Epistolary Novels
When Kirsten and I were talking with Cassie, one of our favorite book people, the subject of epistolary novels came up. We instantly knew that I needed to make a list of the best epistolary books we had read. There are so many.
There is something so satisfying about reading books about books, bookstores or writers. In the case of epistolary novels, it feels scandalous to be reading other people’s letters and diaries. When I started thinking about books I had read in this format, I was shocked by how quickly the list grew.
I divided this list into smaller subgroups because I was shocked by how many books I have read and loved. These are books that are not only written as letters but also emails, texts, and transcripts. The different formats of these books make them unique. I included contemporary fiction, historical fiction, and more. This post fulfills a prompt for the 2025 reading challenge. We hope you will join us!
The Best Epistolary Novels
Each colorful block below represents the best book in a subgenre of epistolary novels. 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.
Contemporary Fiction Epistolary Novels
Griffin and Sabine: An Extraordinary Correspondence – Click to see the review and more books in the category
Historical Fiction Epistolary Novels
Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society by Annie Barrows and Mary Ann Shaffer- Click to see the review and more books in the category
Mystery Thriller Epistolary Novels
The Appeal by Janie Hawlett – Click to see the review and more books in the category
Romance Epistolary Novels
Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld- Click to see the review and more books in the category
Classic Epistolary Novels
Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank- Click to see the review and more books in the category
*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.
Contemporary Fiction
Griffin and Sabine, 25th Anniversary Limited Edition: An Extraordinary Correspondence
Author: Nick Bantock
Year: 2016
Genre: Fiction
More info: A story told in letters and postcards
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 12+
Plot
When you open this book, it feels as though you are reading the private letters of Griffin and Sabine as they write back and forth. Griffin is a postcard designer who lives in the UK and receives a note from Sabine about a postcard he designed. Thus begins the correspondence of the two. But this short book has so much within the pages.
Why Jackie loves it
There are postage stamps on the letters and postcards in addition to gorgeous illustrations. The letters come in real envelopes that the reader opens.
Find this book in: Epistolary Novels
Plot
Like everyone, I fell deep into the Netflix show Inventing Anna. When I realized this story was about a similar tale, I knew it would be the perfect summer book about con artists!
Essentially it’s about an intern named Lora who was taken in by an Elle editor named Cat Wolff whose glamorous life quickly takes over her own. But is Cat who she claims to be or is she someone else entirely?
Why Kirsten loves it
Let’s just say this is one of those books where you get to the end and you want to go back and re-read. I gasped when I read the final chapter of this pick from summer reads 2023.
Find this book in: Novels About Fashion / Books about Con Artists and Thieves / Ultimate Beach Reads 2023/ Epistolary Novels
Plot
Bee is so excited that she has won a trip to Antarctica for her perfect grades. As she is preparing to go, her mother, Bernadette, disappears.
This is a hilarious satire about finding yourself, coming to terms with who you are, and the power of the bond between a mother and daughter.
Why Jackie loves it
This is a delightful book and it is clear why it was made into a movie. I love the mother-daughter relationship in this book. As Bee gathers emails and other documents as well, the reader gathers further insight into the family dynamic.
Find this book in: Books About Mothers and Motherhood / Epistolary Novels
Everything, Everything
Author: Nicola Yoon
Year: 2015
Genre: YA Fiction
More info: #1 New York Times Bestseller
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 12+
Plot
Maddy is a 17-year-old girl who is allergic to everything. She has not been outside since she can remember. Then, one day, she sees a boy outside her window and everything changes. Suddenly, the confines of her house make her feel trapped for the first time in her life and she wants more. As the two become friends, Maddy begins to question what she is willing to risk to live life to the fullest.
Trigger Warnings
Chronic Illness
Why Jackie loves it
This is characterized as a young adult book but is equally compelling for adult readers. Yoon’s writing is smart, to the point and unlike any other author I’ve read. She can make serious, intimidating subjects relatable.
Find this book in: Epistolary Novels / Best Romance Novels of All Time
To Night Owl From Dogfish
Author: Holly Goldberg Sloan and Meg Wolitzer
Year: 2019
Genre: Middle-Grade Fiction
More info: Two amazing authors with a story told via letters and emails.
Age Range: 9+
Plot
This tween book came so highly recommended that I was afraid it wouldn’t live up to the hype. But, I loved it. Is it about two girls who could not be more different whose fathers fall in love and send them to camp together so they can meet before they all become a family.
