• Historical Mystery Novels - The Silver Pigs by Lindsey Davis
  • Historical Mystery Novels - Midnight at Malabar House by Vaseem Khan
  • Historical Mystery Novels - Celebrated Cases of Judge Dee by Anonymous & Robert van Gulik (translator)
  • Historical Mystery Novels - The Unseeing by Anna Mazzola
  • Historical Mystery Novels - Mortal Mischief by Frank Tallis

Historical Mystery Novels, recommended by Tuva Kahrs

Do you enjoy being immersed in the detail of a well-observed historical novel, or gripped by the mystery of a detective story? Historical mysteries combine the best of both. From 1st century Rome to Victorian London, from Tang dynasty China to 20th century Bombay, our contributing editor Tuva Kahrs brings you a crop of well-researched mysteries that will transport you to different times and places.

  • The Best Historical Fiction of 2024 - The New Life: A Novel by Tom Crewe
  • The Best Historical Fiction of 2024 - Hungry Ghosts: A Novel by Kevin Jared Hosein
  • The Best Historical Fiction of 2024 - My Father's House by Joseph O'Connor
  • The Best Historical Fiction of 2024 - In the Upper Country: A Novel by Kai Thomas
  • The Best Historical Fiction of 2024 - Absolutely and Forever by Rose Tremain
  • The Best Historical Fiction of 2024 - The House of Doors by Tan Twan Eng

The Best Historical Fiction of 2024, recommended by Katharine Grant

The judges of the Walter Scott Prize aim to highlight the very best new historical novels, and in 2024 they have settled on a varied shortlist featuring a Trinidadian tragedy, a Vatican-based thriller, and a charming coming-of-age tale from 1960s Middle England. We spoke to Katharine Grant, chair of the judging panel, to find out more. See also Best Historical Fiction Books 2025

  • The Best Historical Fiction Set in the American South - Pudd'nhead Wilson by Mark Twain
  • The Best Historical Fiction Set in the American South - Absalom, Absalom! by William Faulkner
  • The Best Historical Fiction Set in the American South - Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
  • The Best Historical Fiction Set in the American South - Wise Blood by Flannery O'Connor
  • The Best Historical Fiction Set in the American South - Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver

The Best Historical Fiction Set in the American South, recommended by Xan Brooks

The ‘Deep’ South is a complicated place with a complicated history. But that’s what makes it such an effective literary setting, says Xan Brooks—author of The Catchers, a story of Blues music and exploitation that unfolds in the Mississippi Delta. Here he recommends some of the best historical fiction set in the American South, including novels by Flannery O’Connor and Mark Twain.

  • Historical Novels Set During the Classical Era - The Last of the Wine by Mary Renault
  • Historical Novels Set During the Classical Era - The Mask of Apollo by Mary Renault
  • Historical Novels Set During the Classical Era - Tides of War: A Novel by Steven Pressfield
  • Historical Novels Set During the Classical Era - Imperium: A Novel of Ancient Rome by Robert Harris
  • Historical Novels Set During the Classical Era - I, Claudius by Robert Graves

Historical Novels Set During the Classical Era, recommended by Ferdia Lennon

Though culture, society, and technology were very different in the ancient world, human minds and relationships still functioned in very similar ways, argues Ferdia Lennon—author of Glorious Exploits, set during the Peloponnesian War. Here he recommends five novels set during the Classical era that serve, in their own ways, as mirrors of the present.