The Unknown, Hidden Gems of Historical Fiction

Please no well-known books. That definitely means best-sellers, prize-winners, generally prolific author and books, or even something currently trendy.

*Books with more than 20,000 ratings will be removed.

And PLEASE ONLY historical fiction. Nothing is more annoying that HF list full of classics portraying the own time they were written in. For example any Bronte, Austen, L.M. Montgomery is not historical fiction.

Historical fiction portrays a time period long before the period in which they were written (at least 70-80 years.)

flag

All Votes Add Books To This List

1	Follow the River by James Alexander Thom 4.23 avg rating — 20,021 ratings score: 12,580, and 127 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
2	Mrs. Mike (Mrs. Mike, #1) by Benedict Freedman 4.15 avg rating — 18,773 ratings score: 7,127, and 73 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
3	Green Darkness by Anya Seton 3.96 avg rating — 6,228 ratings score: 5,695, and 59 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
4	The Winthrop Woman by Anya Seton 4.11 avg rating — 6,221 ratings score: 5,556, and 58 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
5	The Diary of Mattie Spenser by Sandra Dallas 4.02 avg rating — 10,840 ratings score: 4,046, and 41 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
6	Désirée by Annemarie Selinko 4.13 avg rating — 10,724 ratings score: 4,011, and 41 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
7	The Grass Crown (Masters of Rome, #2) by Colleen McCullough 4.32 avg rating — 11,902 ratings score: 3,879, and 40 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
8	The Reckoning (Welsh Princes, #3) by Sharon Kay Penman 4.46 avg rating — 8,982 ratings score: 3,675, and 39 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
9	Shadow of the Moon by M.M. Kaye 4.22 avg rating — 4,312 ratings score: 3,391, and 35 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
10	Checkmate (The Lymond Chronicles, #6) by Dorothy Dunnett 4.70 avg rating — 3,522 ratings score: 3,104, and 33 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
11	Time and Chance (Plantagenets #2; Henry II & Eleanor of Aquitaine #2) by Sharon Kay Penman 4.30 avg rating — 8,534 ratings score: 3,096, and 35 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
12	Dragonwyck by Anya Seton 3.77 avg rating — 5,919 ratings score: 3,058, and 32 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
13	The Heaven Tree Trilogy by Edith Pargeter 4.31 avg rating — 1,077 ratings score: 2,940, and 32 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
14	Through a Glass Darkly (Tamworth Saga #2) by Karleen Koen (Goodreads Author) 3.97 avg rating — 10,828 ratings score: 2,796, and 30 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
15	The Eagle and the Raven by Pauline Gedge 4.18 avg rating — 1,679 ratings score: 2,706, and 29 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
16	The Disorderly Knights (The Lymond Chronicles, #3) by Dorothy Dunnett 4.59 avg rating — 3,860 ratings score: 2,658, and 28 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
17	Pawn in Frankincense (The Lymond Chronicles, #4) by Dorothy Dunnett 4.61 avg rating — 3,796 ratings score: 2,648, and 28 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
18	Celia Garth by Gwen Bristow 4.11 avg rating — 3,779 ratings score: 2,586, and 27 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
19	The Secret Magdalene by Ki Longfellow (Goodreads Author) 4.16 avg rating — 4,436 ratings score: 2,526, and 26 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
20	Grave Goods (Mistress of the Art of Death, #3) by Ariana Franklin 4.11 avg rating — 11,324 ratings score: 2,483, and 27 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
21	The Blood of Flowers by Anita Amirrezvani (Goodreads Author) 3.98 avg rating — 17,920 ratings score: 2,428, and 25 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
22	Angelique (Angelique: Original version, #1) by Anne Golon 4.18 avg rating — 2,860 ratings score: 2,422, and 25 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
23	Niccolò Rising (The House of Niccolò, #1) by Dorothy Dunnett 4.28 avg rating — 4,253 ratings score: 2,421, and 26 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
24	Flow Down Like Silver: Hypatia of Alexandria by Ki Longfellow (Goodreads Author) 3.98 avg rating — 4,587 ratings score: 2,363, and 25 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
25	Horatio Hornblower 1 - 11. by C.S. Forester 4.45 avg rating — 1,677 ratings score: 2,360, and 25 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
26	The Ringed Castle (The Lymond Chronicles, #5) by Dorothy Dunnett 4.58 avg rating — 3,450 ratings score: 2,343, and 26 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
27	Queens' Play (The Lymond Chronicles, #2) by Dorothy Dunnett 4.46 avg rating — 4,441 ratings score: 2,322, and 26 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
28	Trade Wind by M.M. Kaye 3.97 avg rating — 2,992 ratings score: 2,237, and 24 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
29	Cashelmara by Susan Howatch 4.10 avg rating — 8,554 ratings score: 2,154, and 23 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
30	A Bloody Field by Shrewsbury by Edith Pargeter 3.97 avg rating — 1,269 ratings score: 2,067, and 22 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
31	The Glass-Blowers by Daphne du Maurier 3.67 avg rating — 2,504 ratings score: 2,037, and 22 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
