The Mitford Secret, by Jessica Fellowes, is the last of six books in the Mitford Murder Series. It is 1941, and the youngest Mitford daughter Deborah invites the family to Chatsworth House, a large family estate, for Christmas. Louisa Cannon, a friend of the family and a private detective, is invited. Leaving her husband Guy in London, Louisa travels with her young daughter Maisie for the holidays. Mrs. Hoole, a psychic who regularly holds seances, receives a mysterious message from “the other side.” A maid was murdered in the house many years ago. Louisa is caught up in the mystery but soon has Mrs. Hoole’s death to deal with.

I had not read any of the Mitford books, and I found this story delightful. It’s a must-read for Agatha Christie Fans. Louisa is a strong and smart protagonist; and the historical details are well researched. Included at the end of the book is a list of Who’s Who and informative historical notes. I look forward to reading more of the Mitford series. Thank you to NetGalley, author Jessica Fellowes, and Sourcebooks Landmark for the advanced copy.

This is the sixth and final installment of the Mitford mysteries. I have to say that I am sorry to see it end, and I sincerely hope the author will continue Louisa’s story in another series. This book finds Louisa traveling with her young daughter, Maisie to join some of the Mitford clan at Chatsworth at the invitation of the youngest Mitford, Deborah (Debo) who is married to the youngest Cavendish brother. Other guests include, Nancy Mitford Dodd, her parents, Unity Mitford, Kick Kennedy, Adele Astaire and her husband Charles, The Duke and Duchess of Devonshire and the Dowager. The house is currently empty from housing a school on break during wartime. This last installment does not disappoint from the long unsolved disappearance of maid, a visit from a medium claiming to know of a murder, a spy, and holiday festivities sprinkled throughout. If you have been reading the series, this is a wonderful ending, well written and intriguing to the end. Well done!

I so very much enjoyed this book and am hoping it is NOT the "last one". I think perhaps it was the setting that was very different, with one war being fought transposed on "The Great War" events.
Some existing relationships were in this one, especially "Kick Kennedy" and Bill Cavendish , and his brother who became the Duke and was married to "Debo"

The six remaining Mitford family siblings now have families and lives of their own, scattered all over. It is 1941, WWII is a constant and has claimed lives and torn families apart. Debo (Deborah) has invited those who could to a Christmas party to Chatsworth where she lived with her husband. Though once in The Bright Young Things set, not all of her family members were as privileged as she after finances plummeted. Perspectives and priorities changed.

Dear family friend Louisa and her little girl Maisie were also invited to Chatsworth. Good thing as Louisa's private detective skills came in handy after a seance revealed the surprising death of a maid years before. Layers and layers of secrets are peeled away and deceptions are brought to light. Historical bits including social mores, views and class systems are always thrilling to read about. The story drips with atmosphere! It is interesting to read about the family members and how the war affected and changed them.

My favourite character in this story is Louisa. The family member depictions are fascinating as their quirks and personalities are highlighted and researched from real life. Though I have read many, many books on the Mitford family (the six sisters in particular which sadly became five too early) The Mitford Secret was a delight and beautifully written in Jessica Fellowes' special manner. Historical Fiction readers, do read this entire series including this the last instalment. You will be glad you did.

My sincere thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for providing me with an early digital copy of this wonderful book. Thank you also for introducing me to the Mitford Murders series!

Mystery at its best. Jessica Fellowes is an innovative author who has written a cannot put down book. This novel was sent to me electronically by Netgalley for review. Thanks to the publisher also. I liked this book. I really liked this book. The characters are intriguing...the mystery is great...red herrings abound...a satisfying conclusion. The story is just that...a story...a mystery...although it is fiction, it reads like nonfiction at times because some f it truly is real. Would make a great movie. Cozy up in a comfy chair...lose yourself for an afternoon with the people in this book...enjoy.

This was another great entry in the Mitford Murders Mystery series, it has a great hook and I was invested in the mystery in this book. I always have a good time reading this series, as it's a great concept in the timeline and always has a great character development going on. I enjoyed the way Jessica Fellowes writes both the world and the characters within, I really enjoyed what I read and was glad I was able to read this.

"Louisa went in cautiously. The curtains had been drawn, presumably by the maid who had erroneously thought she would wake the late Mrs Hoole. The room was simple, with a few items to denote the seniority of the servant for whom it had been allocated. A cast-iron single bedstead, with a quilted counterpane over it, and a small sheepskin rug on the floor."

I am quite the fan of Fellowes and this series.

Mitford Secret is aptly named. The Mitford sisters are trying to liven things up (WWII is raging) and invite friends to their luscious home for marvelous parties.
At a Christmas party they have quite a to-do and Louise, their friend who is also a detective is in attendance. At another party Louise is present for a psychic who has been invited for a seance.
The psychic states that a maid was once murdered in the home.
Louise sets out to find the truth and the culprit. The people in this social circle are not interested in having their secrets revealed so Louise is stumped many times.

I shall not tell you the ending as you really should read the book!