Best Historical Fiction Books April 2025

Smoke and Mirrors

In “Smoke and Mirrors,” Elly Griffiths weaves a captivating tale of mystery and magic set in 1950s Brighton. When two children vanish during a pantomime performance, DI Edgar Stephens and magician Max Mephisto reunite to unravel the case. As they delve deeper, they uncover a web of secrets and lies that blur the line between illusion and reality. Griffiths’ vivid prose brings post-war Brighton to life, while her complex characters and clever plot twists keep readers guessing until the very end.

Now You See Them

In “Now You See Them,” Elly Griffiths weaves a captivating tale of mystery and intrigue set against the backdrop of 1960s Brighton. Detective Inspector Edgar Stephens and his wife, former magician Emma, find themselves entangled in a perplexing case of missing schoolgirls. As the investigation unfolds, old friends and new faces collide, unearthing long-buried secrets. Griffiths’ keen eye for period detail and her knack for crafting complex characters shine through, making this a page-turner I couldn’t put down. A must-read for fans of atmospheric crime fiction.

The Stone Circle

Archaeologist Ruth Galloway returns in this gripping mystery, set against the haunting backdrop of Norfolk’s windswept coast. When a young girl’s bones are unearthed near an ancient stone circle, Ruth is drawn into a complex web of secrets and lies. As she delves deeper, she uncovers a chilling connection to a decades-old disappearance. With her keen insight and dry wit, Ruth must navigate personal dilemmas while racing to solve the case before another life is lost. Griffiths masterfully weaves together history, suspense, and human drama in this atmospheric page-turner.

The Ghost Fields

Forensic archaeologist Ruth Galloway unearths a chilling mystery in Norfolk’s desolate marshlands. When a World War II plane emerges from a field, Ruth is called to investigate the pilot’s remains. But something’s amiss—the body isn’t what it seems. As Ruth delves deeper, she uncovers long-buried secrets and a web of lies that threatens to unravel the present. With her keen eye for detail and knack for unearthing the truth, Ruth races against time to solve a decades-old puzzle that’s haunted the ghost fields for far too long.

The Outcast Dead

Ruth Galloway’s latest archaeological dig unearths a grim discovery: the bones of a Victorian murderess. As Ruth delves deeper, she finds herself entangled in a modern mystery that echoes the past. With her keen eye for detail and knack for uncovering secrets, Ruth races against time to solve both cases. Griffiths weaves a captivating tale of history, murder, and the thin line between justice and revenge. I couldn’t put it down, staying up way too late to finish just one more chapter!

Half of a Yellow Sun

Adichie’s masterful storytelling weaves together the lives of five characters against the backdrop of Nigeria’s tumultuous Biafran War. Through their eyes, we witness love, loss, and the shattering impact of conflict on ordinary people. The author’s vivid prose brings 1960s Nigeria to life, exploring themes of loyalty, identity, and the human cost of political upheaval. This poignant tale lingers long after the final page, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity.

Sag Harbor

Benji’s summers in Sag Harbor were a rite of passage, a bittersweet escape from the city’s chaos. As a Black teenager in the 1980s, he navigated the complexities of identity, friendship, and first love against the backdrop of this idyllic beach town. Whitehead’s prose crackles with nostalgia, capturing the essence of those sun-drenched days and the awkward fumbling towards adulthood. It’s a story that’ll make you laugh, cringe, and yearn for your own youthful summers past.

Home

Toni Morrison’s “Home” is a haunting exploration of identity and belonging. Set in 1950s America, it follows Frank Money, a troubled Korean War veteran, on a journey to rescue his sister. Morrison’s lyrical prose weaves a tapestry of memory and trauma, exposing the raw wounds of racism and war. As Frank confronts his past, readers are drawn into a powerful meditation on family, redemption, and the elusive concept of home. A masterful work that lingers long after the final page.

Time’s Convert

Deborah Harkness’s “Time’s Convert” weaves a spellbinding tale of love, history, and vampiric transformation. As Marcus MacNeil grapples with his past and future, readers are transported between revolutionary America and modern-day Paris. Harkness’s rich prose brings to life the complexities of immortality, family bonds, and the weight of centuries-old secrets. I found myself completely immersed in this world, unable to put the book down as I followed Marcus’s journey of self-discovery and redemption. A must-read for fans of paranormal romance and historical fiction alike.

The Book of Life

Deborah Harkness’s “The Book of Life” weaves a spellbinding tale of love, magic, and ancient secrets. As Diana and Matthew return from their time-traveling adventure, they face new challenges that threaten their future. With richly drawn characters and a world steeped in history and lore, Harkness captivates readers, drawing them into a mesmerizing blend of romance, suspense, and supernatural intrigue. I found myself completely lost in the pages, savoring every twist and turn of this beautifully crafted conclusion to the All Souls trilogy.