Top new historical-fiction books in October 2023
Last updated:
October 31, 2023
October 2023 featuring new releases by Sophie Hannah, Jesmyn Ward, Sara Raasch, Beth Revis, Jennifer Sherman Roberts, Karma Brown, Brandy Colbert, Francis Spufford, Alice McDermott, Sophie Jordan, Lev A.C. Rosen and many more.
-
Hercule Poirot's Silent Night by Sophie Hannah
The world’s greatest detective, Hercule Poirot – legendary star of Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express, Death on the Nile and A Haunting in Venice – puts his little grey cells to work solving a baffling Christmas mystery.CAN HERCULE POIROT SOLVE A BAFFLING MURDER MYSTERY IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS?It’s 19 December 1931...mystery · historical-fiction · historical · fiction · crime · murder · cozy · law-enforcement · whodunit · retellings -
![Let Us Descend by Jesmyn Ward]()
Let Us Descend by Jesmyn Ward
From Jesmyn Ward—the two-time National Book Award winner, youngest winner of the Library of Congress Prize for Fiction, and MacArthur Fellow—comes a haunting masterpiece, sure to be an instant classic, about an enslaved girl in the years before the Civil War.“‘Let us descend,’ the poet now began, ‘and enter this blind world...historical-fiction · fiction · literary-fiction · poc-mc · female-author · historical · slavery · black-mc · book · adult -
![Night of the Witch by Sara Raasch, Beth Revis]()
Night of the Witch by Sara Raasch, Beth Revis
A witch and a hunter. Vengeance is their mission. Love is their destiny.Fritzi is a witch. A survivor of a brutal attack on her coven, she's determined to find her only surviving family member and bring the hexenjägers—zealot witch hunters—to justice for the lives they ended. To do this, she will need to take down their leader—Kommandant Dieter Kirch...romance · fantasy · young-adult · witches-wizards · historical-fiction · historical · fiction · paranormal · magic · sword-sorcery -
![The Village Healer's Book of Cures by Jennifer Sherman Roberts]()
The Village Healer's Book of Cures by Jennifer Sherman Roberts
In seventeenth-century England, a female healer enflames the fury of a witchfinder in this propulsive novel about murder, revenge, and the dangerous power of knowledge. Mary Fawcett refines the healing recipes she’s inherited from generations of women before her―an uncanny and moral calling to empathize with the sick...historical-fiction · mystery · fiction · fantasy · gothic · historical · witches-wizards · magic · suspense · dark -
![What Wild Women Do by Karma Brown]()
What Wild Women Do by Karma Brown
Two women's lives unexpectedly intertwine in this intriguing dual timeline novel from the #1 internationally bestselling author. A 1970s feminist facing the costs of loss and autonomy strives to create a better future for women at her Adirondacks camp; the other woman, an aspiring screenwriter of today, makes a shocking discovery that sets her on a course of rewriting her own story.Rowan is stuck...historical-fiction · fiction · mystery · historical · feminism · drama · family · female-mc · book · adult -
-
![The Blackwoods by Brandy Colbert]()
The Blackwoods by Brandy Colbert
From Boston Globe/Horn Book Award–winning author Brandy Colbert comes the story of four generations of a Hollywood family—an unforgettable tale of ambition, fame, struggle, loss, and love in America.The Blackwoods. Everyone knows their name...romance · young-adult · fiction · contemporary · historical-fiction · middle-grade · realistic · family · audiobook · poc-author -
![Cahokia Jazz by Francis Spufford]()
Cahokia Jazz by Francis Spufford
From “one of the most original minds in contemporary literature” (Nick Hornby) the bestselling and award-winning author of Golden Hill delivers a noirish detective novel set in the 1920s that reimagines how American history would be different if, instead of being decimated, indigenous populations had thrived... -
![Absolution by Alice McDermott]()
Absolution by Alice McDermott
