Thank you to HarperCollins UK and NetGalley for the free eARC in exchange for my honest review.
I enjoyed the witty banter between Ruby and Dora; their friendship was both supportive and sweet. Additionally, Jacob and Dora's open communication was a refreshing change, especially within this genre. However, I didn't like all aspects of the book. I found the pacing of the story to be too slow, and I had to push myself to finish it. I give this book 3.5 out of 5 stars.

The Wordsworth Key
by Julia Golding
Pub Date: May 09 2025

Investigative duo, Dora Fitz-Pennington and Dr Jacob Sandys, have escaped London and headed north to the Lakes, both needing time away from danger after their two most recent cases. Death, unfortunately, hasn’t got the message that it isn’t welcome to join them.

Now, as William Wordsworth’s opus goes missing, and disappearances and a murder follow in quick succession, Dora and Jacob are forced to abandon their holiday and use their unique skills to track down a reckless killer

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.

Duo, Dora Fitz-Pennington and Dr. Jacob Sandys are on their way to the lake for a much needed break. Unfortunately for them, William Wordsworth goes missing along side manuscripts and a murder. Now the two must pivot and investigate.

Rating: 5/5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I absolutely adored this historical romance/ murder mystery. It had my attention the whole time! The writing was fantastic. The plot was great and followed through to the end.

I loved both Dora and Jacob. It’s been so long since a MMC has been able to make me swoon, but Jacob’s love for Dora had me so happy! Dora was intelligent and such a strong FMC! She is probably one of my favorite characters.

I recommend reading The Wordsworth Key if you like murder mystery, historical romance, and romance as a sub plot.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

As a sucker for historical fiction this book far from disappointed! It was great from the get go, the 2 main characters were so enjoyable to read about and the twists and turns kept me at the end of my seat throughout this entire read. If Regency thrill is your jam then this will be right up your alley!

This is a new author for me and I was interested in reading this story based on the reviews I had read. It was a good mystery tale with Dora and Jacob vacationing in a small hamlet when caught in what seemed to be a quick recovery mission turning in to murder, mayhem and mystery. The villain was well hidden and the characters were well developed. I have to say if Arthur had been my brother, there would have been WORDS! I found the plot to plod along and was disgusted by the f-bomb being used liberally towards the end of the book. (I feel that an author can do better than relying on that word to convey anger- thus the lower rating.) Not the most exciting mystery I have read, but it was good. I did adore the boys-they were adorable. I gave this 4 stars because 3.5 wasn’t an option.


I received this story for free and these are my own views.

This is the third book in Julia Golding's Regency Secrets series. It can be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend reading the first two books first to gain a better understanding of the relationship between the main characters.

In the previous book, Dora and Jacob had just launched their own detective agency and were investigating their first case. In this one, the agency is well established, and they are investigating several cases alongside their employees, one of which is the disappearance of William Wordsworth’s opus.

Most of the book is set in the Lakes and involves real people of the time, such as Wordsworth and Coleridge. The characters are compelling and there were enough twists to keep me happily entertained.

A recommended read for fans of Regency detective stories like Claudia Gary's Mr Darcy and Miss Tilney series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The Wordsworth Key, is the third installment in Julia Golding’s Regency Secrets series, this novel masterfully blends historical intrigue, literary homage, and a touch of romance. Set in 1812, the narrative follows actress-turned-sleuth Dora Fitz-Pennington and her partner, Dr. Jacob Sandys, as they retreat to the Lake District. Their respite is short-lived when they become entangled in a mystery involving the disappearance of William Wordsworth’s notebook of unpublished poems and a gruesome murder in London, where a body is found with a shepherd’s crook wedged in its mouth. ​The portrayal of Dora and Jacob is both endearing and dynamic. Their relationship, marked by mutual respect and playful banter, adds depth to the story. Dora’s resourcefulness and Jacob’s steadfastness make them a compelling duo, navigating societal expectations and personal demons. ​The strength lies in its intricate plot and rich historical context. Golding weaves real historical figures, such as Wordsworth and Coleridge, into the story, adding authenticity and depth. The mystery unfolds with well-paced suspense, keeping readers engaged through unexpected twists and turns. ​The Wordsworth Key has engaging storytelling and vivid characterizations.

