The Harrogate Secret

by Catherine Cookson

Born into grinding poverty, young Freddie Musgrave relies on his wits to survive and help feed his family. He earns a few shillings by navigating his little boat across the swift-flowing waters of the Tyne, running messages and smuggling goods between the busy seaports on either side of the river and evading the customs agents. Luck is on his side . . . until the night he witnesses something truly horrific. In a supremely brave act he saves a life – and changes his own forever. Gaining the patronage of Maggie Hewitt, a sea captain’s daughter, Freddie is able to shape a future he can be proud of. But the threats of the past won’t stay buried and the dark events of that distant night have cast a long and dangerous shadow… Catherine Cookson was the original and bestselling saga writer, selling over 100 million copies of her novels. If you like Dilly Court, Katie Flynn or Donna Douglas, you'll love Catherine Cookson.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Romance, Historical, Chick Lit

464 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1988

About the author

Catherine Cookson was born in Tyne Dock, the illegitimate daughter of a poverty-stricken woman, Kate, who Catherine believed was her older sister. Catherine began work in service but eventually moved south to Hastings, where she met and married Tom Cookson, a local grammar-school master.

Although she was originally acclaimed as a regional writer - her novel The Round Tower won the Winifred Holtby Award for the best regional novel of 1968 - her readership quickly spread throughout the world, and her many best-selling novels established her as one of the most popular contemporary woman novelist. She received an OBE in 1985, was created a Dame of the British Empire in 1993, and was appointed an Honorary Fellow of St Hilda's College, Oxford, in 1997.

For many years she lived near Newcastle upon Tyne.

Reviews

[Benjamin Stahl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first experience with Catherine Cookson, and I don't think it could have been any better. 'The Harrogate Secret' is a fantastic story, with life-like and lovable characters, a decent sprinkling of suspense, and a story that never once fails to let down. It more than justifies the fact that Cookson was apparently one of the bestselling authors of Britain. I was skeptical before starting this book - after my disastrous experience with Danielle Steele (JESUS.....) - but I found the story very entertaining and very satisfying in just about every aspect. Despite the occasional stab at Catholicism, which I researched and discovered was a fairly prominent factor to all Cookson's writing, this story has a lot of heart, and its storyteller sure knows how to make the reader listen to her...

[Momina · Rating 5 out of 5]

God, I loved this book so much when I first discovered it in 8th Grade. Gave it away to some friend and never got it back. And it was such a lovely hardbound edition, too. But, yeah, just gorgeous this book, read it so many times. And it's a shame really that Cookson isn't really much of a big deal in "literary circles" and not many people read her much anymore. She was pretty good. Will always have a soft spot for this one particular book of hers.

[Elaine Cougler · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Harrogate Secret by Catherine Cookson. An interesting tale of suspense focusing on the rise of the middle class in general and, in particular, on the rise of Freddie Musgrove in an England of 3 or 4 hundred years ago. The plot is masterful leading to a very good read.

[Shirley Revill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely brilliant story that I really enjoyed. Recommended.

[Annemarie Farthing · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wow! I just read this book that was written in 1989!
Set in 1843 it kept me absorbed and as this may be my first read of Catherine Cookson it will not be my last.
Favourite quotes...
'Hadn't he been eligible to vote for a long time, since he first had ten pounds; any man with more than ten pounds could vote'
''Politics were best left alone; only people with devious minds went in for such things'

[ErynnMarie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this up at a library Used Book sale bc I once lived in Harrogate, and also a little further north in what I was often told was “Catherine Cookson Country”. So I took that as a sign that I should read it. Imagine my further delight to discover that much of the book takes place in South Shields, another English town where I spent several months.

Took me something like 2 years to finish the book—not bc it was bad, but mostly bc I have little time to sit and *read * books. (I’m mostly in an audiobook stage of life, and this book is too old and obscure for an audiobook—at least that I could find.) it was just engaging enough that no matter how much time passed between reading, I still was willing to pick it up and see what happened next.

The characters were good. The story was fairly unique. The writing was a little off a style that I am unfamiliar with, but not hard to read. (I did enjoy the use of local Geordie slang and phraseology.)

The only real complaint is that the backstory and development takes up about 7/8 of the book. All the action and resolution comes in the last 3-4 chapters. And Harrogate, for crying out loud, is mentioned fewer times than I have fingers! And only factors into one partial scene! But hey, we can’t have it all,I suppose.

[C.A. Simonsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are authors who are heavy on style/description/philosophy and light on plot. Catherine Cookson's works are the polar opposite: nearly every page is about plot development.

I can see why Ms. Cookson sold over 100 million books in her day, churning out two novels per year. The stories - at least The Harrogate Secret - are suspenseful page-turners. I enjoyed the Scottish flavouring to the narration and dialogue (bonny, bairn, fellow-me-lad, tanner or bob). This title will be a bit hokey and far too Peyton Place for many readers, but if you're looking for twists and relaxation, try a Catherine Cookson story.

