Best Historical Mystery Books
Historical Mystery Books have long been one of my favorite genres of books to read. Combining two of my favorite genres, I’ve always found solving crime without technology, cell phones, DNA testing, etc. more impressive.
Some of these historical mysteries are historical mystery series, some are standalone, some are young adult and some are even classic retellings. My favorite on the list is based on Sherlock Holmes. No matter what you are looking for, we have you covered.
The Best Historical Mystery Books
Each colorful block below represents the best book in a subgenre. Click on the arrow to reveal my “best” pick in any category. You’ll also be able to use a page jump to see more books in that section.
Standalone Historical Mystery
The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton – Jump to section
Classic Retellings
The Beekeeper’s Apprentice by Laurie R. King – Jump to section
Related to Agatha Christie
The Christie Affair by Nina de Gramont – Jump to section
Historical Mystery Series
Maggie Hope by Susan Elia MacNeal – Jump to section
Young Adult
The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley – Jump to section
*Historical Mystery Books Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.
Standalone Historical Mystery Books
Plot
A young girl is abandoned on a ship headed to Australia. When she arrives, the only thing in her possession is a suitcase with some clothes and a book of fairy tales. The dock master and his wife adopt Nell and tell her the story of her arrival in Australia on her 21st birthday. She goes back to England on a quest to find her lost identity.
Unsuccessful, her granddaughter later takes up the search and tries to assemble the pieces of her grandmother’s mystery and unlock the secrets of her past.
Trigger Warnings
Child Death, Infertility
Why Kirsten loves it
I was swept away by this story and found myself dreaming of Cornwall while reading. This gothic fiction is a perfect book for fall.
Find this book in: Kate Morton Books / Cozy Books / Family Saga / Books set in Cornwall / Historical Mystery / British Books
Plot
Taking place in the Italian countryside, in both 1943 and 1955, this mystery covers the Nazi/Italy Axis Alliance. A murderer from the war is coming back to kill the remaining members of an Italian family one by one. The wartorn setting and the post-war era made for a fantastic backdrop to a mystery book like no other.
Trigger Warnings
War
Why Kirsten loves it
My heart was racing as I read this story. It kept me on the edge of my seat. I had trouble sleeping out of nerves when I was in the middle of this one.
Find this book in: Books Set in Italy / Best Historical Mystery Books
Plot
Nella is the owner of a shop that used to be a renowned apothecary to treat women but, after her mother died and Nella faced unspeakable loss, her shop is now the bringer of death to men who have wronged the women in their lives.
In the present day, Caroline is spending her 10th wedding anniversary alone in London after discovering her husband is a lying, cheater. When she finds a vial while mud larking, she cannot resist the pull. What is the story behind this vial?
Why Jackie loves it
I loved this dual-timeline story that shows the power of women. It is a unique page-turner that will leave you sad when you get to the last page.
Find this book in: Best Historical Mystery Books / Best Historical Fiction Books / British Books
The Thirteenth Tale
Author: Diane Setterfield
Year: 2006
Genre: Gothic Mystery
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
A young biographer is called to help a reclusive author of 12 books tell her life story. In the process, she learns there is a thirteenth tale after all. It’s a gothic romance, a mystery, and a story about family ties all in one.
Why Kirsten loves it
I adored this gothic story when I read it on vacation a few years back. The setting and gothic vibes make this book perfect for a chilly autumn day. I was swept into this story and read it to completion at 3 a.m.
Find this book in: Best Historical Mystery Books / Best Mystery Books of All Time / Fall Books / Ultimate List of Mysteries
Historical Mystery Book Retellings
The Beekeeper’s Apprentice
Author: Laurie R. King
Year: 1944
Genre: Historical Mystery
More info: Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes #1
Age Range: 14+
Plot
This one is for all the Sherlock fans out there. It takes place after the classic canon ends with the introduction of the retired Holmes and his new neighbor – Mary Russell. When an American Senator’s daughter is kidnapped, Holmes and his protege are called to help Scotland Yard with the case.
Why Kirsten loves it
I adore this historical mystery book series, as does my dad who is a mystery reader exclusively. This series is has more than a dozen books already, each better than the last. I love seeing Mary and Sherlock’s relationship change over the series as Mary hones her skills.
Find this book in: Sherlock Holmes Fiction / Best Historical Mystery Books / Ultimate List of Mystery Books / British Mysteries
A Study in Scarlet Women
Author: Sherry Thomas
Year: 2016
Genre: Historical Mystery
More info: Lady Sherlock #1
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Sherry Thomas delivers a masterful new take on Sherlock Holmes with this mystery series featuring a lady detective using Sherlock as an alias.
The series set-up on this one lays the groundwork for why Charlotte Holmes left home, became a detective, and met Mrs. Watson. And, of course, there is a mystery about numerous deaths to be solved as well.
Why Kirsten loves it
I loved the layer of deception Charlotte needs to have to keep her identity a mystery in an era where women weren’t valued for their minds. It was nice to see a mystery with some social commentary as well.
