Best historical novels published in 2025

This novel provides a fun and insightful look into the challenges faced by famous female mystery writers, including Agatha Christie, in a male-dominated past. It offers a humanized portrayal of these literary figures and their struggles.

Anticipated for its blend of sharp humor and tender second chances, this novel offers a relatable story of family dynamics and healing set in 1963. It promises a heartfelt tale of a woman finding her footing after loss.

Shortlisted for the 2025 Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction, this novel is recognized for its vivid storytelling and compelling characters. Kevin Barry masterfully creates a wild love story set against the harsh backdrop of 1890s Montana.

This novel reconstructs the infamous 1895 Montparnasse train disaster through diverse passengers, illuminating the glamour and chaos of the era. It is described as 'historical fiction you can feel in your bones' for its immersive and nail-biting narrative.

This riveting tale binds three women across generations, blending forbidden love, political upheaval, and a literary treasure from turn-of-the-century Boston to Castro's Cuba. It offers an intoxicating and sweeping narrative.

Described as 'historical crime fiction perfection,' this novel offers a unique setting in Georgian England's Molly Houses and explores queer history. It presents a compelling murder mystery within a rarely depicted historical context.

This thrilling and fearless account tells the true story of trailblazing photojournalist Dickey Chapelle, who defied danger to show the human cost of war. It offers a compelling narrative of a woman breaking barriers in a historical context.

In Love and War by Ildefonso Falcones stands out for its meticulous historical research and its ability to weave a compelling plot within a context of great historical relevance. The novel immerses the reader in a crucial period, offering a narrative rich in detail and complex characters that faithfully reflect the era.

This novel was shortlisted for the 2025 Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction, indicating its critical acclaim and insightful portrayal of a pivotal historical moment. It subtly captures Britain's shift from post-WWII reflection to future aspirations in 1962.

This book is highlighted as one of the best historical fiction releases of 2025, praised for its richly detailed world and balance of historical context with intimate, personal stories. It offers an engaging narrative perfect for readers who enjoy historical settings with a personal touch.

This novel offers a compelling dive into the Cold War era, focusing on strong female characters who defy societal expectations. It builds on the author's reputation for exploring significant historical periods through the lens of resilient women.

Expected to be a powerful and sweeping story set post-Civil War, this novel explores themes of survival, betrayal, and unbreakable family bonds. It delves into a critical historical period where freedom was promised but not fully delivered.

Set in 1940 Paris, this novel offers a tense and emotional narrative blending resistance, romance, and courage in the shadow of WWII. It explores an unlikely alliance formed amidst the horrors of war.

This novel offers a deep dive into 15th-century power politics and emotional depth, drawing comparisons to acclaimed historical fiction works like 'Wolf Hall' and 'Hamnet'. It promises a rich and complex narrative set across England, Ireland, and Burgundy.

This novel promises a vibrant and dramatic portrayal of Renaissance Italy, featuring historical figures like Leonardo da Vinci and Lorenzo de Medici, alongside murder, commissioned art, and queer love affairs. It offers a fresh and intriguing take on a beloved historical period.

Praised for its precise observations and rich detail, this novel offers a resonant storyline concerning immigrant communities and media in 1907 New York City. It combines historical setting with a compelling murder mystery.

This gripping tale of survival, sacrifice, and self-discovery is steeped in tension and heart, based on the real 1900 Galveston hurricane. It promises an immersive experience of a devastating historical disaster.

This novel captures the grit of post-war Vienna in 1946 and the redemptive power of love, legacy, and a young woman's fight to rebuild. It offers a poignant story of resilience amidst historical turmoil.