The Secret Rooms: A True Gothic Mystery

By: Catherine Bailey

Narrated by: Stephen Rashbrook

In April 1940, the ninth Duke of Rutland died in mysterious circumstances in one of the rooms of his family estate, Belvoir Castle. The mystery surrounding these rooms holds the key to a tragic story that is played out on the brutal battlefields of the Western Front and in the exclusive salons of Mayfair and Belgravia in the dying years of la belle époque. Uncovered is a dark and disturbing period in the history of the Rutland family, and one which they were determined to keep hidden for over 60 years. Sixty years on, The Secret Rooms is the true story of family secrets and one man’s determination to keep the past hidden at any cost.

©2012 Catherine Bailey (P)2012 Audible Ltd

Critic reviews

"Reads like the best kind of mystery story. It is a tale of mistresses and heirlooms, cowardice and connivance, and a deeply dysfunctional family...gripping." ( Sunday Times)

"Astonishing...jaw-dropping...It would spoil the book if I revealed the whole works, suffice it to say...what a family." ( Sunday Telegraph)

Well Worth A Listen

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

A riveting book. I am not entirely certain that I agree with all of the author's conclusions, but she has done a fabulous job of detective work (a major part of the story), and this is particularly fascinating for anyone who is familiar with the era or the characters.

Who was your favorite character and why?

No one comes out looking very admirable.

Which scene was your favorite?

The boxes of old letters the duke did not manage to destroy.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes.

Any additional comments?

Excellent and absorbing.

Historically mysterious with lots of intrigue

History buffs and mystery buffs this is a must read Loved the rich details and the story line
great plot and detailing of characters.

gripping!

This is on my list of best-ever reads. The author's tracking down of documents and other clues to solve the mystery of the title is beautifully paced. As she follows the trail, the two principal settings, life of the privileged upper classes and the trenches of the Western Front, are excellently depicted. She writes well and maintains the suspense throughout. Stephen Rashbrook's narration is perfect - his voice, his accent, foreign pronunciations, pace, evocation of mood - wonderful! This book and the reader are highly recommended.

Captivating but soon dries out

The narrator is clear but dry and does not articulate well between characters. The storyline remains interesting but seems to lose some of its original allure.

Gently paced, historical journey

If you could sum up The Secret Rooms: A True Gothic Mystery in three words, what would they be?

Not Gothic Mystry

What other book might you compare The Secret Rooms: A True Gothic Mystery to and why?

The Suspicions of Mr Whitcher, The Secrets of a Victorian Lady

What does Stephen Rashbrook bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

As a paper novel, I probably would have been distracted, but the phrasing and his characters brought the story to life

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I felt enlightened and ever grateful to be living in this century and not last

Any additional comments?

Despite not being a "fast-pasted, haunted mystery", as a historical journey , it unfolds the truth in an intriguing and enjoyable manner. I felt I was being told a story by a fire for my amusement, as such I tried to listen to it in as near as one go as my schedule allowed.