient object called the Alchemical Heart.

With the clock ticking, Holland is pulled deeper into this magical world in the heart of Los Angeles—and into the path of a magnetic stranger. Everything about him feels like a bad idea, but he promises Holland that her sister sent him to protect her. As they chase clues and stories that take them closer to the Alchemical Heart, Holland realizes everyone in this intoxicating new world is lying to her, even this stranger. And if she can’t figure out whom to trust, not even the Alchemical Heart will save her.

A Macmillan Audio production from Flatiron Books

The HOTLY ANTICIPATED adult debut novel by the beloved, #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING author of the Caraval and Once Upon a Broken Heart series. This audiobook is read by Tony Award–winning actress Sutton Foster “Foster’s evocative and consistent tone throws the reader a lifeline amid a multitud...

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Ratings and reviews

2 reviews
Becky Bing
November 16, 2025
In Alchemy of Secrets, Stephanie Garber goes from fairytale to urban folklore. She has a wonderful way of writing stories within stories and my favorite part of this book was reading about the different folklores. Add in some old Hollywood vibes and and a mystery object our FMC is in pursuit of, and it was a fun albeit confusing ride at times. I wasn't always sure about Holland's decision making or why certain characters were there, but given that this isn't a standalone, I'm hoping more will be explained in book two. Overall, the book held my attention and I'm looking forward to seeing where the story goes. Thank you to @macmillan.audio for the #gifted ALC at New York Comic Con! I enjoyed listening to Sutton Foster's portrayal of Holland and the various characters.
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Darcey Harding
October 18, 2025
captivating
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About the author

Stephanie Garber is the #1 New York Times and internationally bestselling author of Once Upon a Broken Heart, The Ballad of Never After, and the Caraval trilogy. Her books have been translated into thirty languages. Alchemy of Secrets is her adult debut novel.
Stephanie Garber is the #1 New York Times and internationally bestselling author of Once Upon a Broken Heart, The Ballad of Never After, and the Caraval trilogy. Her books have been translated into thirty languages. Alchemy of Secrets is her adult debut novel.

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