The Maid's Secret: A compelling historical murder mystery

A Penny Green Victorian Mystery #3

by Emily Organ

Cyanide in the champagne. A family with deadly intentions... Can an undercover reporter reveal the truth before it’s too late?

London, 1884. When reporter Penny Green is tasked with going undercover as a maid to spy on a Victorian industrialist in his South Kensington home, she expects intrigue. But she never imagined murder.

When a young woman is found dead at her own birthday party, poisoned by cyanide in her champagne, Penny realises she’s stumbled into something far more sinister than family squabbles.

With the help of Inspector James Blakely, Penny unravels a tangled web of secrets. But events escalate with a second suspicious death. Can Penny solve the mystery before her cover is blown? Or will her disguise as a humble maid be her undoing in this house of secrets?

A gripping Victorian mystery that will keep you guessing until the very end. The Maid's Secret is the next thrilling instalment in the bestselling Penny Green series.

Readers love The Maid’s Secret and the Penny Green

‘By far my favorite of the series. I loved every single page of this book. It was truly a delight. I am already looking forward to the next one!’ Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I think I've found my new favorite author… kept me guessing "whodunit" until the very end. I have been reading British mysteries for the past couple of years and no other author has had me reading every spare second of the day.’ Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘A Victorian Delight!’ Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘If you like Agatha Christie books you are going to like this one.’ Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I have read all of this series of books. They are marvellous. I can hardly wait for the next one.’ Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘This is an excellent series! Great character development… Very atmospheric.’ Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Couldn’t put it down. You never knew who did it till the end... a must read.’ Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘A beautifully told tale. I really like Emily Organ’s writing. She has a lovely way with words and the historical setting is most evocative… this is my third book and I am on to the rest in the series. Highly recommended.’ Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Totally enthralled! Love this series.’ Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Historical, Fiction, Historical Mystery, Victorian, Crime

328 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 11, 2017

About the author

Emily Organ is the author of over thirty historical cozy mysteries set in Victorian and 1920s England. Her bestselling series include the Penny Green Victorian Mysteries, the Augusta Peel Mysteries, and her newest Emma Langley Victorian Mysteries, in which a plucky widow teams up with former reporter Penny Green. She also writes the Churchill & Pemberley cozy mysteries, featuring two spirited senior sleuths. Emily’s books combine warmth, wit, and a love of history, inspired by her fascination with London’s past. 

Reviews

[Etienne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I give it 3 stars because I always rate book based on a personal appreciation, but I have no trouble understanding a four stars rating for this book. It was a bit light and easy going for me, but it well written and have a good ambiance of Victorian era with some romance and some mysteries. I like mysteries to be darker and this one wasn't really. So a good book, if you like slow pace and soft mysteries and this old London vibes you should have a look. Good book, just not my style!

[Nicki · Rating 2 out of 5]

This Penny Green story is a little different to the first two books in a couple of ways. Firstly, Penny goes undercover as part of a police/press investigation into a rich factory owner. Secondly, for the first time, Penny doesn't simply jump to conclusions about who the villain is. She doesn't have a clue who it is, but that's a little better than her usual schtick of fixating on a suspect for no discernible reason.

The whole premise of a joint investigation between the press and the police is a strange one. It seems almost that the owner of the Morning Express is hiring Inspector Blakely of Scotland Yard to carry out a private investigation. Maybe this sort of thing happened in Victorian times, but it seems very odd. Also odd is Penny's decision not to go undercover as a governess but as a maid. As a lady of a certain class, Penny has probably never so much as picked up a duster, never mind scrubbed doorsteps, floors and copper pans. How she ever passed as a maid, I will never know.

Anyway, the mystery in this book is more or less contained in one house and one specific set of suspects. The denouement takes place Agatha Christie-style with all the players gathered in the library while the dashing Inspector Blakely lays out the case and accuses the wrongdoers. It's a strange one, barely believable, in fact.

In the meantime, Penny and James take one step forward, two steps back in their personal relationship. I can't help thinking the two of them would benefit from someone knocking their heads together.

I think it's time for me to take a break from Penny Green and her friends for a while.

[Ellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Penny Green, now on her third adventure as a newspaper report, goes undercover as a Maid in the Glenville household to help discover who Victorian industrialist Alexander Glenville really is. While there she stumbles into two murders and must work with Inspector James Blakely to determine who committed them.

I really like Penny - in large part because she is a spirited and determined soul. She creates her own path in a time when women had few choices.

The mystery was interesting, although not overly difficult to figure out.

What frustrated me with this book was her relationship with James - he seems to really care about her and yet he continues in another relationship that most likely will not be a fit for him and this causes drama. I would really like to see someone who is not only Penny's equal but who realizes that she is so - and treats with the love and respect she deserves...and no Mr. Edwards is not her equal.

Also, can we move forward on Penny's Dad? If it is going to be to be continued storyline in the series it would be nice to have some resolution regarding him.

I have read the first two books in the Penny Green series and greatly enjoyed both. This one didn't quite hit the mark for me like the other two - however, I still found it to be entertaining and will be sure to pick up the next one when it comes out.

[Chantelle Marshall · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars (Audible PlusCatalog). Solid story/series with a female journalist (unheard of in this era) + an actually not-so-bumbling detective that she's fallen for. Has Miss Scarlet and the Duke vibes. Book 3 of 3 in this package deal. I honestly guessed who was responsible from the beginning, but was entertained as the story unfolded nonetheless.

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this ebook for free in return for an honest review.

This is one of my favorite series, and this book wasn't a let-down. I wish we'd seen more of Penny in the sleuthing at the end, but we get to see more between Penny and James, so I'll take it. If you haven't read any of these books, I highly recommend them.

[Kathy Holm · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Maid's Secret

I am sorry to say, I found the book plain, slow moving and just plain boring.....the story is too simple with no color or adventure.

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Would have been 4 stars if it hadn’t been for the ending.

[Laura Porto · Rating 3 out of 5]

Emily Organ's The Maid's Secret, offers a compelling blend of historical intrigue and amateur sleuthing. Set in 1884 London, the novel follows reporter Penny Green as she goes undercover as a maid in a wealthy household, only to find herself entangled in a web of murder and deception. Organ's attention to period detail and the atmospheric setting are commendable, immersing readers in the complexities of Victorian society. The mystery's resolution feels somewhat forced and Penny's undercover role stretches credulity. The relationship between Penny and the Inspector becomes tiresome. If this is the tenor of the interactions in the future I would not enjoy reading any additional books in the series. If you enjoy light historical mysteries and don't mind a hefty dose of will they won't they Victorian style this series is for you.

[Eileen Lynx · Rating 4 out of 5]

The romance portion is getting a bit tiresome but the mystery story more than made up for it.

[C-shaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Penny Green! Emily Organ is a superb writer. This one did not disappoint. Book #4, here I come!

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

The mystery in this installment is a bit thin . . . and there are one or two loose ends not completely tied up. Also, the solution was a bit of a surprise, though all was well explained.

Penny is sent to work undercover at the house of an industrialist about whom there are many rumors, most about deplorable conditions in his vinegar making factory. But, though willing, she's ill suited to the duties of a housemaid worries constantly that she's about to be discovered. When the eldest daughter of the house dies of poisoning at her 18th birthday party, she has to decide whether to try to maintain her maid persona or let the investigating officer know who she really is.

To her relief, her old friend James Blakely is part of the investigation so she knows he has her back. But she still feels in danger -- her room is frequently searched and the other maid of the house has been acting strangely since the daughter's death.

There were some things that happened that seemed unlikely and perhaps more than the usual number of coincidences. And, as mentioned, the ultimate solution came out of nowhere: part of the answer was based on a fact which was not given to the reader until the final exposition chapters. So, not entirely fair. Still, it was overall an enjoyable read.

