I know this is a dumb question but how do you open the secret passage in the basemant? Can't see any obvious handles or chain?

There is a red button to the right of the bookshelf and above the table. It's hard to see, so you might need Mage/Candlelight or a torch.

Dear lord, I have completed that quest how many times and that button still gets me every time.

Thanks for the help. I found it with a torch. It is hard to see in the dark location.