Grey’s latest historical romance-ish fiction is sheer agony to read, riveting in places and maddening too often. Grey penned a relentlessly end-of-your-seat agony-fest for protagonists housekeeper Kate Furniss and footman Jem Arden. Told exclusively from the downstairs perspective and making servants’ lives the focus, even the villain is an oily, despicable valet. The Housekeeper’s Secret is a tragedy encased by a misery-fest, encompassing several historical periods, looking back to the Victorian Age (that’s the tragedy) and forward to the summer of 1911 (the love affair) and to the Great War’s Somme trenches and a final resolution and epilogue. Details follow from the publisher’s blurb:

Standing in the remote windswept moors of Northern England, Coldwell Hall is the perfect place to hide. For the past five years, Kate Furniss has maintained her professional mask so carefully that she almost believes she is the character she has created: Coldwell’s respectable housekeeper.

It is the summer of 1911 that brings new faces above and below the stairs of Coldwell Hall—including the handsome and mysterious new footman, Jem Arden. Just as the house’s shuttered rooms open, so does Kate’s guarded heart to a love affair that is as intense as it is forbidden. But Kate can feel her control slipping as Jem harbors secrets of his own.

Told in alternating timelines from the last sun-drenched summer of the Edwardian Age to the mud-filled trenches of WWI, The Housekeeper’s Secret opens its door to a world of romance, the truths we hold onto, and the past we must let go.

Grey juggles narrative balls a-plenty: multiple timelines, a significant character ensemble, all embroiled in a complex plot. She looks backward to a Victorian period rife with class and colonial exploitation. She recounts the summer of Jem and Kate’s love affair, the summer of 1911. She moves forward to 1916’s Battle of the Somme and Jem’s letters to Kate, which fill in the intervening years. Does she pull it off? Sufficiently to keep me interested, but frustrate me as well. As Grey moves towards the resolution, character depth suffers. She’s good on motivation: we know why and how her characters act, but plot complexity keeps that motivation singular and simple and growth is minimal. There are good characters, like Jem and Kate and there are evil characters, like the valet Henderson; there are a few more nuanced ones, like maid Eliza and spinster lady’s maid, Miss Dunn, but they are secondary and their development remains to one or two lines, characters to serve the plot, not major players.

As an aside, may I note Grey manages to create a TSTL hero of epic proportions. I loved his forearms and such, but he sure did take idiot actions A LOT and dragged Kate into them. He’s arrogant at the same time he’s self-effacing, not deserving Kate and brooding and self-flagellating, easily fixed by not being stupid. Grey endows him with war heroism of the first order, but it does come quite late. I liked the stiff, brave, survivor Kate and if she wants to love a TSTL hunk, then she deserves all the happiness she can wrest.

Moreover, if you love a plot-driven narrative, you’ll love following this through to its revelatory end; if you love character exploration, development, and growth, you might not be as keen. I thought the plot, complex and compelling as it was, and well-paced, was built on one too many coincidences. I was glad to read the ending I did, but the journey was not always believable.

Grey also builds her novel on the theme of secrets, secrets to protect oneself, protect others, secrets too shameful to admit, secrets kept out of love, hate, and exploitation. As a narrative binding device, this works well. Because secrets don’t only belong to the housekeeper. Kate’s secret keeps her safe; Coldwell might be dilapidated and isolated, but it gives her status and stability. Jem arrives and sets off a chain of events leading to disaster (see TSTL side note), but he too has a secret: he’s at Coldwell not to uncover the truth behind his younger brother’s disappearance, to bring him justice. The ensemble cast have their secrets: except for Lord Randolph’s new wife, who only makes the mistake of marrying a first-class a-hole, and gormless footman Thomas, who is adorable and couldn’t even think of a secret if his livelihood depended on it. I quite liked both of them.

