The 8 Best New Historical Fiction Books to Read This Fall
From pirate queens to Dracula, these new releases are worth the wait!
Key Takeaways
- ‘The Pirate Queen’ by Ariel Lawhon tells the story of Ireland's Grace O'Malley.
- ‘Partita’ by Barbara Kingsolver is a new dual-timeline novel out October 6.
- ‘Mystery Play’ by Elizabeth Kostova reimagines the real actor behind Dracula.
Fall is right around the corner, and if you’re anything like us, you’re probably just as excited for the new books releasing as you are for the cooler weather, colorful leaves, football and Halloween decor. One of the most popular genres of the fall is historical fiction—there’s something about the cozy season that makes us want to slow down and get lost in a story from another era. And this year, publishers are releasing some highly anticipated historical fiction novels. So we rounded up the eight best new historical fiction books releasing this fall—they’re guaranteed to warm you up almost as much as a mug of hot apple cider. (While you wait for these books to be released, consider any of these must-reads.
‘The Pirate Queen’ by Ariel Lawhon
Set in the 16th century, this thrilling historical adventure brings Ireland’s most infamous pirate queen, Grace O’Malley, to life. Grace always knew she was destined for a life at sea, but because of her family’s expectations, she is forced into a marriage she doesn’t want. Eventually, Grace sets sail and becomes a legendary pirate queen. But as her status increases, so does the danger, and soon Grace must fight for her land, ships and the people she loves. A dazzling tale that will keep readers entertained all fall. (Out September 8, 2026)
What early readers are saying: “Ariel Lawhon has done it again. The Pirate Queen is filled with incredibly immersive writing that completely pulls you into the world of Grace O’Malley—a woman who is tenacious, driven, unflappable, wonderfully stubborn and fiercely quick-witted. What makes this novel especially powerful is that Grace O’Malley’s story has historically been told through the perspective of her enemies. Here, Ariel Lawhon gathers the scattered pieces of history and gives Grace the chance to tell her own story. The result is vivid, emotional and unforgettable.”
‘Red Seal’ by Rosa Kwon Easton
Rosa Kwon Easton is best known for her groundbreaking stories filled with drama, loss and hardship, and her newest novel is no exception. Set in 1943 Japan, it follows Miyoung, a Korean-born single mother and nurse who refuses to serve in the Imperial Japanese Army. Instead, she flees with her 6-year-old son, Ko-chan, searching desperately for shelter. They eventually find refuge with Miyoung’s brother in Japanese-occupied Manchuria. But when Japan’s defeat in World War II forces them to flee once more, Miyoung and Ko-chan must decide how far they’re willing to go to find a place to call home. A gripping multigenerational saga that shines a light on an often-forgotten piece of history. (Out October 6, 2026)
What early readers are saying: “Red Seal gave me a deeper appreciation and respect for everything Koreans endured during the occupation and the Korean War. It’s not just a story about surviving. It’s about rebuilding a life over and over again while never losing hope for a better future.”
‘Peregrine Hill’ by Nina de Gramont
Nina de Gramont’s book The Christie Affair was a Reese’s Book Club pick, and her newest novel set in the 1920s is guaranteed to dazzle. After losing her husband and three children in a shipwreck, widow Isabelle knows she must protect what’s left of her family: her daughter Mariah and her elderly mother. When she catches the eye of John Whitten, one of New York’s wealthiest men, it seems like fate. But when she learns that Whitten isn’t interested in Isabelle. He wants 18-year-old Mariah, and he’ll use Isabelle’s secrets to force the marriage. Soon after the wedding, Isabelle and her mother and daughter move into Whitten’s mansion, where they befriend Hetty, a maid who becomes their unlikely ally. Together, they must find a way to escape the mysterious house and the dangerous man who controls it. (Out November 10, 2026
What early readers are saying: “Peregrine Hill is a captivating and richly atmospheric novel that breathes new life into the grand tradition of Gilded Age fiction. From the very first page, readers are swept into Isabelle Bishop’s world—a place of dazzling wealth, heartbreak and impossible choices. The author masterfully intertwines historical detail with deeply personal stakes, crafting a story that is both sweeping and intimate.”
