The Duke's Secret is a fictional tale inspired by Sue William's own family mystery that they are related to the Duke of Wellington. An ancestor is said to be the illegitimate child born from a passionate affair between The Duke and a maid.
Ava has recently connected with an absent father and he mentions a family mystery that they are descendants of The Duke of Wellington. Ava decides to take up the investigation and find some proof.
Mary Ann is indentured at 13 to work in the stately home of a dashing British Army officer. Mary Ann is intelligent and outspoken and as the years pass she forms a bond with The Duke.
I found the story quite slow and it bogged down about a third through. Ava's research and trips to battle scenes could have been evocative however they came across as reading straight from history books. I never felt like I was with Ava trying to unravel the mystery.
Mary Ann's story was interesting however I felt it was unbelievable taking into account her standing.
There is also a side story of Ava's gas-lighting and controlling boyfriend Darren, and this really had my blood boiling. I was eager to see if Ava would eventually see that he was undermining her confidence. The addition of Ava's journalistic investigation into housing and development seemed out of place and only resulted in another avenue for Darren to undermine her.
The Duke's Secret is food for thought on family stories handed down through generations. We all have them!
My rating 3 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
Publication date: 3rd February 2026
Genre: Historical Fiction
Pages: 433
RRP: AU$34.99 (trade paperback)
Source: Courtesy of the publisher
spoiler ahead
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The inconclusive ending left me feeling a little let down.
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