The 25 Best Historical Fiction Books

 

Hey hey,

I thought it was time to do a 'best of' post. I've read so many great historical fiction books, and many are by indie authors and don't get the attention they deserve. These 25 are all ones I would genuinely recommend to a friend, listed by era.

Ancient World

Breaking The Gladiator by Nicola Rose

A dark romance set in Ancient Rome incl. power play.

The First Dai and Julia Omnibus by EM Swifthook

A Welshman and Roman Patrician fight crime in Britain under Roman rule. Expect druids, underworld scallywags and opium smugglers.

Murder in Absentia by Assaph Mehr

A paranormal crime thriller in a town inspired by Ancient Rome. Get taken on a magical journey through beautiful islands, taverns and brothels by a detective who is likeable but a little bit dark.

Viking

 

Fire Fox by Amanda Sloothaak

This is a YA fantasy which draws from Nordic roots. An ancient land with fires and snow. And a young lady in her late teens who must learn to use her powers for good.

The Jarl's Challenge by Thyra Dane

A wintery romance. Shield maiden, Borghild, sets a holmgang when she's faced with marrying her nemesis. 

Medieval

The Good Knight by Sarah Woodbury

11th century mystery which blends fact with fiction. Gwen investigates dastardly deaths around King Owain of Gwynedd in Wales. 

A Morbid Taste for Bones by Ellis Peters

12th century monk detective. I loved the Cadfael TV series first (starring Sir Derek Jacobi), but these novels are amazing. 

The Monk's Tale by April Munday

An adventure romance with thrills galore ft. a former novice monk.

The Alewives by Elizabeth R Andersen
OMG I super love this book! It centres around female camaraderie as the peasant women in 14th century Germany do their best to survive, especially when there's a murderer in the village.

Love Habit by TL Clark

A sweet yet steamy romance about medieval monks in 15th century Kent, England. "A brave, bold and visionary celebration of monastic gay love". Ft. found family.

Love in the Roses by TL Clark

Still in 15th century Kent, this is a tale of a knight's daughter who enters an arranged marriage with a knight from a family on the opposing side of the Wars of the Roses. 

Tudor

The Queen's Lady by Barbara Kyle
Mistress Larke is a fictional character who weaves between the real royal court of King Henry VIII in this romance. Mystery, intrigue and plots abound. 

Songbird by Karen Heenan

I love this romance series. Again, fictional characters inhabit the court of Henry VIII (who happily doesn't feature much). Ft. unrequited love 'below stairs'.

The Tudor Prince by Jonathan Posner
An adventure series featuring the indomitable Mary Fox. There is a whole heap of fighting, kidnap and plotting action in these books. 

The Wheelwright's Daughter by Eleanor Porter
A fabulous witchy duology set in Elizabethan England. Poor Martha faces accusations by a zealous priest as catastrophe and madness descend. 

17th Century

The Black Madonna by Stella Riley
A truly amazing series set during the English Civil War(s). Through the smoke and gunpowder emerges a dark, mysterious Italian man who lures Kate in despite his aura of danger. 

The Witchfinder's Assistant by Ruth Goldstraw
A 17th century murder mystery incl. a witch hunt which firmly immerses you in village life. Ft. some characters you will love to hate.

The Frost Fair Murders by Ellis Blackwood

A murder mystery set in Restoration London (1666) where a harsh winter has frozen the Thames. Samuel Pepys plays detective with the help of his inquisitors. 

Georgian (incl. Regency)

Cecilia by Fanny Burney

If anyone is ever seeking a historical novel which makes them ugly cry, I will always recommend this one. It destroyed me! And was written by an actual "Keeper of the Robes" to Queen Charlotte! So, the language is very much of its time (1782) but you get used to it. It's worth it. An heiress who can only keep her fortune if her husband agrees to take her surname.

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë

My favourite book of all time! It's a bildungsroman - a novel which focuses on the moral, psychological and spiritual growth of the protagonist. Jane goes through a lot! I've never seen an adaptation which fully portrays that childhood trauma sufficiently to show her journey. Every time I read this book I get transported through all the emotions. Plus, it contains the word "automaton". 

Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen

No historical fiction list would be complete without a Jane Austen - one of my own sources of inspiration. This is one of her finest works imho but they're all good. But it's not really a romance novel. It's satire. Jane is full of snark and I'm here for it. 

The Lady's Guide to Celestial Mechanics by Olivia Waite
This is a f/f romance which brings all the feels with full heart and soul. Embroidery meets astronomy incl. a countess. Proper 'smash the patriarchy' ethos. 

 

A Fashionable Indulgence by KJ Charles

Whilst I'm thinking of LGBTQIA+ books, this is a m/m romance. Sedition vs Tories, gay men vs Society. Gentleman's clubs provide secret escapes. But the gallows are a real threat. What will they risk for love?

Regency Love by TL Clark

A romance which delves into the mind of a young lady as she enters the perilous marriage mart. Incl. steamy martial antics as well as a rake. 

1920s

The Problem With Dead People by Saffron Amatti

I adore this series. Lucas is able to see ghosts, but he's not happy about it, especially when they don't help with solving their own murders. Miss Marple meets Ghost Whisperer vibes. 

I hope you find something to pick for your next read, or even to add to your TBR. 

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - SOMETHING IN THE WATERS - Ripples of Cosy!

Something in the Waters by Kim M Watt

Date read: 6th August 2026

My rating: 5*
Genre I reckon: Cosy Chaos Mystery 

Buy link: Amazon 

I needed a palate cleanser, having read far too many books with tense/dreary settings lately. So, when I realised this was still sitting on my TBR, it was a no-brainer. 

I LOVE the Beaufort Mystery books. They give cute dragons, determined WI, and utter chaos, but with cosiness and cake. 

And this one was super refreshing. No murder, but suspicious activity. And torrential rain which just won't stop. And what's up with all the geese and swans? 

Ahhh...that's better :) 

I hope there's many more of these books to come. 

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - TRIAL BY FURY - Mediums are tricksy

Trial by Fury by Saffron Amatti

Date read: 19th April 2026

My rating: 5*
Genre I reckon: 1920s Ghost Cosy Mystery 

Buy link: Amazon 

A sleuth who has to solve the murders of the ghosts he sees may not be an obvious comfort read. But it's my comfort read. I seek out Lucas Rathbone books when I need a good read with great writing. 

Poor Lucas - will he ever get a ghost who actually tells him what he needs to know in order to help them? Lady Clementine Rosillo doesn't seem to be that one! And there are several people who wanted her dead; she knew how to rile folk up. 

Tommy is navigating his relationship, and throwing a spanner in the works. Lucas is starting a new job, and upsets his colleague. Does the gang need any more stress? Sure they do!  

This book kept me reading late into the night. 

As expected, this was just the book I was looking for. Ghost Whisperer meets Miss Marple. 

A murder to solve in 1920s London, with an unhelpful ghost and my favourite characters.

A scintillating sleuthy tale.

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - THE FROST FAIR MURDERS - as juicy as a figgy pudding

The Frost Fair Murders by Ellis Blackwood

Date read: 27th December 2025

My rating: 5*
Genre I reckon: Historical (Restoration) Mystery

Buy link: Amazon 

I am aware this book is far into series, so is not the best book to start with. However, it's Christmas and I'm a mood reader. I've probably given myself spoilers as I definitely want to go back and read more of this series!

The intriguing characters of this book completely inhabit their accurate world!

We have Samuel Pepys and his Inquisitors (one male, one female which is refreshing), slipping across the frozen Thames as they try to solve a murder. But then more bodies show up, and Pepys seems more and more involved. But who is truly behind these dastardly deeds? 

Welcome to the seedy underbelly of London in 1666. The Great Plague and the Fire have both happened, and it's a harsh, cold winter. 

