Saturday, December 13, 2025

This month’s best new historical fiction

 
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This Month's Best New Historical Fiction
 
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Book cover for Canticle by Janet Rich Edwards
You'll be transported to medieval Belgium in the pages of this stunning tale
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • To avoid an unwanted marriage, spirited Aleys finds refuge among a community of independent religious women — one under siege by mystical and political forces
  • One of People's best books of December
  • "A suspenseful page-turner that is also rigorously researched and utterly convincing — a true gem of historical fiction" (Bruce Holsinger, author of Culpability)
Learn more...
Media mentions for Canticle by Janet Rich EdwardsMEDIA MENTIONS:People, Real Simple, Indie Next List, Library Reads, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, Literary Hub
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Book cover for The Italian Secret by Tara Moss
Take it from Fiona Davis: This 'rip-roaring novel' is 'unforgettable'
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • After returning from a stint as a wartime investigative journalist, PI Billie Walker finds a dusty box in her father's office — sparking a globe-spanning journey to unravel a decades-old family mystery
  • Devotees of Jacqueline Winspear's Maisie Dobbs series will love this fierce, glamorous protagonist
  • Will take readers on the first postwar luxury passenger ship to sail across the ocean to Italy!
Learn more...
Media mentions for The Italian Secret by Tara MossMEDIA MENTIONS:Publishers Weekly, Booklist
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Book cover for Cape Fever by Nadia Davids
Uncover the secrets of a crumbling 1920s manor in this gothic masterpiece
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • Soraya takes a job as the personal maid to eccentric Mrs. Hattingh. But she soon learns spirits live in her boss's decaying home — and finds herself swept up in a strange weekly ritual
  • An atmospheric blend of historical intrigue, social critique, and psychological suspense
  • "Striking… A chilling fable that's at once familiar and singular. It's a stunner" (Publishers Weekly starred review)
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Media mentions for Cape Fever by Nadia DavidsMEDIA MENTIONS:NPR, The New York Times/The New York Times Book Review, The Guardian, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, Literary Hub
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Book cover for I, Medusa by Ayana Gray
A notorious figure from Greek mythology takes center stage
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • Meddy has always felt out of place among her beautiful sisters and powerful parents. When she's taken under Athena's wing, her life transforms — until she's punished for a crime she didn't commit…
  • A New York Times bestselling author delivers a "bold feminist retelling" (Booklist starred review) that's a must-read for lovers of Circe
  • "Both empowering and infuriating, it's a strong take on the classic character" (Publishers Weekly)
Learn more...
Media mentions for I, Medusa by Ayana GrayMEDIA MENTIONS:TODAY Show, The New York Times/The New York Times Book Review, Locus, People, Indie Next List, Library Reads, Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, Booklist, Literary Hub
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Book cover for Hope and Destiny by Niklas Natt och Dag
This 'grand piece of historical fiction' has Fredrik Backman's seal of approval
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • In 15th-century Sweden, Magnus is sent by his family into a burgeoning peasant rebellion. He must gain the trust of its charismatic leader, Engelbrekt — but his mission leads to bloodshed
  • Inspired by the true story of one of Sweden's most notorious murders
  • "Immersive… This swashbuckling slice of historical fiction has its charms" (Publishers Weekly)
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Media mentions for Hope and Destiny by Niklas Natt och DagMEDIA MENTIONS:The New Yorker, Publishers Weekly, Booklist
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Book cover for From Cradle to Grave by Rhys Bowen
A beloved New York Times bestselling author delivers a charming whodunit
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • London has been plagued by a string of murders — and new mother Lady Georgie's husband could be next to meet an untimely end. Can she catch a serial killer and save her family?
  • Set in the 1930s and starring a heroine who happens to be 34th in line for the throne
  • "The pre–World War II ambiance provides an apt setting for some ingenious murders in a case worthy of the clever sleuth" (Kirkus Reviews)
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Media mentions for From Cradle to Grave by Rhys BowenMEDIA MENTION:Kirkus Reviews
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Book cover for Beasts of the Sea by Iida Turpeinen
A sweeping, internationally bestselling sensation translated into 28 languages
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • Starred reviews from Booklist, Library Journal, and Publishers Weekly, who says, "This tour de force is… not to be missed"
  • From an ill-fated 18th-century expedition to a 19th-century Alaskan colony on the verge of collapse, lives are transformed by the lost creature known as the Steller's sea cow
  • "Intensely readable" (The Guardian)
Learn more...
Media mentions for Beasts of the Sea by Iida TurpeinenMEDIA MENTIONS:New Scientist, Foreign Policy, The Guardian, The Times, Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, Booklist, Literary Hub
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Book cover for Huguette by Cara Black
A thrilling postwar tale with an 'extraordinary character' at its heart (Booklist)
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • In 1945 France, Huguette is pregnant and on the run from her father's enemies, unable to return to her childhood home in Paris. When she lands a job with a legendary film director, she sees a chance to shed her past once and for all
  • From a New York Times bestselling author who "excels at setting vivid scenes, creating lively characters, and maintaining pulse-elevating suspense" (The Wall Street Journal).
  • This "fast-paced, enthralling novel" features "a twisty plot" (Library Journal starred review)
Learn more...
Media mentions for Huguette by Cara BlackMEDIA MENTIONS:The New York Times/The New York Times Book Review, Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, Booklist
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Book cover for Murder at Donwell Abbey by Vanessa Kelly
A beloved Jane Austen heroine trades matchmaking for sleuthing
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • When her maid is found dead during a grand ball, sharp-witted Emma Knightley is determined to uncover what sinister dealings are afoot…
  • "Plenty of interesting Austen-inspired characters make for a charming read" (Kirkus Reviews)
  • Fans of Regency-era stories will be riveted
Learn more...
Media mentions for Murder at Donwell Abbey by Vanessa KellyMEDIA MENTION:Kirkus Reviews
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Book cover for The Lost Heiress by Elizabeth Klehfoth
At a foreboding cliffside mansion, three women's lives are intertwined by a tragic secret…
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • Forty years ago, heiress Saoirse disappeared during her 18th birthday gala — and her remains have finally been discovered under her family's mansion. But what really happened all those years ago?
  • Sure to captivate fans of Kate Morton
Learn more...
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Your ebook bargains for Saturday

 
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Your Ebook Deals
 
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Apt Pupil
Apt Pupil
By Stephen King
A #1 New York Times bestselling “master of suspense treats his readers to a sinister plot” (Library Journal) in a novel that inspired a film starring Ian McKellen! Todd is a good son growing up in a quiet neighborhood. But when he meets Mr. Dussander, a man with a dark past, his life begins to spiral out of control… 
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The Golden Doves
The Golden Doves
By Martha Hall Kelly
From the author of Lilac Girls comes “a must-read” (Adriana Trigiani): American Josie and Parisian Arlette were invincible spies during World War II — until they were captured by Hitler’s men. A decade later, they reunite to hunt down a sinister Nazi doctor and find the son who was stolen from Arlette… “A triumph!” (Lisa Scottoline).
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$2.99  $6.99
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Where the Forest Meets the Stars
Where the Forest Meets the Stars
By Glendy Vanderah
With over 93,000 five-star Goodreads ratings: When a young girl appears on her doorstep, researcher Jo searches for the truth about the child’s mysterious past — and is forced to confront her own secrets. “Will grab you from the very first page and surprise you the whole way through” (Taylor Jenkins Reid).
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$2.49  $4.99
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Garden of Stones
Garden of Stones
By Sophie Littlefield
“A gripping story” (Publishers Weekly) that “will keep readers turning pages late into the night” (RT Book Reviews): When 14-year-old Lucy Takeda and her mother, Miyako, are sent to a Japanese American concentration camp, Miyako’s desperate decision changes Lucy’s life forever… “The shocking revelation is unforgettable” (Booklist).
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$1.99  $9.72
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Smart Women
Smart Women
By Judy Blume
A captivating New York Times bestseller from a beloved author: Divorced thirtysomething friends Margo and B.B. attempt to start their lives over — with heartwarming, hilarious, and sometimes disastrous results. “Judy Blume isn’t just revered, she’s revolutionary” (The New York Times Book Review).
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$1.99  $8.99
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Shadow Play
Shadow Play
By Sara Driscoll
Krista Evans runs a hit show where she offers advice to real-time questions. But one well-meaning piece of counsel does not land well — and she finds herself the target of a sinister campaign… A twisty read that will have you looking over your shoulder!
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$1.99  $24.65
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Supreme Justice
Supreme Justice
By Phillip Margolin
An incarcerated woman’s desperate appeal will lead PI Dana Cutler and lawyer Brad Miller to make a shocking discovery… From a New York Times bestselling author who’s “a master of plot and pacing — one of those rare authors who can create a genuinely surprising ending” (Lisa Scottoline).
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The Board
The Board
By Katy Farber
After moving to a small New Hampshire town for a fresh start, single mom Liv clashes with her daughter’s school principal when he ignores her concerns — and soon she uncovers the sinister truth behind a teacher’s forced resignation… “A sharp exploration of parental unease” (Publishers Weekly).
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$1.99  $9.99
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Wink of an Eye
Wink of an Eye
By Lynn Chandler Willis
“A terrific mystery with a Texas twang” (Hank Phillippi Ryan): When a boy begs private eye Gypsy Moran to investigate his father’s suspicious death, Gypsy uncovers a web of missing girls and corrupt cops in a dusty Texas town… “The twisty, compelling plot will keep readers hooked” (Library Journal).
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$0.99  $9.99
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Blood & Mascara
Blood & Mascara
By Colin Krainin
In 1990s Washington, DC, private detective Bronze Goldberg makes a living investigating cheating spouses. When he’s tasked with observing a dangerous femme fatale, he gets wrapped up in a congressman’s shocking murder — and becomes an unstoppable assassin’s newest target… A gripping crime thriller!
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Free!  $4.99
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The Advocate's Labyrinth
The Advocate’s Labyrinth
By Teresa Burrell
Attorney Sabre Brown investigates a twisting family mystery after her eccentric aunt dies — leaving behind a house full of cryptic notes, trash and treasure, and the conviction that someone was plotting to kill her…
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Astoria
Astoria
By Peter Stark
In the early 19th century, former president Thomas Jefferson and business mogul John Jacob Astor plotted to build an American empire on the Pacific Coast. Discover a forgotten slice of history in this “fast-paced, enjoyable adventure tale” (The Wall Street Journal) with over 4,200 five-star ratings on Goodreads.
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See all 15 deals