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The Duke's Secret
From the bestselling author of Elizabeth & Elizabeth and The Governor, His Wife and His Mistress, comes a remarkable work of historical fiction based on the author's own family history.
'Delivers the perfect blend of fact, fiction and mystery ... a rollicking good story' Kyra Geddes, bestselling author of The Story Thief
She is a young maid in a stately home; he is a dashing British army officer trapped in an unhappy marriage. The pair strike up a close friendship and, just as he's departing for war, they surrender to their passion.
Years later, he returns triumphant from defeating Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo, to reunite not only with his wife and their two sons, but with the maid Mary Ann and their illegitimate daughter Elizabeth. They all have to find a way through the tangle of affairs and betrayals, especially now he's hailed as the hero of the free world with a new the Duke of Wellington.
Two hundred years on, in Australia, a woman meets with her long-lost father and is told the family legend that they're descendants of a maid who worked for the Iron Duke. She sets out to prove once and for all whether or not this story is true, and what she discovers shocks everyone.
'Delivers the perfect blend of fact, fiction and mystery ... a rollicking good story' Kyra Geddes, bestselling author of The Story Thief
She is a young maid in a stately home; he is a dashing British army officer trapped in an unhappy marriage. The pair strike up a close friendship and, just as he's departing for war, they surrender to their passion.
Years later, he returns triumphant from defeating Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo, to reunite not only with his wife and their two sons, but with the maid Mary Ann and their illegitimate daughter Elizabeth. They all have to find a way through the tangle of affairs and betrayals, especially now he's hailed as the hero of the free world with a new the Duke of Wellington.
Two hundred years on, in Australia, a woman meets with her long-lost father and is told the family legend that they're descendants of a maid who worked for the Iron Duke. She sets out to prove once and for all whether or not this story is true, and what she discovers shocks everyone.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
433 pages, Paperback
Published February 3, 2026
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23 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
1793, Knightsbridge, London. Mary Ann from the slums of Whitechapel was only thirteen when she’s employed as a maid at Kingston House and here she will meet a young man who will go on to be a famous officer in the British Army.
Arthur Wesley was the fifth son of the Earl of Mornington, his widowed mother sends him to study at a military academy in France, and he liked to gamble and was in debt.
He marries Catherine Pakenham and had two sons Arthur and Charles and due to his career he’s away from home, after his fighting days were over, he became a cabinet minister, politician and the prime minister of England.
The narrative has a dual timeline, it begins in 1793 and told from the perspectives of the two main female characters Mary Ann Marshall and over two hundred years later Ava Washington.
2025, Sydney, Australia. Ava is a newspaper journalist, she was raised by her mother Lotte and knows very little about her dad other than he was unfaithful. When she reunites with him, William informs her they're descendants of a maid who worked for the Duke of Wellington and she’s fascinated.
Ava’s determined to prove if it’s true or not, she starts by researching the Duke, where Arthur was born, lived, if he was married, had children and any illegitimate ones, battles he fought in and lead. Ava wonders if he has any living relatives and if she could get a DNA sample and a possible match?
I received a copy of The Duke’s Secret from NetGalley and Allen & Unwin in exchange for an honest review. I have heard of the battle of Waterloo and Napoleon Bonaparte, thanks to ABBA and their hit song.
Author Sue Williams explores the heroic historical figure, the man, his flaws, weaknesses, a skilfull tactician and legend, why she’s interested in him and she ties it all together perfectly in her compelling dual timeline novel. A tale about love, loyalty, sacrifice, duty, family, mystery, and infidelity, the reader is taken to Ireland, England, France and Belgium.
Ive read The Governor, His Wife and His Mistress, once again Ms Williams has done meticulous research and makes you feel invested in the story and she’s empathetic towards strong female characters and five stars from me.
Arthur Wesley was the fifth son of the Earl of Mornington, his widowed mother sends him to study at a military academy in France, and he liked to gamble and was in debt.
He marries Catherine Pakenham and had two sons Arthur and Charles and due to his career he’s away from home, after his fighting days were over, he became a cabinet minister, politician and the prime minister of England.
The narrative has a dual timeline, it begins in 1793 and told from the perspectives of the two main female characters Mary Ann Marshall and over two hundred years later Ava Washington.
2025, Sydney, Australia. Ava is a newspaper journalist, she was raised by her mother Lotte and knows very little about her dad other than he was unfaithful. When she reunites with him, William informs her they're descendants of a maid who worked for the Duke of Wellington and she’s fascinated.
Ava’s determined to prove if it’s true or not, she starts by researching the Duke, where Arthur was born, lived, if he was married, had children and any illegitimate ones, battles he fought in and lead. Ava wonders if he has any living relatives and if she could get a DNA sample and a possible match?