3.5 stars

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first Catherine Cookson, not my last! The writing style is more 20th century than 21st and so it may not appeal to everyone. However - if you are a fan of a older period thriller type work with a lot of atmosphere ( think Wilkie Collins, Dickens, Dorothy Sayers, Agatha Christie, Robert Louis Stevenson) you will appreciate the literary stylings and dramatic turns.

[Marcia Clayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title of this book has been changed and it is now called "The Smuggler's Secret". It is a typical Catherine Cookson novel. It's easy to get into and an interesting story, particularly if you like period dramas. Catherine Cookson novels never disappoint and I find them a nice relaxing read which holds my attention and this book is no exception.

[Marilaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Parts One and Two were rather slow moving but Part Three rewarded one's patience. Cookson's writing is so good. The reader feels a real knowledge of her characters and an empathy, even with the most unlikable of them. Her descriptions are drawn with a light stroke yet she gives you a real sense of place and the times.

[Carmen Tucker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy the author's style of writing that usually tells the story of how a poor, struggling character often stumbles upon good fortune that doesn't last long. This is such a story and it kept me entertained. Good vs evil. Hard-working vs aristocrat. England during horse and buggy dark days.

[Jemima Kaweesi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written. The story line was engaging. Picked a number of new words and on the whole i think she wrote a very descriptive book for her time.

[Claudia Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Story!

Another exciting book by this great author! This is one of her edge of your seat wondering what will happen next!

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bl*dy Brilliant!!!

Catherine Cookson is quite simply a master storyteller. Her books are riveting. A glorious, entertaining read. Read and truly enjoy.

[diane j johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could not put it down

I love Catherine Cookson books. This is one of the best. I’ll probably read it again in a few years.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read Catherine Cookson since I was a young girl. She is expert at developing characters and descriptions of 19th century Britain beautifully.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

9.5/10

[Lynn Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

AKA Re-Printed as The Secret and with this recent publication The Smuggler's Secret.
SYNOPSIS: 1843
Born into grinding poverty, young Freddie Musgrave at 10 years old relies on his wits to survive and help feed his family. He earns a few shillings by navigating his little boat across the swift-flowing waters of the Tyne, running messages and smuggling goods between the busy seaports on either side of the river and evading the customs agents.
Luck is on his side . . . until the night a mission took this small runner to the house at The Towers, where madness had been known to lurk, and there he witnessed a scene of unremitting horror. His silence was bought and the tide of his life shifted. In a supremely brave act he saves a life – and changes his own forever.
Gaining the patronage of Maggie Hewitt, a sea captain’s daughter,who was to play a major role in shaping Freddie’s life and fortunes as he grew to manhood. Thus enabling Freddie to shape a future he can be proud of.
But years later the madness at The Towers again threatens, and Freddie must once more rescue his hard-won happiness and security from cruel fate and escape the long shadow cast by Roderick Gallagher, whose power and influence threatened all who crossed his path.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this but felt it was a little less good than some others by the author. I really liked Maggie's mature character, heroically generous but also pragmatic, to successfully and independently survive within the middle to lower classes in northeastern England during pre-industrial Victorian times It was easy to root for resourceful pramatist Freddie also well portrayed. Belle needed more depth in her depiction, having not a lot to offer other than her looks and cheeriness for most of the story. Having been raised by Maggie, it seemed illogical she was as suggestable and naive as she was. As usual, Cookson vividly describes the various settings and backgrounds that provide a memorable atmosphere. The frequent suspense made this an entertaining read. The book title was changed from the original on my 2018 edition.

[Lili · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read all of Catherine Cookson's books some years ago and enjoyed them immensley. I recently re-read all of them and find that on a second look I found them all so very predictable, and was rather disappointed. However I'm sure that it is my tastes that have changed not the calibre of her story telling.

[Grandma]

A lot about life in 1840's Yorkshire, England.

[J · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good suspense and a great setting.

[Delores Alger · Rating 1 out of 5]

didn't finish

[Abeer · Rating 5 out of 5]

He's an everyday Love.. But You are something different !@Amazing if not the best novel I'd came across :))

[Diane Wachter · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Harrogate Secret, Catherine Cookson, RDC-M #4-88, 1988. A boy smuggler finds and rescues a girl child. Good.

[Cheryll · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Some pretty exciting, page turning bits! Catherine Cookson books never fail to get me hooked :)

[Janet Randon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again a good read.

[Rinna Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

I write this as soon as I finished reading the book...

And my feeling is: oh my, oh my...It really was a good book! This is my first time with Catherine Cookson's. Oh how I wish to have to read one of her writing sooner!

This story was about a young boy of age of ten towards his thirty-years old. It was written beautifully. You will not find steamy moments as in most HR books, not even once, huhuhu...so it was a very clean reading. I love how the writer make the story as in real life, all the behaviour, the reactions as well as how the characters speaks out their minds.

If you want a HR book that has more than a plain love story, this one could be for you...