"Secret Lives" hinges on a showdown between two strong-willed and rather ludicrous women, each determined to best the other.

This, of course, is basically the formula of Benson's Mapp and Lucia books, but here the comic effect is even stronger.

Spoiler risk here... Suffice it to say that Benson manages to let us in a private view of Durham Square and the stuffy, ludicrous petit bourgeoisie that inhabit it, the inner life of the dry Mrs. Mantrip who secretly reads corny novels, and her feud with Susan Leg, the wild and uncouth new arrival at the quite square...

This is Benson gossip at its best, his critical eye spares no one.

Have (great) fun!