The Best New Historical Novels — Fall 2024

From the  desk of Laurel Ann Nattress: 

Happy autumn equinox dear readers. It’s time for all the fall feels—pumpkin lattes, fall leaves, and cozy-up reading.

In celebration, I present the best historical novels of the new season; a curated list of my favorites for fall 2024.

As always, I scoured the publisher’s sales catalogues and author’s newsletters, downloaded advance digital copies of dozens of books and whittled it down to the best of the best.

I was pleased to see that historical mystery was particularly strong this season, with historical fiction a close second. There are a variety of topics, styles, and just plan fabulousness to the sixteen novels on my list. Dive in and enjoy.

Up next in my land of the “best of” book lists will be my selection of holiday reading in October.

♥ Which books on the Best New Historical Novels of Fall 2024 list is a must read for you?

Happy reading, Laurel Ann

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HISTORICAL FICTION

THE BOOK LOVER’S LIBRARY, by Madeline Martin

Hanover Square Press (September 10)

“A hopeful, compelling and well-written read about the redemptive power of books, libraries, friendship, and love.” — Library Journal

QUICK SYNOPSIS

A heartwarming story about a mother and daughter in wartime England and the power of books that bring them together, by the bestselling author of The Last Bookshop in London.

FOR THOSE WHO ENJOY:

• Literary love
• Engaging stories set in WWII history
• Mother & daughter drama

AMAZON | PUBLISHER | ADD TO GOODREADS

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THE WILDES: A NOVEL IN FIVE ACTS, by Louis Bayard

Algonquin Books (September 17)

“…inspired outing. Bayard’s superior gifts at evoking the past are on full display, and he makes it easy for readers to sympathize with his characters. Historical fiction fans will love this poignant tale.” ― Publishers Weekly

QUICK SYNOPSIS

In this singularly powerful novel, bestselling author Louis Bayard brings Oscar Wilde’s wife Constance and two sons out from the shadows of history and creates a vivid and poignant story of secrets, loss, and love.

FOR THOSE WHO ENJOY:

• Biographical fiction
• Victorian-era cultural struggles
• Beautiful prose with a compelling narrative

AMAZON | PUBLISHER | ADD TO GOODREADS

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THE COLONY CLUB: A NOVEL, by Shelley Noble

William Morrow (October 1)

“Noble’s cast of iron-willed heroines take up the charge with astounding passion and determination that shines on every page.” — Renee Rosen, USA Today Bestselling Author of Fifth Avenue Glamour Girl

QUICK SYNOPSIS

From New York Times bestselling author Shelley Noble comes a thrilling historical novel about the inception of the Colony Club, the first women’s club of its kind, set against the dazzling backdrop of Gilded Age New York. 

FOR THOSE WHO ENJOY:

• Trailblazing women
• The Gilded Age tv series on HBO
• Atmospheric settings

AMAZON | PUBLISHER | ADD TO GOODREADS

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THE SECRET WAR OF JULIA CHILD: A NOVEL, by Diana R. Chambers

Sourcebooks Landmark (October 22)

“An exciting, little-known reveal of the story behind Julia Child’s WWII service, showing her resilience and bravery. A must-read.” — Rhys Bowen, New York Times bestselling author

QUICK SYNOPSIS

A People magazine Best Book of Fall!

Before she mastered the art of French cooking in midlife, Julia Child found herself working in the secrets trade in Asia during World War II, a journey that will delight both historical fiction fans and lovers of America’s most beloved chef, revealing how the war made her into the icon we know now.

FOR THOSE WHO ENJOY:

• Learning about history you didn’t know you needed
• Espionage & romance
• Admire trailblazing cook, tv personality, and author Julia Child

AMAZON | PUBLISHER | ADD TO GOODREADS

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AUSTENESQUE FICTION

MURDER IN HIGHBURY: AN EMMA KNIGHTLEY MYSTERY (Book 1), by Vanessa Kelly

Kensington Books (October 22)

“…a well-executed mystery plot. The real draw, however, is the way Kelly effortlessly transforms Emma into a successful gumshoe by exploiting the same qualities Austen gave her heroine. Readers will be charmed.” —  Publishers Weekly

QUICK SYNOPSIS

The delightful debut of a Regency historical mystery featuring Jane Austen’s indefatigable Emma Knightly! Perfect for fans of Anna Lee Huber, Darcie Wilde, Claudia Gray, and Stephanie Barron.

