12 Captivating Historical Fiction Books Set in London—Romance, Mystery and Drama Await!
From intrigue to passionate romance and adventure, these novels are your ticket to a bygone era!
Every major city in the world brims with rich history, storied landmarks and vibrant culture—but there’s nothing quite like historical London. In fact, London’s history spans nearly two millennia from Roman times to medieval times, Georgian times and beyond, making it home to some of the most iconic places in the world. Whether you’re enthralled by the grandeur of Buckingham Palace or the Houses of Parliament or you can’t get enough of certain time periods like the Victorian era or WWII, London truly provides a perfect backdrop for historical fiction novels.
So if you’re looking to escape into the past through a London lens, you’re in luck! Here, we gathered up 12 historical fiction books set in London—across bygone eras—that deliver dynamic storylines (many based on real-life events), memorable characters, high-stakes danger and passionate war-torn love stories.
Does stepping foot into Kew Gardens in 1916 London and embarking on a quest for women’s suffrage sound fascinating? Pick up The Kew Garden Girls by Posy Lovell. Lovell’s book is inspired by true events and bestselling author Natasha Lester called it “an absolutely charming story about the strength and beauty of female friendship.” If you’re more in the mood to experience 1930s London alongside five of the most legendary female writers—including Agatha Christie—then pick up The Queens of Crime by Marie Benedict. This historical mystery is part whodunit, part adventure and fully immersive!
Continue scrolling for all of our compelling, must-read book recommendations. Cheerio!
‘The Queens of Crime’ by Marie Benedict
Danger and intrigue come alive in this tale set in 1930s London and inspired by a true story. The five greatest female crime writers, including Agatha Christie and her legendary rival Dorothy Sayers, form a secret society with one goal: to show their refusal to be treated poorly by their male counterparts. To prove it, they’ll solve the actual murder of May Daniels. But the culprit targets Sayers next and threatens to expose a dark secret.
What readers are saying: “This book is a captivating blend of magical historical fiction and suspenseful mystery. From the very first page, I was hooked, especially by Dorothy’s unique perspective. I admired how the women in the story supported one another, harnessing their individual strengths—both as women and as authors—to unravel the murder.”
‘The Secret Book of Flora Lea’ by Patti Callahan Henry
This lush, fantastical novel transports readers back to 1939 London. Hazel and Flora must evacuate their village during WWII. To distract themselves from reality, the young girls create a fairy tale about a secret, magical land called Whisperwood. Then one day, Flora disappears. Twenty years later, Hazel finds a book in a rare bookstore written about their secret land. A beautiful tale of healing past hurts.
What readers are saying: “This book is a masterpiece. Just like Whisperwood. Enchanting, devastating, hopeful and ultimately the story of remembering that childhood dreams are often the true core of who we are.”
‘Locked in Pursuit’ by Ashley Weaver
Mystery and action meld in the fourth installment of Ashley Weaver’s Electra McDonnell series. In WWII London, Ellie McDonnell, who works in a spy ring, hears about a robbery in London and reaches out to the handsome, aloof Major Ramsey in the British government. The two soon realize the burglaries are tied to spies in Lisbon. Now, Ellie and Ramsey have to face enemy agents and their own simmering mutual attraction.
What readers are saying: “What is not to love…thieves, spies and a little romance all happening in a London that has night air raids. I love this series and cannot wait for the next installment.”
‘The Unexpected Diva’ by Tiffany L. Warren
This triumphant novel written by Tiffany L. Warren first whisks readers back to pre–Civil War America then to Philadelphia and Buckingham Palace. Based on the real-life of the first Black opera singer, the plot follows Elizabeth “Eliza” Taylor Greenfield, who was born into slavery and adopted by a wealthy white woman in Philadelphia. Eliza spends years training and perfecting her stunning talent: a three-octave singing voice. When her mother passes away, she remains determined to sing no matter what obstacles come her way. Traveling from America to London, Eliza forges her own path.
What readers are saying: “As a music lover, Eliza’s story captivated me from the start. At times, I almost felt like I was in the room listening as she effortlessly and flawlessly soared up and down the scales in her three-octave range. Her courage and determination to risk it all, despite the many obstacles she faced, including racism, is inspiring and an unexpected delight.”
‘Bombshell’ by Sarah MacLean
Beloved by romance readers for her sizzling scenes, dashing characters and heartfelt emotion, bestselling author Sarah MacLean’s Bombshell is filled with her signature charm plus a splash of espionage. After years of living as London’s most-talked-about scandal, the beautiful and brash Lady Sesily Talbot has learned to embrace her reputation. But when her path crosses with her brother’s best friend, Caleb Calhoun, sparks soon follow. A sharp, beautifully written love story.
What readers are saying: “I’m going to be honest, I read this wonderful series starter over the weekend and it was a balm to my soul. This book has everything I love: bantering while brawling, tension, pining, longing, fire-inducing attraction, and hidden weapons oh my!”