A riveting account of women’s lives on the margins of the Vietnam War, from the renowned winner of the National Book Award.In Saigon in 1963, two young American wives form a wary alliance. Tricia is a starry-eyed newlywed, married to a rising oil engineer “on loan” to US Navy Intelligence...historical-fiction · fiction · historical · literary-fiction · fantasy · audiobook · war · violent-conflict · book · adult -
![The Duke Starts a Scandal by Sophie Jordan]()
The Duke Starts a Scandal by Sophie Jordan
A gentleman never dallies with the help, but the new Duke of Penning is no gentleman in this steamy fourth and final book in The Duke Hunt series by New York Times bestselling author Sophie Jordan. A duke with secrets. Lucian, the newly minted Duke of Penning, has much to prove-- to himself, his family and the ton. Craving spotless respectability, he must find an aristocratic wife... -
![The Bell in the Fog by Lev A.C. Rosen]()
The Bell in the Fog by Lev A.C. Rosen
The Bell in the Fog , a dazzling historical mystery by Lev AC Rosen, asks―once you have finally found a family, how far would you go to prove yourself to them?San Francisco, 1952. Detective Evander “Andy” Mills has started a new life for himself as a private detective―but his business hasn’t exactly taken off...mystery · historical-fiction · lgbtq · fiction · historical · noir · audiobook · mlm · crime · thriller -
![The Glutton by A.K. Blakemore]()
The Glutton by A.K. Blakemore
A subversive historical novel set during the French Revolution, inspired by a young peasant boy turned showman, said to have been tormented and driven to murder by an all-consuming appetite.1798, France. Nuns move along the dark corridors of a Versailles hospital where the young Sister Perpetué has been tasked with sitting with the patient who must always be watched...historical-fiction · fiction · horror · historical · 21st-century · literary-fiction · humor · human-condition · dark · gothic -
![Six Missives by Rachael Anderson, Noah Wall]()
Six Missives by Rachael Anderson, Noah Wall
Miss Michelle Ellington despises the founder of a competing school for young ladies. Already, he has lured away two teachers and seems intent on wreaking havoc upon her school, all while the headmistress is away. She’s never met the man, but the few missives they’ve exchanged have told her exactly the sort of person he is—an underhanded cad...romance · industrial-era · regency · historical-fiction · historical · enemies-to-lovers · religion · humor · spirituality · fiction -
![Christmas Forevermore by Sarah M. Eden, Ashtyn Newbold, Sally Britton, Karen Thornell]()
Christmas Forevermore by Sarah M. Eden, Ashtyn Newbold, Sally Britton, Karen Thornell
This holiday season, fall in love with a brand-new collection of swoon-worthy novellas from four of your favorite historical romance authors. From meddling matchmakers to fortuitous fiascos, the holidays have never been more magical!“A Family Christmas” by Sally Britton: After years abroad, Cyril Grant worries about relating to his highborn relatives at the family’s holiday celebration...romance · historical-fiction · anthologies · historical · fiction · industrial-era · regency · christian · audiobook · womens-fiction -
![The Marquis Who Mustn't by Courtney Milan]()
The Marquis Who Mustn't by Courtney Milan
One good fraud deserves another… Miss Naomi Kwan has long wanted to take ambulance classes so that she can save lives. But when she tries to register, she’s told she needs permission from the man in charge of her. It would be incredibly wrong to claim that the tall, taciturn Chinese nobleman she just met is her fiancé, but Naomi is desperate, and desperate times call for fake engagements... -
![The Letter Tree by Rachel Fordham]()
The Letter Tree by Rachel Fordham
Mere words can’t end their families’ feud, but the Campbell heir and the Bradshaw heiress plan to write a future together. Buffalo, NY, 1924 Laura Bradshaw adores stories with happily ever afters. But since her mother died seven years ago, the Bradshaw Shoe Company heiress has been as good as locked away in a tower...romance · historical-fiction · christian · fiction · historical · mystery · 20th-century · amateur-sleuth · spirituality · book -
![The Wild Hunt by Lucy Holland]()
The Wild Hunt by Lucy Holland
