Best Historical Fiction Book Recommendations

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.

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7 Thrilling World War II Spy Novels

These spies have what it takes to deceive even the most perceptive.

Biloxi Blues: School District in Mississippi Bans To Kill a Mockingbird

In light of the recent ban on Harper Lee's classic, one writer reflects on the history of racism and "To Kill a Mockingbird" in the South.

10 Unforgettable Vietnam War Books

Go beyond Ken Burns' documentary and discover the landmark memoirs and bestselling novels of the Vietnam War.

The Forgotten Rivalry: Michelangelo and Leonardo Da Vinci

An excerpt from Stephanie Storey’s art history thriller about the warring Renaissance masters.

6 Necessary Fiction Books About World War I

The Great War not only affected the relationships between countries—it also left a mark on literature.

6 Genre-Bending Books by Stephen King

Nobody puts the "master of horror" in the corner.

Pearl Buck’s Historical Fiction Novels

Forbidden love. Feminism. East vs. West. Welcome to the World of Pearl S. Buck.

13 Cozy Mysteries Set During World War II

Solving crimes in a time when the future itself was a mystery.

20 Historical Fiction Books About Life During World War II

In these historical fiction reads, the effects of war go beyond the battlefield.

The Best Books Like To Kill a Mockingbird

25 recommended reads for fans of Harper Lee's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel.

Red Reads: Books for Fans of The Americans on FX

From spy thrillers to histories about the Cold War, these reads are sure to thrill fans of Philip and Elizabeth Jennings.

How Ruth Gruber Helped 1000 European Refugees Find Asylum in America

In Haven, the award-winning journalist recounts her incredible—and controversial—involvement in the rescue of thousands of Jews.

5 Beloved Characters Who Shaped Our Identity

We're still taking our cues from our literary kid-heroes.

9 Extraordinary Biographies About Strong Women

Dig into the histories of women who shaped the world.