Ken Follett’s next epic heads to Victorian Britain, where strict morals meet secret passions

Bestselling author Ken Follett is set to transport readers to the Victorian era in his upcoming historical epic, “The Deep and Secret Things,” publishers announced Wednesday. The novel, scheduled for release on September 21, 2027, will explore the tension between rigid social propriety and forbidden passion.

Hachette Book Group and Hachette UK revealed that Follett’s new work will center on Helena Bowen, a noblewoman from South Wales, and her attraction to Johnnie, a charming but disreputable figure who challenges the strict moral codes of their time.

“I love stories set in the Victorian era because of the shocking contrasts,” Follett explained in a statement. “Britain was richer than any country had ever been, but the London slums were places of grim poverty. Moral rules were strict, but rich men had mistresses and destitute women turned, in desperation, to prostitution. Dresses were gorgeous and parties were lavish, but the children of the poor started work at the age of seven.”

The 76-year-old British author has built a literary empire with his meticulously researched historical fiction. With worldwide sales approaching 200 million copies, Follett has established himself as one of the publishing industry’s most reliable bestseller generators. His ability to blend historical authenticity with compelling storytelling has earned him a devoted global following.

Follett’s new Victorian-era novel represents yet another chapter in his remarkable literary journey through history. Over his five-decade career, he has crafted narratives spanning from the Dark Ages to contemporary times, with some of his most celebrated works including “The Pillars of the Earth,” “Eye of the Needle,” and “World Without End.”

The Victorian setting offers rich territory for Follett’s characteristic exploration of social dynamics and power structures. The era, which spanned Queen Victoria’s reign from 1837 to 1901, was marked by dramatic technological advancement and imperial expansion alongside extreme social inequality and rigid class distinctions.

For readers familiar with Follett’s work, the announcement signals another opportunity to immerse themselves in his trademark blend of historical detail, political intrigue, and human drama. His novels typically feature strong female characters navigating restrictive social environments, suggesting that Helena Bowen may join the ranks of his memorable protagonists who challenge the conventions of their times.

The publishing industry has weathered significant challenges in recent years, from pandemic disruptions to shifts in consumer reading habits. However, established authors with Follett’s track record continue to provide stability for major publishing houses like Hachette. His books frequently occupy prominent positions on bestseller lists and generate substantial revenue across multiple formats and international markets.

The announcement of “The Deep and Secret Things” comes at a time when historical fiction remains a robust category in publishing. The genre offers readers both escapism and perspective, particularly during turbulent contemporary times. By examining Victorian-era social tensions through a contemporary lens, Follett’s new work may provide insights into present-day discussions about social inequality and moral hypocrisy.

With the publication date set for 2027, Follett will have ample time to craft his narrative with the historical precision and emotional depth his readers have come to expect. The extended timeline also indicates the scale and ambition of the project, suggesting another sweeping epic rather than a more modest historical novel.

For the millions of readers who have followed Follett’s literary journey across centuries and continents, the wait for his Victorian romance will likely be rewarded with another immersive historical experience that illuminates both the past and the timeless complexities of human nature.