Dive Into History: 17 Historical Fiction Books That Bring the Past to Life

We’re here to walk you through the 17 best historical fiction books. Delve into the pages of these immersive tales, where richly imagined worlds and compelling characters transport you to pivotal moments in history.

Best Historical Fiction 2022

Step into the worlds of intrigue, courage, and resilience with the Best Historical Fiction of 2022. From the laboratories of 1960s America to the rural villages of 19th-century England, these novels promise to captivate readers with their vivid settings and compelling characters.

• Published: 2022
• Synopsis: Set in the 1960s, this novel follows Elizabeth Zott, a brilliant but overlooked scientist who becomes the face of a television cooking show. As she navigates the male-dominated world of science and media, Elizabeth confronts societal expectations while challenging the status quo.
• Why Read It: Immerse yourself in a compelling narrative that explores gender dynamics, ambition, and the pursuit of recognition in a changing world.

• Published: 2022
• Synopsis: Set in 19th-century England, this novel follows Grace Blackwood, a young midwife who finds herself entangled in a web of secrets and intrigue when a mysterious woman arrives in her village. As Grace delves deeper into the woman's past, she uncovers dark truths that threaten to upend her life and the lives of those around her.
• Why Read It: Experience the drama and suspense of a gripping historical mystery set against the backdrop of rural England. Cresswell's evocative storytelling and vividly drawn characters make for an immersive reading experience that will keep you guessing until the very end.

• Published: 2022
• Synopsis: Mila Pavlichenko, a single mother from Kyiv, transforms into the deadliest woman sniper during World War II, seeking aid from America after her school is bombed by Nazis.
• Why Read It: Experience the captivating journey of Mila Pavlichenko, a symbol of resilience and courage in the face of adversity

• Published: 2022
• Synopsis: Set in post-segregation Alabama, this moving novel follows a Black nurse who uncovers injustice against her patients, inspired by true events.
• Why Read It: From the author of "Wench," this gripping narrative offers a powerful portrayal of courage and resilience in the face of injustice.

Best Historical Fiction: 2023

Whether you're drawn to tales of love and resilience amidst adversity or intrigued by the complexities of historical events, these historical novels enchant and enlighten readers of all tastes.

• Published: 2023
• Synopsis: Through interconnected stories spanning continents and generations, the novel explores themes of identity, migration, and the human experience in the face of upheaval and transformation.
• Why Read It: Dive into a rich tapestry of characters and cultures as Hemon navigates the complexities of human connection and the universal quest for belonging in an ever-changing world.

• Published: 2023
• Synopsis: As a family grapples with the repercussions of a long-buried secret, the novel delves into themes of love, loss, and the enduring bonds of family ties.
• Why Read It: Immerse yourself in Morton's signature blend of atmospheric storytelling and intricate plotting, as she crafts a mesmerising tale of family secrets and the quest for truth.

• Published: 2023
• Synopsis: Enter a Victorian London steeped in myth and magic in this imaginative retelling of the Minotaur legend.
• Why Read It: Perfect for fans of historical fiction with a mythical twist like "Stone Blind" and "Circe," this novel offers a fresh take on timeless tales amidst the Industrial Revolution's gritty realities.

• Published: 2023
• Synopsis: Amidst the silent waters, the Ghost Ship drifts, its hull worn and sails torn. Once a liberator of enslaved prisoners, it now finds itself hunted. With its crew guarding a perilous secret, the stakes are high on this thrilling maritime journey.
• Why Read It: Embark on a thrilling adventure across time and tide with Mosse's atmospheric prose and spine-tingling storytelling.

Best Historical Fiction: 2024

These exciting new releases promise to transport readers to distant lands and bygone eras, where captivating characters and compelling narratives await. Get ready to be swept away by these thrilling historical novels.

• Published: 2023
• Synopsis: In the dark streets of London in 1850, Constance Horton vanishes, leaving behind only questions. Determined to uncover the truth and seek justice for her sister, Maude Horton delves into the city's sinister underbelly, confronting dangerous men and unsettling secrets.
• Why Read It: Pook's masterful storytelling and vivid historical detail immerse readers in a world of dark secrets and perilous intrigue.

• Published: 2023
• Synopsis: As the mighty McDermid delves into Scottish history, readers are drawn into the gripping tale of ambition, power, and betrayal.
• Why Read It: Dive into a searing reinterpretation of a classic tale, where McDermid's powerful narrative and compelling characters breathe new life into the timeless story of Lady Macbeth.

• Published: 2023
• Synopsis: Set in the era of Ancient Greece, "Psyche and Eros" follows Princess Psyche's journey as she defies tradition and faces the wrath of the jealous Aphrodite. Alongside the God of Desire, Eros, Psyche embarks on a tumultuous adventure.
• Why Read It: McNamara's enthralling retelling of the Greek love story offers a captivating blend of mythology, romance, and adventure.

• Published: 2023
• Synopsis: In a world torn apart by war and betrayal, Cecily of York stands as a formidable figure, guiding her son's rise to power and navigating the treacherous politics of the Tudor court.
• Why Read It: Garthwaite's richly imagined historical epic offers a gripping portrayal of power, ambition, and intrigue in the tumultuous era of the Wars of the Roses.

So what are you waiting for? Join the countless readers worldwide who have been spellbound by the power of these timeless historical novels.

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