It is told through emails sent back and forth between the girls, family, and friends as well. It is so well written and is ultimately a story about friendship and unconditional love. This middle grade book deals with really complicated issues like what makes a family in a completely approachable way.
Why Jackie loves it
This is a book written by two fantastic writers in such a unique way- it is told through letters and emails. It is relatable for children and adults alike, even though it is appropriate for ages 9 and up.
Find this book in: Ultimate List of Middle Grade Books for Tweens / Books About Sisters / Epistolary Novels/ Best Books for a 12-Year-Old / Books about Camp
Historical Fiction
Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society
Author: Mary Ann Shaffner and Annie Barrows
Year: 2008
Genre: Historical Fiction
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
This story about the island of Guernsey’s occupation during WWII features a book club that started to deceive the German soldiers. The members of the book club quickly become friends. Can you think of a better book for book clubs than one about a book club?
When a young novelist finds out about their society, she begins a correspondence and eventually visits them to learn more. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society must remain secret for their safety rather than by choice.
Trigger Warnings
War, Death
Why Jackie loves it
The story is told entirely in letters and was recently turned into a Netflix movie! I love this heartwarming novel. If you have not read this cozy book, I highly recommend it to anyone who loved The Jane Austen Society by Natalie Jenner.
Find this book in: Secret Society Books / Books About WWII / Friendship Books / Books About Books / British Books / Epistolary Novels / Books with Food in the Title
Violeta
Author: Isabel Allende
Year: 2022
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: New York Times Bestseller
One of the Best Books of the Year: Popsugar, Real Simple, Reader’s Digest
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
This is the story of Violeta, a woman whose life was bookended by two pandemics. An ordinary citizen of South America, her life story swept me away. She goes from wealth to destitution during the Great Depression, experiences numerous marriages, and navigates the dramas of her children and grandchildren. Ultimately, she lives a life rich in passion, loss, and joy.
Trigger Warnings
Domestic Abuse, Drug Abuse
Why Kirsten loves it
How have I never read an Isabel Allende book before? SHOCKING! When the story ended, I felt like I was parting with a dear friend.
Find this book in: Books About Poverty / Books by Female BIPOC Authors / Books with Colors in the Title / Epistolary Novels / Books With Flowers in the Title
Daisy Jones & The Six
Author: Taylor Jenkins Reid
Year: 2019
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: March 2019 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
The book is laid out like a VH1 Behind the Music style interview. It’s laid out in chronological order about the making of the band Daisy Jones & the Six, but the story is told in interview style from a dozen sources.
It’s a story about the music scene of the 1970s in Hollywood when the band The Six meets Daisy Jones and together they rocket to superstardom! Among the drama of touring, there is also a forbidden love story or two, and plenty of crazy parties!
It’s truly the perfect mix of historical fiction, romance, and rock ‘n’ roll.
Why Kirsten loves it
This book needs to be listened to, not read. The audio version has a different narrator for each character and the performances are stupendous. I was overcome with emotion numerous times while I was listening.
Why Jackie loves it
This celebrity fiction story about the rise and fall of one of the hottest bands of the 70s was so utterly fabulous – it’s pure sex, drugs, and rock n’ roll in all the best ways.
Find this book in: Books Like Daisy Jones & The Six / Taylor Jenkins Reid Books in Order / Books Set in the 70s / Full Cast Audiobooks / Ultimate Beach Reads 2020 / Books With Flowers in the Title
The Final Revival of Opal and Nev
Author: Dawnie Walton
Year: 2021
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: Good Morning America Buzz Pick
Best Books of 2021 by Barack Obama, The Washington Post, Goodreads
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
This fantastic story looks at the rise and eventual breakup of an interracial punk-rock duo. It’s told in a multi-time narrative set in the 1970s and 2016 – when she’s considering reuniting with Nev. But as musical journalist Sunny digs into Opal & Nev’s history, she uncovers surprising hidden facts. With a narrative structure similar to Daisy Jones, you’ll be hooked from the very first chapter.
Trigger Warnings
Racism, violence
Why Kirsten loves it
This is the closest of the books like Daisy Jones and The Six. It’s told in an interview format and is about a band from the 70s. The comparison makes sense… and yet…
This 70s book is wonderful in its own right! No comparison is needed. It looks at sexism and racism in the music industry during this time period and is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining. It is a total must-read.