32	The Brothers of Gwynedd (Brothers of Gwynedd #1-4) by Edith Pargeter 4.14 avg rating — 1,740 ratings score: 2,031, and 21 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
33	Penmarric by Susan Howatch 4.12 avg rating — 6,268 ratings score: 2,018, and 21 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
34	Fortune's Favorites (Masters of Rome, #3) by Colleen McCullough 4.39 avg rating — 7,971 ratings score: 2,001, and 22 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
35	The Soldier's Wife by Margaret Leroy (Goodreads Author) 3.90 avg rating — 14,687 ratings score: 1,987, and 20 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
36	Legacy by Susan Kay 4.14 avg rating — 3,027 ratings score: 1,943, and 21 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
37	Child of the Morning by Pauline Gedge 4.14 avg rating — 4,035 ratings score: 1,920, and 22 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
38	Forever Amber by Kathleen Winsor 3.99 avg rating — 17,908 ratings score: 1,902, and 21 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
39	The Lady in the Tower (Queens of England #4) by Jean Plaidy 3.97 avg rating — 4,504 ratings score: 1,873, and 21 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
40	Restoration by Rose Tremain 3.98 avg rating — 5,893 ratings score: 1,842, and 20 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
41	The Town House (House, #1) by Norah Lofts 4.20 avg rating — 1,273 ratings score: 1,750, and 19 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
42	Queen By Right by Anne Easter Smith (Goodreads Author) 4.03 avg rating — 3,849 ratings score: 1,749, and 17 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
43	The House at Old Vine (House, #2) by Norah Lofts 4.24 avg rating — 822 ratings score: 1,625, and 18 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
44	In a Dark Wood Wandering: A Novel of the Middle Ages by Hella S. Haasse 4.09 avg rating — 2,258 ratings score: 1,612, and 17 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
45	What Blooms from Dust by James Markert (Goodreads Author) 3.94 avg rating — 448 ratings score: 1,567, and 16 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
46	The Traitor's Wife: A Novel of the Reign of Edward II by Susan Higginbotham (Goodreads Author) 3.76 avg rating — 3,648 ratings score: 1,545, and 17 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
47	Caesar's Women (Masters of Rome, #4) by Colleen McCullough 4.28 avg rating — 6,953 ratings score: 1,505, and 17 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
48	Caesar (Masters of Rome, #5) by Colleen McCullough 4.39 avg rating — 7,606 ratings score: 1,489, and 16 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
49	The Spring of the Ram (The House of Niccolo, #2) by Dorothy Dunnett 4.41 avg rating — 2,747 ratings score: 1,423, and 16 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
50	The Course of Honor by Lindsey Davis 4.14 avg rating — 1,752 ratings score: 1,416, and 15 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
51	Zemindar by Valerie Fitzgerald 4.18 avg rating — 1,967 ratings score: 1,401, and 15 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
52	Deep Summer (Plantation Trilogy, #1) by Gwen Bristow 3.90 avg rating — 1,528 ratings score: 1,380, and 16 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
53	Csardas by Diane Pearson 4.17 avg rating — 1,008 ratings score: 1,371, and 15 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
54	Sacred Hearts by Sarah Dunant 3.78 avg rating — 12,664 ratings score: 1,363, and 15 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
55	A Brief History of Montmaray by Michelle Cooper (Goodreads Author) 3.64 avg rating — 5,620 ratings score: 1,353, and 14 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
56	Devil Water by Anya Seton 3.95 avg rating — 1,771 ratings score: 1,338, and 15 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
57	Yankee Stranger (Williamsburg, #2) by Elswyth Thane 4.42 avg rating — 874 ratings score: 1,334, and 14 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
58	As Meat Loves Salt by Maria McCann 3.90 avg rating — 5,419 ratings score: 1,331, and 14 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
59	Murder Most Royal (Tudor Saga, #5) by Jean Plaidy 4.01 avg rating — 4,017 ratings score: 1,276, and 15 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
60	Mara, Daughter of the Nile by Eloise Jarvis McGraw 4.24 avg rating — 11,495 ratings score: 1,212, and 13 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
61	Angelique and the King (Angélique: Original version #3) by Anne Golon 4.20 avg rating — 1,706 ratings score: 1,188, and 13 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
62	The Wet Nurse's Tale by Erica Eisdorfer (Goodreads Author) 3.75 avg rating — 2,547 ratings score: 1,177, and 12 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
63	Shadow on the Crown (The Emma of Normandy Trilogy #1) by Patricia Bracewell (Goodreads Author) 3.90 avg rating — 5,491 ratings score: 1,174, and 13 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
64	Falls the Shadow (Welsh Princes, #2) by Sharon Kay Penman 4.40 avg rating — 9,809 ratings score: 1,160, and 13 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
65	Olivia And Jai (Olivia and Jai, #1) by Rebecca Ryman 4.13 avg rating — 1,232 ratings score: 1,146, and 13 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
66	The Passion of Artemisia by Susan Vreeland 3.90 avg rating — 18,500 ratings score: 1,108, and 12 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