Find this book in: Sherlock Holmes Fiction Books / Best Historical Mystery Books / Detective Books / Classic Book Retellings
Plot
This story takes place a few years after Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy get married. While the Darcys are preparing for a ball, Lydia comes hurtling up the drive claiming that Wickham has been murdered. Soon the whole family, along with the Bingleys, are plunged into the investigation and its aftermath.
Why Kirsten loves it
My favorite part about this story was getting to see Elizabeth and Darcy’s marriage. Pride and Prejudice ends as they declare their love for one another, so it was nice to see how they had grown as a couple. I was not as engaged in the mystery element as I was expecting to be, but perhaps that’s because I was so interested in revisiting some of my favorite characters.
Find this book in: Best Historical Mystery Books / British Mysteries / Pride and Prejudice Retellings
Historical Mysteries Related to Agatha Christie
The Christie Affair
Author: Nina de Gramont
Year: 2022
Genre: Historical Mystery
More info: February 2022 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick
Age Range: 16+
Plot
I adored this mystery novel set during the 11 days of Agatha Christie’s disappearance. It’s told from the perspective of Christie’s husband’s mistress and it is utterly absorbing.
This biographical fiction novel is totally fictional because there is no account of what actually happened to Agatha Christie during her missing days. There are layers of mystery throughout, with a side of a love story.
Why Kirsten loves it
I never felt I would be able to sympathize with a mistress but I was cheering for her by the end. I was also enchanted by the setting of the small hotel. If you love historical mystery books, this is a must-read.
Find this book in: Biographical Fiction Novels / Historical Mystery Books / Hotel Novels / Ultimate List of Mystery Books
And Then There Were None
Author: Agatha Christie
Year: 1939
Genre: Classic Mystery
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
A mysterious person is trying to right the wrongs of the past by luring unsuspecting criminals to a deserted island…and then murdering them one by one. But who is the killer? Why are they killing? And just how long have they been stalking their prey? You have to figure out whodunit in this unreliable narrator book.
Why Kirsten loves it
This Agatha Christie book is one of the best stories she has EVER written. It was fast-paced, totally engaging and I did not see the ending coming. Each murder was more clever then the one before. Check out the black and white movie based on the book. It’s great!
Why Jackie loves it
A classic for a reason, Agatha Christie broke the mold with this book. It’s one of the most well-plotted mysteries I’ve ever read.
Find this book in: Unreliable Narrator Book / Best Classic Novels / Historical Mystery Books / Agatha Christie Books in Order / Best Mystery Books / Locked Room Mysteries
The Mystery of Mrs. Christie
Author: Marie Benedict
Year: 2020
Genre: Historical Mystery
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Marie Benedict is the master of bringing women back to life in her historical fiction novels. The Mystery of Mrs. Christie is my favorite to date and I found it hard to put down. In December 1926, Agatha Christie went missing for 11 days. She re-emerged as mysteriously as she disappeared and more questions than answers persist.
Why Jackie loves it
Benedict does a wonderful job of building the mystery using her brilliant imagination and bringing us into the world of Agatha Christie. It is the perfect blend of fiction and mystery and is an absolute delight.
Find this book in: Historical Mystery Books / Books about Writers / Books About Books / Biographical Fiction Novel / 1920s Novels
Historical Mystery Series
Mr. Churchill’s Secretary
Author: Susan Elia MacNeal
Year: 2012
Genre: Historical Mystery
More info: Maggie Hope #1
Age Range: 14+
Plot
The thing I love about Susan Elia MacNeal is that she doesn’t make the females in her series meek. She puts them center stage in the middle of the war; solving mysteries, spying, fighting, and the like.
In 1940’s London, Maggie Hope has just started working at 10 Downing Street as a secretary for Winston Churchill. Soon, Maggie is drafted to serve her country as she attempts to thwart an assassination attempt.
Why Kirsten loves it
The women in this historical fiction mystery series are tough cookies who don’t need a man’s protection. I adored Maggie Hope who is a whipsmart, fearless protaganist. I’m only a few books into this British mystery series but I love each one.
Find this book in: Best Historical Mystery Books / British Mystery Books / Best Books About WWII / Books about Female Spies
The Scottish Ladies’ Detective Agency
Author: Lydia Travers
Year: 2023
Genre: Historical Mystery
More info: The Scottish Ladies’ Detective Agency #1
Age Range: 14+
Plot
This is a delightful detective novel set in Scotland about two women who decide to start a detective agency in 1911. While no one takes them seriously at first, they soon have their first client and case – to stop a jewel thief who repeatedly hits up house parties.
Why Kirsten loves it
I loved this cozy mystery book. It was the perfect story to escape into during a rough week. I look forward to the next book in this detective series- they are delightful historical mystery books.
