Wordsworth in Bogotá

by Scott E. Sundby

“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

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.

267 pages, Paperback

Published January 29, 2025

Reviews

[Jordan Yellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[M. A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a novel about the literature-loving, wayward son of a cocaine kingpin and his plan to rescue his family’s fortune through an international poetry conference, one expects a fast-paced plot, colorful characters, and clever narration. Scott Sundby’s Wordsworth in Bogota has all of that in spades, from his description of how the reptilian glare of the despotic DEA Deputy Chief Bronson McArthur Attles prompts a young subordinate to envision him “going into LensCrafters and asking for contacts in Amber Asshole” to the recognition of the protagonist, Esteban Velasquez, that the primary challenge of the conference scheme would be ensuring that the invited academics would submit their papers on time. What one may not expect, however, are the poignant glimpses into the inner life of even the most seemingly straightforward characters, such as when Sundby reveals that Attles’ seething hatred for the city of Miami is rooted in his anguish over his aging parents’ decline: “With each annual visit, he would notice his father’s once-nimble gait becoming a slow-motion shuffle, his mother’s posture bowing forward until she resembled a hastily scribbled question mark, forgetful moments each would try to gently cover up for the other.” You may not expect Sundby’s skillful capture of the sights, sounds, and scents of the book’s varied settings, as when Sundby describes Esteban’s family home as a place where he and his mother “would sit beneath an arching canopy of bougainvillea that made even quick meals seem like a feast, surrounded by the flowers’ perfumed scent, the rapid staccato of hummingbird wings, and a view that reached out to forever.” And you may not expect Sundby’s gentle but incisive commentary about the insular world of academia, the impressionistic nature of love, and the transformative gift of believing in other people when they do not believe in themselves. But all of that, and more, is in this warm, witty, and delightful book.

[Adelle Powers · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book so clever you'll want a highlighter. Wordsworth in Bogota is, like all great crime capers, twisty to the last word and also like a classic caper, delightfully funny in a Clue meets Scarface kind of way. On the surface, Wordsworth in Bogota is an absurdist comedy that happens to follow a drug smuggling scheme stretching from Colombia to Columbia University. The plot works beautifully, but the book's incredible readability and originality make it a true classic that demands a second read. What I mean to say is, the zingers are so good that you will start to resent the author's wit. The action is unpredictable, but perfect in its design. The scope, too, is vast, as characters from every strata of our world experience the same events from their own unique lenses. Delightful and as close to poetry as you can get while still calling yourself prose.

[Jonathan Shapiro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really gorgeously and tightly written crime story by someone who, as a past Assistant U.S. Attorney, knows what he's talking about! This book kept me guessing right up to the end. Great characters who ought to appear in future books by Sundby.

[Selma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wordsworth is definitely a page turner, humorous and exciting, and I strongly recommend .The characters are well developed and endearing. The story is a bit of a mystery, a romance and an adventure.

I’ll be passing it on to friends!

[Betsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book definitely kept me wondering what the next chapter would bring… at first I wasn’t sure how all the characters fit together, and everyone was a bit flawed, making it hard to predict who the hero’s and villains were. This is part of the book’s charm, however, as they all fumble around trying to make connections and in the end all being human. My only complaint is that the portrayal of academia is a bit off, but not so much that it gets in the way of the story. I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway and am glad to have had the opportunity to read it.

[Sienna S'Zell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh, so clever! Every chapter brought a new endeavor -- I really didn't see the ending coming at all. Interesting characters who morphed when needed. Great read!

[Ann Kenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book fascinating - what the heck was Wordsworth doing in Bogotá? All would be revealed as I read this page turner. Here we find greed, love and family loyalty ( or was it Esteban’s self preservation?).
Three different worlds collide. So if you want to know more about some unlikely bedfellows - Academics, drug smugglers and the US Drug Enforcement Agency - this is for you.
The development of the characters was skilful but subtle - you come to love some e.g. Percy, and hate others, but not always the way you would expect.
This is a thriller, told with humour and empathy. The twists and turns kept me guessing right to the end.
Don’t miss this great read.
Ann Keating

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

What happens when the worlds of academia and drug cartels collide? This clever novel takes you on a fun, surprising ride where literature and poetry take on an unexpected power. The author blends suspense, philosophy, and sharp social commentary, creating a story that is as thought-provoking as it is thrilling. This is a must-read for anyone who likes their thrillers with a dose of romance, intrigue, and humor.

[Taylor Peabody · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wordsworth in Bogota was a a highly entertaining read with characters that are endearing and hilarious. As someone who loves mystery and suspense novels, I appreciated how the author captivates his audience by frequently switching character perspective while also weaving in pearls about literature, crime, and the quirks of academia. I had a hard time putting it down, and highly recommend to other readers looking to be immersed in adventure.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so much fun! A literary romp into the cartel world. This author definitely has a way with satire and character development that has been lacking in a lot of the books I’ve read lately. Can’t wait to read more by him!

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Cam Torrens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scott E. Sundby delivers one of those rare novels that pulls off a high-wire act between crime thriller and literary satire—and sticks the landing! He had me laughing, learning, and desperately trying to figure out how he would wrap it up!

A drug lord’s reluctant, poetry-loving son becomes an unlikely strategist in a desperate chess match with the Drug Enforcement Agency, and the result is smart, unexpected, and surprisingly moving. The author's characters are vivid. Sundby's narration is unique...and compelling.

"Wordsworth in Bogotá" reminds us how art can both save and undo us. But most of all, the book reveals a story about the redemptive power of words.

[Joseph Reiff · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[HoneyBunny · Rating 2 out of 5]

2/5 stars

This book had a genuinely interesting premise and sounded exactly like something I would enjoy, which makes it even more disappointing that it ultimately didn’t work for me at all. I really did try to get into it, but the writing style and overall execution made it feel nearly unreadable for me personally.

There’s clearly a specific sense of humor and tone the book is aiming for, and I can see how it could appeal to the right audience, but I never managed to connect with it. Unfortunately, despite the exciting promise, this one simply wasn’t for me.

[Darryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

International drug crime intrigue wrapped in a parody of academic life:
A brilliant cross-genre tale--a parody of academic life in the tradition of Kingsley Amis' Lucky Jim woven into a thriller about international cocaine cartels and an inside look at the government bureaucrats fighting them. Great fun to read.

[J.D. King · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific read! Part campus satire, part international crime thriller, and 100% entertaining! Sundby writes with humor and grace. This is a page-turner that will leave you with a smile in your face. Highly recommended!

[Christopher Sundby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly a great book that was hard to put down - a perfect mix of plot depth, amazing character development, and just the right amount of humor.

[Thomas Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good read, with some fine twists that keeps the reader engaged. It's well worth your time to check this book out.

[David Yellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommended. Clever story (don’t worry if, like me, you know nothing of poets), interesting characters, suspenseful but funny.

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I stayed up late to finish it, so it held me but the end seemed a bit lame. Over the top sarcastic about academic literature types and a fairly predictable plot.