A wonderful read!
This novel drew me in from the very first page and kept me hooked until the end. The characters were vibrant and relatable, the writing was engaging, and the story had just the right balance of heart and humor. Highly recommend!
Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy

The Wordsworth Key by Julia Golding is a third person dual-POV historical mystery continuation of the Regency Secrets series. Dora and Jacob are back and make their way to Jacob’s family’s home for a rest. But when they arrive, they need to help the sister of the poet Wordsworth find his lost poem and deal with Dora and Jacob’s families making things difficult.

This was a real colliding of worlds as we spend a lot of time meeting Jacob’s family and learning more about who they are and where Jacob come from but we also have Dora’s good friend Ruby come in and she’s determined to find herself a wealthy man to take care of her and her unborn child. Even more than that, Lady Alice is a young woman who is quite interested in making Jacob her husband. Dora tries to keep Ruby from Jacob’s family but it doesn't really work so well nor can she fully hide her romantic interests in Jacob (and he has no desire to hide his intentions to marry her). There’s a lot of subtle drama that reads like a Regency version of Meet the Parents.

One thing I really appreciated was how Dora is secure in her relationship with Jacob. Lady Alice expresses her interest in Jacob to Dora as a way for Dora to say what her relationship is (which I also appreciated) and Dora told the truth that they are not engaged so Alice is free to pursue Jacob. But Dora takes it a step further and says that if Jacob chooses Alice, he was never that committed to Dora in the first place and then gets upset with Jacob when he asks if she’s jealous. There’s something very interesting about someone who is so sure about something that has no actual label and even they themselves don’t know exactly how it’s gonna end. It shows her belief in her and Jacob’s relationship, no matter which direction it goes.

I would recommend this to fans of the previous two books and readers who want a Regency mystery with a strong romantic thread

The Wordsworth Key is a wonderfully imaginative blend of historical fiction, literary mystery, and time-slip adventure. Julia Golding has created a richly atmospheric story that brings Regency England to life while weaving in the legacy of William Wordsworth in a way that feels both fresh and meaningful.

I was quickly drawn into Dora’s journey—she’s smart, curious, and brave, and her dynamic with Jacob added warmth and tension that kept me invested throughout. The way Golding incorporated real historical elements, poetry, and a fast-paced plot made the book feel both educational and entertaining (without ever becoming heavy-handed).

The pacing was strong for the most part, though there were a few moments that felt slightly rushed. Still, the energy and charm of the story more than made up for it. This book works beautifully as a standalone, but now I want to go back and read the rest of the Regency Secrets series.

Perfect for fans of historical mysteries with a literary twist—The Wordsworth Key is a delightful, immersive read that pays tribute to the power of words and the timeless pull of poetry.

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

The third in a series, I've really enjoyed that each book has taken us, the readers, to very different locations in England. It allows us to see the MCs, Dora and Jacob, in different environments, interacting with different people, leveraging their strengths, and keeps things interesting.
I also enjoy how the book fuses together a fictional mystery with people who did exist; in this case, William Wordsworth.

The mystery for this one was intriguing as it started off with a few different things happening, in different parts of England, and slowly, over the investigation, it all came together to a clear, satisfying conclusion. At the same time, Dora and Jacob had to deal with Jacob's older brother, the new Viscount, coming for a visit and his attempts to break up the couple and matchmake Jacob to, in the Viscount's eyes, a more suitable partner.

The side characters in the book were a delight, especially the two young boys who provided valuable information in the course of the investigation and had key roles in the conclusion. It was also fun to read about the influence (even if fictional) of Wordsworth and other romantic poets on society, how it influenced young writers, men, etc.

This series has become one of my favourites and I look forward to the next instalment!

Thanks to Harper Collins UK/One More Chapter for the eARC; all opinions are my own.

The Wordsworth Key by Julia Golding

Rating: 4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter, Netgalley, and the author for access to this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Dr Jacob Sandys and Dora Fitz-Pennington find themselves drawn into the scandals of the British elite when William Wordsworth’s notebook of unpublished poems goes missing. Then, when news arrives of a murder in London, Dora and Jacob decide to investigate what’s going on and to try to determine whether everything is as it seems.

