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I have a soft spot for historical mysteries.
They’re like a treasure hunt across time, filled with fascinating characters, dark secrets, and unexpected revelations.
Every time I read one, I find myself imagining the sound of carriages on cobblestone streets or the whispers of hidden conspiracies.
If you’re craving an escape to a time when solving a mystery often meant more brains than gadgets, these books are exactly what you’ve been waiting for.
1. The Boy in the Red Dress by Kristin Lambert
It’s New Year’s Eve, 1929, and Millie is running her aunt’s speakeasy, The Cloak & Dagger, in New Orleans.
The club’s star performer, Marion, is the boy in the red dress, dazzling the crowd with his charm and voice.
But when a rich socialite comes looking for Marion and ends up dead, all evidence points to him as the killer.
Millie knows Marion is innocent and sets out to prove it, following clues through graveyards and secret alleys.
Along the way, she juggles her feelings for Olive, the sharp-tongued waitress, and Bennie, a charming bootlegger offering his help.
With time running out and Marion on the run, Millie must solve the murder before it’s too late.
This fun, mysterious, and fast-paced story is full of twists, unforgettable characters, and 1920s flair.
2. Clark and Division by Naomi Hirahara
In 1944, Aki Ito and her family are starting over in Chicago after being released from a Japanese internment camp.
Aki can’t wait to reunite with her older sister, Rose, who was sent ahead to settle in the city’s Japanese American neighborhood.
But tragedy strikes when Rose dies in what the police call a suicide. Aki doesn’t believe it—Rose was strong, optimistic, and full of life.
Determined to find out what really happened, Aki digs into her sister’s mysterious death and uncovers secrets about Rose’s life in Chicago.
Set against the backdrop of WWII, this powerful story blends a heartfelt family drama with a gripping mystery, shining a light on a little-known part of American history.
3. A Rising Man by Abir Mukherjee
It’s 1919, and Captain Sam Wyndham has just arrived in Calcutta, hoping to start fresh after the trauma of World War I.
But his plans are interrupted when a British official is murdered, and a threatening note is found in the victim’s mouth, warning the British to leave India.
As political tensions rise, Sam is thrust into a dangerous investigation with his partner, Sergeant Banerjee, one of the few Indians in the British police.
From grand colonial mansions to grimy opium dens, the search for answers uncovers secrets that threaten the fragile stability of the British Raj.
This historical mystery is both exciting and eye-opening, filled with fascinating characters and a vivid sense of place.
4. The Widows of Malabar Hill by Sujata Massey
Perveen Mistry is one of the first female lawyers in 1920s Bombay, and she’s determined to fight for justice.
When she helps settle the will of a wealthy man, she notices something strange—his three widows have signed away their inheritance to charity, leaving them with nothing to live on.
Since the widows live in seclusion and can’t speak to men, Perveen steps in to investigate.
Her suspicions grow when tensions lead to murder, and she realizes someone is trying to take advantage of the vulnerable women.
As danger closes in, Perveen must uncover the truth while protecting the widows and herself.
5. The Mystery of Mrs. Christie by Marie Benedict
In December 1926, Agatha Christie vanished for eleven days, leaving behind her car, fur coat, and a nation desperate for answers.
When she reappeared, claiming amnesia, the mystery deepened. What really happened during those missing days?
Marie Benedict imagines the untold story, taking readers inside Agatha’s life, her strained marriage to an unfaithful husband, and her clever mind.
Was her disappearance a desperate cry for help or part of a master plan?
This captivating novel reimagines one of history’s most famous unsolved mysteries, giving us a glimpse into the life of the queen of crime herself.
6. The Plague of Doves by Louise Erdrich
In the small town of Pluto, North Dakota, the violent murder of a farm family in the past still haunts both the white residents and the Ojibwe people on the nearby reservation.
Evelina Harp, a young girl with a passion for life and love, learns the tragic stories from her grandfather, Mooshum, who knows too much about the town’s dark history.
Judge Bazil Coutts also reflects on the consequences of injustice that continue to shape the community.
Through three unforgettable narrators, this moving story weaves together the pain of the past and the hope for understanding, which creates a powerful tale of love, loss, and reconciliation.
7. The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen
It’s 1975, and Saigon is falling.
A South Vietnamese general and his loyal captain flee to America to start over, but the captain has a secret—he’s a double agent reporting to the Viet Cong.
As he navigates his new life in Los Angeles, the captain struggles with his divided loyalties, haunted by his past and caught between two worlds.
This gripping story is part spy thriller, part reflection on identity and the aftermath of war, as it explores how politics, love, and betrayal shape lives forever.
8. The Turncoat’s Widow by Mally Becker
In the midst of the American Revolution, Becca Parcell wants nothing more than to move on after her husband’s death, but fate has other plans.
Accused of being a Loyalist spy, she’s forced to become a reluctant agent for General Washington.
Partnered with a charming yet secretive soldier, she must uncover a dangerous plot that threatens the nation’s future.