Find this book in: Books about Scotland / Best Historical Mystery Books / Detective Books
Maisie Dobbs
Author: Jacqueline Winspear
Year: 2003
Genre: Historical Mystery
More info: Maisie Dobbs #1
Age Range: 13+
Plot
Maisie Dobbs is not your typical private investigator. For a start, she is a woman working as a PI in 1929. She is a psychologist and a detective who trained under renowned Maurice Blanche a former member of Scotland Yard. She branches out and decides to start her own business.
Maisie’s first case seems like it should be a simple case of infidelity. Instead, it leads her to a murder and back to WWI where she was a nurse. She is smart, thoughtful, and fun to read.
Why Kirsten loves it
I read this cozy mystery novel in one day. It was so refreshing to see post-war England through Maisie’s eyes as she entered a field dominated by men. I cannot wait to read more books in this fabulous series.
Find this book in: Detective Books / Historical Mystery Books / British Mystery Books / Jazz Age Novels
A Beautiful Blue Death
Author: Charles Finch
Year: 2007
Genre: Historical Mystery
More info: Charles Lenox Mysteries #1
Age Range: 14+
Plot
If the gorgeous cover of Charles Finch’s debut novel doesn’t have you itching to buy it, then the story within definitely will. It’s the first in a series of novels starring Charles Lenox as a brilliant aristocrat with too much time on his hands.
When his friend (and maybe love interest) Lady Jane asks for his help he is eager to oblige. So together they try to solve the mystery of Jane’s former servant’s death.
Why Kirsten loves it
I loved this historical fiction mystery book for its mix of Sherlock vibes mixed with an almost Wodehouse look at society life.
YA Historical Fiction Mystery Books
Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie
Author: Alan Bradley
Year: 2009
Genre: YA Historical Mystery
More info: Flavia De Luce #1
Age Range: 12+
Plot
This is the first book in the Flavia De Luce series. This 11-year-old aspiring chemist is a wonderful heroine who is smart and precocious. In this first book, it is 1950 and Flavia has a love of poisons. When she finds a man taking his last breath in a cucumber patch, she is not scared at all, rather, she delights in solving the mystery.
Why Kirsten loves it
Flavia is an absolute delight to read as she’s easily one of the most unique characters in a mystery series. My dad recommended this series to me. I read it, loved it, and promptly passed it on to my 12-year-old. I love that this story works for readers of all generations.
Why Jackie loves it
This is one of the best first mystery books for younger readers as it does not have violence.
Find this book in: Best Historical Mystery Books / Best Mystery Books of All Time / Best Books for 13-year-olds / British Mysteries / Mystery Books for Kids
Pride and Premeditation
Author: Tirzah Price
Year: 2021
Genre: YA Historical Mystery
More info: Jane Austen Murder Mystery #1
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 14+
Plot
This Pride and Prejudice retelling is a murder mystery! In this version of the story, Mr. Bennett is a barrister and Lizzie is desperate to prove herself and be the first female barrister.
But while she offers to help Mr. Bingley find the real culprit of the murder he’s been accused of, she ends up butting heads with her rival, Mr. Darcy of Pemberley and Associates.
Why Kirsten loves it
This delightful take on the classic story was a refreshing and fun book. I look forward to reading the rest of this series.
Find this book in: Best Historical Mystery Books / YA Historical Fiction / Pride and Prejudice Retellings
Party Girls Die in Pearls
Author: Plum Sykes
Year: 2017
Genre: Historical Mystery
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
This British mystery book takes place at Oxford University in the 1980s when a socialite is murdered. Ursula Flowerbutton, an English country girl, is trying to investigate the murder for the college paper while trying to befriend the glamorous crowd.
Why Kirsten loves it
It’s a comedic spoof and the outfit descriptions alone had me giggling. I hope it becomes a series of mystery books because I would love to read more of Flowerbutton and her Sloane Ranger friends. The secret societies and prestigious schools make this one of our lighter dark academia books set in college. It’s just a really fun pick.
Find this book in: Best Historical Mystery Books / British Mysteries / Dark Academia Books / Books Set in College
Helpful Tips
- Many of the books on this list are part of a long-running series. Don’t be afraid to take a break between books in the various series or you may burn out!
- Historical mysteries are great all year, but I find that I gravitate to them the most in the Fall.
- If you like a retelling, try going back and reading the classic book it’s based on. It’s a great way to compare modern writing to the authors of yesteryear. You might just find your new favorite classic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is historical mystery a genre?
Sort of! Historical mystery books are a subgenre that combines both historical fiction and mystery books. Historical mysteries have a plot that is a mystery and the setting is a historical time period.
What are the best historical mysteries?
The Maisie Dobbs, Charles Lenox, Mary Russell, and Maggie Hope series are some of the most popular historical mystery series on the market today.
Related Content
This post fulfills a prompt for the 2024 reading challenge! It’s not too late to join!
Love Mysteries? You’ll probably love this swag too!
Epilogue
Historical mysteries take two of my favorite genres and merge them into one. I’ll always be enamored with these stories. What is your favorite historical mystery book? Personally, The Beekeeper’s Apprentice and anything by Kate Morton will always top my list.
