10 Must-Read Historical Mystery Books Set in Europe!
Want to stroll the streets of post-WWI London as part of an all-girl thief group? Pick up Heather Webb's Queens of London. If being transported to 1934 Paris to solve a decades-old murder sounds exhilarating, dive into The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau by Kristin Harmel. Fellow bestselling author Fiona Davis raved about Harmel's latest novel: 'Colette's feisty spirit makes this story joyous and ultimately triumphant. I loved it.'
Keep scrolling to find out more about these 10 historical mystery must-reads!
'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.'
'Bird With the Heart of a Mountain' by Barbara Mariconda
The Spanish Civil War serves as the backdrop for this sweeping historical fiction tale written by bestselling author Barbara Mariconda. All 16-year-old Drina wants to do is dance flamenco, but her mother forbids it. Desperate to know why, Drina begins to investigate who her mother was before she was born. Soon she stumbles upon something that changes the way she views herself and her family. A thrilling blend of mystery, self-acceptance and family drama.
What readers are saying: 'This story, set during the Spanish Civil War, follows a young girl who longs to dance," says Melissa D'Agnese, Woman's World, Senior Editor. "I found the premise unique and enjoyed watching Drina's story unfold across a stunning Spanish backdrop."
'The Making of Her' by Bernadette Jiwa
From bestselling author Bernadette Jiwa comes another dazzling historical fiction tale about marriage, motherhood and the tender moments in between. When Dublin factory girl Joan Quinn decides to marry the rich Martin Egan in 1966, she thinks all her troubles are behind her. Until one day, she receives a mysterious letter from a girl named Emma, who claims to be the daughter Joan gave up for adoption right before getting married. Joan finds herself involved in a life-or-death matter that could be the end of her perfect life. A wonderful read for fans of family sagas and mysteries.
What readers are saying: 'This book drew me in from the first sentence and captivated me until the end. People and relationships are so very complex, and I loved how Bernadette captured all of that messy complexity in an utterly absorbing story. I can't wait to read her next novel.'
'Queens of London' by Heather Webb
Heather Webb's Queens of London provides an exhilarating ride through the criminal underworld of 1925 London. Alice Diamond is the leader of the Forty Elephants, a network of all-girl thieves in 1920s London—and she's the target of Lilian Wyles, one of Scotland Yard's first female detectives, who wants to prove herself by putting Alice behind bars. What follows is a scandalous series of events about crime, sisterhood and the meaning of justice.
What readers are saying: 'This story, although historical fiction, is based on actual people in post-World War I London. In this way, the author provides an interesting and imaginative perspective on the lives of these individuals—and the people they may have touched through their actions. Overall, the book really brings the Roaring Twenties in London to life!'
'The Marriage Portrait' by Maggie O'Farrell
In 1550s Florence, Lucrezia—the third daughter of the grand duke—enjoys a simple and creative life focused on art and quiet observation. But when her older sister dies on the eve of her wedding to the ruler of Ferrara, Modena and Reggio, Lucrezia is pushed into the spotlight and forced into a marriage with this ruler named Alfonso. As she navigates the political court and her mysterious new husband, she realizes her primary role is to secure the future of the Ferranese dynasty. In this enthralling story, bestselling author Maggie O'Farrell crafts a vivid portrait of a young woman's struggle for survival amidst power, duty and danger.
What readers are saying: 'Beautifully written and imagined, you're transported right into the world of the Dukes of Renaissance Italy. I found the protagonist compelling and the plot pacing was just right. I thoroughly enjoyed this read and couldn't put it down!'
'Queens of Crime' by Marie Benedict
Danger and intrigue come to life 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.'
'The Gown' by Jennifer Robson
With dynamic characters and a unique premise, this novel—told throughout different points in time—first brings readers to 1947, where embroiderers Miriam and Anne receive the honor of helping create Princess Elizabeth's wedding gown. Then in 2016, a girl named Heather finds a set of royally embroidered flowers in her grandmother's things and begins unraveling long-lost family secrets. A richly detailed saga.
What readers are saying: 'I thoroughly enjoyed The Gown for several reasons, not the least being my fondness for anything that centers around the British Royal Family. Getting a glimpse of the Royals from the vantage point of an embroiderer is totally unique. Fans of the Royal Family and of historical fiction/romance are sure to enjoy this one, as will those who enjoy family sagas.'
'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.'
'When We Meet Again' by Caroline Beecham
Set in the publishing world of World War II London, this evocative novel tells a wartime tale full of love, mystery—and books. In 1943 London, Alice Cotton is a young editor at Partridge Press whose star is rising as the demand for books—and escapism—increases in the face of war. But just as her career gets going, she becomes pregnant. Being unwed, her family promises to help raise her daughter, Eadie. But to Alice's horror, her mother sells the newborn. Alice embarks on a desperate search for her child. Then, Alice's world collides with American editor Theo Bloom, who is tasked with helping Partridge Press overcome the publishing obstacles of the war. Alice and Theo grow closer during this time and their connection is a testament to the power of love, hope and life-changing books.
What readers are saying: 'I thought the author captured World War II in London well with the bombings, the feelings, and the shortages. And I enjoyed learning more about publishing in London and the paper shortages during this time.'
'The Memory Dress' by Jade Beer
This captivating mystery begins in England in 2018, when Jayne meets her elderly neighbor, Meredith, who has little to no memory and can't find her husband. Jayne tries to help her, but her only clue is a mystery itself: a gown with a note saying it's a gift to Meredith from Princess Diana. The dual-timeline saga takes readers to 1988, when Meredith is a seamstress for one of the most iconic women in the world. A dazzling read!
What readers are saying: 'A heartfelt haunting story that brings dementia to the forefront. Meredith has an interesting past, but cannot remember where her husband is. Her neighbor Jayne is trying to help her, she cannot bear to see Meredith hurting. This is a very moving story and a must-read mystery.'
For more book picks, keep scrolling!
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