Mysterious times at 1812 Lake Windermere!

Dora Fitz-Pennington (actress) and Dr. Jacob Sandys (son of a peer), what a great pair! Their enquiry agency is coming along nicely. Dora and Jacob have taken some time off at Windermere Lake. A place alive with poets, Wordsworth and Coleridge amongst others. Somehow Wordsworth’s opus works has been taken. Dora and Jacob have been asked by his sister, Dorothy Wordsworth, to quietly investigate.
Jacob though is called home belatedly by his brother Arthur to his father’s burial. Things are not sitting well in that quarter. The new Viscount it seems is a stubborn, unforgiving prig, wanting to bend his family to his will. Women have their place and Dora is definitely ‘out of place.’
Meanwhile a body with a shepherd’s crook thrust thru it is found in the Thames River, attached to a rope from the quayside. Alex Smith, associate of Dora and Jacob’s detective agency, takes a look and finds it imperative to let Jacob know what’s happening.
It seems all roads lead to the Lake District and that’s not a good sign.
I loved the exploits and youthful curiosity of two young Coleridge boys btw.
An excellent historical mystery / romance!

A One More Chapter ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

Loved this! Dora and Jacob are fab and I can't wait to go back and read the previous instalments in this series.

Not my go-to genre, I certainly won't dismiss another book by this author.

Really enjoyable and an excellent story.

The third book in The Regency Secrets series, this historical novel opens in Billingsgate, London in July 1812 where a Thames river policeman Constable Goole and former army officer Alex Smith are standing over the body of Sir Richard Leyburn. The deceased has a shepherds crook forced down his throat, not an accidental death then! I wasn’t aware when I started reading that it was part of a series, however there are a number references to previous events that made me check, but it still reads well as a standalone.

Briefly, the Lake District August 1812, actress Dora and Dr Jacob Sandys are interrupted when they are swimming by a rider who has come to tell Jacob that his father Viscount Sandys is dead. Whilst at the family one he receives a letter from his employee Alex, who asks if Jacob can speak to Leyburn’s family, who live in Cockermouth, and see if he has any enemies who might have followed him to London. Meanwhile Dora has been visited by William Wordsworth’s sister and a Mr Barton, asking for her help in tracing a missing, believed stolen, manuscript that Wordsworth had lent to Barton. Things soon take a turn for the worse when a man goes missing and that’s only the start of it.

I did like the two main characters Dora and Jacob, both of whom are flaunting convention, Jacob is a member of the aristocracy, whereas former actress Dora has had a very different upbringing. They are perfect together. Their 19th century detective agency, with its diverse mix of employees is a very entertaining concept. The mystery in this cosy crime novel worked well and I didn’t guess the villain too soon. An enjoyable read.

If you're into cosy historical mysteries with a dash of poetry and a smart female lead, The Wordsworth Key is definitely worth picking up. It's the third book in Julia Golding’s Regency Secrets series, but you can enjoy it even if you haven’t read the others.
The story follows Dora Fitz-Pennington and Dr. Jacob Sandys—an unlikely but brilliant investigative pair—who are hoping for a quiet escape to the Lake District in 1812. But of course, peace doesn't last long. A precious Wordsworth manuscript goes missing, people start disappearing, and before long there’s a murder to solve. Dora and Jacob jump back into detective mode, uncovering secrets and chasing a killer who seems to have a grudge against the Romantic poets.
The writing is witty and full of atmosphere, and Julia Golding clearly knows her history. What’s great about this book is that it blends real literary figures—like Wordsworth—into a fictional mystery without feeling forced. The setting is lush, the pacing just right, and the banter between the main characters is sharp and fun.

This is my first in this series, and I can understand why people like it, but it didn't work for me.

Plot: Dora is an actress and Jacob an upper-class doctor in regency England. They connect and form a detective agency, and this is their newest mystery to solve. One of William Wordsworth's manuscripts has gone missing, and they are hired to find it. At the same time, there have been several murders. Are they all connected?

Positives: The setting is done well, and readers who like a romance/mystery will enjoy this. There are light references to diversity that many people will appreciate.

But this didn't outweigh the negatives for me. Most crucially, I just did not like the main characters or their relationship. I found them all shallow and uninteresting. The story came across as mostly a cozy-style mystery, but it's dotted with a few references to the couple's relationship, so it can't be read as such.

The mystery itself might have been ok, but I read this over a long period of time because I wasn't enjoying it, so I didn't follow everything quite so well. There seem to have lots of suspects and red herrings. Some of the dialogue went on for longer than I felt necessary. The diversity part felt like an homage to today's values rather than feeling realistic.