‘Whale Harbor’ by Mary Beth Keane
This historical fiction novel set in 1960s Ireland explores themes like brotherhood, grief and growing up. When tragedy tears a family of 11 brothers apart, teenage Mac emigrates to America with a solemn vow: He will send for his younger brother Rian the moment he comes of age. But when Rian mysteriously vanishes before Mac can keep his promise, the unanswered questions and crushing guilt haunt Mac—and the family—for decades. (Out November 3, 2026)
What early readers are saying: “This book was a masterpiece in capturing the Irish immigrant experience. It not only showed the story through the eyes of those that left, it also showed the impact on the people left behind, and on the subsequent generations born abroad. This isn’t just a sweeping multi-generational saga. It is the story of the lives those families lived and all of the joy, wonder, hardship, grief and loss that they encountered.”
‘Partita’ by Barbara Kingsolver
From the bestselling author of Demon Copperhead comes a dual-timeline tale that is guaranteed to delight. After receiving a phone call from an old lover, Livia Cable begins to question if her marriage and life in the farm country is what she actually wants. Years before, this man knew her as Livia Bohusz, a brilliant music student and pianist. Now, he wants to see her again, but little does he know Livia isn’t the same person she was before. Can the two reconnect and fall in love again? Or will Livia continue to live her established life? (Out October 6, 2026)
What early readers are saying: “At its heart, Partita is a powerful exploration of the choices we make for love—or lust—and the extraordinary consequences those decisions can have over the course of a lifetime. It also examines family trauma, buried secrets and the ways guilt can distort our understanding of the truth. Even with very little musical knowledge, I found Partita compelling, emotionally rich and impossible to stop reading. The music enhances the novel, but it’s the deeply human story that makes it memorable.”
‘The Lost Perfumes of Paris’ by Christine Wells
Christine Wells’ newest novel, set in 1950s Paris, is perfect for fans of historical fiction novels centered around fashion, beauty, glitz and glamor. Élodie Limeaux’s mother, Aurore, was a legendary perfumer in France before WWII. Now in her 20s, Élodie dreams of joining the family business at the House of Limeaux. But her father won’t allow it. Her new plan? Win the Essence of Paris contest run by the French Perfume Institute and funded by Swiss banker Monsieur Caspari, who might want to buy the House of Limeaux. To win, Élodie will need the help of the handsome Marcelo, who also happens to be Caspari’s son, and is just as passionate about perfume as she is. But as family tensions rise and scandals emerge, Élodie must decide if her love for Marcelo and perfume is worth the risk. (Out September 8, 2026)
What early readers are saying: “This book was amazing! It had me feeling love, anger, sadness, all the feels! The dynamic of family drama, plus a love story kept me drawn in the entire book. I didn’t want to put it down!”
‘Our Noble Selves’ by Kate Atkinson
If you love European historical fiction, don’t miss the new novel from bestselling author Kate Atkinson. When crime correspondent-turned-war reporter Harry Flynn returns to Britain from Singapore in 1945 he starts working at the Festival of Britain, where he meets a team of eccentric misfits dedicated to getting the festival open. But when a Frenchwoman goes missing, Flynn becomes the central suspect since he was the last person to see her alive. To make matters worse, he doesn’t remember the exchange and everyone around him seems to have a secret. Can he prove his innocence before it’s too late? (Out September 15, 2026)
What early readers are saying: “Our Noble Selves is an engaging and intelligent novel that balances humour with thoughtful reflection on how nations remember—and reinvent—themselves. The story follows a cast of quirky characters tasked with creating a grand pageant on the South Bank. Kate Atkinson blends humour with meticulous historical detail: the narrative is enriched with real events and even maps of the exhibition layout. From a modern perspective, some of the displays—focused on industry, agriculture and empire—might seem underwhelming. Yet the novel captures a post-war moment when such exhibitions offered a much-needed sense of optimism and collective purpose.”
‘Mystery Play’ by Elizabeth Kostova
Fans of vampire novels will love this novel by Elizabeth Kostova. Jay Turner’s life unravels after his mother’s sudden death. While clearing her Boston home, he discovers the name Gael Brogan and receives and receives a mysterious package containing a book commissioned by Vlad Țepeș, also known as Dracula, before his death in 1477. As Jay investigates with the help of mysterious Rhiannon, they uncover the terrifying truth about Gael: He was a 19th century actor whose last and most famous role was based on Bram Stoker’s Dracula. A creepy tale that is perfect for spooky season. (Out October 13, 2026)
What early readers are saying: “From the very first page, Elizabeth Kostova keeps readers on the edge of their seats through her richly detailed settings, vivid descriptions and masterful storytelling. Her ability to seamlessly weave together historical fiction, mystery and turn-of-the-century detail once again showcases why she is such a gifted writer. Rather than overwhelming readers with information, Kostova reveals the story gradually, allowing the mystery to unfold at a deliberate, captivating pace that makes it difficult to put the book down.”
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