Here are ten of my favourite historical mysteries.
- The Daughter of Time by Josephine Tey (Richard III and the Princes in the Tower)
- Dissolution by C.J. Sansom (Matthew Shardlake series, set in Tudor England)
- Dark Fire by C.J. Sansom (Matthew Shardlake series)
- Sovereign by C.J. Sansom (Matthew Shardlake series)
- Revelation by C.J. Sansom (Matthew Shardlake series)
- In the Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco (Medieval)
- An Instance of the Fingerpost by Iain Pears (17th Century Oxford)
- Maisie Dobbs by Jacqueline Winspear (Post-WWI)
- Mistress of the Art of Death by Ariana Franklin (Medieval)
- What Angels Fear by C.S. Harris (Regency)
Do you read historical mysteries? If so, which are your favourites?
{ 9 comments }
I haven’t read any of those books, though I do enjoy historical mysteries. My favorites are probably The Gilded Age Mysteries by PB Ryan.
Thanks for this list!
Hides under desk… for I have not read one of your top ten list!! But some on your list sound great so I will be checking them out.
4 books from C.J. Sansom made your top 10?!? Must be a great series. You’ve written about it a couple of times and I’ve added it to my ‘must read’ list for after my holiday in September.
Did you read the Caleb Carr books – The Alienist was the first I think.
I love Maisie Dobbs too – and it sounds as though I need to check out CJ Sansom!
Have you read Deanna Raybourn’s Silent books? They’re Victorian-era mysteries and the first book has the best opening lines ever…
@heidenkind I’ve never heard of P.B. Ryan! Must check those out. Thanks!
@Keishon I’d love to know what you’d include on your list!
@Marissa Yet more for the TBR pile, then?
@Andrea The C.J. Sansom books are set during the reign of King Henry VIII, which is one of my favourite historical periods.
Yes, I read ‘The Alienist’. I found it to be an OK read but I wasn’t blown away by it.
@Li I’ve read the Deanna Raybourn books and enjoyed them, particularly Silent in the Sanctuary. However, I had issues with inconsistent characterization over the three books in the series, particularly in relation to Lady Julia’s father.
My dd is crazy for Miz Gregory … how is her new book comparing to her other works?
@Janet W I’m about halfway through The White Queen. So far, it’s not my favourite of her books. I have a particular idea of Elizabeth Woodville’s character in my head, and Philippa Gregory’s take is very different to mine. Still, I’ll reserve judgement until I get to the end. As always, it’s very well-written and the reader gets a feel for the times.
Thanks for the feedback: appreciated
Today my dd found a take*on*the*plane book for her trip back east: “Under the Eagle” by Simon Scarrow … looks good. Same time period as “The Gladiator” movie.
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