The Wordsworth Key

By: Julia Golding

Narrated by: Rose Robinson

'A twisting, well-paced whodunit alongside the central couple’s scandalous unmarried-yet-living-together relationship. If it were a TV series it might be called ‘Decorum and Sass’. I’d watch it.' Historical Novel Society

'Exceptionally written … another riveting read filled with wit, wisdom and wonder. An unforgettable regency mystery that sparkles with originality' Cindy L. Spear ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

1812 The Lake District

Despite their attempts to keep their forbidden romance away from the disapproving eyes of society, Dr Jacob Sandys and his lover, the actress Dora Fitz-Pennington, find themselves drawn into the scandals of the British elite once more when William Wordsworth’s prized notebook of unpublished poems goes missing.

When news arrives of a disturbing murder in London – a body pulled from the Thames with a shepherd’s crook wedged in the victim’s mouth – Dora and Jacob are compelled to investigate.

What links a poet's stolen treasure to a high-society murder? And will Dora and Jacob's love weather the storm, or will dark secrets doom their happiness?

Readers love The Wordsworth Key:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'Once again Julia Golding delivers a first class, intelligent, layered, unforgettable regency mystery that sparkles with originality'

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'If you're a fan of books that blend mystery with a bit of history and plenty of heart, this is a must-read!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐' Dora and Jacob have quickly become one of my favorite sleuthing couples'

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'Another brilliant, enthralling mystery following Dora and Jacob. I adored the witty romantic scenes and I hope to read more from this series'

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'From the first page, I was HOOKED and I barely put the book down while I read it'

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'Gentle Readers, this story is a delight'

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'This series is becoming a guilty pleasure for me. Can't wait for more'

©2025 Julia Golding (P)2025 HarperCollins Publishers

Critic reviews

Praise for Julia Golding

'Who can resist a smart, resourceful and independent Regency heroine? Prepare to fall head over heels' Good Housekeeping

‘I won't lie, I picked this book up because of the cover – absolutely stunning…it was a perfect read’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘This book was so good, I couldn't put it down’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Simply delicious! This book is absolutely glorious…in the midst of a lot of Regency retellings, it stands out … There is a wry wit throughout which balances beautifully with the dark themes’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘This book is absolutely fantastic!!! I was so caught up in reading it that I missed lunch, and it was past time to start dinner. Only the rumbling of my stomach made me put it down for a quick meal, after which I resumed my reading’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Starts with a bang, never really pauses for breath, and has two main protagonists who are instantly likeable and easy to cheer for!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘A roller-coaster ride with plenty of twists’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘What a compelling read! I found it a captivating, dynamic and enthralling book that kept me glued to the pages from beginning to end’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘The writing of this book was exquisite … I was hanging on to every last word’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