Originally published on 7/26/25

Whether you’re spending the summer stretched out on the beach, posted up on a cabin porch or simply soaking up the sunshine from your own backyard, there’s nothing quite like a good book to keep you company. And if you’re craving stories with atmospheric settings, rich intrigue, bygone eras and secret-filled suspense, historical mysteries are the way to go. These novels whisk you away to the past while keeping you on the edge of your seat with secrets, scandals and unsolved crimes. Here, we’ve gathered up the best new historical mystery books—released in 2025—that will provide a thoroughly captivating escape. 

With new offerings from beloved authors like Fiona Davis, Marie Benedict, Kristen Harmel and more, we have something for everyone! Feel like escaping to Paris and solving a decades-old murder? Pick up Last Twilight in Paris by Pam Jenoff. If you’re in the mood for a dazzling dual-timeline mystery, we highly recommend Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall. Hall’s buzzy historical mystery is described as “a sweeping love story with the pace of a thriller.” For readers who can’t resist 1950s California settings, dive into Typewriter Beach by Meg Waite Clayton. 

Keep scrolling for all of our enthralling, must-read recommendations.

‘The Stolen Queen’ by Fiona Davis

Bestselling author Fiona Davis is known for writing historical fiction novels set in iconic New York City landmarks—and her latest story captivates! In 1936 Egypt, Charlotte Cross is on an archaeological dig in the Valley of the Kings. In 1978, NYC, an Egyptian artifact goes missing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art—where Charlotte now works. Then, Charlotte meets 19-year-old Annie Jenkins, and they vow to find the artifact. 

What readers are saying: “Fiona Davis’s gifts are historical research, detailed descriptions, and nuanced narrative through character perspectives and time lenses. So no surprise that she delivers, yet again, a superb story fusion of history and mystery focused on Egyptian relics, dramas, losses and recoveries.” 

‘Last Twilight in Paris’ by Pam Jenoff 

Readers are transported to 1953 London and 1943 Paris in this captivating tale. Louise is still adjusting to her postwar role as a housewife when she discovers a necklace in a secondhand shop. She’s sure she’s seen the necklace before—and it’s linked to a time in Nazi-occupied Europe when her friend Franny died mysteriously. Following clues to Paris, Louise and her former boss, Ian, uncover old truths. A sweeping, dual-timeline story!

What readers are saying: “Pam Jenoff is a talented historical fiction writer, and I always learn new things about WWII and the Holocaust from her. In her latest novel, Last Twilight in Paris, she talks about Lèvitan, a department store in Paris that was used as a concentration camp. I never knew about this and found it and the mystery so interesting.” 

‘The Queens of Crime’ by Marie Benedict 

Danger and intrigue come alive in this tale set in 1930s London and inspired by a true story. The five greatest female crime writers, including Agatha Christie and her legendary rival Dorothy Sayers, form a secret society with one goal: to show their refusal to be treated poorly by their male counterparts. To prove it, they’ll solve the actual murder of May Daniels. But the culprit targets Sayers next and threatens to expose a dark secret.

What readers are saying: “This book is a captivating blend of magical historical fiction and suspenseful mystery. From the very first page, I was hooked, especially by Dorothy’s unique perspective. I admired how the women in the story supported one another, harnessing their individual strengths—both as women and as authors—to unravel the murder.”

‘Broken Country’ by Clare Leslie Hall 

This dazzling dual-timeline novel takes place in 1968 and 1955. Beth and her kind, hardworking husband, Frank, spend their days tending to their farm in a rural English village. But when her brother-in-law shoots a dog attacking their sheep, Beth has no idea this moment will alter the course of their lives. The dog belonged to novelist Gabriel Wolfe—Beth’s first love, who broke her heart years ago. As she’s pulled back into Gabriel’s orbit, tensions arise, old feelings surface and long-buried secrets are revealed. Can Beth choose between the woman she once was and the woman she is today? 

What readers are saying: “As soon as I heard this book described as ‘a sweeping love story with the pace of a thriller,’ I knew I had to start it immediately,” says Melissa D’Agnese, Woman’s World Senior Editor. “And after reading the first sentence, I literally couldn’t put it down! This is the historical mystery of the year.”  

‘The Story She Left Behind’ by Patti Callahan Henry

In 1927, 8-year-old Clara’s mother—a famous author who wrote a book in a secret language—vanishes­. In 1952, Clara receives a letter about her mother’s disappearance and a clue to her lost language, so she travels to London to learn about the man who sent it and about what happened to her mom and the story she left behind. 

What readers are saying: “I love historical fiction—and I enjoyed The Secret Book of Flora Lea by Patti Callahan Henry,” says Carissa Mosness, Woman’s World Assistant Digital Editor. “So I couldn’t wait to crack open her latest story, and trust me when I say it was a must-read mystery!” 

‘The Girl From Greenwich Street’ by Lauren Willig

In 1799, no one knows what happened to Elma Sands—until her body shows up in the Manhattan Well. Now, Burr and Hamilton must put aside their differences to figure out who killed her before it’s too late. 

What readers are saying: “I am obsessed with the musical Hamilton, so when I heard this story was about Alexander Hamilton and Anthony Burr investigating our country’s first-ever murder trial, I had to read it,” says Mosness. “Between the complex characters and the plot that’s part mystery and part true crime, I couldn’t put this down.” 

‘The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau’ by Kristin Harmel

Dazzling drama, a decades-old murder, sweeping charm…this dual-timeline saga has it all. In 1934 Paris, 10-year-old Colette Marceau’s mother teaches her how to steal—but they can only take from the cruel. Then one night in 1942, chaos erupts—and Colette loses her family and a precious bracelet. Seventy years later, the bracelet appears in a museum and Colette must find a way to face her past.

What readers are saying: “A deeply touching novel that blended mystery with historical fiction, The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau had me under its thrall from the very first word. With flawless character development, two mind-blowing timelines, and a family saga for the ages, I could not put this book down and ended up reading it in one single sitting. Bravo, Ms. Harmel, you crafted a novel that is sure to be one heck of a blockbuster hit that’s just perfect for summer.”

‘Typewriter Beach’ by Meg Waite Clayton 

The latest historical mystery from bestselling author Meg Waite Clayton unfolds in 1950s California. Isabella Giori has big dreams of making it in Hollywood. After she auditions with Hitchcock, the studio manager—who “preps” aspiring stars—sends her to Carmel. Then, Iz meets her neighbor Léon Chazan, a blacklisted screenwriter. In 2018, Gemma Chazan is in Carmel to sell her grandfather’s cottage. As secrets emerge, lives intersect in astonishing ways.

What readers are saying: “This novel is a love letter to writing, to resilience, and to the belief that some stories are worth waiting decades to tell. I didn’t want it to end—and when it did, I immediately wanted to talk about it with someone else. It’s a perfect pick for book clubs and anyone who appreciates character-driven fiction that challenges, inspires, and moves you.” 

‘With a Vengeance’ by Riley Sager ‘

From bestselling author Riley Sager comes another riveting mystery filled with secrets and lies. Set in the 1950s, the plot follows Anna Matheson, who is desperate to get revenge on the six people who destroyed her family. To do that, she traps them on an overnight train from Philadelphia to Chicago, in the hopes that she can confront each of them. But when someone on the train winds up dead, it becomes clear that everyone on board is out for revenge. Now Anna must catch the killer and help protect her enemies—even if it means risking her own life in the process. 

What readers are saying: “There were so many twists in the plot throughout this story that shocked me and had me constantly guessing who did what and what their motivations were. It’s because of this that I literally couldn’t put this book down.”

‘Six Days in Bombay’ by Alka Joshi

The revered author of The Henna Artist returns with a novel inspired by painter Amrita Sher-Gil, the “Frida Kahlo of India.” Renowned artist Mira Novak arrives at a Bombay hospital, and her nurse, Sona, is excited to meet the painter who shares her half-Indian identity.

But Mira dies, and Sona is a suspect. After finding a secret note, Sona embarks on a journey across Europe to uncover Mira’s history—and exonerate herself.

What readers are saying: “Once again, Alka Jodi transports you back in time, and this time takes you on a journey through three countries. Not only do you get to travel, but you also get to experience life back then through the eyes of a young nurse as the mystery unfolds. Absolutely a must-read!” 

Link to original: https://www.womansworld.com/entertainment/books/new-historical-fiction-mystery-books