The Secretary

A Novel

By: Renée Knight

Narrated by: Victoria Hamilton

Renée Knight follows up her international sensation Disclaimer with this shivery tale of psychological suspense, featuring a character as disturbing and compelling as Mrs. Danvers in Daphne Du Maurier’s Rebecca.

From her first day as Personal Assistant to the celebrated Mina Appleton, Christine Butcher understands what is expected of her. Absolute loyalty. Absolute discretion. For twenty years, Christine has been a most devoted servant, a silent witness to everything in Mina’s life. So quiet, you would hardly know she is there.

Day after day, year after year, Christine has been there, invisible—watching, listening, absorbing all the secrets floating around her. Keeping them safe.

Christine is trusted. But those years of loyalty and discretion come with a high price. And eventually Christine will pay.

Yet, it would be a mistake to underestimate such a steadfast woman. Because as everyone is about to discover, there’s a dangerous line between obedience and obsession.

Compelling

I didn’t like the ending. Not satisfactory in the sense of why this book was written…dismal…

I Loved It

This isn't high literature but I really loved the journey! The writing is good, accessible, and the characters are interesting. Never a dull moment and moves along at a perfect pace. Basically, it's a story of self-destruction and greed. The author is creative, I loved how she woven the story together---it was like watching a train wreck, you wanted to know what happens. While the ending isn't conclusive, it's perfect and adds to the overall tension building atmosphere. I am adding Ms. Knight to my list of authors to follow!

Really slow start.

if I wasn't busy doing a household chores and I actually sat down and was reading it because I was interesting I would not have finish this book.
doesn't start getting good until literally the middle of the book so be patient if you want to read this.

The performance however was amazing it was like she was talking to you directly.

The poor cat!

Among the many, many British thrillers read by ladies with lovely accents, this stands out as a fascinating study of two women bound together by professional need. One takes endlessly; the other gives in the same way. Can that table turn?

Recommended, although you will tire of the adjective “fra-GILE.”

Quite engaging. Lovely narration.

subtly creepy

moves at a moderate pace and has a sort of claustrophobic effect, which I found very consistent with the character of the narrator. I liked it. It was almost a cautionary tale about a manipulative and self-absorbed boss.