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The Secret of the Chateau

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The Secret of the Chateau

By: Kathleen McGurl
Narrated by: Emma Gregory
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About this listen

Everything is about to change…

1789. Pierre and Catherine Aubert, the Comte and Comtesse de Verais, have fled the palace of Versailles for their château, deep in the French Alps. But as revolution spreads through the country, even hidden away the Auberts will not be safe forever. Soon they must make a terrible decision in order to protect themselves, and their children, from harm.

Present day. When Lu’s mother dies leaving her heartbroken, the chance to move to a château in the south of France with her husband and best friends seems an opportunity for a new beginning. But Lu can’t resist digging into their new home’s history, and when she stumbles across the unexplained disappearance of Catherine Aubert, the château begins to reveal its secrets – and a mystery unsolved for centuries is uncovered…

Unlock the secret of the château today. Perfect for fans of Kate Morton, Fiona Valpy and The Forgotten Village!

©2020 Kathleen McGurl (P)2020 HarperCollins Publishers Limited Genre Fiction Historical Literary Fiction Romance Thriller & Suspense Women's Fiction Suspense Mystery Fiction Alps Heartfelt

Critic reviews

‘Brilliant! Kath writes the most wonderful time-slip and I urge you to snap this up.’ Nicola Cornick, author of The Forgotten Sister

‘Enthralling… A beautiful and heartbreaking time-slip story… A gripping story of love and redemption across two centuries… The perfect escape.’ The Lancashire Post
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**4.5 Stars**

This story is told over two timelines: 1789-1794 and the present day, all set in France. The narrative effectively switches between the two timelines, making it easy to follow. I read and listened to this book, and I found the female narrator, Emma Gregory, to be a good choice.

In the past, during the height of the French Revolution, we meet Pierre and Catherine Aubert, the Count and Contessa of Verais. They had been living in luxury, but the Queen’s extravagant spending while many of their people suffered left Pierre disillusioned. Despite his advice to the King, the situation fell on deaf ears. Pierre decides to flee with his wife to a chateau in the French Alps. Occasionally, he receives updates on the King and Queen’s fate.

Pierre is married to a much younger woman who is full of her own self-importance. Moving to the chateau without her usual luxuries is an unwelcome change for her, especially now they must blend in.

In the present day, we meet Lu and her husband, Phil, in the U.K. Lu was a teacher, but when her mother fell ill, she decided to give up work and care for her. After her mother’s passing, Lu thought she would finally have some time for herself. However, her husband had a heart attack, and she was back in care mode. As her husband starts to recover, they are offered the chance to move to the South of France. Lu is initially reluctant but excited about the prospect of living in a chateau with her best friends, all couples in their 50s, except for one single friend.

Once they all move, Lu, who is a history buff, decides to investigate the Aubert family who lived there. She discovers a window that doesn’t appear on the chateau’s plans or paintings. Strange occurrences begin to happen, such as the electrics going haywire in the house.

As Lu delves deeper into the Aubert family history, she uncovers a way to access the secret room and makes a shocking discovery.

Back in the past we find out what happened to the Auberts and what they had to do in order to keep their family safe it’s heartbreaking.

A wonderful story of love, characters changing and sacrifice.

*Secrets*

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Another easy listening, but compelling, Kathleen McGurl novel. Am about to purchase another! Would recommend any of her books.

Beautiful.

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If you love French history and Chateaux with an old mystery and perhaps a ghost you’ll love this novel. Also a story of 5 friends, recently retired about to begin their new lives in their very own Chateau. I really enjoyed this so much and will be listening to more by Kathleen McGurl. I really recommend this book!

The Secret of the Chateau bbKathleen McGurl

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I very much enjoyed this book. Love all things Versailles and France in that era. sad conclusion but a really good story.

lovely book

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Absolutely loved this story. I have listened to quite a few Kathleen McGurl books but I have to say this is one of the best audible narrations I have listened to and will look for more read by Emma Gregory.

One of my favourite authors

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