67	Longsword: Edward and the Assassin by Dimitar Gyopsaliev (Goodreads Author) 4.05 avg rating — 169 ratings score: 1,100, and 11 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
68	The Proud Breed by Celeste De Blasis 4.32 avg rating — 1,033 ratings score: 1,051, and 12 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
69	Dawn's Early Light (Williamsburg, #1) by Elswyth Thane 4.27 avg rating — 1,513 ratings score: 1,047, and 11 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
69	The Horus Road (Lords of the Two Lands, #3) by Pauline Gedge 4.16 avg rating — 760 ratings score: 1,047, and 11 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
71	Great Maria by Cecelia Holland 4.10 avg rating — 552 ratings score: 1,013, and 11 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
72	The Reluctant Queen: The Story of Anne of York (Queens of England, #8) by Jean Plaidy 3.83 avg rating — 1,533 ratings score: 992, and 12 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
73	A Place Beyond Courage (William Marshal, #1) by Elizabeth Chadwick (Goodreads Author) 4.14 avg rating — 4,139 ratings score: 986, and 12 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
74	The Solace of Water by Elizabeth Byler Younts (Goodreads Author) 4.21 avg rating — 1,208 ratings score: 983, and 10 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
75	Lord of the Two Lands by Pauline Gedge 4.03 avg rating — 1,304 ratings score: 967, and 11 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
76	Tanamera by Noel Barber 4.19 avg rating — 1,377 ratings score: 940, and 10 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
77	The King's Grey Mare by Rosemary Hawley Jarman 3.85 avg rating — 364 ratings score: 927, and 10 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
78	Katharine of Aragon: The Wives of Henry VIII (Tudor Saga, #2-4) by Jean Plaidy 4.05 avg rating — 3,201 ratings score: 925, and 11 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
79	The Twelfth Transforming by Pauline Gedge 4.06 avg rating — 1,000 ratings score: 916, and 11 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
80	To Lie with Lions (The House of Niccolo, #6) by Dorothy Dunnett 4.46 avg rating — 1,933 ratings score: 909, and 11 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
81	Scales of Gold (The House of Niccolo, #4) by Dorothy Dunnett 4.47 avg rating — 2,284 ratings score: 898, and 11 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
82	The Unicorn Hunt (The House of Niccolo, #5) by Dorothy Dunnett 4.42 avg rating — 2,018 ratings score: 897, and 11 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
83	The Handsome Road (Plantation Trilogy, #2) by Gwen Bristow 4.04 avg rating — 984 ratings score: 895, and 11 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
84	The Courts of Love (Queens of England, #5) by Jean Plaidy 3.94 avg rating — 1,878 ratings score: 885, and 11 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
85	Red Adam's Lady by Grace Ingram 4.23 avg rating — 451 ratings score: 871, and 9 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
86	The Haunted Monastery by Robert van Gulik 4.01 avg rating — 1,562 ratings score: 867, and 9 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
87	Gemini (The House of Niccolo, #8) by Dorothy Dunnett 4.49 avg rating — 1,753 ratings score: 853, and 10 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
88	Portrait of an Unknown Woman by Vanora Bennett (Goodreads Author) 3.66 avg rating — 4,409 ratings score: 845, and 10 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
89	The Observations by Jane Harris 3.62 avg rating — 7,085 ratings score: 843, and 9 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
90	The October Horse (Masters of Rome #6) by Colleen McCullough 4.32 avg rating — 5,911 ratings score: 836, and 10 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
91	My Lady of Cleves by Margaret Campbell Barnes 3.99 avg rating — 3,002 ratings score: 834, and 11 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
92	The Game of Kings (The Lymond Chronicles, #1) by Dorothy Dunnett 4.15 avg rating — 9,164 ratings score: 821, and 9 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
93	The Winter Palace by Eva Stachniak (Goodreads Author) 3.60 avg rating — 13,511 ratings score: 810, and 9 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
94	The Sixth Wife (Tudor Saga, #7) by Jean Plaidy 3.94 avg rating — 2,793 ratings score: 808, and 10 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
95	The Plantagenet Prelude (Plantagenet Saga, #1) by Jean Plaidy 3.87 avg rating — 1,634 ratings score: 806, and 11 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
96	Music & Silence by Rose Tremain 3.95 avg rating — 4,306 ratings score: 804, and 9 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
96	The Turkish Gambit (Erast Fandorin Mysteries, #2) by Boris Akunin 3.99 avg rating — 7,985 ratings score: 804, and 9 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
98	Spring Moon: A Novel of China by Bette Bao Lord 3.99 avg rating — 2,812 ratings score: 791, and 9 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
99	The Rose Without a Thorn (Queens of England, #11) by Jean Plaidy 3.87 avg rating — 3,182 ratings score: 790, and 10 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
100	Hammer of the Scots (Plantagenet Saga, #7) by Jean Plaidy 3.90 avg rating — 598 ratings score: 780, and 10 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

← Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 … 20 21 Next →

2,050 books · 1,803 voters · list created October 17th, 2011 by Feathzzz (votes) .

Tags: hidden-gems, historical-fiction, underappreciated, unknown

560 likes · Like

Lists are re-scored approximately every 5 minutes.

People Who Voted On This List (1803)

Feathzzz 999 books
13 friends

Meghan 1942 books
262 friends

Therese 1272 books
77 friends

Libbie Hawker 395 books
211 friends

Catherine 3791 books
69 friends

Mary 1241 books
44 friends

Lynn 48 books
0 friends

Brenda 4832 books
19 friends

More voters…

Post a comment »
Comments Showing 1-50 of 134 (134 new)

date

newest »

message 1: by Jane (new)

Jul 11, 2012 06:35PM

Nice list!

reply | flag

message 2: by Susanna - Censored by GoodReads (new)

Jul 11, 2012 09:23PM

Island of the Blue Dolphins is an unknown, hidden gem? With 93,000 ratings here? Not to mention the Newbery Medal.

reply | flag

message 3: by Misfit (new)

Jul 12, 2012 03:55AM

Susanna wrote: "Island of the Blue Dolphins is an unknown, hidden gem? With 93,000 ratings here? Not to mention the Newbery Medal."

I agree. There are some odd additions here, and not really historical at first glance.

reply | flag

message 4: by Misfit (last edited Jul 12, 2012 04:01AM) (new)

Jul 12, 2012 03:59AM

And how does a self-published book get on this list?

Trapped in Shades of Grey by Christopher Slater

reply | flag

message 5: by Hayes (last edited Jul 12, 2012 04:14AM) (new)

Jul 12, 2012 04:09AM

Attempting to be not-quite-so unknown, obviously.

Shall I remove it?

reply | flag

message 6: by Iset (new)

Jul 12, 2012 04:39AM

That's not the only example.

reply | flag

message 7: by Misfit (new)

Jul 12, 2012 05:19AM

Hayes wrote: "Attempting to be not-quite-so unknown, obviously.

Shall I remove it?"

I'm thinking yes. Some of these do need a closer look. Iceland is another odd choice. Not unknown, reasonably recent and not HF. It's based on fairytales and legends. And why are mysteries here?

reply | flag

message 8: by Misfit (last edited Jul 12, 2012 05:35AM) (new)

Jul 12, 2012 05:26AM

Here's a few that strike me as not suited to the list. Either too many ratings to be "hidden gems" and/or not historical fiction at all.

