'page-turner' originates from the English words 'page' and 'turner', where 'page' refers to a single side of a sheet of paper in a book, and 'turner' refers to the act of turning pages.

'page-turner' was coined in the 20th century to describe books that are so engaging that readers are eager to turn the pages.

Initially, it meant a book that was engaging, and this meaning has remained consistent in modern usage.