FOR THOSE WHO ENJOY:

• Well-written & faithful Austen-inspired stories
• Regency-era mysteries true to the times
• Clever, funny, and engaging prose

AMAZON | PUBLISHER | ADD TO GOODREADS

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IN WANT OF A SUSPECT: A LIZZIE & DARCY MYSTERY, by Tirzah Price

HarperCollins (November 12)

“Intriguing mystery. A treat for fans of Regency tales and stories inspired by classics.” — Kirkus Reviews

QUICK SYNOPSIS

The first book in a thrilling mystery duology featuring classic characters—Lizzie Bennet and Mr. Darcy, introduced in Pride and Premeditation—with an enthralling twist.

FOR THOSE WHO ENJOY:

• Imaginative Austen-adjacent stories
• Regency-era mysteries with a twist
• Stories that you and your teenager will enjoy together

AMAZON | PUBLISHER | ADD TO GOODREADS

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HISTORICAL ROMANCE

THE CLOVERTON CHARADE: The Houses of Yorkshire (Book 3), by Sarah E. Ladd

Thomas Nelson (September 3)

“…a pitch-perfect blend of suspense and sweetness.” — Publishers Weekly

QUICK SYNOPSIS

A long-held family feud reignites when two rival antiquities brokers  arrive at the same house party in Regency England.

FOR THOSE WHO ENJOY:

• Sparkling, witty banter between the protagonists
• Regency-era country house drama
• A bit of mystery with your romance

AMAZON | PUBLISHER | ADD TO GOODREADS

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THE GENTLEMAN’S CONFESSION, by Anneka R. Walker

Shadow Mountain (October 22)

“Enough ups and downs to last until the happily-ever-after ending…this should attract fans of Georgette Heyer, Mary Balogh, and Marion Chesney.” — Booklist

QUICK SYNOPSIS

On a quest to find love and marriage, Jemma Fielding seeks the assistance of the Matchmaking Mamas Society. But how will she win the heart of the man they have chosen for her? Turning to her dearest friend Miles Jackson for help, he soon realizes that teaching her to love someone else is not what he had in mind.

FOR THOSE WHO ENJOY:

• Discovering your happiness stories
• Regency-era marriage market drama
• Friend to lovers tropes

AMAZON | PUBLISHER | ADD TO GOODREADS

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THE MUSE OF MAIDEN LANE: BELLES OF LONDON (Book 4), by Mimi Matthews

Berkley (November 19)

“Full of both wit and heart, this is another winner from Matthews.” — Publishers Weekly, (starred review)

QUICK SYNOPSIS

A silver-haired equestrienne and a charismatic artist turn a scandalous bargain into a vibrant portrait of love.

FOR THOSE WHO ENJOY:

• Big character arcs & swoony romance
• Atmospheric Victorian-era life & culture
• Beautifully written prose

AMAZON | PUBLISHER | ADD TO GOODREADS

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HISTORICAL MYSTERY

A POCKETFUL OF DIAMONDS: THE LUCY LAWRENCE MYSTERIES (Book 4), by Pam Lecky

Storm Publishing (September 19)

5 STARS “I loved the Italian setting, the well-developed characters, the mystery that kept me guessing, and the historical details that made me feel I was there. Highly recommended!” — Literary Redhead

QUICK SYNOPSIS

The fourth in the beloved Lucy Lawrence mystery series! A gripping tale of stolen diamonds, family intrigue, and hard-won redemption set against the stunning backdrop of glamorous Italy.

FOR THOSE WHO ENJOY:

• Trailblazing heroine
• A travel vacation to the Italian Lake district
• Immersive historical details

AMAZON | PUBLISHER | ADD TO GOODREADS

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THE COLD LIGHT OF DAY: A VERITY KENT MYSTERY (Book 7), by Anna Lee Huber

Kensington Books (September 24)

“This was a gut-wrenching, breath-holding, rollercoaster ride of a story set in Dublin, Ireland in 1920.” — Flippin’ Pages

QUICK SYNOPSIS

The latest novel in the action-packed historical mystery series featuring Verity Kent, fashionable former Secret Service agent turned intrepid sleuth and high-society darling on her next clandestine mission.