What I Saw and How I Lied
Spirit Walker
The Phantom of the Temple: A Judge Dee Mystery
Wolf Brother
Murder in Canton: A Judge Dee Mystery
The Lacquer Screen: A Chinese Detective Story
How about all the Judge Dee mysteries?
Island Of The Blue Dolphins
The Falconer's Knot: A Story of Friars, Flirtation and Foul Play
Goddess of Yesterday
The Blood of Flowers
Christy
Morality Play
Breath
A Brief History of Montmaray
High Stakes (self published, voted on list by author)

reply | flag

message 9: by Misfit (new)

Jul 12, 2012 05:42AM

Story of a Comfort Girl (I'm thinking the author voted this on list)
Roma Arroyo (another author vote?)
The Shadow in the North
Down the Common: A Year in the Life of a Medieval Woman

Ladies?

reply | flag

message 10: by Themis-Athena (Lioness at Large) (last edited Jul 12, 2012 06:16AM) (new)

Jul 12, 2012 06:13AM

I added the Judge Dee mysteries because they do take great pains to portray the historical period during which they're set (the author was an expert on, inter alia, Chinese history), IMHO they're undeservedly underrated on GR and hardly any English speaker I know in "real life" seems to be aware of them, either. If that's a skewed perspective, I'd be VERY happy to hear as much!

Was tempted to comment in a similar vein on "Restoration," though -- surely after the movie it can't be THAT much of a "hidden gem" any longer?

I do however agree on "Island of the Blue Dolphins," and would say the same for "Wolf Brother," as well as "Pirates!," "Anna's Book" (wasn't that even an award winner ... or finalist, at least?), "These is My Words" (over 22.000 GR ratings!) and plenty of other entries.

I'm afraid, lacking any specific criteria (such as a "hard" delineation on the basis of the number of GR ratings, as is the case with several other lists), this list is destined to fast deteriorate into one of those essentially un-rescuable things where everybody adds what they themselves consider "a hidden gem of historical fiction" ... even if they do at least stick to the definition of "historical fiction" as something set before the author's own life time. (I'm not holding my breath for Austen and the Brontes not to end up showing up here as well, though ...)

reply | flag

message 11: by Jane (new)

Jul 12, 2012 07:02AM

Keep cleaning up that list, friends. Um, authors adding their own books smacks a little of desperation...

reply | flag

message 12: by Misfit (new)

Jul 12, 2012 07:16AM

Themis-Athena wrote: "I added the Judge Dee mysteries because they do take great pains to portray the historical period during which they're set (the author was an expert on, inter alia, Chinese history), IMHO they're u..."

Thanks for that input, I'm not familiar with them and can't judge. I hope the list *owner* would return and clarify what fits the criteria.

@ Jane. It's even more pathetic when they nominate their books for group reads. Or the author who shall remain nameless actually went on FB and asked her friends to vote up her book so it topped a list of famous mistresses...

No, I'm not kidding.

reply | flag

message 13: by Alessandra (last edited Jul 12, 2012 07:27AM) (new)

Jul 12, 2012 07:26AM

Misfit wrote: "It's even more pathetic when they nominate their books for group reads. Or the author who shall remain nameless actually went on FB and asked her friends to vote up her book so it topped a list of famous mistresses......"

There's a list for books like that, "Ballot Box Stuffing: Books For Which People Have Gamed the Listopia System" at:
http://www.goodreads.com/list/show/21...

Also, beware of the concept of list "owners" and their returning to clarity. The creator of this list:
http://www.goodreads.com/list/show/14...

returned after a long absence last Sunday, removed EVERYBODY's votes (167 people, dozens of books), and replaced the list with a new one of her own with her boyfriend's book at the top of the list (It has since been admin-cleansed and new voters have started showing up).

And that wasn't even a list with unclear definitions or inappropriate books.

reply | flag

message 14: by Misfit (new)

Jul 12, 2012 07:36AM

I seem to recall getting a notice from GR when I was going to edit one of my own lists (removing inappropriate books). Up flashed a warning that you had better be pretty darned sure the other votes were appropriate to remove, or something like that. They were very serious about not messing around with lists to suit your own purpose.

It would be nice if the list originator could come back to clarify on the list description what he/she does or does not want here.

@ Themis-Athena. Good point about Restoration. It can't be that obscure anymore, can it?

reply | flag

message 15: by [deleted user] (last edited Jul 12, 2012 08:01AM) (new)

Jul 12, 2012 08:01AM

For that matter, is Jean Plaidy really that hidden a gem? She's been republished over and over for decades and is an HF standard.

reply | flag

message 16: by Alessandra (last edited Jul 12, 2012 08:35AM) (new)

Jul 12, 2012 08:34AM

Misfit wrote: "I seem to recall getting a notice from GR when I was going to edit one of my own lists (removing inappropriate books). Up flashed a warning that you had better be pretty darned sure the other votes..."

