While time travel will (probably) never happen, we’ll always have the next best thing: historical fiction novels. Through the magic of fiction (and authors’ dedication to researching endless incredible details), readers can feel as though they’ve been everywhere and every time, from Ancient Greece to colonial Asia to the American Revolution to the Holocaust. If you’re a fiction lover who wants to learn more about the past but isn’t sure about diving into the world of history books, it’s the best of both worlds.
Another reason to love historical fiction is that it can be crossed with any other genre. From historical mysteries to steamy historical romance to hilarious historical fiction, whatever genre you enjoy can be placed in another period.
Clearly, this is a genre that truly has something for everyone. Whether you prefer novels that bring you to times of war and terror or more whimsical stories set in the past; historical fiction that is surprisingly accurate or tales that take creative license with their settings, you'll find endless books to add to your TBR pile in the lists below.
The Only Woman in the Room paints a fictionalized portrait of the Hollywood actress who was so much more than a pretty face.
By Olivia Mason
Harper Lee's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel came out on top of The Great American Read competition.
Remembering a prolific writer who brought history vividly to life.
By Carolyn Cox
Cornwall calling! Indulge your Poldark fever with sweeping historical fiction novels.
By Olivia Mason
Stuart Turton's debut novel puts readers at the center of a murder mystery...with a twist.
Set against the backdrop of the Great War, these novels confront love and loss during an unfathomable time.
From harrowing stories of orphans to multi-generational sagas, these books will captivate you.
The Grey's Anatomy and Scandal creator is bringing the Bridgerton series to Netflix.
Here's what to read when you're missing Jamie and Claire.
By Olivia Mason
The adaptation of the bestselling novel will be released on August 10th.
By Allison Wild
Dan Simmons’s thriller is a chilling re-imagination of what happened to Sir Franklin's long lost crew.
By The Lineup
Enter for a chance to win a copy of Visible Empire, by Hannah Pittard.
Go on a wild journey through time and crime.
By Olivia Mason
Take a journey to the past with epic historical fiction, riveting biographies, and more.
While en route to Pennsylvania, a penniless teenager meets the man who will change his life forever.
By Olivia Mason
These female sleuths would earn Phryne's seal of approval.
By Olivia Mason
The prolific British author deserves a place on your bookshelf.
Frightening tales of mystery and murder…