Once an Iceni warchief, Herla was tricked into spending three days in the faery realm. But a century passed for each day she feasted, and when she and her followers emerged, it was to find the Iceni wiped out and Britain overrun. Cursed to bring death to all she meets, Herla now presides over her grim court, dreaming of vengeance.710 AD...book · fiction · historical · historical-fiction · lesbian-mc · lgbtq · magic · myths · retellings · romantic-love -
![The Lost Boys of Barlowe Theater by Jaime Jo Wright]()
The Lost Boys of Barlowe Theater by Jaime Jo Wright
Barlowe Theater stole the life of Greta Mercy's brother during its construction. Now in 1915, the completed theater appears every bit as deadly. When Greta's younger brother goes missing after breaking into the building, Greta engages the assistance of a local police officer to help her uncover the already ghostly secrets of the theater...romance · mystery · christian · fiction · historical-fiction · gothic · suspense · spirituality · book · adult -
![A Traitor in Whitehall by Julia Kelly]()
A Traitor in Whitehall by Julia Kelly
From Julia Kelly, internationally bestselling author of The Last Dance of the Debutante, comes the first in the mysterious and immersive Parisian Orphan series, A Traitor in Whitehall.1940, England: Evelyne Redfern, known as “The Parisian Orphan” as a child, is working on the line at a munitions factory in wartime London. When Mr...europe · british-isles · united-kingdom · england · urban · historical-fiction · mystery · fiction · historical · ww2 -
![Lady Avery and the False Butler by Sofi Laporte]()
Lady Avery and the False Butler by Sofi Laporte
When a hopeless spinster enlists her butler’s help to turn her life around, it leads to great trouble and a chance at love in this rollicking Regency romance.Lady Avery has never been kissed. The staunch spinster has never had a season, visited the theatre, danced the waltz, or been in love...romance · industrial-era · regency · historical · humor · mystery · historical-fiction · female-mc · fiction · feminism -
-
![Charming Young Man by Eliot Schrefer]()
Charming Young Man by Eliot Schrefer
It all started with a boy who loved the piano . . .They say Léon Delafosse will be France’s next great pianist. As a sixteen-year-old from a small country town, he knows making that happen will keep his family afloat...romance · historical-fiction · young-adult · lgbtq · historical · fiction · audiobook · mlm · industrial-era · victorian -
![Never Met a Duke Like You by Amalie Howard]()
Never Met a Duke Like You by Amalie Howard
Clueless meets Bridgerton in this spicy historical romance retelling by USA Today bestselling author Amalie Howard: "Refreshing, steamy, and stocked with characters you don’t normally get to see in the genre—a must-read author." —Jodi Picoult, #1 New York Times bestselling author “Amalie Howard tells a story with self-assured style, wit, and energy . .romance · historical-fiction · historical · fiction · industrial-era · regency · humor · victorian · book · adult -
![Charming the Recluse by Mindy Burbidge Strunk]()
Charming the Recluse by Mindy Burbidge Strunk
A gothic castle, a noble curmudgeon, and a candid miss.After the tragic death of his sister, Arawn Beavin withdrew from all Society and vowed to stay cooped up in his family’s castle for the rest of his life. If only his mother were so accommodating. As their year of mourning comes to an end, his mother summons her favorite modiste to the castle...romance · industrial-era · regency · historical · historical-fiction · magical-realism · paranormal · mystery · fiction · suspense -
![The Totally True Story of Gracie Byrne by Shannon Takaoka]()
The Totally True Story of Gracie Byrne by Shannon Takaoka
Gracie feels like a minor character in her own life story—until a mysterious journal turns her fictional stories into reality.It’s 1987, and sixteen-year-old Gracie Byrne wishes her life were totally different. Shy and awkward, she has trouble fitting in at her new school, she’s still reeling from her parents’ divorce, and her grandmother Katherine’s Alzheimer’s is getting worse...young-adult · fiction · magic · historical-fiction · fantasy · historical · magical-realism · 20th-century · romance · book -