Yes, if you try to remove a book from a list you get a severely-worded dialogue box before you can complete the action. I have seen it a few times when removing books with the wrong publication date from a list of books published in one year. It's automatic.

I should think people ought to think carefully before removing books from lists (although clearly they don't always).

The thing is, distasteful though people adding their own books may be, it is not against the site's policies. You can refrain from voting for them, but if they more or less fit the list's description they should probably be let alone.

I started the "Ballot Box Stuffing" list because I didn't like that behavior, but I haven't gone around removing those books from the lists they're on because A) that would be really high-handed and obnoxious and besides, B) they generally qualify according to Goodreads' terms.

I think the policy about removing books from lists is for really egregious misfits.

I do agree that a book with thousands of ratings probably does not qualify as "unknown hidden."

reply | flag

message 17: by Misfit (new)

Jul 12, 2012 08:43AM

I know Susanna *specializes* in keeping lists clean. I'll leave the judgment of what stays and doesn't to others. I left my thoughts, but I'm not the list creator.

reply | flag

message 18: by Susanna - Censored by GoodReads (last edited Jul 12, 2012 09:58AM) (new)

Jul 12, 2012 09:54AM

Yep, you get that warning every time. It's why I'm cautious about removing things. Removing the works of Thomas Hardy from "Best Books About Tudor England" - that was easy. Other decisions are harder. I like to give the benefit of the doubt if I'm not sure.

reply | flag

message 19: by Susanna - Censored by GoodReads (new)

Jul 12, 2012 09:55AM

Karla (Mossy Love Grotto) wrote: "For that matter, is Jean Plaidy really that hidden a gem? She's been republished over and over for decades and is an HF standard."

She's a standard of historical fiction!

reply | flag

message 20: by Sharon (new)

Jul 14, 2012 10:03PM

I am delighted to find Tanamera in second place. I read it about 15 years ago and still remember how much I loved it -- but never heard of it again. I'm glad other readers have dug it up and voted. Well deserved!

reply | flag

message 21: by Dawn (& Ron) (new)

Jul 18, 2012 12:24PM

Thanks Laura for inviting me to this list. I have many of these on my TBR or wishlist and see more that I will have to consider. This could be a very dangerous list!

I agree with some of the sentiments brought up here regarding what belongs and what doesn't. I found it difficult to decide what to add to the list, not being sure what was considered too popular or well known. I removed Plaidy's Madonna of the Seven Hills after reading the comments, having included it because of the other Plaidys listed. I mainly focused on books that I, and sometimes Ron, felt deserved more attention. If anyone disagrees with any of our selections, please let me know. Maybe by our discussion here we can come up with better guidelines.

Misfit, Ron and I have to second the Judge Dee novels. Although they are listed as mysteries, they follow actual cases, but it is the real Judge Dee and how Ancient China, its people and culture are handled that make them HF for us. But I can see where letting mysteries in could muddy things, I also included Tom Bradby's The White Russian: A Novel for its historical aspects, although it does have a mystery. Maybe we need another list for hidden historical fiction mystery gems.

reply | flag

message 22: by Misfit (new)

Jul 18, 2012 01:19PM

Thanks for the input Dawn. I did notice that a lot of the books we were wondering about were added by the list creator, so we'll just go with that?

reply | flag

message 23: by Darlene (last edited Jul 21, 2012 11:50AM) (new)

Jul 21, 2012 11:44AM

Karla (Mossy Love Grotto) wrote: "For that matter, is Jean Plaidy really that hidden a gem? She's been republished over and over for decades and is an HF standard."

Jean Plaidy is NOT an unknown gem; neither is Anya Seaton, Pauline Gedge, Simon Scarrow, Cynthia Harrod Eagles, colleen McCullough, Anne Easter Smith and Daphne du Maurier. All great authors, but not newbies by any means.

reply | flag

message 24: by Dawn (& Ron) (new)

Jul 21, 2012 06:22PM

Darlene, glad you came over and checked out the list. You have noticed the issue that others of us have. I agree with some of your mentions and wonder why they are on the list but apparently, as Misfit mentioned, some of these were placed on there by the original list maker. Maybe they were new discoveries to her, it's hard to say. BTW, the unknown HF gems don't need to be newbies, OOP authors/books are also to be included, basically anything that you feel deserves wider attention.

