30 Historical Mystery Series to Get You Through Any Crisis
The first Julian Kestrel mystery
My favorite thing about reading mysteries is that there’s resolution. Foes are vanquished, crimes are solved and justice is almost always served—so much better than real life!
I started reading historical mysteries like a fiend when I realized that I could find all my favorite genres of fiction (mystery, historical and romance) all in one place. I realized belatedly that my love of early Nancy Drew books and Agatha Christie novels were always leading me here.
Early favorites are the Julian Kestrel series (the author tragically died after only 4 novels), The Alienist series, Amelia Peabody, Maisie Dobbs and the TV series of Cadfael (also a book series) and Foyles War.
The following list is long and yet still woefully incomplete (I have a more thorough unannotated list that I can send the curious). I follow all of the series on the list and all of them are current, ongoing series with new volumes either recently published or soon to be published. You will notice similar themes, settings and time periods that I love as well as notice that I have a penchant for female authors, female protagonists and world weary male characters and series that focus on ongoing personal drama. Starting with book one in any of these series is preferable but unnecessary (note: unless noted, the book pictured is the first one).
All of these series are currently available remotely as e-books and/or audiobooks.
Medieval/Middle Ages / Elizabethan England
Crispin Guest series by Jeri Westerson
Crispin Guest is a disgraced knight and former member of landed society, who must reinvent himself as “The Tracker” among the mean, gritty streets of London. An investigator who can find “anything or anyone,” he uses his wit and wiles to navigate danger and treachery lurking in every corner of the city and court. Self-styled as Medieval noir, this series mixes elements of hard boiled detective stories with Medieval life and history creating an entertaining and enthralling hybrid perfect for mystery and history lovers.
Prioress Eleanor series by Priscilla Royal
Starting in 1270 along the contentious borders with Wales, young, inexperienced Prioress Eleanor has taken control of the small priory of Tyndale. A part of the Order of Fontrevraud, Prioress Eleanor rules over both monks and nuns and holds a place of respect within the neighboring communities and must contend with all grievances from the petty to the murderous. The arrival of the handsome and troubled Brother Thomas adds lust to her personal demons. I love an ecclesicastical mystery solver especially in Medieval times. See also the Brother Cadfael series and the Hawkenlye Abbey series. Author Priscilla Royal mixes gripping, historical plots with fully realized, flawed characters for satisfying results.
Kate Clifford series by Candace Robb
Set in 15th century York, Kate Clifford is a young widow trying to get herself out of the debt left to her by her two-timing husband. Estranged from her family and raising the children of her husband’s dead mistress, Kate relies on her intelligence and intuition as well as her wily servants to get her out of trouble both political and murderous. Turns out York is a minefield of deciet, betrayal and murder. Well known for her Owen Archer series, Robb writes mysteries that are intricate, dense with historical detail and great characters that truly satisfy history and mystery lovers alike.
Elizabethan Spy series by Suzanne M. Wolfe
Nick Holt, the youngest son of an earl is a reluctant spy in Queen Elizabeth’s court. As one of Walsingham’s agents he must put his life in danger and that of his friends and family to ferret out the truth and seek out justice all in the Queen’s name. Filled with wonderful historical details and a look at the underbelly of Elizabethan London, you’ll be looking forward to subsequent volumes of Holt’s adventures.
Lady Ursula Blanchard series by Fiona Buckley
Ursula Faldene Blanchard de la Roche Stannard, a young widow and mother, goes to court to become a lady-in-waiting to a young Queen Elizabeth. Possessed of a sharp wit and tongue, an uncanny intelligence and endless curiosity, she soon makes herself indispensable to the Queen and the spymasters of the court. A fun series that slowly unrolls Ursula’s mysterious past and mixes in real life historical people of the court with the mystery plots. A long time running series, there’s plenty of volumes to explore.
Regency Era England (late 1790s - 1820)
Sebastian St. Cyr series by C. S. Harris
It’s 1811 and Sebastian is a broody, moody Viscount still reeling from his experiences on the Peninsula during the Napoleonic Wars. With friends among the upper echelons of society, Covent Garden and stews of St. Giles, Sebastian is the perfect man for those looking for justice and the perfect foil for those who think they can get away with murder. Full of thrills, your only complaint will be that they aren't longer. Luckily, there are 15 (so far) volumes to read.