Find this book in: Books Like Daisy Jones / Full Cast Audiobooks / Books About Music, Bands, and Musicians / Feel-Good Books / Faux Celebrity Fiction / Epistolary Novels / Nonlinear Narrative Novels / Best Books of 2021
Mystery/ Thriller
The Appeal
Author: Janice Hallett
Year: 2022
Genre: Thriller
More info: International Bestseller
Best Book of 2022 by The New York Times
Crime Writer Association New Blood Dagger Award
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
I was utterly charmed by this unique murder mystery book! The premise is great – a detective duo has been given a stack of correspondence (text and emails) and asked to read through and determine who was murdered, why, and who was wrongly accused.
Of course, we readers get to come along for the ride – reading their post-it notes or texts to each other as they try to solve the mystery. I was desperately trying to solve it along with them but I was stumped!
The ending was truly shocking and the many twists and turns had me flying through the story. I read part of it and listened to part. Both formats make for a wonderful experience! This is one I’ll be recommending this pick from the ultimate list of mystery books for years to come!
Trigger Warnings
Cancer
Why Kirsten loves it
This is the first of Janice Hallett’s book and it firmly placed her in the “must-read” author category. The format of this book is brilliant and her other books are equally entertaining, well-written, and brilliantly plotted.
Find this book in: Detective Books / The Ultimate List of Mystery Books / The Best British Mysteries / Epistolary Novels / Janice Hallett Books in Order
The Second Mrs. Hockaday
Author: Susan Rivers
Year: 2017
Genre: Mystery
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
I listened to this one and loved how the Southern accent enhanced this story. The story follows -you guessed it- the second Mrs. Hockaday as she navigates her life as a new bride running her husband’s plantation while he is off fighting in the Civil War.
The story starts with Mrs. Hockaday in jail for killing and concealing the death of her child, who is conceived while her husband is gone. Spanning two generations and told in journals and letters, this story was a compelling read.
Why Kirsten loves it
This is another epistolary novel and I love how easy it is to read a book (or listen) when it is in this format. I instantly felt a deeper connection to the characters.
Find this book in: Epistolary Novels /
Plot
This is an isolation thriller from one of the best there is. Five couples participating in a game shoe are trapped together on an island when a storm comes in. They are cut off from everyone without phones but that is the least of their worries.
Without power, their food and water supply dwindles quickly, the radio has a very limited battery supply, people are sick and injured, and one of them may be a murderer/ serial killer
Why Jackie loves it
This is a page-turning thriller with unexpected twists and turns I did not see coming. This is a perfect beach read- it will keep you on your toes.
Find this book in: Fictional Books About Serial Killers / Best Beach Reads of 2024 / Books Set at a Hotel / Isolation Books / Best Thrillers 2024 / Epistolary Novels
Listen for the Lie
Author: Amy Tintera
Year: 2024
Genre: Thriller
More info: March 2024 Good Morning America Book Club Pick
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
2024 is the year of the thriller and this one doesn’t disappoint! Lucy is returning to her hometown for the first time since she was accused, but never charged, with murdering her best friend Savvy 5 years ago.
She has no memories of the night Savvy died, but she needs answers for herself. So she decides to team up with true crime podcaster, Ben Owens, to discover the truth – even if she’s implicated in the process.
Ben is real-time podcasting the whole investigation and his interviews are interspersed between chapters, revealing new insights each time.
Trigger Warnings
Domestic Abuse, murder
Why Jackie loves it
This is one mystery/thriller that is even better in audiobook format! The background noises and interviews bring the podcast to life. #gifted by Macmillan Audio
Why Kirsten loves it
I felt like I was in the story investigating it myself. I can’t emphasis enough that this one is best consumed by listening. Like Jackie noted, the audiobook adds elements not available in print. I will say I couldn’t figure out the ending on this one and was completely surprised by who committed the murder!
Find this book in: Best Audiobooks / Best Beach Reads 2024 / New Mystery Books of 2024 /Epistolary Novels / Nonlinear Narrative Novels /Best Books of 2024
The Fury
Author: Alex Michaelides
Year: 2024
Genre: Thriller
More info: Instant New York Times Bestseller
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
While you know within the first chapter that a murder has been committed, the book’s first half is a slow-paced development of the characters, the relationships, and their motives for being the murderer or the victim.
By 60%, the pacing changes into a non-stop action plot with twists and turns around every corner. It reached a furious crescendo that I did not see coming, but Alex’s books tend to do that to me!
