Amazing research!

So well researched! Fascinating, engaging, well structured with a good pace. A very interesting piece of history.

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a true story to keep you riveted

wonderful characters & a really amazing story so well read by just the right narrator.

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2 people found this helpful

Needs serious editing

I thorough enjoyed Black Diamonds so approached this with high expectations but was disappointed. The first few pages are a mess veering from a description of the castle, a dying duke, the doctors attending him, to maids polishing the ballroom floor and their fear of ghosts to the man who rang the dinner gong and back to the docs. Set in Belvoir castle, and focussing on three gaps in the family archives, the following story is interesting but very very repetitive in the manner of TV progs that remind you of the story after each ad break. Needs serious editing. Not really a patch on black diamonds.

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5 people found this helpful

Curious research around the 9th Duke of Rutland

Fascinating insight into a family’s quest to keep their son alive by keeping him out of the First World War. Not really a story rather the record of the research which uncovered the secrets of the 9th duke. I became curious about this story after a visit to Belvoir castle the ancestral home of the dukes of Rutland. A bit repetitive at times with lots about WW1. But I enjoyed the story, the narration was good

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Fascinating family mystery/history

I really enjoyed this book - it has intrigue, a love story, tragedy and history. Beautifully narrated at a good pace.

The only reason I haven't given it 5 is because at times it could be long-winded and there was repetition, which confused me!

I think I preferred Black Diamonds.

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11 people found this helpful

Enthralling story , excellent narration.

Excellent narration, enjoyed the first part of the book the best, feeling really intrigued by the mystery in the story. Later on I sometimes felt a little confused with all the comings & goings concerning the war and the many letters & perhaps the author over emphasised this aspect ( just a little) to illustrate the point of the story. Overall though really enjoyed this title.

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1 person found this helpful

Hidden story; family secrets

I read Catherine Bailey’s book about the coal dynasty in the north. It was a real eye opener and probably one of the best non fiction titles I’ve read.

Until Secret Rooms. Absolutely blown away by the story of Belvoir Castle. I lived in Grantham for some years, so I’m familiar with the castle, the estate and the area, but this book opened up a whole new history which was a revelation.

I’ve visited the castle numerous times over the years, but I had no idea about the stories that lie behind this book. Catherine Bailey starts on one journey but her intrepid investigation takes her down @ different route, in many ways, this reads like a thriller. The author discovers significant omissions in family archive papers. Her resolute exploration of other papers, letters and archived resources takes the reader on a truly unforgettable journey. The First World War is central, along with truth and deception . It works at every level. The final roll call, to my surprise, brought me to tears.

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Amazing, so well researched

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Takes you into a world of intrigue and mystery, throwing light onto the amount of power and manipulation the upper classes held during WW1 .

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Secret Rooms: A True Gothic Mystery?

You think you know what is going to happen and then there is another twist, you really couldn't make it up.

What about Stephen Rashbrook’s performance did you like?

Stephen Rashbrook's narration is perfect.

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Truth is stranger than fiction

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1 person found this helpful

Astounding

Incredible story. Such admirable research in the experts hands of a clever brilliant writer, makes for a story that had me gripped from the outset. To think I nearly didn’t buy because of one or two oddly negative reviews. How could anyone not 100% b gripped by this book?. Right up there will my top favourites. I anticipate I will read it again sometime and have already bought copies for friends .

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1 person found this helpful

not a gothic mystery

This book was very interesting. the only criticism is the title as it is not a gothic mystery

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