There is one character in a side story who is very interesting, but I'm not sure what he has to do with this story? I feel like his thread was left a bit? But maybe it's me, and I just missed it. Or he was just a red herring? 

I loved all the realistic, historical details - given appropriately and really immersed me into 17th century London. 

Obviously, the real Samuel Pepys is fictionalised, but in a marvellous way which feels right. And the whole host of characters have depth. 

The plot is as juicy as a figgy pudding! 

A wonderfully devious, festive read. More of an icy than a cosy mystery.

Always in love and light,

TL

 

REVIEW - FESTIVELY FATAL - When you need something Christmassy yet murdery

Festively Fatal by Saffron Amatti

Date read: 22nd November 2025

My rating: 5*
Genre I reckon: Christmas Cosy Mystery

Buy link: Amazon 

I've been saving this book on my TBR for this time of year. I love this series, and intersperse it in my reading, knowing I'll enjoy each book. It's definitely a series I wish more people knew about.

I love that the team who have been brought up in a 'make do and mend' environment got to see how the other half live. And realised that maybe they have the better end of the deal! :O 

Poor Lucas - he's grumpier than ever. He should be enjoying a lovely Christmas. But, of course, a ghost has to come along and ruin it. But at least Tommy gets some long-awaited festive family spoiling, bless him. Oh, the cuteness of a city boy experiencing the snowy countryside - something I've personally witnessed IRL! And Clara seems to thrive whenever there's a mystery to solve. 

The banter and enthusiasm always wrap these mysteries in a loving warmth. 

And this one really had me guessing! Who dunnit? 

Marvellous writing, great characters, festive plot - a brilliant read. Just right for anyone wanting a little Christmas with their murder mystery.

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - WHAT HAPPENED IN LONDON - Unusual things!

What Happened in London by Kim M Watt

 Date read: 7th November 2025

My rating: 5*
Genre I reckon: Not-So-Cosy Romance

Buy link: Amazon 

Having read and loved all the Beaufort Scales books, I was intrigued by what had happened to DI Adams to get her there. She was definitely, deliberately not saying something! 

I was keen to eek out spooky season, so this was my opportune moment to delve in. The Beaufort Scales series is full of cake and wonderful chaos. This story, as the author warns, is darker, though. But then I trust Kim M Watt - she can make even the dark and dangerous sound beautiful with her beautiful phrasing. She has a delightful way of viewing the world in terms of sharp angles and diffuse light. 

So, the story:

Children are going missing in the Christmas Market! And there are strange people about - ones who are not quite all they seem. But then there are the forgotten - they're going missing too, not that anyone seemed to care before DS (not yet DI) Adams got involved.

Jack is a colourful character, and a wonderful addition to this cast. He's fascinating.

And it was comforting and lovely to see the 'dog' make a tentative introduction this early in Adams' career.

The bridge itself becomes a character in its own right, with its looming, dark girders, and the Thames swirling below with its hungry currents. 

I love how determined DS Adams is. She will sniff out a case and keep investigating until it's solved, even when the clues she discovers make 0 sense and give her migraines. 

NB This is not a book for those folk who don't like arachnid behaviour

I wholeheartedly recommend this book to those readers seeking a thrilling mystery with an unusual nature. An intriguing book that peeks behind the flimsy veil of reality.

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - DEATH MOST DEVIOUS - Fiendishly Good

Death Most Devious by Saffrom Amatti

Date read: 8th June 2025

My rating: 4*
Genre I reckon: Cosy Mystery

Buy link: Amazon  

The gang are back! This time they're attending an exhibition where a sudden death occurs. And the culprit appears to be a snake!

I love how Tommy gets more interesting with each book. Whether he's the embodiment of Ra or just a regular fella falling for another fella, I adore him. 

The theme of Egyptology was a fab touch - I'm always intrigued by that.

Oh, and there's a mystery author in this one too. That clearly makes her suspicious ;) But everyone seems to have a motive - the victim is a really bad egg. Poor Lucas really doesn't enjoy communicating with this ghost. 