In telling the story of Kate, Jem and their flawed downstairs “family,” Grey wants to direct her narrative to class and justice. This comes into play as we learn about the Hydes’ colonial past, heinous actions, and inhuman indifference to the downstairs servants. The servants are invisible; they’re objects for comfort and convenience and worst of all, for sport. This comes out because of Jem’s search for what happened to his younger brother and the truths are devastating. Though painful to read, I thought this one of the more successful aspects of Grey’s novel. In the end, however, justice can only be served by the romance HEA, which is fine by me. Historical fiction can’t redeem history; it can offer the HEA’s possibility and hope.

If you’ve read Grey’s The Glittering Hour, like I did, I think you would agree it’s the better work. I loved it. And yet, I did keep turning those Housekeeper pages. Miss Austen would appreciate what Grey was trying to do (quite humourless this narrative, though) and would agree with me when I say The Housekeeper’s Secret is “almost pretty,” Northanger Abbey.

Iona Grey’s The Housekeeper’s Secret is published by St. Martin’s Press and releases today, August 13. I received an e-galley, from St. Martin’s Press, via Netgalley. The above is the expression of my honest, AI-free opinion.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Iona Grey for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for The Housekeeper’s Secret coming out August 13, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This is the first book I’ve read by this author. I thought the book was well written and had a lot of historical facts. It felt a little like Downton Abbey, which I love. I think the characters were interesting. I think part of the book was a little dry for me and it took a little time to get into the story. But overall, I really enjoyed it.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Edwardian historical fiction!

Thank you @netgalley for the opportunity of this ARC.


Spoiler 🆓


Kate is a housekeeper in charge of Coldwell Hall who has seen better days! She is composed, collected, until she meets Jem....what can I say, we all have our limits!


With different POVs and different timelines, I was a bit lost at the beginning and wasn’t sure where the story was going. I struggled to get past it but kept pushing


My favorite genre is historical fiction which is why I picked to read this. However, I didn’t get too much of that like I’m used to. But all stories are different!


Overall, I would recommend this if you like slow burns and different POVs and love entanglement!!

Thank you for this uncorrected proof. My original review seems to have gotten erased so I will be working on updating it/correcting it ASAP. Apologies for the delay!

Historical fiction, Romance, Mystery and Thriller- this novel checks all these genres. Set in Coldwell Hall a country estate, a tale of the upstairs downstairs disparity between classes in England early 1900’s. A youthful housekeeper Kate, hiding from her past finds romance with the mansions footman. Jem handsome and kind has secrets of his own and their relationship is thwarted at every turn. There are several side characters, some evil and some surprising allies that add to their story. The inevitable onset of WWI brings changes and conclusions for our protagonists that you can’t help but root for. Thank you to Netgalley and St Martins Press.

Although it took me a bit to get into this book, I ended up really enjoying it. I found myself really pulled in by Kate and Jem's story and was rooting for them throughout the book even when things looked quite grim. I also really connected with Joseph and Davy's characters. The story gives a glimpse into the lives of just how much women's lives used to be controlled. Some parts of the mystery were fairly easy to figure out but I still enjoyed the twists and turns the book ended up taking. This book felt like a murder mystery meets Downton Abbey.

This is the first book I have read by Grey and I found it quite impressive. It started out very slowly with a dual time line of 1911 and 1916. This is a book of many secrets, not only the Housekeepers and they slowly unravel. We have an unknown character writing a letter from the trenches of France, telling a story to someone. Then we go back to Caldwell Hall in Sussex, England and meet the titular housekeeper,
Kate Furness and the staff.
One day a man comes arrives to fill the position of Footman, Jem Arden, a man with many secrets also
Played out between the horrific warfare in the trenches and life at the Hall, the book is like a puzzle.
The puzzle takes a while to pick up the pace, but by about 52% I couldn't put the book down. The suspense between what was happening in the trenches and what was happening in 1911 became so anxiety producing I kept reading faster and faster. Who was going to be murdered, was it going to be the villain, would we find out what happened to a missing child? There was a lot going on and I was really wondering if there could possibly be a happy ending.
Well let me just say, the epilogue had me crying happy tears.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the EARC. I have found a new writer whose style I admire and shall read her other books. This is my honest review.

This was a very lovely read. I throughly enjoyed the description of the timeline and character which brings a book to life for me.

