the best historical detective novels

Another great one is 'Cadfael' by Ellis Peters. Set in the 12th - century England, Brother Cadfael, a Benedictine monk, uses his knowledge of herbs and his shrewd mind to solve murders and mysteries within the abbey and its surroundings.

'The Alienist' by Caleb Carr is great too. It's set in 1896 New York. The story follows a psychologist (the alienist) and a team as they try to hunt down a serial killer. It gives a vivid picture of the seedy underbelly of the city at that time, with lots of historical references.

A really good one is 'The Hangman's Daughter' by Oliver Pötzsch. Set in 17th - century Bavaria, it has a hangman as an unlikely detective figure. The story is full of details about the era's superstitions, laws, and social hierarchies, all while solving a mystery involving witchcraft accusations.

Agatha Christie's 'Murder on the Orient Express' is not only a classic detective story but also has a historical aspect as it's set on the famous Orient Express. Poirot, the detective, has to solve a murder among a group of passengers, and Christie's masterful plot - twists keep readers on their toes.

Well, 'Gaudy Night' by Dorothy L. Sayers is a wonderful historical detective fiction. It's part of her Lord Peter Wimsey series and is set in an Oxford college. Then there's 'The Daughter of Time' by Josephine Tey, which is unique as it involves a detective solving a historical mystery about King Richard III while being bedridden. And we can't forget 'A Morbid Taste for Bones' by Ellis Peters, set in medieval Wales with a monk as the detective.

One characteristic is the setting. They are set in a specific historical period, like Victorian England or medieval Europe. This setting often affects the plot and characters. For example, the technology and social norms of that time limit how the detective can investigate. Another is the use of historical events or figures. They may be intertwined with the mystery, like in some novels where a real - life historical event is the backdrop for the crime. Also, the language used may be more formal or archaic to fit the historical context.

One of the best detective novels is 'The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes' by Arthur Conan Doyle. It features the brilliant detective Sherlock Holmes and his loyal friend Dr. Watson, solving a series of complex and mysterious cases in Victorian London.

One classic is 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco. It combines a medieval monastery setting with a complex mystery.

Typically, they often have a strong sense of place. The Scottish landscapes, from the misty highlands to the busy streets of Edinburgh, are vividly described. For example, in many novels, the desolate moors or the ancient castles play important roles in the stories.

They often feature a strong sense of place. The Scottish landscape, from the misty highlands to the old cobbled streets of Edinburgh, is an important part of the story. For example, in many novels, the detectives might travel through these areas during their investigations.