best historical crime fiction books

One of the best is 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco. It's set in a medieval monastery and features a complex mystery with religious and philosophical undertones. Another great one is 'Gorky Park' by Martin Cruz Smith. It takes place in Soviet Russia and offers a thrilling detective story against the backdrop of the Cold War. And 'The Alienist' by Caleb Carr is also excellent. It's set in 1896 New York and shows the early days of criminal profiling.

One great 2019 historical fiction is 'The Dutch House' by Ann Patchett. It tells a story of family, love, and loss over decades, set in a grand old house. Another is 'The Testaments' by Margaret Atwood which is a continuation of the dystopian world she created in 'The Handmaid's Tale' but also has historical elements. And 'The Water Dancer' by Ta - Nehisi Coates is a powerful story about slavery and the Underground Railroad, with a touch of magical realism.

'The Mermaid and Mrs Hancock' by Imogen Hermes Gowar is also a notable 2018 historical fiction. It combines elements of the Georgian London setting with the magical idea of a mermaid. The story delves into the society of that era, exploring themes like class, gender, and the power of rumors while also having an element of the fantastical.

Agatha Christie's 'Murder on the Orient Express' is also a classic. It features the famous detective Hercule Poirot. The confined setting of the train and the numerous suspects create an intricate web of mystery that Christie expertly unravels.

Agatha Christie's 'Murder on the Orient Express' is also a classic. It's set on a train and has a brilliant detective, Hercule Poirot. Christie weaves a web of lies and clues among the diverse group of passengers, making it a must - read for crime fiction lovers. The way she reveals the solution at the end is both surprising and satisfying.

One of the best is 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson. It has a complex mystery and a unique protagonist. Another great one is 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn which has a really twisted plot. And 'In Cold Blood' by Truman Capote is also among them, as it's a non - fictional crime story that reads like a thriller.

Well, 'An American Marriage' by Tayari Jones also had elements of crime fiction in it. It dealt with the unjust imprisonment of a man, which is like a crime in itself in the context of the story. It explored the relationship between the man, his wife, and how their lives were turned upside down by this unjust situation.

Arnaldur Indriðason's 'Reykjavík Murder Mystery' series is among the top. Set in Iceland, it provides a unique backdrop with its cold and sometimes desolate landscapes, adding to the overall mood of the crime stories.

One of the best is 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson. It has a complex plot full of mystery and dark secrets. The character of Lisbeth Salander is extremely captivating.

One popular one is 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco. It's set in a medieval monastery and involves a series of mysterious deaths. Another is 'Caleb Carr's 'The Alienist', which takes place in 1890s New York City and follows the investigation of a serial killer. And 'Gorky Park' by Martin Cruz Smith, set in the Soviet Union, is also well - known in the genre.