It’s Official: Worth Killing For Is Out in the World!
25 September 2026
After years of imagining, writing, rewriting and a fair few sleepless nights, I can finally say it. I’m a published author!
On 24th September 2026, my debut Victorian historical mystery novella, Worth Killing For, was officially released into the world.
And what a journey it’s been getting here!
For those of you who have followed along on Instagram or TikTok, you’ll know the last few months have been something of a whirlwind. From finding beta readers and designing the cover to formatting the manuscript and navigating the rather complicated world of self-publishing, there’s certainly been plenty to keep me busy.
There have been moments of excitement, frustration, panic and quite a few occasions when I’ve wondered what on earth I’ve got myself into!
But seeing Worth Killing For become an actual book, one that people can hold in their hands, buy and read, has made it all worthwhile.
A Story Years in the Making
Christabel Tomiska has been part of my imagination for a very long time.
Her story began taking shape when I was in my late teens, although the version you can read today has changed considerably since those early ideas.
Characters have come and gone, storylines have evolved, and what began as one idea eventually grew into something much bigger.
Worth Killing For is the first book in the Christabel Tomiska trilogy, set against the darker side of Victorian London in 1875.
At its heart is Christabel, a young woman whose search for answers draws her into a dangerous world of secrets, deception and divided loyalties. With a mysterious parcel at the centre of it all, she soon discovers that some truths come at a far greater price than she ever imagined.
It’s a story of family, betrayal, loyalty and the lengths people will go to for those they love.
And this is only the beginning.
From Manuscript to Bookshelf
One of the biggest surprises throughout this journey has been discovering just how much goes into publishing a book.
Writing the story was only one part of it!
I’ve learnt about ISBNs, formatting, cover dimensions, distribution, proofreading, marketing and a whole host of other things I barely knew existed when I started.
I’ve also had the pleasure of working with some wonderful beta readers, whose feedback helped me make the story the best version of itself.
And then there are the people who have supported me throughout the process. Family, friends, fellow writers and readers who have followed Christabel’s journey long before the book was available to buy.
Every message, comment, preorder and purchase has meant more than I can properly put into words.
Knowing that people are now reading a story that existed only in my imagination for so long is a rather strange but wonderful feeling.
So, What’s Next?
Although Worth Killing For has only just made its debut, Christabel’s story is far from finished.
I’m already working on the second book in the trilogy, which picks up approximately six months after the events of the first book.
There are unanswered questions, complicated relationships and a few characters who aren’t quite finished causing trouble!
I’m looking forward to sharing more about the next instalment as the writing progresses, although I’ll be keeping the biggest secrets to myself for now.
I’m also working on a few other exciting things behind the scenes, including some bookish merchandise, signed copies and opportunities to meet readers in person.
And, after neglecting this little corner of the internet while preparing for publication, I’m hoping to make much better use of my website!
Let’s Keep in Touch
I’ve been busy setting up a newsletter, which I’m planning to send out monthly. (See below this post if you’d like to sign up)
It’ll be a place to share writing updates, behind-the-scenes glimpses into my books, Victorian research discoveries and the occasional sneak peek at what’s coming next.
If you’d like to follow along with Christabel’s journey, I’d love to have you join me.
In the meantime, Worth Killing For is available now in Kindle and paperback editions.
And finally, to everyone who has supported me on this journey, whether you’ve bought a copy, shared a post, offered encouragement or simply followed along:
Thank you.
Publishing my first book has been a dream of mine for a very long time, and it’s rather lovely to finally see that dream sitting on a bookshelf.
Here’s to the beginning of a new chapter.
L. C. Wilkinson
Author of the Christabel Tomiska trilogy