State Specific US History Through Novels

[Kathryn]

I am looking for recommendations for historical fiction that includes (reasonably) accurate history of a U.S. city (or state) in telling the story. I'm thinking of novels that are almost a "sneaky" way to learn history!

Not a huge fan of novelizations of real people, although having actual historical figures play some role (even background) in the story helps with the learning part.

New York City is easy to find and I've enjoyed some of the Gaslight Mysteries by Victoria Thompson and various books by Fiona Davis. But I know a little bit about NYC history which helped me trust the parts that were new to me.

Last year I read a book (Bettie Lennett Denny, "Burying My Dead") and learned more about my hometown Portland, Oregon. Currently I'm getting through an enormous book that starts post Civil War in Ohio and was recommended to me as being historical accurate.

These two experiences have made me interested in (eventually) reading an historically accurate novel set in every state. I tried to start it as a list but realized that format doesn't work, so I'm asking here!

[Abigail]

I have one for California: When Water Was Everywhere by Barbara Crane. It is set in the area around the Pueblo de Los Angeles and is told from three different points of view--an Anglo drifter, an indigenous woman, and an elderly Mexican padre.

[Herman]

What came to mind was James Michnere Hawaii but it’s a really long novel and if your not up to that sort of time commitment then let me suggest James Lee Bond Lorelie series. Excellent fun series of books one taking place in northern Canada, one in San Francisco, and one in Los Angeles 1890’s 1907 and 1920 respectively.

[C.P.]

You may like The Girl Puzzle: A Story of Nellie Bly by Kate Braithwaite—mostly set in New York, but also Pennsylvania.

Also The Cherry Harvest by Lucy Sanna (Wisconsin), Bound in Flame by Katherine Kayne (Hawai'i), and The California Wife by Kristen Harnisch (California).

I'm sure there are many more.

[Belle]

Is there a list anywhere on HF that lists novels by state? Would be a good thing to have.

[Kathryn]

Thank you everyone for recommendations. My TBR list gets longer!

Using GoodReads listopia option didn’t work the list I’d like to get started creating, maybe there is another option?

[Peggyzbooksnmusic]

I loved Carry Me Home by Sandra Kring set in rural Wisconsin during WWII. The story is told through the eyes of 16 year old Earl "Earwig" who is slightly mentally challenged due to a high fever as a young boy. Will warn readers that there is a lot of "potty" mouth language but I felt it was accurate for the characters. Gritty and heartbreaking at times but told with some humor.