‘When We Meet Again’ by Caroline Beecham
Set in the publishing world of World War II London, this evocative novel tells a wartime tale full of love, mystery—and books. In 1943 London, Alice Cotton is a young editor at Partridge Press whose star is rising as the demand for books—and escapism—increases in the face of war. But just as her career gets going, she becomes pregnant. Being unwed, her family promises to help raise her daughter, Eadie. But to Alice’s horror, her mother sells the newborn. Alice embarks on a desperate search for her child. Then, Alice’s world collides with American editor Theo Bloom, who is tasked with helping Partridge Press overcome the publishing obstacles of the war. Alice and Theo grow closer during this time and their connection is a testament to the power of love, hope and life-changing books.
What readers are saying: “I thought the author captured World War II in London well with the bombings, the feelings, and the shortages. And I enjoyed learning more about publishing in London and the paper shortages during this time.”
‘The Kew Garden Girls’ by Posy Lovell
Readers are taken back to 1916 London in this emotional, heartwarming story set in Kew Gardens—and based on real-life events! With England at war, Ivy and Louisa are looking to help. Soon they take on the jobs traditionally held by men, maintaining the Royal Botanic Gardens. However, not everyone approves of women working at Kew. As tragedy begins impacting them, the Kew women must do all they can to save their country.
What readers are saying: “If you enjoy historical fiction, I highly recommend this book! It had me turning the pages into the early hours of the morning to see what would happen, and, I can’t wait to see what Posy Lovell does next!”
‘Betrayal in Time’ by Julie McElwain
A magical adventure unfolds in this captivating saga as readers are whisked back in time with 21st-century FBI agent Kendra Donovan. When Sir Giles Holbrooke is murdered in 1816 London, Kendra leaves the present day and time-travels to help investigate. But when another murder takes place, Kendra realizes this killer has a dangerous agenda. She races to piece together the puzzle and to crack the case fast.
What readers are saying: “Julie McElwain does a marvelous job balancing the plot of the murder mystery with the humorous situation of a capable, hard-nosed FBI agent stuck in a time where women are to be coddled and protected. The history is fascinating, the dialogue snappy and the action constant.”
‘Queens of London’ by Heather Webb
In a roundup of historical fiction books set in London, we’d be remiss to not include Heather Webb’s aptly named Queens of London! In this story, Webb provides an exhilarating ride through the criminal underworld of 1925 London. Alice Diamond is the leader of the Forty Elephants, a network of all-girl thieves in 1920s London—and she’s the target of Lilian Wyles, one of Scotland Yard’s first female detectives, who wants to prove herself by putting Alice behind bars. What follows is a scandalous series of events about crime, sisterhood and the meaning of justice.
What readers are saying: “This story, although historical fiction, is based on actual people in post-World War I London. In this way, the author provides an interesting and imaginative perspective on the lives of these individuals—and the people they may have touched through their actions. Overall, the book really brings the Roaring Twenties in London to life!”
‘The London Bookshop Affair’ by Louise Fein
Bestselling author Louise Fein’s novel The London Bookshop Affair is inspired by true events and figures of the Cold War. In 1962 London, Celia Duchesne dreams of a career, but with no means, she spends her days working at the bookshop and worrying about the Cold War. One day, a handsome American walks into the shop. Just as romance sparks, a secret draws her into the world of espionage that forces her to learn about Anya Moreau. In 1942 France, Anya was captured during the war for sending messages home to London via a transmitter. As Celia learns more about Anya, she realizes that life isn’t always what it seems, but through love, all things are possible.
What readers are saying: “My favorite way to unwind is to curl up with my dog and escape into a historical fiction novel, and this one kept me enthralled from the start. It was such an engrossing story filled with secrets, love and rich, illuminating history.”
‘Shy Creatures‘ by Clare Chambers
This alluring and moving novel by Clare Chambers is set in the London suburb of Croydon in 1964. The story begins when police discover that William Tapping, a mute 37-year-old, has been shut away in his aunt’s home for decades. Working as an art therapist at a psychiatric hospital, Helen Hansford begins to visit him and soon learns William is a very talented artist. As William’s life story is slowly revealed, so is Helen’s past. A story about the power of connection and kindness.
What readers are saying: “Chambers’ latest is like a lovely still-life painting. While it seems relatively simple and straightforward at first, the more you examine it, the more you notice the exquisite detail. Shy Creatures may seem to be a straightforward story, but there’s a world of activity simmering just beneath the surface. It’s one to savor and revisit.”
‘Mrs. Porter Calling’ by AJ Pearce
The glamorous world of magazine publishing comes alive in Mrs. Porter Calling—which is the third installment of AJ Pearce’s bestselling series, The Emmy Lake Chronicles. Set in 1943 London, the story centers once again on twenty-five-year-old Emmy Lake is helping scores of magazine readers face the unsettling, unprecedented challenges of war, thanks to her job as a writer for the “Yours Cheerfully.” But when a new publisher comes to the magazine bent on change—and the end of the beloved column, Emmy is heartbrown. Then, the real-life horrors of war strike and Emmy and her friends must band together. A story of strength and sisterhood—that’s perfect for fans of Lessons in Chemistry!
What readers are saying: “My favorite parts were the personal relationships and characters. I think that this book/series does a wonderful job showing what it was like in London during WWII. I love all the historical details. And I appreciate the author placing her fictional characters in real events of that time. Powerfully done!”
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