[Nadishka Aloysius · Rating 2 out of 5]

The setting was believable, and I liked little additions like rules for cycling. The characters were likeable.
However, I found plot holes and off moments in the story. I really don't like wondering "Why did they allow her to do that?" and then realise "Oh! so it is because she doesn't do the other thing instead, which would give the answer in the first half of the book!" Also, I couldn't believe Penny with all her blunders managed to stay undercover for so long!
The ending was also quite sudden. They make an appeal in the newspaper, and then it jumps to the big reveal, which was quite Hercule Poirot-ish in tone. Makes me want to re-read a few narrated by Hastings and see if he was quite as clueless as Penny Green, at the end.
And I still did not get WHY the girl (The rich one - to avoid spoilers) had to die the way she did anyway? Couldn't the murderer find a more efficient and less messy way of doing away with her? And the way the poison was hidden - was it necessary? I don't think so...
I think it may have been a case of the writer having an interesting idea but execution becoming problematic.
Everything said and done - it was an OK read.

[patricia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Quick read, decent diversion

One of the more disappointing in the series- more focused on Penny Green's crush on Inspector Blakey than interesting taboos, like interracial romance, the presence of of a black maid in a powerful industrialist's household staff, and ultimately the trust motive - and it's origin - for the murders. So much left unexplored, yet time wasted on the boring obsession with the dead father and no plot progress there. Disappointing.

[Grace · Rating 2 out of 5]

I find myself kinda disappointed in this series but I will read it, at least the story don't sound jaded.

Any how Penny is interested in inspector Blake but they have no future. see right there, it lost my interest to read. Blake is engaged but why is he seem to be leaning toward Penny???

then the end we have Penny meeting Blake's intended in the streets. hmmmmm.......not interesting...

took too long to read this one...

[Gerda · Rating 2 out of 5]

This novel didn't draw me in, the pace was very slow and the interrogation too. IMO there was no real suspense, the murder happened and then the inspectors were doing their job.
It reminded me of crime TV series in the 60ies.

I liked the ambience of Victorian era, the author meticulously researched behaviour, social ranking, and conventions.

Sorry, not my cup of tea.

[Kathy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think I'm done with this series. Penny is a 34 year old woman with 10 years experience as a reporter and she still can't get past the "that person is charming and nice to me so they must be good" rationale. I'm not saying reporters should be ruthless and completely lack empathy but her continued fretting about not hurting anyone's feelings was just too much.

[Suzanne · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book is well researched, but the plot contains a number of plot devices, and the character development of secondary and tertiary characters is horribly weak.

[Mirhanda · Rating 1 out of 5]

While the other 2 books in this series were pleasant and inoffensive, this one was thoroughly OFFENSIVE and UNPLEASANT. It insulted my intelligence. Didn't bother reading this, there's nothing there.

[Carrie Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Penny's first undercover assignment! Another enjoyable installment from this Victorian mystery series. So far, each story has had a very different setting, and I've found myself totally immersed in all of them. This one was decidedly Downton Abbey meets Agatha Christie, with a big reveal that Jane Marple and Hercule Poirot - or even Sherlock Holmes - would have been proud of. Although, I would've expected Penny's work as a maid to have been scrutinised a bit more, as it's not quite believable that a woman of her birth would settle into the hard work of setting fires and so on without at least bemoaning the ruination of her hands or finding it far more back-breaking than she actually did. But that's just a personal reflection which in no way affects the story we follow.

Again, the unfolding relationship between Penny and James wasn't overcooked or coated in a thick layer of syrup, for which I'm very grateful, having an aversion to the usual drippy sugar-fest labelled as fictional romance. Urgh! But no, there's just enough to give a clear understanding of Penny's feelings for Blakely without us having to endure notions of skipping through meadows full of buttercups or mentally leafing through catalogues full of crotchless knickers and whips. Phew!

I'm enjoying the series very much and look forward to book four, although I would recommend another edit to ferret out a few grammatical errors I spotted. Recommended reading for historical fiction and female protagonists with brains :)

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the novel, “The Maid’s Secret” by Emily Organ continues the saga of Penny Green, a newspaper columnist in the late 1880’s. She is also an amateur sleuth and sometimes joins with Inspector James Blakely of Scotland Yard. It this story, Penny is asked to go undercover as a maid in a wealthy businessman’s family home. There seems to be some question as to numerous frauds and conspiracies associated with his name. He and his wife have six children, the oldest is Sophia, engaged to be married to the son of one of her father’s associates. She does NOT want this marriage and the family is full of discontent as the event looms nearer.