![The Reformatory by Tananarive Due]()
The Reformatory by Tananarive Due
A gripping, page-turning novel set in Jim Crow Florida that follows Robert Stephens Jr. as he’s sent to a segregated reform school that is a chamber of terrors where he sees the horrors of racism and injustice, for the living, and the dead.Gracetown, FloridaJune 1950Twelve-year-old Robbie Stephens, Jr...horror · historical-fiction · fiction · historical · mystery · poc-author · poc-mc · dark-academia · black-mc · book -
![The Cruel Dark by Bea Northwick]()
The Cruel Dark by Bea Northwick
Millicent Foxboro is haunted.Not by ghosts but by the anguish of her past and the uncertainty of her future. After all, even in the progressive year of 1928, most people would balk at hiring a woman who’d spent two months in a mental ward for traumatic amnesia...romance · historical-fiction · gothic · horror · historical · mystery · fantasy · dark · dark-academia · myths -
![A Bright Heart by Kate Chenli]()
A Bright Heart by Kate Chenli
What if you could avenge your own murder? A brilliant young woman gets a second chance at life in this debut YA tale of vengeance, court intrigue, and romance, inspired by classic Chinese tropes. Mingshin outsmarted three princes to help the man she loved become king. But she doesn’t see Ren’s betrayal coming, not until she’s lying in a pool of her own blood on the palace steps...romance · fantasy · young-adult · magic · historical-fiction · high-fantasy · audiobook · asian-mc · royalty · poc-mc -
![West Heart Kill by Dann McDorman]()
West Heart Kill by Dann McDorman
LOOKING FOR AN ANYTHING-BUT-ORDINARY WHODUNIT? Welcome to the West Heart country club. Where the drinks are neat but behind closed doors . . . things can get messy. Where upright citizens are deemed downright boring. Where the only missing piece of the puzzle is you, dear reader...mystery · fiction · historical-fiction · crime · law-enforcement · historical · whodunit · thriller · audiobook · killer -
![House of Bane and Blood by Alexis L. Menard]()
House of Bane and Blood by Alexis L. Menard
In a city split into two opposing sides, power comes in many bloodlines, money, love, and—most importantly—secrets.An heiress in the most notorious family in Lynchaven, Camilla Marchese is doing all she can to keep her family’s syndicate, the Iron Saint Railway, from slipping into bankruptcy...romance · fantasy · dark · magic · new-adult · organized-crime · enemies-to-lovers · forced-proximity · fake-relationship · dystopia -
![The Scarlet Alchemist by Kylie Lee Baker]()
The Scarlet Alchemist by Kylie Lee Baker
The principle rule of alchemy:You cannot create good without also creating evil.Zilan dreams of becoming a royal alchemist, of providing for her family by making alchemical gold and gems for the wealthy to eat in order to stay young forever...fantasy · young-adult · historical-fiction · historical · fiction · asian-mc · romantic-love · poc-mc · magic · high-fantasy -
![No Way Out by Santana Knox]()
No Way Out by Santana Knox
THERE’S NO WAY OUT OF THE MAZE.There’s no way out of the maze, there is no way out of the maze. No way out of the maze. No way out.None.A teacher.A student.A scarecrow.One dangerously lusty halloween night in a small Ohio town that will never be forgotten.No Way Out is a horrific romance that is not suitable for readers under 18. Please check content warnings before proceeding... -
![Lilith by Nikki Marmery]()
Lilith by Nikki Marmery
In the tradition of Madeline Miller and Claire North, Lilith is the story of the first woman, who was expelled from Paradise for disobedience. In this retelling of the Hebrew myth [NM1] that justified and explained woman's subjection to man, Lilith will have her revenge - however long it takes.In the Garden of Eden, at the beginning of time, an outrageous lie is born: that women are inferior...fantasy · myths · retellings · historical-fiction · fiction · religion · historical · feminism · ancient-civilization · spirituality -
![The King-Killing Queen by Shawn Speakman]()
The King-Killing Queen by Shawn Speakman
