The Long Secret

By: Louise Fitzhugh

Narrated by: Anne Bobby

A captivating mystery for young readers that combines humor, adventure, and heartfelt moments—perfect for fans of the beloved classic Harriet the Spy.

This summer in the quiet beach town of Water Mill, Harriet M. Welsch and her friend Beth Ellen Hansen find their world turned upside down by a series of anonymous, disturbing notes left around town. Harriet, ever the curious and bold investigator, drags the shy Beth Ellen into a string of adventures as they seek to uncover the mystery writer's identity.

Observing in her own special, caustic way with her ever-present notebook, Harriet the Spy is on the case. But will she be ready to face the truth when she finds it?

Critic reviews

Praise for Harriet the Spy® and Her Friends

Harriet the Spy®

“Harriet is . . . wholly relatable whether you’re eleven or several times that age.”—EW.com

Harriet Spies Again
By Louise Fitzhugh and Helen Ericson
Winner of the Edgar Award for Best Juvenile Novel

“Ericson has perfectly captured the voice and pacing of Fitzhugh’s original novel in a seamless rendering of a fresh, enjoyable story for today’s readers.” —School Library Journal

Harriet the Spy, Double Agent
By Louise Fitzhugh and Maya Gold

“Harriet the Spy is back, and Gold does a credible job of maintaining the special character and her crusty charm.” —Booklist

The Long Secret

[STAR] “Written with subtlety, compassion, and [Louise Fitzhugh’s] remarkable ability to see inside the minds of children.” —School Library Journal, Starred

Sport

[STAR] “A worthy successor to Harriet the Spy—and that is high tribute.” —Booklist, Starred

Narrator carries the story

Where does The Long Secret rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I listen to this several times a month!

Would you recommend The Long Secret to your friends? Why or why not?

I would recommend this book because it's a funny, well-written story. Although it is not as interesting as Harriet the Spy.

What does Anne Bobby bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Anne Bobby is an EXCELLENT and very expressive narrator. Her voice is believable and she acts out the descriptives in the book. Her voice is very animated and interesting. She doesn't have 60 year old smokers' voice (which messes up so many great stories for me) and her reading is not stilted but flows lyrically (unlike one particular young narrator I've heard). I wish she would redo some of my favorites, ie. Judy Blume books. No offense Ms. Blume.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

The story isn't as good as Harriet the Spy, but it is still humorous. I suppose the draw to it is it brings a sort of nostalgia that makes you feel safe, and wish for the time when kids could rove about town without fear of being harmed by some crazed loon.