Crisp air, early twilights, the light crunch of leaves underfoot…there’s something about October that makes it the perfect season to curl up with a great book set in a bygone era. In fact, for many readers, fall is prime time for historical mystery books. Between the atmospheric settings, slow-burning suspense and mystery-laden secrets that span centuries, this subgenre provides an ultimate cozy escape. And this fall, there’s a slew of new historical fiction mystery book releases from acclaimed authors like Alix E. Harrow, Silvia Moreno-Garcia and Emma Donoghue. So if you’re in the mood for an immersive mystery set in the past, you’re in the right place! Here, we gathered up 9 new must-read historical mysteries.
Want to step foot into a deeply haunting story about three women set across generations? Pick up The Bewitching by Silvia Moreno-Garcia. More in the mood to join a secret-filled book club in 1895 London? Try The Secret Book Society by Madeline Martin. For those looking for a spot-on historical mystery based on true events that also weaves in paranormal elements, look no further than Sara Ackerman’s The Guest in Room 120. Another anticipated release that’s part epic historical fantasy, part mystery—with a dash of folklore—is Alex E. Harrow’s The Everlasting. This novel is receiving raves from early readers and fellow novelists like Rachel Willing, author of the hit bestseller One Dark Window. Willig called Harrow’s latest “an utter masterpiece.”
Keep scrolling to discover all of our captivating picks. Happy cozy reading season!
Which genre is your favorite to read during fall?
‘The Guest in Room 120’ by Sara Ackerman
MIRA
Bestselling author Sara Ackerman’s gripping new dual-timeline novel, The Guest in Room 120, is inspired by true events surrounding the death of Jane Stanford—the founder of Stanford University. In 1905, Jane flees her California home for Honolulu and the Moana hotel. Here, she forms an unlikely bond with hotel worker Iliahi Baldwin, but then…tragedy strikes. In 2005, Zoe Finch heads to Moana for a writer’s conference and uncovers eerie, long-buried secrets.
What readers are saying: “Sara Ackerman wrote a historical fiction with an eerie mystery vibe and I am so here for it!! I have loved every book I’ve read of hers and this was no different. I also enjoy anything paranormal so that undertone made me love the book even more.”
There’s nothing better than cozying up by the fire, drinking a warm cup of tea and escaping into a good book. But there’s nothing worse than picking up a book, reading a few pages or chapters and realizing you just can’t get into it. We’ve all been there! And when you can’t find a book […]
‘The Bewitching’ Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Del Rey
Known for her chilling, expertly crafted tales, like 2020’s bestseller Mexican Gothic, author Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s latest, The Bewitching, is another supernatural ride. Growing up, Minerva’s Nana Alba spoke often of witches. As Minerva assembles her thesis on Beatrice Tremblay, an obscure horror author, she finds that her famous book, The Vanishing, was based on eerie, true events. A haunting story about three women set across generations.
What readers are saying: “This story is dripping in atmosphere across all three time periods. It’s amazing to me how she was able to completely capture the essence of all three time periods in such a lush and compelling way. The characters are full of life and distinct in tone. I loved the mystery, intrigue and lore behind it all.”
‘The Everlasting’ by Alix E. Harrow
Tor Books
Alix E. Harrow is known for her spellbinding tales like Starling House—and her newest book, The Everlasting (out October 28), is a sweeping, genre-defying adventure. Sir Una Everlasting is a legend: the girl who became a knight and died for a queen. Centuries later, failed soldier and struggling scholar Owen Mallory worships Una’s story. As he’s hurled into the past, a mystery-filled trek of fate and sacrifice begins. Ideal for fans of Divine Rivals and The Secret Life of Addie LaRue!
What readers are saying: “What Harrow weaves together is a tale of momentum and mystery, full of breathtaking confrontations and unexpected turns. Yet at its core, it is a love story that transcends the boundaries of time itself.”
Author Holly Black rose to BookTok (book TikTok) fame in 2020 thanks to her young adult fantasy novel, The Cruel Prince, which has earned over 1 million ratings on Goodreads and is considered one of the best enemies-to-lovers romantasy stories of all time. Despite the success, Black has kept her head down and decided to […]
‘The Queen of Fives’ by Alex Hay
Graydon House
Alex Hay’s multilayered novel, The Queen of Fives, enthralls from the very first page. In 1898, Quinn le Blanc, London’s top con woman, is embarking on her next scheme: to trap an eligible duke into marriage and lift a fortune from the wealthiest family in England. Quinn puts on a dashing act in lavish ballrooms and beyond before circling in on her target: the enigmatic Kendals. As Quinn envelopes herself in this high-society world, a swirl of secrets and deceptions threatens to swallow her whole. But is she the only one playing a deceptive game?
What readers are saying: This audiobook had me hanging by the edge of my seat! This is a historical caper that twists and turns to a satisfying end. It’s told through multiple POVs and had me guessing right up until the last minute. Seeing each character from the author’s POV added so much depth to the mystery and the moral grayness of all kept me intrigued. If you love historical mysteries, this should be on your radar!”