In her undercover role, Penny has to pretend to know a maid’s job and find the time to investigate the family. She is surprised that Mr. Glenville, the suspect, seems to be a very nice gentleman. However, as the story continues, and a murder is committed, she will have to look beyond her own feelings and see the man for what he truly is.

I must say that the ending of this novel was quite a surprise. The ongoing investigation just kept getting better and better to read. I would recommend this to any mystery reader.

You can find this review on my blog at https://wp.me/p2pjIt-vM. Other reviews can be found at http://imhookedonbooks.wordpress.com.

[Amanda Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

So enjoyable to read

Miss Penny Green, newspaper reporter, is persuaded to go undercover in the Grenville household as a maid to help Inspector James Blakely obtain evidence of Mr Grenville's "friends in high places" as he seems to have a remarkable ability to avoid any charges for his nefarious business practices.

Penny enters the household as Flo, well educated but fallen on hard times and trying to make ends meet. The disguise is hard to maintain but having managed to acquire Mr Grenville's notebook the house is thrown into turmoil as their oldest daughter is murdered at her 18th birthday party with potassium cyanide in front of family and friends.

The case has now become much more difficult as Penny has to maintain her position and lie to the local Inspector, Trotter, until James finds a way to intervene.

The Author paints visibly with her choice of words, bringing her characters and surroundings vividly to life. Twists and turns give the reader ample enjoyment as the culprit becomes hard to pin down until the very end. It's a delight to read such a good, strong story that's written with such care and founded on research of the era.

[Kidlitter · Rating 2 out of 5]

Penny shows initial good sense in thinking the idea of a middle class educated woman going "undercover" as a maid of all work is a bonkers idea as she would be spotted as a fraud in five seconds by family and fellow servants. She is persuaded to do it by none other than James the Inspector, who is in danger of coming off as being a Cad as he continues to flirt with Penny despite mentioning "the future Mrs. Blakeney" every conversation. Worse, he has become a Mansplainer as he continually sends Penny into danger while rationalizing all the help she's giving his investigations. Penny does not work terribly hard as a maid, as she has time to dust the conservatory plants whilst reading the household newspapers, holding chats with said head of household, and feeling "tingles" when he fixes his dark eyes upon her. Oh my! Organ continues to provide excellent background to the London setting and some good incidental characters but Penny's tingles at being gazed at by a growing number of gentleman while the bodies are piling up are becoming distracting and she does very little sleuthing worth following in this adventure.

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was every bit as enjoyable as the previous two volumes. In here, Penny is persuaded to go under cover as a maid to learn about a factory owner who is supposed to be exploiting workers. Soon there are two deaths in the household, making us readers more and more anxious for Penny's safety. Also, I got teary eyed in one shocking spot, and that pushes this book into the five-star realm.

I won't tell you how things proceed along the way, but there are some points about which I have strong feelings. For one thing the complicated way the relationship with James is proceeding frustrates me. It's obvious that Penny and James have deep feelings for one another, but they are both trying not to behave indiscreetly, and making relationship errors... Gosh darn it, this Victorian propriety, and just plain inexperience, are getting in the way of true love's course, I feel. And right near the end Penny did something that made me very very cross with her, at least for now. Now I've got to cut this short and get on with the sequel immediately.

[Uluwehi Hopkins · Rating 2 out of 5]

Once again, I struggle to understand how Penny has gotten as far as she has in her career when she is so agonizingly naive. All she ever does is encounter clues, but she never analyses them to form a conclusion. Most of the time she doesn’t even realize they’re clues.

Additionally, Penny is completely incapable of subterfuge, and can’t seem to recognize it in others. She feels guilty about even the smallest of lies, and she often jumps to conclusions based on first impressions and appearances.