Wrexford & Sloane series by Andrea Penrose
World traveler Lord Wrexford is an unconventional aristocrat with a love of science and Charlotte Sloane is an independent working woman with a mysterious past. When Wrexford is framed for murder Charlotte offers her help as a scandal sheet artist to flush out the real killer and a partnership is born! The author, who also writes the Lady Arianna series, mixes well thought out mysteries, early forensic science, great details of the era and a slow burning attraction creating a compulsive read.
Atlas Catesby series by D.M. Quincy
Atlas Catesby, gentleman, world traveler and son of a famous English poet, is making his way through a rural English village, when he comes upon a man auctioning off his young wife in the village green and rescues her. When the man later turns up dead the wife is the prime suspect. Atlas reminds me of my beloved Julian Kestrel series. A man of honor, intellectually curious, impeccable style and a wide circle of friends who keeps running into murder victims which is very inconvienent for him. Atlas’s clear voice and pov make this one of my favorites newer series.
Rosalind Thorne series by Darcie Wilde
Rosalind Thorne is no stranger to scandal. With an aristocratic family deep in debt and fled to the continent, Rosalind has had to fight her way back into London society by humbling herself and making herself “useful” to London”s rich and titled. With her friends, including her ducal ex-fiance, Rosalind investigates and “fixes” problems for her clients much to the chagrin of the runners and magistrates of Bowery Street. Also a romance author, Wilde finds a good balance between mystery and the ongoing personal dramas of the characters.
Victorian/ Edwardian Era England (1840s - 1910)
Charles Lenox series by Charles Finch
A gentleman bachelor in his early 40s and an amateur detective, Charles has dedicated his life to his craft much to the aggravation of Scotland Yard and the amusement of his friends and family. With quiet zeal and an intellectual observation bordering on the obsessive, he rarely misses anything or fails to get his man. A long running series, the author has also started a prequel series that explores Lenox’s beginning as a man in his twenties. The author always manages to include unexpected twists and turns in the mysteries and in the personal lives of his characters.
Below Stairs/ Kat Holloway series by Jennifer Ashley
Kat Hollaway may be an excellent cook that any Mayfair London household would want to hire but she also happens to be cool in a crisis and very observant. Suspend delightful disbelief, with these improbable mysteries solved by a cook we would all want in our employ and looking out at for us. With an impeccable sense of justice and an arsenal of delicious recipes, Ashley writes entertaining mysteries with plenty of upstairs/ downstairs drama. A well known romance writer, Ashley doesn’t disappoint in that area either. The author also writes another favorite of mine, the Captain Lacey Regency-set series under the pseudonym Ashley Gardner.
William Raven series by by Ambrose Parry
Edinburgh 1847 and medical student William Raven is about to start his apprenticeship with the brilliant and renowned (and real life) physician Dr. Simpson. Simpson treats both the rich and the poor and William, who has is rife with his own problems, realizes that he may not be ready for what's ahead especially when dead bodies, he’s connected to, start turning up. Adding to the narrative is Simpson’s prickly and intellectually curious housemaid who helps out as his nurse. The author is actually a married couple, one of whom has a medical background. Detailed medical descriptions matched with rich historical details make this a unique series.
Lady Emily series by Tasha Alexander
The young Lady Emily, newly widowed, has been cosseted and hindered her whole life by Victorian society and it's only in widowhood that she finally comes into her own. She’s fearless, intelligent and ready to flout every social norm much to the consternation of her mother. This is the perfect series for globetrotters, every murder and crime is in a different location. From London to Greece to Egypt, Vienna, Italy, Russia...all with a large cast of characters to help and hinder the heroine. There’s also plenty of romance. Surrounded by suitors, Emily soon makes her pick. Luckily, Alexander is as good at writing romance as she is at murder.
Sarah Gilchrist series by Kaite Welsh
In 1892, Sarah Gilchrist has fled London and a scandalous past to become one of the first female medical students at the University of Edinburgh. She fights sexism, the misgivings of her family and society and the prejudices of her professors and fellow students. Her determination to become a doctor puts her in the path of the poor, desperate and murdered. Fascinating reads with a complicated heroine, that give a window into women struggling for a medical education as well as an irresistible mystery.