Why Kirsten loves it
I loved the settings – mostly gorgeous Greece, sometimes rainy London. I loved the characters (and by loved I mean loved to hate them all.) The book is in journal format and has stellar storytelling. #gifted by Celadon Books
Why Jackie loves it
The audiobook narrator’s reading of this book breathed life into this already fast-paced book. I adored that the book is written like a journal, it makes the story that much better because you are never sure how much to believe!
Find this book in: Isolation Books / Novels About Weather / Epistolary Novels
Romance
Romantic Comedy
Author: Curtis Sittenfeld
Year: 2023
Genre:
More info: April 2023 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick
Spice Rating:💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Sally Milz is a sketch writer for a late-night comedy show. She begins to write a sketch called the Danny Horst Rule, which makes fun of average-looking men dating gorgeous women, but the reverse rarely happens. Being set on a comedy show makes this the perfect setting for a funny romance!
When a pop music icon signs on as the musical guest and host for the show for the week, sparks begin to fly, but Sally doesn’t know if it is just in her head. After all, he is a gorgeous star!
Trigger Warnings
Pandemic
Why Jackie loves it
We love Curtis Sittenfeld and could not wait to read this book. This is a slow-burn romance that I loved. Part of the book takes place over email correspondence during the COVID lockdown and I could not get enough. This is one of my favorite summer reads for 2023 and true to its name is one of the best romantic comedy books of all time.
Find this book in: Celebrity Romance / Rom-Com Books / Novels about Music / Epistolary Novels
Bridget Jones’s Diary
Author: Helen Fielding
Year: 1999
Genre: Romance
More info: #1 Bestselling Book
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
I remember reading this contemporary fiction book shortly before it was turned into a hit movie starring Colin Firth and Renee Zellweger. This modern Pride and Prejudice retelling is told in diary form over the course of one year.
Hysterical and silly, Bridget’s antics are quite something. Mark and Daniel are deliciously brought to life via Bridget’s inner monologue. If you love the movie, try the book.
Bridget starts her diary on New Year’s Day which makes it a perfect pick for books about New Year’s!
Why Kirsten loves it
I love Pride and Prejudice retellings and this is one of the best ones I have ever read. Even though it just had its 25th anniversary, it is still relevant and funny. The fact that it is written as a year of diary entries is icing on the cake!
Find this book in: Epistolary Novels / Best British Books / New Year’s Eve Books / Books Like Pride and Prejudice
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
Author: Taylor Jenkins Reid
Year: 2017
Genre: Historical Fiction
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
A tell-all about a fictional Elizabeth Taylor-
Evelyn Hugo has asked an unknown reporter, Monique Grant, to write her life story in a no-holds-barred book. There is a bit of mystery around why Monique was chosen and Evelyn certainly has her fair share of hardships as she claws her way to the top.
The drama and suffering add dimension to the story that makes it so much more than fluff, though the inner workings of Hollywood were fun to read too. The story seems so candid that I forgot that Evelyn Hugo was not a real celebrity.
Trigger Warnings
Domestic Abuse, Homophobia
Why Kirsten loves it
Taylor Jenkins Reid slays with this story finding the perfect balance of glamour and grit. Evelyn seeks to change her life and in doing so, changes for the better. Every person who has read this book at my recommendation has loved it
Adaptation Information
Not much is yet known about the movie adaptation except that Leslye Headland is set to direct while Liz Tigelaar is working on the script.
Find this book in: Best Romance Novels of All Time / Books Like A Man Called Ove / Best Books to Read on Beach / Old Hollywood Books / Taylor Jenkins Reid Books / Epistolary Novels / Books Becoming Movies / Hollywood Novels
Find books similar to this in: Books like The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
Last Christmas in Paris
Author: Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb
Year: 2017
Genre: Historical Fiction
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
This book is written entirely in letter form between two friends during WWI. You will fall in love with the characters as they fall for each other. Evie is struggling to find a way to help out during WWI, while Thomas, her brother’s best friend, is struggling with the realities of battle.
Why Kirsten loves it
I just recently started reading WWI books and this one is high on the list. It is such a wonderful holiday book, it truly captures the essence of wartime romance and how love can bloom in the darkest of times.
Find this book in: WWI Books / Best Christmas Books Of All Time/ Books Set in Paris / Epistolary Novels / Best Romance Novels / Christmas Book Club Books
Classic
Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank: The Definitive Edition
Author: Anne Frank
Year: 1997
Genre: Nonfiction
More info: “The Single most compelling personal account of the Holocaust” (The New York Times Book Review)
Age Range: 12+
Plot
This is the quintessential book about the Holocaust written by Anne Frank, a Jewish girl in hiding during WWII. Although she did not live to see freedom, her father survived as did the diary that she kept during her years of hiding.