There's the requisite info dump at the end from the suspect who would never bother telling it over in real life, nor would he keep the protagonist alive long enough to tell it over.

I am an outlier opinion, so take this for what it is.

Thank you to NetGalley, One More Chapter, and Julia Golding for the opportunity to review an advanced copy.

The title of this novel really grabbed me, being both a fan of the Lake District and the Romantic Poets. If you agree, then you’ll probably enjoy the lovely scenery, the fact that the Wordsworth family have a very small part, and the plot features a missing Wordsworth manuscript.

For me, this novel was part romance and part crime. It started off really strongly as we were straight into the plot with a very intriguing murder. The location changed, and we got more into the romance storyline between Dr Sandys and actress Dora.

Although the romance soon hotted up, for me, the investigation stalled a little as we were introduced to different characters.

The crimes did keep occurring with some more exciting incidents, but I thought that there could have been more action in the middle section of the novel and cliffhangers to the ‘cosy crime’ storyline.

The romance part of the novel had plenty of conflict and excellent rapport between the two main characters.

Dr Sandys and Dora had a believable love story. I was carried along with their storyline. In terms of the crime plot, it came back together at the end with some tension in the ending and a little twist.

I recommend reading these books from the start as this was my first book in the series, and there was a lot of background detail I’d missed. One small note about accents – in my view, some of the words used by the locals sounded more Scottish rather than Cumbrian.

For regency lovers everywhere, this mismatched couple uses their particular set of skills to solve crime wherever they go, including on what is supposed to be a vacation. When they find themselves in the middle of a murder investigation, it's only by their wits that they survive.

This is the third book in the series and while each mystery is fine to be read on its own the relationship development would be missed so they are best read in order. This time we are in the Lake District which is described to a T. The mysteries in this series always involve real people and this one involves Wordsworth and a group of young men who follow him. It starts off with missing poetry and then the twists and turns start and the body counts starts adding up. Although the pool of likely suspects are small the plot was so well written it keeps you guessing This series is becoming a guilty pleasure for me. Can't wait for more. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Thanks to Net Galley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for this ARC. Great plot, love the character development, great cliff hanger. Looking forward to more.

3.5/5

Another Dora and Jacob murder mystery in the books! I only wish she'd marry the man already. This novel is full of vibrant vocabulary and intrigue. The pull of the characters fell a little flat for me, meaning I just feel something was missing to make me care more about the antagonists and murder victims. Dora and Jacob are loveable as a couple, but Dora is kind of annoying me because it feels like she can't admit her own feelings. The twists and turns of the story happen fast and suddenly which is... interesting. And it's very very dialog heavy. If you enjoy reading dialog you'll love this book. I'd recommend this to people who enjoy historical mysteries and romance combined. The cliff hanger definitely got me, so I'll have to read the next. (I just want her to marry him) However, I still haven't read the first book and I feel I don't need to. So this series is definitely one where you can pick it up whereever and probably enjoy it for what it is. Oh, also. There are definitely huge historical discrepancies for the sake of the plot. Like, I'm almost sure that doctor in 1812 were not boiling their instruments before use. I wouldn't take any historical reference in the book as fact and definitely would not say it's a well researched historical fiction novel. But, whatever I guess. I feel like you can definitely tell the author is a Brit, too. Not necessarily bad, but. 🤷🏻‍♀️ Thanks to One More Chapter & NetGalley for an advanced ebook copy of the book. I'm not compensated for this review and I'm just in it for fun. All thoughts and opinion are my own.

Now I am not one for mysteries, so I was unsure about this when I picked it up. The relationship between Dora and Jacob was worth it though and it was good writing.
Thank you to NetGalley reads for the advance copy.

Whew another wild ride with Dora and Jacob! It isn’t necessary to read them in order but it definitely helps! I would not understand the progression in their relationship without the previous books!
Alex and the team in their London base is called to the scene of a murder of a Peer Sir Richard Leyburn found with a shepherd’s crook shoved down his throat and also strangled!
Dora and Jacob are in the country on a holiday after the last four grueling months!
But a family tragedy pulls Jacob away and make the difference in their stations more obvious!
They are introduced to another espionage spy and his circle of. “Friends!”
A series of odd occurrences including murder start to happen around Dora and they are drawn again into a web of deceit as someone tries to emulate Wordsworth poetry! It is a macabre intent masking a dangerous murderer!
Dora has a rival for Jacob’s affections and has decisions to make! Hopefully she chooses correctly as again their lives and one of Jacobs’s own brothers is threatened! It definitely should put things in perspective on how brief this life can be! Bravo well done! I received an ARC copy for my unbiased review!

