Review of 'The Wordsworth Key' by Julia Golding

Review of 'The Wordsworth Key' by Julia Golding

Release date: May 9th, 2025

Publisher: One More Chapter

REVIEW 

Another excellent, fun, rollicking adventure with the likeable mystery solving couple, Dora and Jacob, who always seem to end up in situations that require their special sleuthing abilities. This regency couple are an unlikely unconventional duo: she’s an actress and he is a doctor from an elite class (son of a Viscount) that expects certain actions and choices of him. But he resists it all for his love of Dora. Any other woman set before him considered by society to be more suitable marriage material, is of no interest to him at all. He is somewhat of a rebel you might say! Which makes him even more endearing.

This is the third book of the Regency Secrets series based on this adorable chemistry-charged couple. On this occasion they leave the busyness of London behind for some rest and relaxation – to take a holiday from their taxing cases but it seems danger and death do not get the memo! For these two can never escape the world of chaos that always surrounds them.

As with the previous two novels, this is exceptionally written and another riveting read filled with wit, wisdom and wonder. There are lots of twists and turns with red herrings and unsuspecting villains. One thing I love about this couple is how they defy convention and just be who they are. Dora always stands out with her wit, curiosity, courage and strength but also her determination to be herself. And like a good actress, plays appropriate parts when it is required of her to stay alive. (There is one hilarious scene close to the end that had me in stitches!) Jacob, too, cares little about following the practices of the day set out for him. His admiration, respect, protectiveness and love for Dora always shines through.   

It is 1812 and this investigative couple are faced with a new mystery based on the Romantic poet William Wordsworth. He and Coleridge together with their Lyrical Ballads helped launch the Romantic Age in English Literature. In this novel, Wordsworth’s magnus opus goes missing (a semi-autobiographical poem that is extremely personal about his early years and addressed to Coleridge). Of course, this scenario sets up an intriguing mystery that includes a disappearing person and a murder to solve surrounding this case. It is well executed and leads us as readers (and the investigative couple) on a remarkable danger-filled journey to solve the puzzle. Lots of tension, trembling and seat tottering! I loved it all and enjoyed its literary references, too, since the Romantic Era is my favourite poetry realm.

I highly recommend The Wordsworth Key as once again Julia Golding delivers a first class, intelligent, layered, unforgettable regency mystery that sparkles with originality. The plot is entertaining and the style invigorating plus it inspires the senses and imagination. Being a poet myself, I loved these couple of lines by Dora and Jacob about Wordsworth’s biographical poem and also poetry in general:

“That poem - it’s dangerous, isn’t it? Full of mysteries when it seems so innocent.”

“All the best poetry is. If you understand a poem at one reading, then it’s not great, merely entertaining.”

I encourage everyone to get the first two in the series to read as well. Julia’s stories and characters are more-ish, fun, delightful, full of political and societal dramas of the day and totally captivating. The Wordsworth Key is a worthy, regency 5 star mystery that must be read! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to One More Chapter and Netgalley for a review copy.