Mysteries are one of the most popular genres, and there’s no shortage of great historical mystery novels. Check out one of these ten historical mystery novels. The best history mystery books make you feel like you are a part of the story.
They are books that make you want to turn the page to see what happens next. They are also books that make you think about the past and present differently.
If you want the best history mystery books, here are some of the best ones we can recommend.
The Name of the Rose
Set in 14th-century Italy, this novel follows William of Baskerville, a Franciscan friar, and his apprentice, Adso of Melk, as they investigate a series of murders at a monastery. With its complex plot and philosophical underpinnings, The Name of the Rose is a classic and the best history mystery books.
The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown
While not everyone appreciated the historical inaccuracies in The Da Vinci Code, there’s no denying that it’s a page-turner. The novel follows symbologist Robert Langdon as he tries to solve a murder mystery that leads him to some of history’s most famous paintings.
The Murder of Roger Ackroyd
In this classic Christie novel, Hercule Poirot is called in to investigate the death of Roger Ackroyd, a wealthy man found dead in his study. As Poirot starts to ask questions, it becomes clear that everyone in the village has something to hide.
I, Claudius by Robert Graves
This best history mystery book tells the story of Claudius, the Roman Emperor, who was considered a fool by his family. But as Claudius narrates his life story, it becomes clear that there was more to him than meets the eye. I, Claudius, is a fascinating read that brings Ancient Rome to life.
The Alienist by Caleb Carr
The Alienist follows Dr. Laszlo Kreizler, a criminal psychologist, as he investigates a series of murders of young boys. With its gritty portrayal of New York City and its exploration of the nascent field of psychology, The Alienist is a groundbreaking novel.
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
It narrates the tale of two sisters who are resistance fighters. The novel is a harrowing and emotionally powerful read that gives a glimpse into the horrors of war.
Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
It’s the best history mystery books in historical fiction, and for a good reason. The novel tells the story of the American Civil War from the perspective of Scarlett O’Hara, a Southern belle who must learn to survive in a world turned upside down.
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Set in Nazi Germany, The Book Thief tells the story of Liesel, a young girl who lives with a foster family in a small town outside of Munich. Liesel soon begins to steal books, and she finds solace in their words as the world around her grows darker and darker. It’s among the best history mystery books.
The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield
The Thirteenth Tale is a perfect example of throwing everything but the kitchen sink into a book. It’s got family secrets, a dash of the supernatural, and a story within a story. This is the one for you if you want the best mystery books with a gothic twist.
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
This book started the Millennium trilogy, later adapted into a popular Swedish film series. It is about Mikael Blomkvist, a journalist a wealthy businessman hires to investigate his niece forty years before she disappears.
He teams up with a young computer hacker named Lisbeth Salander to crack the case, and the two of them uncover a much larger conspiracy than they could have ever imagined. It’s one of the best detective books of all time.
The Help by Kathryn Stockett
The Help tells the story of the Civil Rights Movement in the American South from the perspective of black maids who work in white households. The novel is an eye-opening read that gives a human face to the struggle for civil rights. The Help is among the best history mystery books that everyone should read.
If you want the best history mystery books, I would highly recommend any of the ones I have listed above.