FOR THOSE WHO ENJOY:

• 1920’s Irish drama
• Adventurous mysteries
• Intrepid and clever heroines

AMAZON | PUBLISHER | ADD TO GOODREADS

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MURDER AT KING’S CROSSING: A WREXFORD & SLOANE MYSTERY (Book 8), by Andrea Penrose

Kensington Books (September 24)

“Penrose maintains a brisk pace in her finely wrought eighth Regency-era adventure… This reliable series continues its winning streak.” — Publishers Weekly

QUICK SYNOPSIS

For fans of Miss Scarlet and the Duke and Bridgerton—a masterfully plotted mystery that combines engaging protagonists with rich historical detail and a touch of romance.

FOR THOSE WHO ENJOY:

• Beautifully researched & atmospheric settings
• Whodunits who keep you guessing
• A dynamic husband and wife sleuthing team

AMAZON | PUBLISHER | ADD TO GOODREADS

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THE AUTHOR’S GUIDE TO MURDER: A NOVEL, by Beatriz Williams, Lauren Willig, & Karen White

William Morrow (November 5)

“A pure delight from start to finish…packed with twists and turns, some loving (and hilarious) jabs at the publishing world, and a wee dram of romance — all set at a writers retreat in a Scottish castle. What could be better? Williams, White and Willig are in top form in this clever, engrossing whodunnit with a heart.” — Lisa Unger, New York Times bestselling author of The New Couple in 5B

QUICK SYNOPSIS

Agatha Christie meets Murder, She Wrote in this witty locked room mystery and literary satire by the team of three New York Times bestselling novelists.

FOR THOSE WHO ENJOY:

• Unveiled satire and uproarious humor
• Scottish castles and culture
• Rapier wit and brilliant writing

AMAZON | PUBLISHER | ADD TO GOODREADS

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HISTORICAL ADVENTURE & THRILLERS

THE ELGIN CONSPIRACY, by Julia Golding

One More Chapter (October 24)

5 STARS “The mystery was well-written, pulling me along with each new discovery and clue. I stayed up late following the twists of the story and found the ending rewarding and logical. Overall, excellent book!” —NetGalley Reviewer

QUICK SYNOPSIS

In 1812 London, Lord Elgin’s Greek marbles are the talk of London society, so when a death threat arrives, the earl hires actress Dora Fitz-Pennington and the honourable Dr Jacob Sandys to investigate.

FOR THOSE WHO ENJOY:

• Novels based on true British history
• Page turning adventure
• Regency-era London culture and society

AMAZON | PUBLISHER | ADD TO GOODREADS

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THE STARLETS: A NOVEL, by Lee Kelly & Jennifer Thorne

Harper Muse (November 12)

“A spry and suspenseful crime novel set just after Hollywood’s golden age” — Publishers Weekly (starred review) 

QUICK SYNOPSIS

One perfect island. Two rivals. A star-studded cast. But underneath the glitter, disaster is brewing.

FOR THOSE WHO ENJOY:

• The Golden-age of Hollywood movies
• Dual heroines with divergent personalities
• Page turning European travel adventures

AMAZON | ADD TO GOODREADS

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HISTORICAL SUSPENSE

SPECTERS IN A GLASS HOUSE, by Jaime Jo Wright

Bethany House Publishers (October 1)

“Readers will be eager to take this twisty, suspense-filled ride.” — Publishers Weekly

QUICK SYNOPSIS

The past and present entangle two heroines in an ominous butterfly house with a sinister legacy, and an untraceable killer.

FOR THOSE WHO ENJOY:

• Being scared while reading Gothic fiction in bed by candlelight
• Engrossing dual-time line stories
• Twisty spooky mysteries

AMAZON | PUBLISHER | ADD TO GOODREADS

We were gifted digital copies of the books by the respective publishers. Cover image courtesy of the publishers © 2024; text Laurel Ann Nattress © 2024, austenprose.com, an Amazon affiliate. No AI: material on Austenprose.com may not be used in datasets for, in the development of, or as inputs to generative AI programs.

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