In this first book of a new trilogy author Anna Smith Spark calls “a dark love letter to high fantasy,” a woman discovers her unknown past carries with it a terrible future.When Alafair Goode lay wounded during his quest to destroy Mordreadth the Great Darkness, a witch magicked and saved the future High King’s life to fulfill his destiny... -
![Murder by Degrees by Ritu Mukerji]()
Murder by Degrees by Ritu Mukerji
For fans of Jacqueline Winspear and Charles Todd, Murder by Degrees is a historical mystery set in 19th century Philadelphia, following a pioneering woman doctor as she investigates the disappearance of a young patient who is presumed dead.Philadelphia, 1875: It is the start of term at Woman’s Medical College of Pennsylvania. Dr...mystery · historical-fiction · historical · fiction · medical · cozy · suspense · crime · anthologies · female-mc -
-
![Hazardous Spirits by Anbara Salam]()
Hazardous Spirits by Anbara Salam
Hazardous Spirits brilliantly captures a young woman’s world unsettled by mediums and spirits, revealing the devastating secrets that ghosts from the past can tell when given the voice to do so...europe · british-isles · united-kingdom · scotland · urban · historical-fiction · gothic · horror · historical · fantasy -
![Wrath Becomes Her by Aden Polydoros]()
Wrath Becomes Her by Aden Polydoros
"Haunting, exhilarating, and a howl of vengeance." — Andrew Joseph White, New York Times bestselling author of Hell Followed With UsFrankenstein meets Inglourious Basterds in this stunning Jewish historical horror novel from the award-winning author of The City BeautifulVera was made for vengeance.Lithuania, 1943. A father drowns in the all-consuming grief of a daughter killed by the Nazis...fantasy · young-adult · historical-fiction · horror · historical · fiction · war · paranormal · ww2 · grief -
![By Any Other Name by Erin Cotter]()
By Any Other Name by Erin Cotter
A down-on-his-luck actor and an English lord reluctantly team up to solve the murder of Christopher Marlowe in this Shakespearean-era young adult romp perfect for fans of F.T. Lukens and Mackenzi Lee.London, 1593. Sixteen-year-old Will Hughes is busy working on Shakespeare’s stage, stuffing his corsets with straw and pretending to be someone else. Offstage, he's playing a part, too...romance · historical-fiction · young-adult · historical · lgbtq · mystery · fiction · mlm · audiobook · fantasy -
![The Woman at the Wheel by Penny Haw]()
The Woman at the Wheel by Penny Haw
Inspiring historical fiction based on the real life of Bertha Benz, whose husband built the first prototype automobile, which eventually evolved into the Mercedes-Benz marque."Unfortunately, only a girl again."From a young age, Cäcilie Bertha Ringer is fascinated by her father's work as a master builder in Pforzheim, Germany... -
![The Adored One by Susanne Dunlap]()
The Adored One by Susanne Dunlap
Lillian Lorraine was a naive 15-year-old chorine on Broadway when she attracted the notice of the notorious 41-year-old Florenz Ziegfeld. Accustomed to getting what he wanted, Ziegfeld took Lillian under his wing and into his arms, giving her coveted numbers in the Ziegfeld Follies and taking control of her career... -
![The House On Sun Street by Mojgan Ghazirad]()
The House On Sun Street by Mojgan Ghazirad
A young girl grows up in a family uprooted by the terror of an Islamic Revolution, where her culture, her gender, and her education are in peril.For the curious and imaginative Moji, there is no better place to grow up than the lush garden of her grandparents in Tehran...historical-fiction · fiction · politics · historical · 20th-century · family · literary-fiction · book · adult -
![Ezra's Brides by Kaitlynn Clarkson]()
Ezra's Brides by Kaitlynn Clarkson
Two brides. An unthinkable situation. How will he decide?When Ezra meets his mail-order bride at the railway station, he doesn’t expect a second woman to fall at his feet. Deeply shocked, he has no idea what to do until his mother steps in and takes the girls into her expert care. But he still has to make a choice, and each woman is worthy of his love. It’s an impossible situation...romance · historical · religion · anthologies · fiction · young-adult · historical-fiction · spirituality
