10 Historical Mystery Books and Series Worth Reading

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Give me an old English manor, a foggy London street, a clever detective, and a murder that needs solving, and I am one happy reader!

I have always loved historical mysteries. There’s something about combining a good whodunit with a fascinating historical setting that makes these books especially hard for me to resist. Whether we’re talking about Victorian England, the Regency era, or the years surrounding the World Wars, I love getting lost in a mystery that also transports me to another time.

And if there’s a little romance, a complicated detective, or some wonderfully eccentric characters thrown into the mix? Even better!

Over the years, I’ve read and reviewed a LOT of historical mysteries here on The Lit Bitch. Some have become longtime favorite series, while others have introduced me to authors I couldn’t wait to read more from.

Today I’m sharing 10 historical mystery books and series worth reading, featuring everything from aristocratic amateur detectives and female sleuths to wartime espionage and Victorian murder investigations.

One quick note: several of these books are from the middle of a series. I’ve included the series information so you can decide whether to start with the book I’m recommending or go all the way back to the beginning. Personally, I usually recommend starting with book one when you can!

And if you love historical settings as much as I do, be sure to check out my roundup of 10 Historical Fiction Books I Couldn’t Put Down for even more reading recommendations.

1. Her Royal Spyness by Rhys Bowen

Series: Her Royal Spyness, Book 1

If you love historical mysteries with a little humor, a charming cast of characters, and a wonderfully entertaining heroine, Her Royal Spyness is a fantastic place to start.

Set in 1930s England, the series follows Lady Georgiana Rannoch, a young woman with royal connections but very little money. Georgie finds herself navigating high society, awkward situations, and, of course, a murder mystery.

This was a five-star read for me, and I absolutely loved Georgie, the humor, and the introduction to this world. There’s something so fun about a heroine who is connected to royalty but still has to figure out how to make her way in the world.

Add in Darcy O’Mara and a mystery to solve, and I was completely sold!

Perfect for readers who love: British cozy mysteries, 1930s settings, humor, and charming amateur detectives.

📖 Read my full review: Her Royal Spyness

🛒 Buy on Amazon: Her Royal Spyness

2. A Perilous Perspective by Anna Lee Huber

Series: Lady Darby Mysteries, Book 10

Anna Lee Huber is one of those authors I can return to again and again, and her Lady Darby series has been a longtime favorite of mine.

The series follows Kiera, Lady Darby, a talented artist with an unusual past who becomes involved in investigating murders in nineteenth-century Britain.

In A Perilous Perspective, art and mystery come together in a particularly interesting way, with questions surrounding artwork and possible forgery adding another layer to the investigation.

I gave this one five stars, and it’s a wonderful example of why I keep coming back to Huber’s books. I love the historical atmosphere, the characters, and the way the mysteries develop alongside their personal relationships.

This is book ten, though, so if you’re new to Lady Darby, I’d suggest beginning with The Anatomist’s Wife.

Perfect for readers who love: Atmospheric historical mysteries, art, Scotland, and ongoing character relationships.

📖 Read my full review: A Perilous Perspective

🛒 Buy on Amazon: A Perilous Perspective

3. Treacherous Is the Night by Anna Lee Huber

Series: Verity Kent, Book 2

Yes, Anna Lee Huber gets TWO spots on this list! And no, I don’t feel bad about it. 😂

Her Verity Kent series is quite different from Lady Darby, which is exactly why I wanted to include both.

Set in the aftermath of World War I, this series follows Verity Kent, a former Secret Service agent navigating a world that has been completely changed by war.

In Treacherous Is the Night, a séance and a mysterious revelation pull Verity into another investigation, one that reaches far beyond the usual drawing-room murder mystery.

I gave this book five stars, and what really stood out to me was its exploration of life after the Great War. I loved the historical details, particularly the descriptions of Belgium and the lasting effects of the conflict.

The mystery itself felt like following a trail of clues and solving a riddle, which made the whole experience especially engaging.

Perfect for readers who love: Post-WWI history, espionage, smart heroines, and mysteries with emotional depth.