Timeline is 1911 and the setting is in England where Kate and her secrets are employed at Coldwell Hall as a housekeeper. There is another at Coldwell Hall that also has secrets and his name is Jem. Secrets are meant to be exposed so I loved finding out what these people have hidden.

This is a fast paced read that kept me intrigued throughout.

I would recommend this book to anyone that loves a Historical Romance.

Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres so I was excited when I was approved for The Housekeeper’s Secret. The novel is a mix of mystery and romance set in 1911 in Northern England. There were a lot of characters thrown at you in the beginning and I think a list of them in the beginning of the book would have been helpful. Also there were times I didn’t exactly know whose POV it was until I read a few paragraphs so it was a bit frustrating. I was interested off and on the first half but the second half grabbed my attention and I was eager to get to the next chapter. All in all solid read. 3 stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️

Thank you NetGalley for this eARC for an honest review.

I really enjoy historical fiction and was looking forward to reading The Housekeeper's Secret.

Unforunately, this one was not for me. I could not get into the story at all.

I throughly enjoyed Iona Grey’s new novel, The Housekeeper’s Secret. Told in alternating timelines from 1911 and 1916, the story is full of secrets, mystery, romance, and murder.

As the title implies, the story is primarily told by Kate, the housekeeper at Coldwell Hall. Kate has come to Coldwell to escape her past. It’s there that she eventually meets Jem, a footman with a mysterious past of his own. As they embark upon a forbidden romance, the mysteries of Coldwell Hall, and of their pasts, are slowly revealed.

With a full cast of “downstairs” characters, it gave off some Downton Abbey vibes. All of the characters and their stories were well developed and the time-period felt authentic.

Kate Furniss is the housekeeper of Coldwell Hall. This is the perfect hiding place for her. She is running from an abusive husband.

Then there is the footman, Jem Arden. He is at Coldwell Hall to find out what happened to his brother. His brother has been missing and he went missing from Coldwell Hall.

I enjoyed the mystery surrounding these two characters. And when their love blooms…it just might find them in a mess. Jem is strong and he protects Kate to the best of his ability. Kate is also tough, tougher than she knows. But will their strength protect them??

Boy this book is long! Longer than it needed to be. It just moved so slow. But the author created enough mystery surrounding the two main characters that I kept with it. I have only read one other novel by this author The Glittering Hour. And apparently I had the same thoughts about that novel.

I do believe the narrators, Raphael Corkhill; Shakira Shute, were another reason I kept listening to this book. They were truly fantastic.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

I am a sucker for historical romance with a bit of mystery! Iona Grey whisks us back to 1911 and 1919 to Northern England where we are introduced to Kate, who is posing as a housekeeper. Why is she keeping her identity a secret? Then she is swept up in a romance with the new footman, who is harboring secrets of his own.

The dual timelines work for this novel. Some authors fall short and confuse readers when they jump, but Grey does this expertly. The reader gets immersed in the romance and finds out the backstory all very beautifully. Perhaps Downton Abbey had some influences because it was as if I was watching a movie unfold as I read.

I highly recommend The Housekeeper's Secret!

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.

This was a very interesting book for me. I've not read many at all set in this time period. From Edwardian Age to the trenches of WWI. Set in the moors of Northern England, Coldwell Hall. A story told from the servants POVs.

Kate is determined to keep the secrets of Caldwell Hall in. She's also determined to keep her own secrets hidden. And yes she has a few. One that could hurt her. But she is very good at her job and does all she can to keep things running smoothly. Then she meets Jem and things take a turn. Is it love? Or something else?

Jem has secrets of his own. He came to Caldwell Hall for reasons of his own and did not intend to fall for anyone much less the head housekeeper.

Told from different timelines and different prospectives this story will hold your interest once it gets going. I have to admit that it was a bit slow starting for me but it didn't take to long to get there. To get the main characters. It's fairly easy to follow and the flow is pretty good. There are some things that tended to interfere with the flow but it can be overlooked in part. At least I managed.