My husband and I are responsible for adding the Scarrow since it seemed none of his books exceeded a high number of ratings. The Cynthia Harrod Eagles, which we didn't post, is for her lessor known Russian trilogy. I do think, as others have mentioned, for a list like this, more specific guidelines need to be put in place. Maybe this will spawn a new list but despite these minor issues, I've found quite a few interesting books I want to look into. All in all that's a good thing.

reply | flag

message 25: by Susanna - Censored by GoodReads (last edited Jul 21, 2012 08:52PM) (new)

Jul 21, 2012 08:50PM

Also, there can be neglected works by big authors. I added a couple of those. All under 1000 ratings here, mostly much less.

reply | flag

message 26: by D (new)

Jul 23, 2012 11:33AM

I hope this is ok, I added a few books-- The Green Man by Henry Treece-- a fictional retelling of the historical events that Shakespeare's Hamlet (Amleth) is based on.

I also added three books by Doris Sutcliffe Adams-- the real name of the author who wrote Red Adam's Lady-- already listed. All three were published in the UK in the 50's-60's. All deserve to be better known.

I've also read the Judge Dee novels and recommend them.

reply | flag

message 27: by Melodie (new)

Jun 27, 2013 07:34AM

I just realized that my book, After Forever Ends, is sitting at number 15. Although I appreciate the effort of those who liked it enough to vote for it, I would not classify AFE as a historical fiction novel and I don't feel it belongs on this list. It's not fair to the other authors who do write in the genre that it's there. Plus, I'd hate it if somebody was misled and bought something they wouldn't enjoy. So, please, if someone would kindly remove it, feel free to do so with my blessing. Thank you!

reply | flag

message 28: by Misfit (new)

Jun 27, 2013 07:42AM

Melodie wrote: "I just realized that my book, After Forever Ends, is sitting at number 15. Although I appreciate the effort of those who liked it enough to vote for it, I would not classify AFE as a historical fi..."

Thank you for pointing it out Melodie. I'll get it removed.

reply | flag

message 29: by Karen (new)

Dec 16, 2013 08:32PM

Thank you for pointing out the distinction between historical fiction and classic books -- it's so annoying!!

reply | flag

message 30: by Fiona (new)

Apr 08, 2014 04:32AM

Outlander and Pillars of the Earth are the opposite of "hidden".

reply | flag

message 31: by Misfit (new)

May 09, 2014 07:33AM

Roberto wrote: "I've just added _Rottenmeier_, a delightful novel with a gothic twist based on the popular children's story _Heidi_"

Since I am unable to read the book blurb in Spanish, could you please clarify how your book published in 2014 qualifies as 1) historical fiction and 2) hidden gem? As I understand the qualifications made by the list creator, the intention is more for those lesser known, somewhat lost and forgotten gems and not just published indies. Or maybe I just need to go get some coffee and reread the description.

reply | flag

message 32: by Misfit (new)

May 09, 2014 07:40AM

Curious about #6 Dreamers in Hell qualifying for this list. Looks like a group of you vote me, I'll vote your book group?

reply | flag

message 33: by Susanna - Censored by GoodReads (new)

May 09, 2014 01:43PM

Looks like an authors-helping-authors circle.

reply | flag

message 34: by Misfit (new)

May 09, 2014 01:49PM

Susanna - Censored by GoodReads wrote: "Looks like an authors-helping-authors circle."

I am so surprised.

/sarcasm

reply | flag

message 35: by Susanna - Censored by GoodReads (new)

May 09, 2014 01:59PM

::golf clap::

reply | flag

message 36: by Misfit (new)

May 09, 2014 02:36PM

They are so silly, thinking we won't catch on.

reply | flag

message 37: by Libbie Hawker (new)

May 09, 2014 03:23PM

Jane wrote: "Keep cleaning up that list, friends. Um, authors adding their own books smacks a little of desperation..."

Yyyyeah.

I'm an author, and it's a stark no-no to add your own books to lists that have superlatives for the title. You can't call your own books a "Hidden Gem"...that's just kinda not classy, you know?

Add it to a list that says something factual and straightforward, like "Historical Fiction Set in the Renaissance," or whatever, but not a list that attempts to make a subjective judgment call like this one.