📖 Read my full review: Treacherous Is the Night

🛒 Buy on Amazon: Treacherous Is the Night

4. The Hollywood Spy by Susan Elia MacNeal

Series: Maggie Hope Mysteries, Book 10

If you love historical mysteries set during World War II, the Maggie Hope series is definitely worth exploring.

Maggie is an intelligent, resourceful heroine whose adventures combine espionage, historical events, and plenty of danger.

The Hollywood Spy takes the series to wartime Hollywood, which is such an interesting setting for a mystery. I gave this one 4.5 stars, and I particularly enjoyed the atmosphere and the opportunity to explore another side of the war years.

I love when a historical mystery takes me somewhere a little unexpected, and this book does exactly that.

Since this is the tenth book, new readers may want to begin with Mr. Churchill’s Secretary and follow Maggie’s journey from the beginning.

Perfect for readers who love: WWII fiction, espionage, Hollywood history, and capable female detectives.

📖 Read my full review: The Hollywood Spy

🛒 Buy on Amazon: The Hollywood Spy

5. The Beekeeper’s Apprentice by Laurie R. King

Series: Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes, Book 1

I have always had a soft spot for Sherlock Holmes, so naturally, a series featuring Holmes and a brilliant young woman named Mary Russell was going to catch my attention.

The Beekeeper’s Apprentice introduces Mary Russell, whose intelligence and observational skills make her a fascinating match for the famous detective.

This was a five-star read for me, and it introduced me to a series that quickly became a favorite.

What I love about this premise is that Mary isn’t simply standing in the background admiring Holmes. She’s clever, independent, and capable of holding her own.

If you enjoy classic detective fiction but want a fresh perspective on the Sherlock Holmes world, this is an excellent series to try.

Perfect for readers who love: Sherlock Holmes, clever heroines, literary mysteries, and historical detective fiction.

📖 Read my full review: The Beekeeper’s Apprentice

🛒 Buy on Amazon: The Beekeeper’s Apprentice

6. What Darkness Brings by C. S. Harris

Series: Sebastian St. Cyr Mysteries, Book 8

Now, if you’re looking for something a little darker and grittier, let me introduce you to Sebastian St. Cyr.

Set in Regency England, this series combines complicated murder investigations with political intrigue, secrets, and an absolutely fascinating central character.

What Darkness Brings involves murder, diamonds, and plenty of dangerous intrigue. I gave this installment five stars, and it’s a great example of why Sebastian St. Cyr is such a compelling detective.

These books have a darker edge than some of the cozier mysteries on this list, which makes them especially appealing when I’m in the mood for something more intense.

If you’re new to Sebastian, start with What Angels Fear, the first book in the series.

Perfect for readers who love: Dark Regency mysteries, political intrigue, complex detectives, and twisty investigations.

📖 Read my full review: What Darkness Brings

🛒 Buy on Amazon: What Darkness Brings

7. A Dangerous Collaboration by Deanna Raybourn

Series: Veronica Speedwell, Book 4

Oh, Veronica Speedwell. What a heroine!

If you enjoy strong-willed, intelligent female detectives who aren’t particularly interested in following society’s rules, this is a series you need to know about.

Veronica is a Victorian lepidopterist with a talent for getting herself mixed up in dangerous investigations, often alongside the equally fascinating Stoker.

A Dangerous Collaboration brings another atmospheric mystery into their world, complete with secrets, danger, and the kind of character chemistry that makes a long-running series so enjoyable.

One of my favorite things about historical mystery series is watching relationships evolve from book to book, and Veronica and Stoker are a huge part of this series’ appeal.

If you haven’t met them yet, begin with A Curious Beginning.

Perfect for readers who love: Victorian adventures, independent heroines, witty banter, and slow-burn romantic tension.

📖 Read my full review: A Dangerous Collaboration

🛒 Buy on Amazon: A Dangerous Collaboration

8. A Beautiful Blue Death by Charles Finch

Series: Charles Lenox Mysteries, Book 1

Sometimes I just want a good old-fashioned Victorian detective mystery, and A Beautiful Blue Death delivers exactly that.

