THE DUKE’S SECRET

 THE DUKE’S SECRET

Reviewed By  Grasshopper2       February 7, 2026

 

Author  Sue Williams

Distributor:      Allen and UNwin
ISBN:                 978-1761471704
Publisher:         Allen and Unwin
Release Date:   ‎ 3 February 2026  

   Website:   https://www.amazon.com.au/Dukes-Secret-Sue-Williams/dp/1761471708

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Sue Williams is renown for her accurate and detailed research on which her books are based. Her facts are referenced carefully. Her previous book dealt with early Australian History and highlighted the role that women played to support men founding the young colony.

The Dukes Secret investigates the life of the Duke of Wellington and surprisingly involves Sue’s family. She has carefully woven details about the Duke with emphasis on the women he called family. His victories on the battlefield, while impressive, were not reflected in his behaviour at home.

This story begins in 1793 with a young maid servant in the duke’s large house in London. We learn about her story and then the following chapter begins in 2025, with a young lady called Ava Washington. The distinction between the two time periods is never confusing.

Ava has discovered that she may be related to the Duke of Wellington through her father. He has passed on the family story with some names but would love to discover the truth to the family rumours. As Ava is a journalist this catches her interest and she decides to investigate this fully.

The young journalist travels to England and while she is unearthing facts and documents on the Duke, the interspersing chapters focus on the young housemaid. Her story and that of the day-to-day life of the household fill in the missing details. Ava discovers many fascinating connections as she searches.

Meanwhile, Ava has a story of her own, and we learn that she has a boyfriend who works with her and is less than scrupulous. There are many points of interest to enjoy in this story, and the historical aspect is again enlightening.

Fiction, General, Historical