This is the third book in the series but can be read as a stand alone. Dora is an actress and Jacob is the son of a viscount. They are a couple (despite his family’s disapproval) and work together as detectives. While on vacation, they are asked to investigate the disappearance of a new manuscript - and then the friend who borrowed the manuscript also goes missing. Following the news of a murder in London and with plenty of other drama arising too, Jacob and Dora have to get to the bottom of it as soon as possible.

Overall, this was a fast paced historical fiction mystery with plenty of action, adventure, and red herrings. Certainly a delightful read that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat!

Third in the series - I haven't read the other two, but the author catches you up without spoilers. Dora's an illegitimate actress and Jacob's the third son of a viscount; they work together as detectives and are also a couple (though his family disapproves).

They're on holiday in the Lake District when Dorothy Wordsworth asks them to investigate the disappearance of her brother's new manuscript - and then the friend who borrowed the manuscript also goes missing. Plus there's a connection to a shocking murder in London, and are Wordworth's friends who they seem?

Add one of Dora's friends coming to them for help when her life gets complicated, Jacob's family issues, and the utterly lovely characters of the Coleridge boys, and we have a fast-paced mystery with a big cast.

Thank you to the publisher, the author and Netgalley for the ARC.

Who knew the Lake District could be so exciting? Perhaps an unpopular opinion, but I’ve never much liked the Lake District and despite living perhaps 60/70 miles away with easy access straight up the motorway, its a place I’ve only visited a couple of times in my life and was unimpressed both times. However, the majority of this book is set there and I found it very atmospheric to the extent I could be tempted to visit again.

This is the third book in the ‘Regency Secrets’ series by Julia Golding with Dr Jacob Sandys and Dora Fitz-Pennington as the central characters in all three books. It could easily be read as a stand alone book but I think you’d be missing out on some fab adventures if you haven’t read the previous two, not to mention Jacob and Dora’s background and ever developing romance.

For myself, I enjoyed this book the most out of the three and I do think the setting, the plot and the supporting characters combined, made it the most enjoyable. Jacob and Dora are up from London, taking a break from their private investigating work, at a holiday cottage in the Lakes belonging to one of Jacob’s relatives. They’ve not been there but a day when bad news about family is brought to Jacob’s door, as well as the sister of William Wordsworth hoping Jacob and Dora might be able to locate a missing manuscript belonging to William Wordsworth which after lending it to a friend, it disappears, as does the friend.

It’s a fast paced story with many strands running through and as in all three books concludes with a tense and thrilling conclusion. As for the romance? Will Dora ever concede to Jacob’s desire to take things further and make Dora his wife? You’ll have to read it to find out.

I hope there’s a further book to come in this series, I missed their adventures when I reached the end of this book and would love to know what happens next in the Dora/Jacob saga.

This book was great. I really enjoyed it and the writing was superb! The story flowed well and I really fell in love with the authors writing style.

Another brilliant, enthralling mystery following Dora and Jacob. The Wordsworth Key has a little bit of everything, action, humour, suspense. I adored the witty romantic scenes between the two leads and I hope to read more from this series. Thank you so much to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the chance to read an ARC.

Another great adventure with Dora and Jacob. Loved seeing the countinued growth with the characters and who doesn’t love a nice country side holiday with a murderer in the lose?!?!

This was a great historical mystery romance book! The plot was very well written and so hard to put it down! Would highly recommend!

Big fan of this series of books and have been lucky enough to read the first two and was delighted to have been invited to read the new one.

Dora and Jacob are at his country cottage in the Lake District when he receives news that his father has died, making his brother, Arthur, the new Viscount. Having to go to the country estate of Rydal Hall for the funeral, he leaves Dora for a couple of days.

Whilst Jacob is gone, Dora is surprised with a visitor, Ruby Plum, who she was on the stage with. Ruby is in an unfortunate (bearing in mind this is Victorian England) predicament. To keep her mind from Jacob, Dora is approached by William Wordsworth sister and a friend of his regarding a missing manuscript, could it be somehow tied to the death of a judge in Billingsgate, London, Sir Richard Leyburn who actually hailed from the Lake District.

Really enjoyed this book, interesting story and characters, cannot wait for the next one.