When genre mashups meet historical fiction, the result can be nothing short of magical. The versatility of the historical novel allows for seamless blends with other genres, such as romance or mystery, creating unique and captivating stories. One notable trend in recent years has been the rise of history-science fiction mashups, which offer a thrilling escape from reality. Imagine Abraham Lincoln battling vampires during the Civil War, or time travelers shaking things up throughout history.
Why not even Benjamin Franklin being an alien? The possibilities are endless! That’s why I’ve curated a list of must-read historical fiction books that defy genre conventions. This collection of 12th to 20th century-set novels showcases my personal favorites, categorized into five distinct groups. However, some titles could easily fit under multiple categories.
One notable exception is Patrick Süskind’s ‘Perfume: The Story of a Murderer’, which defies easy categorization due to its slow-burning pace and unsettling themes. I’ve given it its own special category: Historical Fiction with Not Very Good Adaptations.
History and Mystery
Mistress of the Art of Death by Ariana Franklin
In the 12th-century medieval town of Cambridge, England, Adelia, a trailblazing female forensics expert, receives a royal summons from King Henry II to unravel a string of antisemitic murders. Initially met with skepticism by the townspeople, Adelia impressively proves her exceptional skills and capabilities.
This inaugural installment marks the beginning of an engaging, educational series that spans five volumes, concluding with the final book being completed by another author after Franklin’s passing.
Murder in Old Bombay by Nev March
Inspired by real-life events, this acclaimed book tells the story of Captain Jim Agnihotri, a wounded soldier recovering in a colonial Indian military hospital with an affinity for the detective work of Sherlock Holmes. As he delves into the details of a peculiar case involving the deaths of two women, his natural curiosity gets the better of him and he becomes determined to unravel the mystery for himself.
A Curious Beginning by Deanna Raybourn
Veronica Speedwell, a sharp-witted and intrepid Victorian woman, embarks on a thrilling journey to explore the world’s wonders, only to have her adventure interrupted by a sinister kidnapping attempt. As she navigates the treacherous landscape of mystery and mayhem, murder strikes, and Veronica finds herself entangled in a complex web of secrets and deception. Amidst the chaos, a hint of romance adds a tantalizing twist, making this journey an unforgettable experience.
A Study in Scarlet Women by Sherry Thomas
In conclusion, my exploration of historical mysteries culminated in a unique and intriguing option – a gender-bent retelling of Sherlock Holmes. Charlotte Holmes, the brilliant and resourceful protagonist, finds herself tasked with unraveling a series of murders that have shaken London to its core. The stakes are heightened when she discovers that her own father and sister are among those falsely accused of the crimes.
With her exceptional analytical mind and determination to clear their names, Charlotte sets out on a thrilling adventure to uncover the truth behind the murders, ultimately proving herself as a formidable detective in her own right.
History and Romance
An Extraordinary Union: The Loyal League by Alyssa Cole
In the midst of the tumultuous American Civil War, Elle Burns, a courageous individual with a personal connection to slavery’s dark legacy, embarks on a perilous mission as a Union spy. Her new assignment takes her to a prominent household in the South, where she crosses paths with a dashing Pinkerton agent.
As their professional paths converge, a palpable attraction simmers beneath the surface, but their budding romance must first be put on hold as they confront and thwart a treacherous plot that threatens to upend the war’s trajectory.
Destiny’s Embrace (Destiny #1) by Beverly Jenkins
In the dusty American West, a rugged ranch owner struggled to suppress his all-consuming emotions as he found himself inexplicably drawn to his housekeeper. The tension between them was palpable, yet he persisted in denying their mutual attraction, fearing the consequences of giving in to his desires. But when her former lover returned to town, stirring up old feelings and testing his resolve, would he finally find the courage to speak his truth before it was too late?
If you’re swept away by this tale of forbidden love, be sure to explore more of Jenkins’ captivating historical romances.
Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake (Love By Numbers, #1) by Sarah MacLean
Lady Calpurnia Hartwell’s life had long been defined by convention, but beneath the surface, her strict adherence to propriety was a thinly veiled attempt to stifle the growing sense of discontent. It wasn’t until she reached a breaking point that she chose to defy the constraints that had suffocated her for so long.
In a bold bid for freedom, she started small by indulging in previously forbidden vices – the thrill of drinking, the rush of smoking – but it was her decision to align herself with a notorious bad boy that truly put her life at risk.
The Heiress Gets a Duke (The Gilded Age Heiresses, #1) by Harper St. George
In the midst of lavish settings and intricate power struggles, a tale of convenience-turned-passion unfolds. The story revolves around an heiress in search of a husband to secure her future, only to find herself pursued by a duke desperate for financial stability. As her parents propose a union with the Duke of Rothschild’s sister, Violet, it is actually August who has set his sights on claiming the heiress as his own. But will he successfully win her hand and heart?
History and Science Fiction
Kindred by Octavia E. Butler
In this timeless science fiction tale, a present-day Black woman’s life takes an unexpected turn when she finds herself hurtling back in time. As she navigates this unfamiliar era, she unexpectedly saves the life of a young man who turns out to be a distant relative, setting her on a journey that will see her return to the past numerous times. However, with each successive trip, the stakes become increasingly perilous.