The historical context plays a big role in this new installment with Jacob and Dora. A knowledge of romantic poetry or the Lake District will help, but isn’t necessary. The author explains a lot. I think the Jacobin radical element could have had more explanation rather than the poetry and scenery. Well-plotted with well-developed secondary characters as always, if a few more suspects than necessary, and a nice blend of real and fiction. I love how Dora and Jacob are both solid investigators, and their relationship isn’t bogged down in a slow burn will they/won’t they. I’m already eager for the next one.

Book three in the Regency Secrets series, and the joy and enthusiasm that the main characters bring to the book is infectious.
Jacob and Dora are poles apart, she is an actress, he is the third son of a titled nobility, but that love manages to cross all societal boundaries, even as Society wonders what will happen next in this romance that reveals some really delightful sauciness and great happiness.
Jacob and Dora are having a well deserved break in the Lake District after their last murder case. They have left Alex Smith in charge of their detective agency in London.
Someone has stolen unpublished manuscripts that contains a poem of William Wordsworth, that is apparently being used as a blueprint for murder. Wordsworth used to be a supporter of the French Revolution, alongside Samuel Taylor Coleridge and Robert Southey, could they possibly be traitors against their country? They are now best known for being the Lakeland Poets, they are members of the Romantic school of poetry , honoured by Royalty, and famous worldwide.
With many suspects to investigate, the body count continues to mount up, Dora and Jacob must fight against conventionally held beliefs to find a killer and a motive.
Dora is kind, intelligent and has the habit of following her instincts, which usually lead her into trouble.
Jacob is distracted in this book, his father has recently died, and he wasn’t invited to the bedside to pay his respects. His elder brother Arthur becomes the next Viscount Sandys, he is arrogant, snobbish and hostile to Dora, sparks fly!
The setting of the Lake District is perfect for this story, and not a mention of daffodils. It is almost a story of last man standing, the red herrings are so skilfully placed, I only knew the killer when Dora and Jacob came to the same conclusion.
A witty and well plotted read, with a satisfying ending. The characters are very loveable, and mostly spare the blushes of the reader!!
There are many twists and turns, but love shines through, like a bright ray of sunshine.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers HarperCollinsUK for my advanced read, freely given in exchange for my honest review.
I have given a five star rating. I will leave copies to Goodreads and Amazon UK.

This was a fun mystery romance, though I made the mistake of requesting this before realizing it was the third book in a connected series. Although the characters had two previous books, I was still able to follow along in The Wordsworth Key without issue. The author mentioned some previous events in the novels, but explained them so I never felt super lost. All-in-all, this was a fairly enjoyable read, though not my favorite in the cozy-mystery genre.

1812 Dora and Jacob are holidaying in the Lake District near his family home when they are informed that a local magistrate Sir Richard Leyburn was killed in London. His team investigate. Meanwhile they are asked to find a missing manuscript of Wordsworth, while they discover that a government agent is investigating some possible Jacobin plotters.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its interesting and likeable characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

In this the third book in the series Dora and Jacob's holiday near his home is interrupted by a request to find a missing manuscript written by Wordsworth. This opens the door to a mixture of murder, intrigue and unwanted suitors.
I read and loved the first book in the series a while ago, but somehow missed the second one, so was pleased to read this one. It isn't essential to read either of the first two and this can be read as a standalone. I enjoy books set in the Regency period and also murder mysteries, and this is a good blend of the two. Along with the mystery of the missing manuscript there is an apparently unrelated murder plus Jacob's brother unhappy with his relationship with someone considered not to be a suitable partner. Poetry by Wordsworth and others of his ilk was discussed, which I've not really read, and is an integral part of the story but knowledge is not a required requisite - fortunately for me. An ideal read for those who enjoy mysteries set in past times.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.

This is probably a fine book, but I could not get into and it did not engage me. This is not a fault in the book at all since it was written very well, but I don't think this genre is for me.

1812 & 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 intent on destroying the Romantic poets and all they stand for
The third book in this delightful series. I love both Jacob & Dora & thoroughly enjoyed their latest mystery. I’m also enjoying how their relationship is developing. Fast paced, wonderful characters made for an engrossing book. The mystery was also intriguing & I was kept guessing I look forward to many more books in the series
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

A wonderful Regency mystery with twists and turns set in the Lake District. The connections to William Wordsworth are a delight. All the traipsing around on land and water add to the drama. It's full of witty dialogue. And best of all, the author uses foreshadowing with mastery! The novel is a delight!