The Wordsworth Key

'A rip-roaring, helter-skelter adventure careening breathlessly through Regency society… An uproarious delight ' 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find themselves drawn into the scandals of the British elite once more when William Wordsworth’s prized notebook of unpublished poems goes missing.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? 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 beautifullywith 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’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐

© 2025 One More Chapter (Audiobook): 9780008775247

Release date

Audiobook: 11 September 2025