I received a copy of The Duke’s Secret from NetGalley and Allen & Unwin in exchange for an honest review. I have heard of the battle of Waterloo and Napoleon Bonaparte, thanks to ABBA and their hit song.
Author Sue Williams explores the heroic historical figure, the man, his flaws, weaknesses, a skilfull tactician and legend, why she’s interested in him and she ties it all together perfectly in her compelling dual timeline novel. A tale about love, loyalty, sacrifice, duty, family, mystery, and infidelity, the reader is taken to Ireland, England, France and Belgium.
Ive read The Governor, His Wife and His Mistress, once again Ms Williams has done meticulous research and makes you feel invested in the story and she’s empathetic towards strong female characters and five stars from me.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Duke’s Secret is a beautifully written, five-star novel that blends romance, mystery, and emotional depth through a dual-timeline narrative led by two female protagonists, one living in the past and one in the present.
In the historical timeline, the story follows a strong yet constrained young woman navigating life within the rigid expectations of aristocratic society. As a protagonist, she is thoughtful, resilient, and deeply affected by the secrets surrounding the Duke. Her storyline explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the cost of silence in a world where women have limited power but profound emotional strength.
The modern timeline introduces a second female protagonist whose journey of discovery anchors the present-day story. As she uncovers the truth about the past, she becomes increasingly connected to the historical heroine’s experiences. Her perspective brings curiosity and emotional reflection, allowing readers to see how long-buried secrets continue to shape lives generations later.
The Author, Sue Williams, skillfully intertwines the lives of these two women across time. The dual perspectives are seamlessly woven, creating tension, intrigue, and a deeply satisfying emotional payoff. Themes of identity, love, resilience, and redemption resonate strongly in both timelines.
Williams research, as always, is evident in her writing. And her personal connection to both protagonists compliments the authenticity included in both timelines.
I thoroughly enjoyed the read. With engaging characters, elegant prose, and a compelling structure, The Duke’s Secret is an absorbing read for fans of historical romance and dual-timeline storytelling. The parallel journeys of its two female protagonists make this novel both moving and unforgettable.
Thankyou to Netgalley and Allen & Unwin for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
In the historical timeline, the story follows a strong yet constrained young woman navigating life within the rigid expectations of aristocratic society. As a protagonist, she is thoughtful, resilient, and deeply affected by the secrets surrounding the Duke. Her storyline explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the cost of silence in a world where women have limited power but profound emotional strength.
The modern timeline introduces a second female protagonist whose journey of discovery anchors the present-day story. As she uncovers the truth about the past, she becomes increasingly connected to the historical heroine’s experiences. Her perspective brings curiosity and emotional reflection, allowing readers to see how long-buried secrets continue to shape lives generations later.
The Author, Sue Williams, skillfully intertwines the lives of these two women across time. The dual perspectives are seamlessly woven, creating tension, intrigue, and a deeply satisfying emotional payoff. Themes of identity, love, resilience, and redemption resonate strongly in both timelines.
Williams research, as always, is evident in her writing. And her personal connection to both protagonists compliments the authenticity included in both timelines.
I thoroughly enjoyed the read. With engaging characters, elegant prose, and a compelling structure, The Duke’s Secret is an absorbing read for fans of historical romance and dual-timeline storytelling. The parallel journeys of its two female protagonists make this novel both moving and unforgettable.
Thankyou to Netgalley and Allen & Unwin for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Reviewed by Trish Palmer for Allen and Unwin and Bluewolf Reviews.
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
"The Duke's Secret" (Kindle Edition)
by Sue Williams
This is the second book I have read by Sue Williams, and I have thoroughly enjoyed both of her works. In "The Duke's Secret," the narrative features a captivating dual timeline that intricately weaves together two distinct eras. The first timeline is set in Knightsbridge, England, in the year 1793, during a time of social upheaval and shifting class structures. It follows the life of a determined young maid, who strives to improve her social standing while developing an intense, forbidden romance with her employer—a nobleman whose title and societal expectations complicate their relationship. As their love deepens, she ultimately faces the profound consequences of their union, including an unexpected pregnancy that could alter her fate forever.
The second timeline takes place in the vibrant, modern city of Sydney, Australia, in 2025. It centres around a young woman named Clara, who is on a quest for personal identity and self-discovery. She navigates the challenges of contemporary life while grappling with a haunting secret from her past: the identity of her father, whom she has never met. As Clara uncovers the truth about her family's history, the connections between her and the maid from the 18th century begin to unfold, revealing surprising links that bridge the gap between their lives and times.