This is a powerful book that captures the neverending capacity for hope in the human spirit. After all, Anne said it best when she said “in spite of everything I still believe that people are really good at heart”. The words are a powerful reminder about the human spirit.
Trigger Warnings
Death, holocaust
Why Kirsten loves it
The message that Anne passes along in this diary is one that we can all learn from. Anne’s words are powerful and thoughtful.
Why Jackie loves it
There are really no words to say about this book. Love is not the correct word for how I feel. This book should be required reading for everyone. Anne somehow remained positive despite the danger she faced, the isolation and hunger.
Find this book in: WWII Books / Best Books by Jewish Writers / Best Books for a 12-Year-Old / Epistolary Novels
Plot
I went on a vampire kick this month and I loved this really creepy classic vampire book about a historian’s search for Dracula. The story is told in two timelines. One in which a young woman must decide if she is going to follow her father in his quest and the other is told through her father’s stories and old journals.
This is a complicated history and a journey in a search for Vlad the Impaler while simultaneously trying to avoid the fate that most people meet when they get too close.
Why Jackie loves it
This is a historical fantasy that is CREEPY. I wanted to stop reading it but I wanted to know what happened. The dual-timeline made this book even more intriguing as well as the epistolary aspect.
Find this book in: Epistolary Novels / Vampire Books
Plot
This is the book that started it all. Jonathan Harker is a young English solicitor who finds himself in Count Dracula’s castle in Transylvania. Count Dracula has strange customs and mannerisms and things go from strange to scary to completely horrifying.
The slow torture and the helplessness of Harker is terrifying because he is never sure of what is happening to him.
The story of Dracula is timeless and has been remade into countless movies. But, in my opinion, none have been able to capture the truly terrifying essence of this book.
Why Jackie loves it
This is truly a disturbing thriller horror book. If you love vampire books and have not read this one, it is a must-read that will scare the pants off you.
Find this book in: Epistolary Novels / Thriller Horror Books / Vampire Books/ Dark Academia Fantasy Books
The Handmaid’s Tale
Author: Margaret Atwood
Year: 1985
Genre: Dystopian
More info: A hit series on Hulu
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Offred is a Handmaid in the Republic of Gilead. She may leave the home of the Commander and his wife once a day to walk to food markets whose signs are now pictures instead of words because women are no longer allowed to read.
She must lie on her back once a month and pray that the Commander makes her pregnant because, in an age of declining births, Offred and the other Handmaids are valued only if their ovaries are viable.
Offred remembers when she had a job, money of her own, and access to knowledge, her husband Luke, and her daughter But all of that is gone now….
Trigger Warnings
Dystopian, lack of women’s rights
Why Jackie loves it
This dystopian novel is scary because of how convincing it is. There is a reason this novel by Canadian Author, Margaret Atwood, has won awards. It will make you think differently about everything.
Find this book in: Thought-Provoking Books / Book Adaptations on Netflix / Dystopian Novels / Epistolary Novels
More Epistolary Novels
Expert Tip
Some of these epistolary novels are excellent as audiobooks and some, not so much. Books like Daisy Jones are full-cast audio books which I absolutely love. Some of them may be more difficult to follow because they read out the dates and more information that can be hard to follow if you are listening
- Before you buy the audiobook, you should listen to a preview to see if you like it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an epistolary novel?
An epistolary novel is a work of fiction written in the form of letters or documents. We have included books written in the form of diaries, texts, and emails as well. In addition, we have one nonfiction work on this list.
What is an example of an epistolary story?
The perfect example of an epistolary story is Griffin and Sabine: An Extraordinary Correspondence by Nick Batock. It is an entire story written in letters and postcards between two individuals. This should be your first stop if you want a wonderful and creative read.
Why are epistolary novels effective?
Epistolary novels give insight into how the main character is thinking. This is often effective in a thriller or mystery because you are never sure if the narrator is reliable.
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Epilogue
I cannot believe I did not know the term for epistolary novels. As someone who loves books and reads non-stop, I feel like my life has changed when I learned this term. Did you know what an epistolary story was? Do you like my list of epistolary novels? There are a few in the “more” section that I cannot wait to read. What is your favorite?