‘The Secret Book Society’ by Madeline Martin
Hanover Square Press
Madeline Martin is the bestselling author of The Last Bookshop in London—and her latest novel, The Secret Book Society, delivers another captivating historical tale about the power of books. In 1895 London, three women receive an invitation to the reclusive Lady Duxbury’s house. Soon, it’s revealed that the teatime is actually a book club. As rumors swirl about Lady Duxbury’s past, the women in the club form a life-affirming sisterhood, uncover dangerous truths and find courage in a world that prefers to keep them silent.
What readers are saying: “Martin successfully balanced mystery, suspense and sisterhood while pulling back the curtains on a sobering time in history. You’ll feel empowered and invincible after reading this great historical fiction book.”
Which season is the ideal reading season? It’s a question that’s debated often among readers. Whether it’s winter, spring, summer or fall, every season has something special to offer book lovers (hello, beach reads!), but there’s something about the crisp fall air, golden foliage and cozy nights spent at home that set a perfect backdrop […]
‘The Lost Story of Eva Fuentes’ by Chanel Cleeton
Berkley
A love letter to literature and those who cherish it, this sweeping tale spans continents and generations. In present-day London, American expat Margo Reynolds hunts for rare antiques. Her newest mission: to locate a one-of-a-kind book printed 100 years ago. Decades earlier, in 1966 Havana, librarian Pilar Castillo receives a mysterious and influential manuscript at the height of the Castro regime. And in 1900 Boston, Eva Fuentes, a young Cuban woman and aspiring writer, arrives at Harvard and pens a story that will shape her legacy in unexpected ways.
What readers are saying: “Life in post-revolutionary Cuba was the basis for this story. The plot weaved together three timelines. There was Eva in 1900, who wrote the book. Then Pilar, in 1966, who saved the book. And Margo, in 2024, who tracked down the book. This novel was richly drawn. A bit of intrigue, a bit of romance and a murder and all was wrapped up expertly.”
‘The Girl in The Green Dress’ by Mariah Fredericks
Minotaur
Mariah Fredericks’ The Lindbergh Nanny was a gripping novel—and her latest release, The Girl in the Green Dress, is another page-turner based on a true story. In 1920, New York, Zelda Fitzgerald’s husband, Scott, is writing The Beautiful and the Damned. One night, Zelda sees gambler Joseph Elwell with a woman in a green dress. Hours later, he’s found dead. As journalist Morris Markey tries to crack the case, Zelda steps in to help and sweeps him into a dazzling, dangerous world.
What readers are saying: “Readers are given a vivid and captivating look into the Roaring Twenties and the beginning of the Jazz Age in New York City while trying to solve a murder. The writing and plot arc of this story flowed seamlessly, settling on a climactic final conclusion. This book reminded me of A Killing on the Hill by Robert Dugoni. I would recommend this book to historical fiction fans who are also mystery lovers, as well as readers who enjoyed this author’s previous book, The Lindbergh Nanny.”
‘The Hong Kong Widow’ by Kristen Loesch
Berkley
From the Edgar-nominated author of The Last Russian Doll comes a chilling tale (out October) of secrets, séances and revenge. In 1950s Hong Kong, Mei is a young refugee of the Chinese Communist revolution, desperate to leave her Shanghai past behind her. Then, she receives an eye-opening invitation. She’s asked to join a competition in one of the city’s most haunted houses. The game will put six spirit mediums against one another for six nights—until one winner emerges. Mei assumes she’ll say no. But that’s before she has a revelation: The hostess, a former Shanghainese silent film star, is the wife of the man who destroyed Mei’s life. The invitation says the winner will receive a fortune, but all Mei wants is revenge. Decades later, the final evening of that competition has become something of legend. Police were called to the scene of what was described as a massacre—only to find no evidence. The case was dismissed. Now, someone else is desperate to uncover what really happened on that night all those years ago.
What readers are saying: “The supernatural elements blend seamlessly with historical context, creating a reading experience both intellectually stimulating and emotionally profound. For readers craving ghost stories with substance, The Hong Kong Widow offers an unforgettable exploration of memory, revenge and the spirits that never truly release their grip.”
The bestselling author of Room returns with a riveting historical thriller based on an infamous 1895 disaster at the Paris Montparnasse train station. Set against the backdrop of a transformative moment in history, this story follows a diverse group of passengers—including a medical student, a secretary and an anarchist—on a fateful journey. As tensions rise, drama, terror and chaos unfold aboard the train.
What readers are saying: “Donaghue is known for her historical fiction based on real-life events with a devoted readership of followers of her work. In this book, she has invented a truly diverse group, ranging from all walks of life, socioeconomic and class divides, motivations and foibles. The story is propulsive, page-turning and engrossing. Recommend to readers of historical fiction, mystery, literary fiction, France and Canadian life.”
For more historical fiction book recs, check out these stories!
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