10 Reviews: Best Historical Fiction Mystery Books (Apr 2024)

You’re still in the Roaring Twenties, but now you’re in the French Quarter of New Orleans, in a speakeasy. As Millie’s aunt has no choice but to hand over the reins of the Cloak & Dagger to her, the club’s drag performer Marion finds his history crashing into his current life and making him the suspect of a socialite’s death. When her best friend, Marion, is accused of murder, Millie refuses to let her go without a struggle, a break-in, and a detective to defend her friend’s reputation.

"This book was amazing. I absolutely loved it, from start to finish. This is a very well written book and keeps you on the edge of your seat. ..."

by Ricky stupar

This book answers the question “Is it conventional murder or vampire murder?” Tillie Pembroke is a curious woman pursuing independence and knowledge in 1899 New York. Tillie’s grandmother and mother want to carry on after her sister’s death, but she resists. She resolves to investigate her sister’s death despite her sadness, habit, and present reading of Dracula, which has her wondering if vampires exist.

"I loved the book and the main characters. The plot is interesting and intelligent and the character of Tillie appeals to me, as she is so curious and inquisitive, qualities I tend to identify with. ..."

by Okiri

Here’s a locked-room murder mystery for Agatha Christie fans in which a dead man is found in the vault of an exclusive club after a friendly bet. Lieutenant Eric Peterkin, a member of the club who is editing a mystery book, thinks that this is enough to make him qualified to solve the case. Also, he doesn’t trust the detective who has been given to him. Now the search for the killer can begin. Set in London right after World War I, this shows how PTSD affects soldiers and how nurses live, without getting too dark or gritty.

"Enjoyed this book so much! Peterkin is a great character. I can't wait to read the next one."

by E. Hess

The opening of the book describes being pushed into Manzanar as a child in World War II in the U.S. The book focuses on Japanese immigrants and Americans liberated from concentration camps in 1944 Chicago. Rose, Aki’s older sister, left Manzanar for Chicago, but Aki and her family stayed. Aki and her family learn that Rose was murdered by a subway when they’re liberated. Aki wonders if her sister’s death was accidental or intentional. This well-plotted mystery illuminates a rarely-discussed period of time and Japanese Americans.

"This book is about strength and what it takes to have that courage when you need it. This book is needed more today than ever."

by Christy Bedford

This is one of those books that seems to break the rules because this kind of voice doesn’t come up very often in this genre. In 1826, Frannie Langton, a Jamaican woman who used to be a slave and is now a servant in London, is in jail waiting to be tried for killing her employers. Langton doesn’t remember much about the night in question, so she can’t say much about whether or not she did it. You can start by learning about her life, from Jamaica to London, and somewhere, something will bring back a memory or give you a clue.

"Exquisite writing. Beautifully complex characters. Wholly immersive read. There were no gratuitous depictions of cruelty that existed in that time and I appreciated that."

by Amazon Customer

There aren’t many books that will take you to the Joseon Korean dynastic kingdom in the year 1800.  Seol was left without a parent when she was a child. Her older sister recently sent her to the capital to find the grave of her older brother while she was being prepared as police, which is basically a slave to the Capital Police Bureau. But Inspector Han befriends her and teaches her how to solve a case. When a woman is killed, Seol starts to wonder if Han was involved.

"This book is fantastic! June Hur is a wonderful writer. The book's murder mystery, plus the protagonists missing brother, add such suspense. ... Highly recommend to fans of murder mystery and historical fiction!"

by Customer

SuLin, an orphaned teen with a limp from Polio in 1936 Singapore, is schooled by her aunt. Wanting to escape marriage, she looks for work; a deceased nanny creates an opening. Now SuLin must care for her charge while negotiating upstairs, downstairs, and racial politics. Chief Inspector Thomas LeFroy must also solve the Governor’s House murder. This is a sharp, insightful, and caring start to a mystery series.

"A wonderful trip through early Shanghai’s history, culture, and food. Well written and looking forward to the next fun installment."

by Jack M. Payne

The story takes place in Bombay in the early 1920s. Perveen is the first woman to work as a lawyer for her father. The three widows seem to be giving it away whatever was left to them testamentary, and Perveen thinks there might be something wrong with this. Since the three widows live in a place called “purdah,” only Perveen, the only woman solicitor, can go check on them and make sure everything is okay.

"There are deaths and murder but it is a pleasant mystery book to read. It is full of turns and twists that are so amazing."

by xiaomei

Veronica Speedwell is a great book for fans of Sherry Thomas’ Lady Sherlock. There are mysteries, adventures, a slow-burn love tale, and family turmoil, as well as a lot of laughs, all set in London in the 1880s. Veronica Speedwell (a lepidopterist) and Stoker (a natural historian) are the ideal matches because they are opposites in every way. If you like Raybourn’s sense of humor, you’ll enjoy this series.

"Absolutely fantastic storyline! Great characters and 19th century history. Definite new read for anyone wanting something different. A definite must read."

by Ann Camarata

In the end, Lady Sherlock can be the best Sherlock of all time. Every aspect of this series, from witnessing her rise from obscurity to Sherlock Holmes, to her relationship with Mrs. Watson, to the slow-burn love romance, to the mystery-solving, the escapades, and all the desserts, is pure joy. This is something I look forward to every year around this time of year. Moreover, Kate Reading is the narrator of the audiobook.

"This take on Sherlock Holmes was well done. Enough similarities to feel familiar but so many different interpretations from the original. The characters were interesting, memorable and engaging. I really enjoyed this read."

by Ramona Putnam