Set in 1780, this suspenseful historical mystery is packed with intrigue, danger, and a touch of romance as Becca discovers her own courage and strength.
9. Child 44 by Tom Rob Smith
In Stalin’s Soviet Union, MGB officer Leo Demidov believes in the regime’s perfection—until he’s forced to confront horrifying truths.
After witnessing the brutal death of an innocent man and being ordered to arrest his own wife, Leo begins to question everything he once stood for.
When a string of child murders is ignored by the state, Leo risks everything to uncover the truth.
This chilling thriller is a gripping tale of power, fear, and one man’s fight for justice in a world that denies its existence.
10. The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton
As a teenager, Laurel Nicolson witnesses a shocking crime involving her mother, Dorothy, that she never fully understands.
Decades later, as Dorothy’s 90th birthday approaches, Laurel delves into her mother’s past to uncover the truth.
Her journey takes her back to wartime London, where Dorothy’s life intersected with two strangers in ways that would change everything.
This beautifully woven story of secrets, love, and betrayal will keep you guessing until the very last page.
Related: 11 Cozy Mysteries Written by Black Authors Featuring Black & POC Protagonists
11. The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco
Set in 1327, this atmospheric mystery follows Brother William of Baskerville as he investigates heresy in a wealthy Italian abbey.
The situation takes a sinister turn when a string of mysterious deaths shocks the abbey.
Brother William uses a combination of sharp logic, theological knowledge, and deductive reasoning to piece together the clues.
Exploring secret symbols, forbidden manuscripts, and the labyrinthine halls of the abbey, William faces danger at every turn, as the mystery goes far deeper than he imagined.
With its blend of history, intrigue, and philosophy, The Name of the Rose is a gripping tale of truth and faith in a time of upheaval.
12. The Lions of Fifth Avenue by Fiona Davis
This dual-timeline mystery unfolds in the iconic New York Public Library.
In 1913, Laura Lyons lives in an apartment within the library with her family.
While pursuing her dream of becoming a journalist, Laura is drawn into radical new ideas about women’s rights, even as rare books mysteriously go missing.
Decades later, in 1993, her granddaughter Sadie Donovan works as a curator at the library.
When valuable artifacts begin disappearing from Sadie’s exhibit, the thefts reveal a shocking connection to her family’s past.
Blending historical detail with modern-day suspense, The Lions of Fifth Avenue is a fascinating story of ambition, love, and the power of secrets.
13. The House of Closed Doors by Jane Steen
In 1870s Illinois, young Nell Lillington is determined to escape the traditional expectations of marriage, even after finding herself pregnant.
Sent to a Poor Farm to await her child’s adoption, Nell discovers a dark secret: two small bodies hidden in a locked cell.
Convinced of foul play, Nell begins an investigation, even as she grapples with her own fears about abandoning her child.
As she uncovers chilling truths about the Poor Farm’s residents, Nell must make difficult choices to protect herself and her baby.
The House of Closed Doors is a compelling historical mystery about courage, resilience, and uncovering long-buried secrets.
14. A Morbid Taste for Bones by Ellis Peters
Brother Cadfael, a Benedictine monk with a worldly past, is sent to a Welsh village in 1137 to retrieve the relics of Saint Winifred for his abbey.
However, not everyone agrees with the plan, and tensions escalate when the village’s most vocal opponent is found murdered.
Cadfael suspects human hands, not divine intervention, are at play.
Using his sharp mind and knowledge of human nature, he sets out to find the killer.
15. Death Comes as the End by Agatha Christie
In ancient Egypt, a wealthy priest named Imhotep disrupts his family’s fragile harmony by bringing home a manipulative young concubine, Nofret.
Her arrival sparks jealousy and bitterness among Imhotep’s children, but when Nofret is found dead, the family’s dark secrets unravel.
Was it vengeance, greed, or something far more sinister?
As tensions rise, more deaths follow, leaving everyone in danger.
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16. Asta’s Book by Ruth Rendell
In 1905, Danish immigrant Asta keeps a diary to stave off loneliness in her new life in London.
Seventy years later, her journal is published and it reveals tantalizing details about an unsolved murder, a missing child, and the mysteries surrounding Asta’s daughter.
Asta’s granddaughter Ann begins piecing together the truth, and she finds out secrets buried for decades.
This richly layered novel combines family drama with a gripping historical mystery, as it explores how the past continues to shape the present.
17. The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner
In 1791 London, Nella runs a hidden apothecary shop where she helps women poison the men who have wronged them, but her careful rules are tested when a young girl named Eliza stumbles into her life.
Centuries later, in present-day London, historian Caroline discovers a mysterious apothecary vial, linking her to Nella’s deadly work.
As Caroline uncovers the story of the apothecary murders, past and present collide in shocking ways.
The Lost Apothecary is a haunting tale of revenge, friendship, and the ripple effects of hidden choices.