Actually, I take that back. She lies to herself all the time and foolishly seems to believe her own lies. So I guess she is capable of subterfuge.

Here are the two worst things about this book. First, Penny actually claims to be a good judge of character, yet she’s been wrong about nearly everyone in every book. Second, Penny does the absolutely STUPIDEST thing at the end of the book, getting James in trouble. There’s no way anyone could call Penny a smart woman. Maybe she can write, but she certainly has no common sense.

[Bailie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will start by saying that I received a free advanced copy of this book and it is my pleasure to voluntarily review it.
I have to say that Emily Organ never disappoints! This is the third installment in the Penny Green series and it was absolutely a page turner to the very end!! I love how it kept me on my toes and I honestly had no clue who the murderer was, my guess was completely wrong. And as always, we get to see a lot more of the romantic suspense between Penny and James. I cannot wait to see where that goes in the future!
This book, just as the others, was very well written and it flows smoothly. With as much that went on in this novel I was never lost or confused. Also, Ms. Organ’s reference to real historical places is a very nice touch. It makes it feel as if the stories really happened.

I very much look forward to more books in this series!

[Granny · Rating 3 out of 5]

The third book in the Penny Green series by Emily Organ is the most engaging and exciting so far, until the end that is. However, as much as I enjoyed listening to the wonderful narration by Gabrielle Baker, I also thought the idea that the police or Penny herself would be allowed to stay in a house where one young woman had been murdered and where a maid who had been recently dismissed had also been murdered shortly before Penny went undercover was absurd. Also the identity of the murderers and their motives was utterly preposterous! So I fully indulged in the proverbial willing suspension of disbelief. Only the ending was a total disappointment. Until then, it was very entertaining. Recommended for those who like a cozy Victorian mystery with a likeable, capable, intelligent heroine, albeit one who has human failings.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very enjoyable mystery set in Victorian London of the 1880s that follows Penny Green as she goes undercover as a maid in a wealthy industry-man's house. But instead of uncovering evidence of dodgy business dealings, she is thrown into the middle of a murder investigation. The writing is spot on, balancing the need for details with the need for keeping the story going and building each layer of the mystery. I loved the character of Penny Green and while I haven't read the first two books in the series, I didn't feel lost or confused by any references to past events as these were clarified and given context without losing the thread of the current book. I've got a few more of these ready and waiting to be read and now I can't wait to get to them.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars. My first Penny Green audiobook, downloaded for a transatlantic flight. At first, Gabrielle Baker’s slight lisp took a bit of getting used to, but it soon grew on me and I stopped noticing it. After four years between Penny Green books, I can’t remember the last one well enough to compare this one to…but, although I enjoyed the writing and the story and I kept going back-and-forth as to the murderer, I’m a bit disappointed by the ending because I suppose I expected a bigger twist. I’m also not a fan of how Penny is handling the whole James-being-engaged situation and, had she been a friend of mine, I would have advised her to behave in quite a different matter. Still, this series is very enjoyable and, while I’m knocking down a 1/4 star, I’m rounding up in my review.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed it

Penny goes undercover as a housemaid to investigate a factory owners work practices. While trying to dig up dirt on the owner, his daughter and maid are murdered. Soon she finds that a previously employed maid had been killed as well bringing the total to three. Follow Penny and her best friend, Inspector Blakely as they solve the murders. Well written, although just a little slow at the beginning this time. I did enjoy the book and look forward to the blossoming yet anguished romance between the 2 main characters, amidst the engagement and pending wedding of the inspector.

[Dana Linde · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the best one so far. When Penny goes undercover to investigate an industrialist accused of inhuman practices at his factory, she is not prepared to have to deal with two murders. This one had me guessing until the revelation at the end. I loved how the character of Inspector Blakely has evolved to the point where he now appears to be a self-assured investigator. The relationship between Blakely and Penny continues to evolve, but now Organ throws Charlotte and Mr. Edwards into the mix. This was such a pleasant read- as all the books have been so far. I am on to number four in the series to see what happens next.