Fun and mysterious. 

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - THE ALEWIVES - Cheers m'dears!

The Alewives by Elizabeth R Andersen

Date read: 13th May 2025

My rating: 5*
Genre I reckon: Historical Women in Fiction

Buy link: Amazon  

 

What a fab book! I have to admit I thought the main focus was going to be on the murder mystery, but was pleasantly surprised to discover it's more about the camaraderie between three women.

The book is set in Colmar, Alsace in the year 1353.

I love these women. Grumpy Gritta with her menagerie of offspring is a grounding force not to be reckoned with. Appel who has dubious ways of making money is wise. And pretty Efi who strives to find herself after her loss. The three women are just wonderful together - perfectly imperfect. And so incredibly strong - they must face the ire of jealous men who would deem it unlawful for them to run a business. Well, they survived The Great Pestilence - they're made of stern stuff!

As someone who's written a tale of medieval monks, I was super excited to read Friar Wikerus - an intriguing figure indeed. 

This book is incredibly well researched. We get to explore the smelly tanneries district, meet the poor folk who dwell in that area AND investigate a murder (or two) and thievery. The brewing techniques are detailed in all their glory. And I felt like I was there, strolling around, poking my nose into the folk's houses. The tone was kept light with wry humour. Amazing! 

If you like historical fiction and cosy mysteries, this book is right up your...Trench Lane!

Trouble is brewing!

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - GRAVE SECRETS - Truth Unearthed

Grave Secrets by Saffron Amatti

Date read: 6th January 2025

My rating: 5*
Genre I reckon: Cosy Mystery Aided By Ghosts 

Buy link: Amazon 

This is book 3 in the Lucas Rathbone Mysteries (book 1 review can be found here)

The series gives Poirot meets Ghost Whisperer vibes. You have glorious 1920s London and a quaint village. With a whole lot happening. 

I was really pleased to discover more about Tommy in this book. He's definitely a character with layers. A little bit ooh, a little bit whey! Only, in this book he's landed himself slap bang in the middle of trouble. Again. And so, his loyal friend, Clara has to dive in to try to help, along with her grumpy puppy fiancé, Lucas Rathbone.

Lucas has ghosts who can talk to him. Fair ole talk his ear off, to be fair. Gives a chap a nasty headache. 

There's definitely more to Tommy's tragic past than previously realised. 

And I must say I'm warming to the guy. 

A well-written, thrilling, dangerous and intriguing tale!

One I heartily recommend. 

A great way to start my 2025 reading.

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - THE PROBLEM WITH DEAD PEOPLE - Cosy cosy

The Problem With Dead People by Saffron Amatti

Date read: 16th October 2024

My rating: 5*
Genre I reckon: Cosy Mystery Aided By Ghosts 

Buy link: Amazon 

This book had been on my radar far too long. The problem with this reader is their TBR is extensive!

However, I'm delighted I finally got around to reading it. 

I was seeking something different to read. And this was just the ticket. 

Set in 1920s England, about 10 years after the war, one gets immersed in that vivid world, still recovering from all that pain.

This book doesn't just contain one murder but several, owing to that it started life as 5 novellas. But I love how they're all in one book. You see, there is a trail of breadcrumbs being laid. 

Lucas Rathbone is a reporter for the local rag. Clara, his childhood friend and sweetheart, has moved to London, but comes running any time he needs her assistance. And they're just adorable together. He's all quiet and bumbly, and she's all 'grasp the nettle'. A raincloud/sunbeam relationship.

I thoroughly enjoyed following them around England, through the sleepy rural village to the seaside and even a jaunt into the city. Even if there were ghosts demanding assistance at every turn. And a nefarious group threatening them. 

The settings were all beautifully created, the people wonderfully portrayed and the plot was riveting. 

I will definitely be reading more in this series. 

A glorious cosy set of mysteries with a post-war backdrop. 

Think Miss Marple meets Ghost Whisperer, and you'll be in the right ballpark.

Always in love and light,

TL