Through expertly crafted characters and a richly detailed setting, Williams draws readers into a tale of love, sacrifice, and the enduring quest for belonging.
by Sue Williams
This is the second book I have read by Sue Williams, and I have thoroughly enjoyed both of her works. In "The Duke's Secret," the narrative features a captivating dual timeline that intricately weaves together two distinct eras. The first timeline is set in Knightsbridge, England, in the year 1793, during a time of social upheaval and shifting class structures. It follows the life of a determined young maid, who strives to improve her social standing while developing an intense, forbidden romance with her employer—a nobleman whose title and societal expectations complicate their relationship. As their love deepens, she ultimately faces the profound consequences of their union, including an unexpected pregnancy that could alter her fate forever.
The second timeline takes place in the vibrant, modern city of Sydney, Australia, in 2025. It centres around a young woman named Clara, who is on a quest for personal identity and self-discovery. She navigates the challenges of contemporary life while grappling with a haunting secret from her past: the identity of her father, whom she has never met. As Clara uncovers the truth about her family's history, the connections between her and the maid from the 18th century begin to unfold, revealing surprising links that bridge the gap between their lives and times.
Through expertly crafted characters and a richly detailed setting, Williams draws readers into a tale of love, sacrifice, and the enduring quest for belonging.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This novel has two timelines, one in the present and one historical. Both are written in third person present tense. The past story follows Mary-Anne a maid in the house of Arthur Wellesly, who ends up being the Duke of Wellington. The current timeline follows Ava, who, in 2025 is a journalist working full time for a newspaper. The main problem with the 'past' timeline is that, while this book is clearly meticulously researched, the research is all dumped in there. Nothing to do with the plot, it feels like chunks of the second half have been copied and pasted from Wikipedia, and then the words 'Mary-Anne read that in the newspaper' tacked on to give it context. The plot written in the present veers from predictable to odd and back. There are so many needless details (to get to some documents Ava shows her passport and drivers licence). The mood of librarians (always bad) is always shared. Ava is a non-drinker. It's not part of the plot, just something we are repeatedly told. It's just scattergun. Perhaps part of the problem is that I never really cared if the story about the Duke's descendants was true, so I never cared what Ava discovered.
Thanks to NetGalley and Allen and Unwin for the eArc in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to NetGalley and Allen and Unwin for the eArc in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Duke’s Secret by Sue Williams
🌟 4 / 5 – I loved it!
This dual timeline novel tells the stories of two women whose lives share similarities they would’ve never expected. This book is told in third person POV.
In 1793, Mary Ann is a 13 year old who gets a job working in the Wesley family home as a maid. In Mary Ann’s timeline, years pass as her life and the lives of her masters’ change.
In 2025, Ava discovers that the father she had believed all her life to be dead is actually alive. From then, her life is changed. She learns of the story of William Williams and the potential of aristocracy in her family tree.
Sue Williams’ ability to blend the two timelines is masterful. The parallels between Mary Ann and Ava’s stories is delightful and engaging. This book was the perfect blend of historical and contemporary fiction. Sue has done her research and it shows. What a brilliant story.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book. I was not incentivised to read or review. Thank you to Sue Williams, Allen & Unwin, and NetGalley.
🌟 4 / 5 – I loved it!
This dual timeline novel tells the stories of two women whose lives share similarities they would’ve never expected. This book is told in third person POV.
In 1793, Mary Ann is a 13 year old who gets a job working in the Wesley family home as a maid. In Mary Ann’s timeline, years pass as her life and the lives of her masters’ change.
In 2025, Ava discovers that the father she had believed all her life to be dead is actually alive. From then, her life is changed. She learns of the story of William Williams and the potential of aristocracy in her family tree.
Sue Williams’ ability to blend the two timelines is masterful. The parallels between Mary Ann and Ava’s stories is delightful and engaging. This book was the perfect blend of historical and contemporary fiction. Sue has done her research and it shows. What a brilliant story.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book. I was not incentivised to read or review. Thank you to Sue Williams, Allen & Unwin, and NetGalley.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Once again, Sue Williams catapults us into the past. But this time she delves deep into her own family folklore to remind us that history may be a lot closer than we think! In the author's capable hands, history comes alive once again. The Duke’s Secret delivered the perfect blend of fact, fiction and mystery which kept me turning its pages well into the night. Delving deep into the archives and her own family folklore, Sue Williams delivers a rollicking good story and a history lesson like no other.
December 2, 2025
This was a very interesting read, I thoroughly enjoyed reading the characters and mystery
Of this beautiful book. A wonderful historical fiction based on the author’s family history.
Thank you NetGalley and to the publsiher Allen & Unwin and to Sue Williams for a beautiful story-ARC.
Of this beautiful book. A wonderful historical fiction based on the author’s family history.
Thank you NetGalley and to the publsiher Allen & Unwin and to Sue Williams for a beautiful story-ARC.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews