Saturday, December 13, 2025

This month’s best new historical fiction

 
Readworthy by BookBub
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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AmazonOther formats and retailers
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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AmazonOther formats and retailers
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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AmazonOther formats and retailers
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)
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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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AmazonOther formats and retailers
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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AmazonOther formats and retailers
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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AmazonOther formats and retailers
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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AmazonOther formats and retailers
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)
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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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AmazonOther formats and retailers
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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AmazonOther formats and retailers
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...
GET EBOOK ON:
AmazonOther formats and retailers
 
  

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