The Calculating Stars (Lady Astronaut Universe #1) by Mary Robinette Kowal
In this groundbreaking novel, a team of talented female pilots and scientists joins forces with the space program to locate a new habitable planet as a potentially catastrophic meteor hurtles towards Earth. However, despite their valuable contributions, women are denied access to space travel. This perceived injustice serves as the driving force behind Elma’s quest to become the first woman to venture into space.
Just One Damned Thing After Another (Chronicles of St. Mary’s Book 1) by Jodi Taylor
Imagine stepping into a time machine, where the boundaries between science fiction and history blur. For the members of St Mary’s Institute of Historical Research, the allure of visiting historical events firsthand proves too great to resist. But as they embark on their journey through the ages, they soon discover that leaving no mark behind is an monumental task.
Doomsday Book by Connie Willis
This award-winning book tells the captivating story of a young scientist who finds himself stranded in 14th century after a laboratory mishap sends him hurtling back through time. I’m highlighting this particular title because it’s the first installment in the series and serves as an excellent introduction to the world of time travel. While I thoroughly enjoyed the initial book, I believe the second installment, ‘To Say Nothing of the Dog’, takes things to an even higher level.
History and Fantasy
She Who Became the Sun: Radiant Emperor by Shelley Parker-Chan
In this imaginative retelling, the legendary foundation of the Ming Dynasty is reframed through the lens of a bold and fearless young heroine. After the untimely passing of her revered brother, she seizes the opportunity to claim his identity and destiny for herself, embarking on a remarkable journey that culminates in a thrilling showdown with the Mongol forces.
The Conductors (A Murder & Magic Novel) by Nicole Glover
Hetty Rhodes and her husband Benjy were pillars of the Underground Railroad during its most tumultuous period, using their unique skills to facilitate the escape of enslaved individuals seeking freedom. In the aftermath of the war, they transitioned into a new line of work – solving crimes that had been previously overlooked by the authorities. But what sets this version of America apart is the presence of magical abilities within its populace.
For Hetty and Benjy, these powers proved to be invaluable tools in their pursuit of justice.
The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker
In the early 20th century, an unlikely duo formed in New York City – a golem, crafted from clay, and a jinni, an ancient being of fire. Despite their vastly different natures, they forged a strong bond that would prove instrumental in navigating the fantastical challenges and perilous adventures that lay ahead.
A Marvellous Light (The Last Binding #1) by Freya Marske
In this captivating fantasy tale set in Edwardian England, Robin Blyth’s life takes an unexpected turn when a clerical mistake appoints him as the liaison between the mundane world and a secretive magical community. As he delves deeper into this mystical realm, Robin finds himself entangled with Edwin Courcey, a charming member of the society.
Together, they must unravel the mystery surrounding Robin’s predecessor’s disappearance, all while navigating the treacherous landscape of magic and mayhem that threatens to upend their lives.
History and Horror
Ring Shout by P. Djèlí Clark
In the early 20th century South, Maryse Boudreaux and her companions face an unconventional enemy: the Ku Klux Klan, reimagined as literal demons from hell. This captivating novella has garnered widespread acclaim, showcasing a unique blend of historical context and supernatural elements that transport readers to a gripping and unputdownable world.
The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova
While not a traditional horror novel, this book has a darker tone that will appeal to fans of the genre. The fear factor comes from the eerie atmosphere and the prospect of being bitten by vampires – a truly unsettling thought. The story follows a young woman as she becomes entangled in her family’s mysterious past, which is deeply connected to Vlad the Impaler’s notorious reputation.
As the mystery unfolds, readers will be drawn into a world where the lines between fact and fiction blur, leaving them on the edge of their seats.
Reprieve by James Han Mattson
In this chilling tale of suspense, a young woman escapes to Nebraska with her mother following the tragic loss of her father. As she settles into her new life, she secures a job at a full-contact haunted house, where the lines between reality and horror are blurred. But just as she’s finding her footing, a gruesome murder shatters the tranquility, plunging the small community into chaos.
Through a unique narrative framework of court transcripts and personal testimonies, the story unfolds, weaving together the perspectives of key characters to unravel the truth behind the heinous crime.
Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
In the midst of a Mexican setting in the 1950s, I’ll conclude with a Book Riot-recommended tale that seamlessly blends supernatural elements with an unsettling family history. The story revolves around High Place, an enigmatic house shrouded in mystery and terror. Noemí Taboada’s visit to her newly-married cousin sparks unease, as she uncovers the dark secrets hidden within its walls. Will she survive the ordeal?
If you’re a fan of genre-bending stories or eager to explore more thrilling combinations, take a look at 4 Great Mystery and Thriller Books That Blend Genres, discover the fusion of fantasy and mystery in 15 Fantasy Mystery Books for Readers Craving a Historical Whodunit, or test your reading preferences with our quiz, Which Genre Mashup is Your Next Perfect Read?