Gilded Age New York and America (1880s - 1910)
Gilded Age series by Rosemary Simpson
Starting in 1888 against the backdrop of the Great Blizzard, the wealthy Prudence Mackenzie is grieving both for her father and her fiance and struggling with sinister forces in her own home. Into her life comes ex-Pinkerton agent and friend to her fiance, Geoffrey Hunter. With his help and her own smarts and independent nature, Prudence begins to find a new path for herself. This series is rich in NYC history and society. In particular, the author focuses on how the Civil War and a new influx of immigrants changed and shaped the city. The slow build relationship between the two main characters also make this a standout.
Gilded Newport series by Alyssa Maxwell
Fiercely independent, determined and young, Emma Cross is both a Vanderbilt cousin and a born and raised Newporter. Thanks to her rich relations and her beat as a local society reporter Emma gets invited to all the best “cottages” and finds her way into solving all the most mysterious crimes. The sense of place and history is palpable and the inclusion of historical figures and the intricate crimes make this a very entertaining, worthwhile series. Maxwell also writes the WW1 era series, The Lady and Lady's Maid series.
Rose Gallagher series by Erin Lindsey
First generation Irish American Rose Gallagher wishes to be more than just a housemaid, so when her young boss goes missing from his 5th Ave mansion and no one seems that bothered, Rose decides to find him herself. What she finds is a mix of intrigue, Pinkerton detectives and supernatural forces. A mix of fantasy and history, the author has created an alternate Gilded Age New York filled with all sorts of new possibilities perfect for an intrepid Irish girl.
Gaslight Mystery series by Victoria Thompson
Set in late 19th century New York City, Sarah Brandt is a widowed midwife servicing the working and middle classes of downtown Manhattan but, in her previous life, she was the daughter of one of the richest, most respected Knickerbocker families. Her profession keeps her running into dead bodies which is where Detective Sergeant Frank Malloy comes in and slowly they build a friendship and respect for each other. Each book highlights a different Manhattan neighborhood and strata of society. Still being published after 20 years, the mysteries are a great deep dive into NYC history and also chronicles the personal lives of the characters.
World War 1 Era: Before, During and After (1910s-early 1930s)
Harriet Gordon series by A. M. Stuart
A brand new amatuer detective on the block, Harriet Gordon, a London suffragette and recent widow, is looking for a fresh start with her brother in 1910 Singapore. Her plans to be a secretary for hire go awry when her first client turns up dead. Harriet is no nonsense and hard to spook which makes her great in a crisis. Chapters are also told by a British detective also new to Singapore. The mystery takes on the sins of colonialism and includes historical details. With only one entry so far, this series already has me eagerly anticipating the next volume!
Mayfair 100 series by Lynn Brittney
World War 1 is raging and young Chief Inspector Beech has discovered that there are crimes that even he is ill equipped to investigate—namely those against women in both the upper and lower classes. His idea is to recruit the highly educated high-born women in his life and some professional policemen to form a clandestine crime solving unit and their phone number is Mayfair 100. Book one explores the seedy underbelly of London life from drug use to prostitution and sex traffiking. With two volumes, the series is a highly entertaining and complex entry in the historical mystery genre.
Louise Faulks series by Liz Freeland
Louise Faulks arrives in 1912 New York with a secret-packed past and looking for a fresh start. Moving in bohemian circles with her actress roommate and her author aunt, her own ambitions come into focus when she comes across a murder and discovers a talent for criminal investigation. Like many female detectives Louise is forthright, independent and persistent but here at least she has a reason to keep running across dead bodies—she becomes one of NYPD’s early policewomen. A well done New York set series that are fast, satisfying reads.
Counterfeit Lady series by Victoria Thompson
After a con goes wrong in WW1 era Washington D.C, young con woman Elizabeth Myles joins a "Votes for Women" protest to escape the police but instead finds herself arrested and put in prison with all the other suffragette protesters. Their shared treatment in the prison creates an unbreakable bond and when they all get out Elizabeth uses her skills to help her new friends and as well as insinuate herself into wealthy NYC society. Despite her questionable past, Elizabeth is a crusader for truth and justice and its satisfying to see her help the helpless and take down the corrupt.