This book was a new subject matter for me. Being about the servants instead of the rich homeowner. All that they do each day and the secrets that they all tend to have. I think this author did a good job of getting things right. Well researched. Read the Acknowledgments for more info.

I enjoyed this book.

Thank you #NetGalley, #StMartinsPress, for this ARC. This is my own true thoughts about this book.

Four stars.

Historical romance mystery set in the early 1900's. Coldwell Hall is set in the countryside, a house that is full of secrets. The servants that run the hall are also full of their own secrets. The main character, Kate Furniss, is running from a past that will always seem to follow her. In comes Jem, who steals her heart. But their servants with secrets to hide. Kate hears a rumor in town that the reason she can't find anyone else to work in the hall is because 'something' sinister happened there many years ago that even the constables won't talk about. Will the secrets ever end or will rumors ever be set free?

I enjoyed all the research that Mr Grey put into the writing of this book.

Thank you to NetGalley, Iona Grey and St Martin's Press for allowing me this arc e-version in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinion stated above is my own.

I really loved this book, and I’ll definitely be checking this author’s backlist.

Set mostly in Coldwell Hall in the moors of Derbyshire, this story spans the years 1911-1918. It revolves (and is told mostly by) Kate Furniss, the housekeeper at Coldwell Hall and Jem Arden, a mysterious new footman there. Both Kate and Jem are hiding secrets and are using their employment at Coldwell Hall for their own purposes…Kate for protection, Jem for answers and possibly revenge. I won’t give away too much here, but as they grow to trust each other, especially as they unite to withstand the machinations of their master’s villainous valet, tender feelings begin to bloom.

This story is very well written, with finely fleshed-out sympathetic characters and to me it had more of the grandeur of an epic rather than a simple novel. There was angst, despair, heartbreak, perseverance, and ultimately triumph in the face of multiple adversities. I viscerally felt these characters…their pain, their joy, their complexities. I laughed, cried and empathized with not just Kate and Jem but their ensemble cast as well.

So well done, and one of the best books I’ve read in a while. Definitely recommended.

My sincere thanks to the author, NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing the free early arc of The Housekeeper’s Secret for review. The opinions are strictly my own.

Thank you @stmartinspress #partner for the gifted copy of this eARC!

After reading The Glittering Hour and loving it I jumped at the chance to read another historical novel by Iona Grey. Once again, I was easily drawn into the lives of this suspenseful and romantic story. I always love a book that uncovers “the help” lives and secrets. Kate is a respectable and hardworking housekeeper who stays hidden in the shadows of Coldwell Hall. It is imperative she floats amongst others in a manner that doesn’t make her memorable or stand out. When Jem, a new footman, shows up as new staff she finds it hard to continue to play her part. The connection and passion between the two of them is undeniable however their relationship must not bud into something noticeable. She’s not so sure Jem is there for the reason given which leads to more questions about true intentions. 👀 Ultimately what unfolds is a beautifully written story which was filled with complex characters and an emotional narrative and love story. I love the trials and tribulations told from the servants during this time! If you are a fan of historical romance, Downton Abbey, or books with mystery and deception grab yourself a copy of this one! It comes out on Tuesday!

This is a Downton Abbey type of book where aristocrats expect much of their servants in the early 1900's. The servants aren't really seen as individuals, just cogs in running the place. Jem, recently hired as a footman is there for reasons other than work. Kate is a capable housekeeper anxious to keep the house going. Each has their own secrets, desires, and hopes.

I found the book to be a bit slow moving, but I very much enjoyed the historical details.

Kind of interesting historical fiction told through dual timelines. Felt a little disjointed for me and not really sure the housekeeper’s secret was as exciting as some others. Overall an okay read.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for advanced copy and I give my review freely

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy. Overall, I thought this was a pretty solid historical fiction. The story was kind of a standard one (servants hiding from their pasts, rich people doing terrible things, etc.) but I enjoyed it. I liked that part of it was told through Jem’s letters and I thought the love story was very believable. I’m also a sucker for a happy ending in a war novel, so I appreciated that this was tied up nicely in the end.