Charles Lenox is a wealthy gentleman and amateur detective living in Victorian London. When a suspicious death comes to his attention, his curiosity and analytical mind lead him into an investigation involving poison, secrets, and plenty of possible suspects.

I gave this book three stars, so it wasn’t an all-time favorite. But I did find it entertaining, and I especially enjoyed the foggy London setting, gaslit streets, and historical details.

It reminded me quite a bit of Sherlock Holmes, perhaps a little too much at times, but it was still a pleasant mystery to settle into.

And sometimes that’s exactly what I want from a book: a little murder, some Victorian atmosphere, and a few hours of entertainment!

Perfect for readers who love: Traditional detective fiction, Victorian London, Sherlock Holmes-style mysteries, and accessible historical whodunits.

📖 Read my full review: A Beautiful Blue Death

🛒 Buy on Amazon: A Beautiful Blue Death

9. A Tempest at Sea by Sherry Thomas

Series: Lady Sherlock, Book 7

Another Sherlock Holmes-inspired series? Absolutely! But this one brings a very different approach to the familiar detective tradition.

Sherry Thomas’s Lady Sherlock series features Charlotte Holmes, a brilliant and unconventional woman whose investigative talents challenge the expectations of Victorian society.

A Tempest at Sea is a later installment in the series, combining mystery, secrets, and the kind of complicated relationships that make Charlotte’s world so interesting.

What I especially appreciate about this series is that it isn’t simply a traditional Sherlock Holmes story with a woman swapped into the leading role. Charlotte is her own character, with her own strengths and complications.

I’ll also admit that my relationship with this series has evolved. The first book didn’t completely win me over initially, but I grew much more attached to the characters and the series as I continued reading.

If you’re new to Lady Sherlock, begin with A Study in Scarlet Women.

Perfect for readers who love: Victorian mysteries, unconventional heroines, clever deductions, and intricate character relationships.

📖 Read my full review: A Tempest at Sea

🛒 Buy on Amazon: A Tempest at Sea

10. Murder on Black Swan Lane by Andrea Penrose

Series: Wrexford & Sloane Mysteries, Book 1

And finally, we have a historical mystery that surprised me in the best possible way!

When I picked up Murder on Black Swan Lane, I was expecting a fairly traditional British detective mystery. What I got was a story with two wonderfully interesting main characters and a partnership I couldn’t wait to see develop.

Lord Wrexford is a brilliant but unconventional aristocrat with a scientific mind, while Charlotte Sloane is a mysterious and resourceful woman who works as a satirical cartoonist.

When a murder brings their worlds together, the two make an unlikely but fascinating investigative team.

I gave this one 4.5 stars, and what really made the book for me was the chemistry between Wrexford and Charlotte. I loved their differences, the way they challenged one another, and the hints of something more developing beneath the surface.

The mystery has plenty of interesting twists, but the characters are what kept me turning the pages.

Perfect for readers who love: Regency mysteries, unconventional detectives, scientific clues, and slow-building romance.

📖 Read my full review: Murder on Black Swan Lane

🛒 Buy on Amazon: Murder on Black Swan Lane

Which Historical Mystery Series Should You Start With?

With so many wonderful historical mysteries to choose from, it really comes down to what kind of reading mood you’re in.

If you love lighter mysteries with humor and charming characters, I’d start with Her Royal Spyness. If you’re looking for something darker and more complicated, the Sebastian St. Cyr mysteries are a great choice.

For fans of World War I and World War II history, Verity Kent and Maggie Hope offer fascinating historical settings alongside their investigations.

And if you’re a Sherlock Holmes fan, you have several wonderful options here, including Mary Russell, Lady Sherlock, and Charles Lenox.

Personally, I think one of the best things about historical mystery series is that once you find characters you love, you have an entire collection of adventures waiting for you.

Which, of course, is wonderful for your reading life and absolutely terrible for your already overflowing TBR pile. 😂

Do you have a favorite historical mystery series? Have you read any of these books, or is there a detective I need to add to my own reading list?

I’d love to hear your recommendations in the comments!

Happy reading!

Want to browse all my historical mystery recommendations in one place? I’ve also put together an Amazon list of historical mystery books and series worth reading to make finding your next mystery a little easier!