Verity Kent series by Anna Lee Huber
In Post WW1 England, widow Verity Kent has been invited to a house party reunion of her husband’s old friends in a remote part of the country. She soon learns that not all is what it seems but luckily for Verity neither is she. Her war work was much more complicated and secretive than she can ever explain. Her spy skills and smarts are soon in need again in England and on the continent. Huber, who also writes the Lady Darby series set in 1830s Scotland, knows how to pace her novels so that they are unputdownable.
Inspector Redfyre series by Barbara Cleverly
In 1923 Cambridge England, the newest member of the local police force is the young bachelor Inspector John Redfyre. A godsend to the Cambridge CID and the area’s husband hunters, he’s immediately put to work when after a Christmas concert a female musician has fallen from the balcony or was she pushed? With his intellectual style, broodiness, way with the ladies and little patience with the University denizens, Redfyre is reminiscent of indelible Inspector Morse, Cleverly is a skilled writer most known for the Inspector Joe Sandilands series set in 1920s India.
Perveen Mistry series by Sujata Massey
Perveen Mistry is the only lawyer in 1920s India. Oxford educated, Perveen can go where no male lawyers or even the British government can go— behind the screens into the isolated realms of women living in purdah. However, while Perveen does solve murders and other crimes, she’s less an amateur detective and more a fixer of problems in Colonial India. The series is reminiscent of the Maisie Dobbs series which is often more about psychology and the law than your standard murder mystery. Great historical details and complex characters make this a fascinating new series.
Her Royal Spyness series by Rhys Bowen
Inspired by 1930s screwball comedies, Lady Georgianna Rannoch may be 34th in line to the throne of England but she has no money of her own. Cut off from her meager allowance by her Duke brother, she goes in search of a job—turns out her unflappable demeanor makes her a natural for crime solving. At times hilarious, Lady Geogianna’s adventures are always fun and reminiscent of P. G. Wodehouse. One of my all time favorite authors, Bowen also has the Molly Murphy series set in late 19th century NYC and centered around an intrepid Irish immigrant as well as other one off mysteries.
Maggie Hope series by Susan Ella MacNeil
Maggie Hope is an American in London when WW2 breaks out and finds herself with a job in Churchill’s office and the rest, as they say, is history. From secretary to spy to helping Scotland Yard, there’s not a mystery that Maggie’s analytical brain and American chutzpah can’t solve. The varied locations, adventures and interactions with real life people of the era make this a standout series. Be warned: they go by quick and you’ll be hungering for more—luckily there are plenty to keep you busy!
Poppy Redfern series by Tessa Arlen
Its 1942 and Poppy is the air raid warden for Little Buffenden, her tiny village outside London. Life changes drastically for the locals with the arrival of an American air base right outside of town and with it hundreds of American servicemen. Cultures clash and young, local women, seen on the arms of the newcomers, soon start turning up dead. This is a brand new series with only one volume but includes many of my favorite things and is well worth keeping up with. Arlen is also the author of the Edwardian era-set Lady Montfort series which is perfect for Downton Abbey fans.
Lt. Billy Boyle series by James R Benn
Billy Boyle is a young Irish American cop in Boston itching to be part of the action in Europe where he hopes to do his part to stop the Nazis. Wanting to keep him far from combat, his family helps get him assigned to ‘Uncle” Ike Eisenhower’s staff who ends up using him as an investigator for his deduction skills and discretion. Far from keeping him safe, each investigative assignment becomes successively more dangerous. Billy interacts with real life people and is often involved in historical operations and events. Thrilling and gripping this is a series that is hard to put down.
Inspector Troy series by John Lawton
Inspector Troy starts off as police sergeant in 1940s London’s Metropolitan police force much to the disappointment of his upper class family who had higher hopes for his ambitions. But he slowly makes his way up to Chief Inspector. The series jumps around from 1940 thru the 1960s. It starts with a serial killer terrorizing London in 1944 in Black Out and then in book 2 goes to the 1950s. Reminiscent of the characters of Le Carre and Deighton, Troy is unfailingly thoughtful and thorough and always pushing against his family’s expectations and connections. Lawton also writes the Joe Wilderness series about an miscreant orphan and soldier recruited by MI6 in the aftermath of the war.
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Staff picks are chosen by NYPL staff members and are not intended to be comprehensive lists. We'd love to hear your ideas too, so leave a comment and tell us what you’d recommend. And check out our Staff Picks browse tool for more recommendations!