Wordsworth in Bogotá

By: Scott E. Sundby

Narrated by: Boyd Barrett

Father–son relationships are rarely easy and certainly not when the son’s first love is Shakespeare and the father is the kingpin of a drug empire. Esteban Velasquez, however, manages to forge a frosty détente with his father—he studies literature abroad while his father grooms his older brother as the heir.

Now, though, the empire faces imminent collapse, and the old go-tos of bribery and making key competitors “disappear” are no longer working. It falls to Esteban to use his literary talents to save the family’s fortune. Devising an ingenious plan, he wagers the last of his family’s fortune to stage an international poetry conference—Wordsworth in Bogotá—in an effort to outwit the DEA. But in doing so, he must make choices that will forever change the lives of friends and family.

An international crime mystery told with humor and compassion, Wordsworth in Bogotá introduces a memorable cast of characters, from DEA agents discovering their “inner poets” to restless professors yearning to be individuals of action, not letters. Far more than a tale of drug smuggling, this is a story celebrating those who stumble their way to an understanding of what really matters.

©2024 Black Rose Writing (P)2025 Black Rose Writing

Critic reviews

“Sundby’s contrasts between the cultures and atmosphere of America versus South America are finely woven into the plot, lending a ‘you are here’ aura to unfolding events, while a host of characters fine-tune their relationships and interactions via the precision of literary and psychological undercurrents that run through the plot like a powerful river…” –D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review

A funny, heartwarming thriller

This book is an absolute gem! My wife and I listened to it on a road trip, and we laughed, cried, and thoroughly enjoyed every minute. The story is creative, funny, and heartwarming.

The characters are each wonderful. Casper Crenshaw—the pretentious, fraudulent academic superstar—is a highlight (from buying a designer bookshelf to delivering over-the-top speeches about romantic poetry).

The book is also full of insightful metaphors about life and love. You will finish the book feeling more positive about humanity.

Fun Ride with Cerebral Touches

This was a fun ride of a novel! Lots of perspective switches, twists, and turns. Loved the references including a shoutout to the Coconut Grove Books and Books. It kept me on my toes and engaged throughout.

Wordsworth en route

I loved this book! It was funny, clever, atmospheric and fun. So many fun twists and turns on the road to Bogota - from NYC, Maine, Miami and even Mount Olympus. It was fun getting to know so many different characters while commuting to work - their backstories, insecurities and dreams all while waiting in eager anticipation to see whether the drug smuggling operation would be a success. Highly recommend!

Captivating writing

This book was amazing. It is the perfect intersection of suspenseful drug cartel story with sophisticated literary references and budding romance. It was captivating, smart, but digestible. Sundby is an author surely on the rise!

A "beach read" with substance

Does the novel hit all the spots that you're looking for when you pick up candied holiday light reading (or listening)? Absolutely. But beneath the lightness of this fare lies exquisite prose and elegant storytelling. The author knows how to use words, so the journey from start to finish is a delight -- like a scenic drive in an open top convertible Cadillac.