18. A Study in Scarlet Women by Sherry Thomas
In this clever reimagining of Sherlock Holmes, Charlotte Holmes scandalizes Victorian society to escape her family’s oppressive expectations.
After becoming a social outcast, she secretly adopts the name Sherlock Holmes to investigate three suspicious deaths that have implicated her family.
With the help of a brilliant widow, an inspector, and an old friend, Charlotte uses her sharp wit and fearless determination to uncover the truth.
A Study in Scarlet Women is a smart, feminist take on the classic detective tale, full of intrigue and charm.
19. Mr. Churchill’s Secretary by Susan Elia MacNeal
In 1940 London, Maggie Hope, an intelligent and ambitious young woman, finds herself working as a typist for Winston Churchill at 10 Downing Street.
Though underestimated due to her gender, Maggie proves her worth as a brilliant codebreaker.
As war looms and treachery surfaces, Maggie uncovers a dangerous plot tied to her own family’s secrets.
Balancing espionage, danger, and loyalty, Maggie must navigate a perilous world where her quick thinking might save lives—including Churchill’s.
This gripping historical mystery is full of suspense, courage, and wartime intrigue.
20. Pride and Premeditation by Tirzah Price
Lizzie Bennet dreams of becoming a lawyer, so when a high-profile murder case arises, she seizes the chance to prove her skills.
However, the accused already has a defense attorney: the proud and infuriating Mr. Darcy.
As Lizzie digs into the case, she discovers dangerous secrets and unexpected connections, forcing her to team up with Darcy to solve the mystery.
This witty reimagining of Pride and Prejudice combines romance, clever twists, and a compelling murder mystery in a delightful, fast-paced tale.
21. The Alienist by Caleb Carr
Set in 1896 New York City, The Alienist follows John Schuyler Moore, a reporter, and his friend Dr. Laszlo Kreizler, an early psychologist or “alienist,” as they investigate a series of gruesome murders.
Summoned by Theodore Roosevelt, then police commissioner, they form a groundbreaking team with Sara Howard, the city’s first female secretary in the police department, to create a psychological profile of the killer.
Their search takes them from the glitzy opera houses of the Gilded Age to the dark underbelly of tenements and brothels.
This gripping tale is as much about criminology’s origins as it is about unraveling the tortured mind of a serial killer.
With its historical accuracy and compelling characters, it’s an enthralling journey into a pivotal moment in criminal investigation.
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22. The Beekeeper’s Apprentice by Laurie R. King
Sherlock Holmes, retired and living a quiet life studying bees, unexpectedly meets Mary Russell, a sharp and daring teenager with a knack for deduction.
Holmes takes her under his wing, and she quickly proves herself a brilliant detective in her own right.
Together, they face increasingly dangerous cases, including one involving a mysterious and elusive enemy who tests their skills and partnership.
This imaginative continuation of the Holmes legacy blends intelligence, humor, and suspense, as it brings a fresh perspective on the great detective through the eyes of his remarkable apprentice.
23. Perfume: The Story of a Murderer by Patrick Süskind
In 18th-century France, Jean-Baptiste Grenouille is born with an extraordinary sense of smell, but his obsession with capturing scents spirals into madness.
Apprenticed to a perfumer, he masters the craft but becomes consumed by the idea of creating the perfect perfume, using the essence of young women.
His sinister quest leads to a series of horrifying murders as he seeks to distill beauty itself.
Both chilling and beautifully written, Perfume delves into obsession, artistry, and depravity, which makes it an unforgettable exploration of the darker side of human ambition.
24. The Club Dumas by Arturo Pérez-Reverte
Lucas Corso, a “book detective,” is hired to authenticate a fragment of The Three Musketeers manuscript, but his investigation takes a sinister turn.
Pulled into a shadowy world of devil worship, secret societies, and literary intrigue, Corso encounters a cast of enigmatic characters with ties to Dumas’s famous novel.
From Madrid to Paris, his journey blurs the line between fiction and reality in a story packed with twists, mystery, and wit.
The Club Dumas is an intellectual adventure that’s as thrilling as it is thought-provoking.
25. A Master of Djinn by P. Djèlí Clark
In an alternate Cairo of 1912, where magic and steampunk technology coexist, Agent Fatma el-Sha’arawi works for the Ministry of Alchemy, Enchantments, and Supernatural Entities.
When a secret brotherhood is mysteriously murdered, Fatma investigates a man claiming to be al-Jahiz, a long-lost historical figure who opened the veil between magic and the mundane.
Alongside her sharp-witted girlfriend Siti and her Ministry team, Fatma races to uncover the truth behind the murders and the chaos spreading through Cairo.
A Master of Djinn combines action, intrigue, and richly imagined world-building for an unforgettable fantasy mystery.
I love how historical mysteries give us the chance to dive into the past while keeping our minds sharp with twists and turns.
Hopefully, one or two (or more!) of these books find their way onto your reading list.
If you’ve read any of these or have others you’d recommend, please let me know in the comments!
I’d love to hear about your favorite mysteries and what you love about them.
