One great one is 'The Alienist' by Caleb Carr. It's set in 1896 New York City and follows a psychologist, known as an alienist at that time, as he tries to catch a serial killer. The historical details of the city, from the slums to the high - society, really add to the suspense.
'The Alienist' by Caleb Carr. This novel is set in 19th - century New York. It's a mystery involving a serial killer, and the suspense is high as the characters use the then - emerging methods of criminal psychology. The historical backdrop of the city, with its seedy underbelly and emerging modernity, makes it a great mystery suspense historical fiction.
Your local library is a great resource. Librarians are usually very knowledgeable. Just tell them you're interested in historical fiction suspense and they can point you to relevant sections and maybe even give you some personal recommendations based on your tastes.
Many of them would likely blend real historical events with fictional characters or storylines. So, you could have a story set during a real war, like the Napoleonic Wars, but the main characters could be fictional people whose lives are intertwined with the events of the war. This creates a more immersive experience for the reader as they get to see the big historical events from a more personal perspective.
Suspense historical fiction novels often have a complex plot. They combine real historical events and settings with fictional elements to create a sense of mystery. For example, in 'The Alienist', the historical backdrop of 1896 New York provides a rich context for the murder mystery. The characters are also well - developed, with their own motives and secrets that add to the suspense. The pacing is usually carefully crafted, with build - ups and revelations at just the right moments.
Well, 'The Water Dancer' by Ta - Nehisi Coates is a great pick. It combines historical facts about slavery with a touch of magical realism. The story follows a young slave who discovers he has a special power related to water. It's a powerful exploration of the African - American experience during slavery times. Also, 'Melmoth' by Sarah Perry is interesting. It's inspired by the legend of Melmoth the Wanderer and is set in different historical periods, exploring themes of guilt, redemption, and the power of stories.
Well, 'The Thirteenth Tale' had a lot of fans too. It's a gothic - style historical fiction that weaves a complex web of mystery and family secrets. The atmospheric writing and the way it unfolds the story over different time periods really attracted readers.
Well, 'Homegoing' was also very popular. Its multi - generational and multi - cultural story was very engaging. It was able to connect different historical periods and places in a very seamless way, which made it stand out among the other historical fiction books of 2016.
Also, 'Pachinko' was popular. Its multi - generational story of a Korean family was appealing to a wide range of readers. It not only told a great family story but also educated readers about the historical context of Korea under Japanese rule and the experiences of Korean immigrants.
Some of the top suspense fiction books could include 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn. It has a complex plot full of twists and turns that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Another one might be 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson. It combines mystery, suspense, and a unique protagonist. 'Silence of the Lambs' by Thomas Harris is also a classic in the suspense genre, with the terrifying character of Hannibal Lecter.