Recommend some gay historical mystery novels.

Well, one characteristic is the blend of historical settings and gay relationships. These novels often take place in different historical eras like Victorian times or ancient civilizations. For example, in a novel set in the 1920s, the gay characters might have to hide their relationships due to social norms of that time, which adds to the mystery. Another characteristic is the mystery element itself. It could be a murder mystery, a mystery about a lost heirloom, or a mystery regarding a character's past identity that ties in with the gay relationships. The characters usually have to navigate both the secrets of the mystery and the secrecy of their relationships.

One popular gay mystery novel is 'The Captive Prince' by C.S. Pacat. It has elements of mystery within its complex political and romantic plotlines. Another is 'A Great Reckoning' by Louise Penny, which features a gay character and a mystery to be solved in a small - town setting. And 'The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo' also has some mystery elements related to the life of a Hollywood star who has relationships with men, including gay relationships.

One of the well - known historical gay novels is 'Maurice' by E. M. Forster. It was written in the early 20th century but was published posthumously due to the then - prevalent social attitudes towards homosexuality. The story follows Maurice Hall, a young man coming to terms with his sexual orientation in Edwardian England.

A great gay historical novel is 'The Song of Achilles' by Madeline Miller. It reimagines the relationship between Achilles and Patroclus in a way that is rich with emotion and historical detail. It gives a new perspective on an ancient story and their relationship, which many interpret as a romantic and homoerotic one. Also, 'Fingersmith' by Sarah Waters has elements of gay relationships in a historical setting. It's a complex and engaging story with a lot of twists and turns.

Another one to consider is 'The Gilda Stories' by Jewelle Gomez. It tells the story of a black lesbian vampire, but also has elements of historical exploration and themes that can be related to gay vampire historical romances in terms of the supernatural and relationship building over time.

One recent historical mystery novel is 'The Lost Apothecary' by Sarah Penner. It weaves a tale of a female apothecary in the past and a modern - day woman who uncovers her secrets.

One great American historical mystery novel is 'The Alienist' by Caleb Carr. It's set in 1896 New York City and follows a team investigating a serial killer. Another is 'Devil in the White City' by Erik Larson, which weaves together the story of the 1893 Chicago World's Fair and a serial murderer.

One great Canadian historical mystery novel is 'Alias Grace' by Margaret Atwood. It's based on a true story of a woman convicted of murder in the 19th century. Another is 'The Luminaries' by Eleanor Catton, which is set during the gold rush in New Zealand but written by a Canadian author and has elements of mystery and historical exploration. Also, 'The Bishop's Man' by Linden MacIntyre is a good choice. It delves into the dark secrets of the Catholic Church in a particular period of Canadian history.

One great mystery historical romance novel is 'The Rose Garden' by Susanna Kearsley. It weaves together a modern-day woman's journey and a historical mystery in Cornwall. Another is 'Outlander' by Diana Gabaldon. It combines time travel, historical Scotland, and a passionate romance with elements of mystery as the characters face various challenges in different time periods. Also, 'Silent in the Grave' by Deanna Raybourn is a good choice. It has a Victorian setting and a mystery surrounding a man's death while also having a romantic sub - plot.

Sure. 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco is a great one. It's set in a medieval monastery and involves a series of mysterious deaths. Another is 'The Alienist' by Caleb Carr, which takes place in 1896 New York City and follows the investigation of a serial killer. And 'Gaudy Night' by Dorothy L. Sayers, set in an Oxford women's college with a mystery that unfolds among the academics.