That being said, I've seen some good picks on here! And added a few of my own. (Picks, that is, not my own books.) And voted. I'll now scroll through it and frantically add all these nice books to my TBR. :D

reply | flag

message 38: by Libbie Hawker (last edited May 09, 2014 03:32PM) (new)

May 09, 2014 03:26PM

...but I also think we all have different ideas of what constitutes a "hidden gem," so beyond issues with authors adding their own stuff to a subjective/superlative list, we're going to disagree on who's hidden/gemlike and who's not.

For example, I consider Pauline Gedge to be a very hidden gem. She's not totally unknown, but she's certainly not as well exposed as, say, Philippa Gregory or Ken Follett.

So maybe we need clearer guidelines...? I don't know. Or we're all going to have to take it a little less seriously and accept some of the additions we don't agree with. :)

ETA: Okay, the comment I was replying to was like two years old. THE MAN YOU ARE SPEAKING TO HAS BEEN DEAD FOR OVER TWO YEARS....

Never mind. :P

reply | flag

message 39: by Misfit (new)

May 09, 2014 04:23PM

L.M. wrote: "...but I also think we all have different ideas of what constitutes a "hidden gem," so beyond issues with authors adding their own stuff to a subjective/superlative list, we're going to disagree on..."

Lol. Lists are a matter of opinion, so we librarians generally don't mess with them unless a beek obvioult doesn't belong. There are a lot of interesting books here.

reply | flag

message 40: by Libbie Hawker (new)

May 09, 2014 06:21PM

Beek obvioult = best autocorrect ever. That's going to be my new pen name.

reply | flag

message 41: by Misfit (new)

Jul 12, 2014 12:01PM

Why is Philippa Gregory on this list?

Removed: The Royal Kidnapping. Not historical fiction.

reply | flag

message 42: by Lobstergirl (new)

Jul 31, 2014 11:57PM

I removed some well-known books. I'm sure there are more though...

reply | flag

message 43: by Misfit (new)

Aug 01, 2014 04:10AM

Lobstergirl wrote: "I removed some well-known books. I'm sure there are more though..."

Thanks. What is Josiah Stubb: The Siege of Louisbourg with a 2014 pub date doing at #1? I smell circle jerk voting.

reply | flag

message 44: by Elyse (new)

Aug 14, 2014 05:50PM

Maybe books with over 10,000 ratings should be removed?

reply | flag

message 45: by BookLovingLady (deceased Jan. 25, 2023...) (last edited Oct 27, 2014 01:08AM) (new)

Oct 04, 2014 01:49AM

Currently on 279: The Woman in White. Hardly qualifies as 'unknown', now does it? Even if you have never heard of this classic, you only have to look at the ratings.... Apart from all this, Wilkie Collins is not a contemporary author so this work hardly counts as 'historical fiction', I'd say.

The Captain by Jan de Hartog (currently #606) is not historical fiction either. Even if you don't know the book, just compare the date of its first publication with the setting of the story.....

reply | flag

message 46: by Tytti (new)

Oct 26, 2014 01:05PM

The Historian has over 160,000 ratings, so I don't think it's very hidden (nor a gem but that's just my opinion).

reply | flag

message 47: by Libbie Hawker (new)

Oct 26, 2014 06:23PM

I think maybe some of these were added early on, and got lots of ratings later that pushed them over the 500 threshold.

reply | flag

message 48: by MomToKippy (new)

Nov 24, 2014 07:45AM

Wolf Brother should definitely be on this list!

reply | flag

message 49: by Amy (new)

Jul 22, 2015 07:55AM

I'm excited to find this list. I read lots of historical fiction and am always on the look out for more titles to read.

I also have a few ideas in mind to add but am not sure if they are hidden enough. The Midwife of Venice by Roberta Rich comes to mind. Enjoyable read about a time that doesn't seem to appear in most bestseller HF. Is there a specific cut off number for the number of ratings a book must have to be "hidden" or criteria that proves that it's a gem?

All in all, I can't wait to explore this list further!

reply | flag

message 50: by BookLovingLady (deceased Jan. 25, 2023...) (last edited Nov 30, 2016 01:49AM) (new)

Jul 22, 2015 08:35AM

I noticed three of Georgette Heyer's books on this list; Royal Escape (#252), Cotillion (#218) and An Infamous Army (#296). Doesn't it say in the description no "generally prolific author"? Because Georgette Heyer definitely was a (very) prolific author, in my humble opinion...

And how about the two books I mentioned in my earlier message? I'm willing to remove them, if someone agrees... :-)

reply | flag

« previous 1 2 3 next »