6 New Historical Novels Out This November Goodreads Readers Are Already Raving About: ‘I Couldn’t Turn the Pages Fast Enough’
Think a Renaissance power play, a WWII mystery and a Boston tragedy, all hitting shelves this month!
Key Takeaways
- Six new historical novels arrive in November, from 1942 Boston to Renaissance Italy.
- Catherine Ryan Hyde’s ‘The Other Kind of Lion’ kicks off the month on Nov. 3.
- Picks include a Boston fire drama, a Medici saga and a dual-timeline murder mystery.
October has come and gone, and while some are mourning the spooky season, others are excited about the new wave of books releasing this month—specifically in the historical fiction genre. To learn more about the new historical fiction books Goodreads users are most excited about this November, keep scrolling.
‘The Other Kind of Lion’ by Catherine Ryan Hyde
Set in 1970s rural California, this novel follows Shirley Bennett, a 40-year-old Vietnam War widow who lives with her two sons. For the most part, their life is pretty mundane, until one day Shirley runs into 11-year-old Cash Pierce alongside her horse Phoenix. It’s the first time the horse has shown interest in anyone since her husband’s death, and Shirley sees it as a sign. Soon Cash reveals that his mother is in jail and that he’s been bullied his whole life. As Cash’s friendship with Shirley blossoms, his life changes in ways he never thought possible—and so does hers. (Out November 3, 2026)
What early Goodreads users are saying: No reviews for this book have been shared.
‘Peregrine Hill’ by Nina de Gramont
Nina de Gramont’s new novel, set in 1920s New York City, is perfect for fans of The Gilded Age. After losing her husband and three of her children in a shipwreck, widow Isabelle will do anything to protect her only remaining child, Mariah, and elderly mother. To do so, she tries catching the eye of a wealthy, elderly man named John Whitten. But, as it turns out his true target is 18-year-old Mariah, and he’ll exploit Isabelle’s secrets to make that marriage happen. After moving into his mansion, Mariah befriends a maid named Hetty, and together they scheme to escape the dangerous man controlling their lives. (Out November 10, 2026)
What early Goodreads users are saying: “I love historical fiction and Peregrine Hill, a historical novel set in 1920’s New York City did not disappoint. The story line was accurate for the times, the characters were believable and interesting, and it was intriguing as it the main character was based on an ancestor of the author. I highly recommend the book!”
‘The Nightingales of Boston’ by Gemma Tizzard
In 1942 Boston, Alice heads to the Cocoanut Grove nightclub with her boyfriend George to celebrate the exciting secret she’s keeping. Also there is Inez, a young reporter desperate for a hot tip that will jumpstart her journalism career. Across town, Nina is a nurse hoping for a quiet night, but when a fire breaks out at the club, the three women’s lives collide. This novel is perfect for fans of multiple-POV historical fiction novels inspired by true events. (Out November 10, 2026)
What early Goodreads users are saying: “The Nightingales of Boston by Gemma Tizzard was an especially meaningful read for me. My great-grandfather died in the Cocoanut Grove fire, a fire that swept through a Boston nightclub on November 28, 1942, claiming hundreds of lives. That loss shaped my grandfather’s life: he left high school, joined the military and later met and married my grandmother. In turn, it shaped my life, too. With that family history in my heart, I found so much to love in this story of resilience, female friendship and the courage of first responders. Reading a novel connected to an event that changed my family forever made it all the more moving. Congratulations to Gemma Tizzard on such a beautiful piece of historical fiction. I highly recommend picking it up.”
‘The Last Prince of Florence’ by Zoe Sivak
Zoe Sivak’s new novel shines light on the true story of Alessandro de’ Medici. In 1490, a dark-skinned baby girl arrives at a hospital with a bronze dagger strapped to her. The infant, Simonetta, is raised by Iye, an African nurse who teaches her how to survive. As Simonetta builds her future, she falls for a Medici and bears a son, Alessandro. When powerful enemies target her, Simonetta will stop at nothing to secure her son’s rightful place on the throne—even if it means lying, cheating and stealing from one of the world’s most powerful families. (Out November 17, 2026)
What early Goodreads users are saying: “This is a great choice for anyone who enjoys the drama and intrigue of Renaissance Italy. The pacing slows down a bit in the middle with all the Medici family power politics, but the atmosphere and tension make it worthwhile if you are someone who enjoys court intrigues and the like. I recommend it for anyone who enjoys court-intrigue and ruling family type political drama in their historical fiction.”
‘Every Secret Thing’ by Susanna Kearsley
From bestselling author Susanna Kearsley comes a page-turning dual-timeline tale. In modern day, journalist Kate Murray is approached by an old man named Andrew Deacon on the steps of St. Paul’s. He tells her a story about a murder that’s filled with mentions that seem eerily familiar to her grandmother. Soon after, Andrew winds up dead, and Kate begins to investigate what happened to him and her grandmother all those years ago. Along the way, she finds out about a decades-old murder that could change everything. (Out November 17, 2026)
What early Goodreads users are saying: “Set in both the past and present, this book is part mystery/thriller, part beautiful romance. I loved the suspense, I loved the poignancy; some scenes were so tense I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough, other scenes were so tender they made me well up. I don’t give five stars very often; this book deserves every one.”
‘The Camp Muralist’ by Jacqueline Sheehan
This novel, set in 1938, begins after aspiring artist Emma Lundgren is hired to paint a mural at a German American youth camp. While there, she befriends a young boy who doesn’t seem to belong at the camp. She also discovers that the people running the camp might have ties to the Third Reich. More than half a century later, chef Lily Milan’s life changes when she learns that she was adopted, and now she’s searching for a woman named Emma, her long-lost grandmother. A beautiful dual-timeline tale filled with love and heart. (Out November 17, 2026)
What early Goodreads users are saying: “The Muralist is a beautifully written and deeply moving novel filled with unforgettable characters. Jacqueline Sheehan masterfully weaves together past and present, revealing a disturbing chapter of American history while exploring the enduring power of love, courage and resilience. I don’t typically read a great deal of historical fiction, but The Muralist completely drew me in. I love this book.”
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