Historical Mystery Lovers discussion
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Introductions Re-Boot!
I think it can Robert. It just depends on how you mix the two. I don't know if you've ever heard of or seen the show Whitechapel but I would consider it a historical mystery even though the show is modern day because all of the murders that take place are copycats of some older crimes (ex. They had a Ripper copycat). Just my two cents...
Benjamin L wrote: "I loved Jane Steele, but I love just about everything Lyndsay Faye puts out."I finally got a copy :)
Benjamin L wrote: "I loved Jane Steele, but I love just about everything Lyndsay Faye puts out."I ended up really enjoying Jane Steele too. I didn't realize it's the same author as
, which I have at home but haven't gotten around to reading yet. Looks like I'll have to move that up Mount TBR.
Tammy wrote: "I think it can Robert. It just depends on how you mix the two. I don't know if you've ever heard of or seen the show Whitechapel but I would consider it a historical mystery even though the show is..."Thanks so much Tammy. Based on your advice, I do believe my novels qualify for the historical mystery genre.
Tammy wrote: "I think it can Robert. It just depends on how you mix the two. I don't know if you've ever heard of or seen the show Whitechapel but I would consider it a historical mystery even though the show is..."I'd also say that, in my mind, it depends on how much of the action is historical vs. modern. Though it's not a historical mystery, I'm going to use Birdsong as an example. I'd say it's a historical novel because most of the action is WWI, even though a little bit takes place in the 1980s.
Mod
I agree with the comments made by others and would add that for me, any book that takes place 50 years in the past would be historical for me. There have been enough developments in the 20th century for this to be the case.
Good luck with your book and I hope you enjoy participating in the group.
I want to thank Meghan and Lauren, as well as Tammy, for the warm welcome and good advice. I look forward to participating.
Lauren wrote: "Welcome to the group, Robert. I agree with the comments made by others and would add that for me, any book that takes place 50 years in the past would be historical for me. There have been enough..."
There does tend to be a bit of a discussion about when the book was written too. Some people tend to hold that the author has to be writing about events in the past for the novel to be historical fiction - which would mean that many Agatha Christie's for instance wouldn't count, as she wrote them in the early 20th century, contemporary with the time they are set.
Personally, I always tend to judge it based on the reader's perspective rather than the author's, as it's the reader's experience that really matters when determining what genre something belongs in ;)
Mod
Yes, there is that ongoing debate.
Like you, I also go with the reader's perspective. Charles Dickens, for instance, wouldn't be considered historical fiction as he wrote about his own time period, but it is clearly historical from our perspective, especially considering how much life has changed since the 19th century.
As an author who has been a bit confused about the definition of this genre, I really appreciate this discussion. I'm learning a lot and feel much more comfortable that two of my novels do qualify as historical mysteries. As a reader, I tend to agree with those who would omit authors like Dickens and Christie, from the genre for the reasons stated. But so what, they've written great books that have enriched us all?
Many thanks.
Robert Tell
http://www.roberttell.com
Hi folks,I'm Dan, a librarian who rarely has time to read. I never considered myself a fan of the genre, but I suppose I started reading historical mysteries when I read and re-read Sherlock Holmes more than once as a kid.
A few series I've enjoyed the last few years are Jon Maddox Roberts SPQR, Tony Hays Arthurian Mysteries, Bruce MacBain Plinius Secundus mysteries, Steven Saylor's Roma Sub rosa
Very interested in any other recommendations for ancient rome or arthurian novels.
Mod
We have threads up in the Features Authors folder to discuss John Maddox Roberts and Tony Hays.
I'll add Brude MacBain to our list of features authors as well.
Hope you find some great recommendations :0)
Hi! My name is Susan and I live in N. CA. Mysteries are my favorite reads and I love historical reads. I am a big fan of CJ Sansom, the Maisie Dobbs series, the Lady Georgiana series, and Anne Perry. I am glad to find people who like my kind of books.
Mod
Welcome to the group. Hope you find some great new authors and rediscover old favorites.
Welcome to our new members! Hope to see you on the threads. :-)
Hi, I'm a keen amateur archaeologist, with Roman era my absolute favourite - consequently I've read all the Lindsey Davis Falco series. I'm also a huge fan of Tudor historical crime/detective novels. I've read all the usual suspects - the Shardlake series, Rory Clements, S J Parris etc. I recently read an author I'd not heard of before, S D Sykes 'Plague Land', a detective story set in thirteenth century England. Although it deals with the terrible aftermath of the plague, there is humour amidst the tragedy, intrigue and mystery, the characters are believable and I loved every minute of it. I want to read the sequel next, The Butcher Bird.
Hello Everyone ! I just joined today... and yes I am an author - though a reluctant one at that. I love reading historical fiction mysteries, which led to me to a family genealogy project that has lasted 12 yrs - so far - and I am far from finished - which has now led to my first HF mystery novel.I travel to Italy frequently in order to do research. Im still trying to get into the Vatican Archives to review family records from the 16th century so if anyone knows how to accomplish that - please let me know ! It certainly is quite the mystery to me!
Thanks to the mods for making this group happen !
Mod
Unfortunately, I don't know anyone who can get you into the Vatican Archives but I'm sure our members can at least recommend some great books :0)
Hello, my name is Audra. I'm a serious Sherlock Holmes fan. Agatha Christie and Perry Mason books fill my shelves also.
Mod
Welcome to the group, Audra!
Hi everyone. I've been reading the Charles Todd Bess Crawford series and came here to get some new recommendations. Thanks for the many great suggestions.
Have you read Charles Todd other series. Also the series by Jacqueline Winspear. There is Anne Perry's two series that have a great number of books. Another Anne Perry series that has 5 books and has to do with World War I.
Hi!My name is Suki. I am a passionate reader, and I love all genres except westerns and formula romances. I love historical mysteries- no particular favorite author comes to mind. My favorite historical era is probably Victorian. I'm hoping to discover lots of authors and series I didn't know about before through reading with you all.
Mod
Victorian and Regency historical mysteries are my favorites too. Have you read Deanna Raybourn's Lady Julia Books or Anna Lee Huber's Lady Darby? Both are set in Victorian times.
Hi everyone. Tara here. I am a fan of historical fiction, especially mysteries. I read Cadfael years ago and progressed through Sister Fidelma, Matthew Shardlake, Knights Templar, Kathryn Swinebrooke, Roger the Chapman and several others. Also a fan of Sherlock Holmes.
Hi Tara! The Shardlake series and Sherlock Holmes stories are some of my favorite books. I haven't heard of the other ones you mentioned but I'll have to look them up! Hope you have a nice time here on goodreads :).
Hello all! My name's Brittany (Britt) and I'm 18. I joined this group because I'm writing a mystery that takes place in the 1960s that I'm hoping to get published, and I love reading/writing books (mysteries especially!) that take place between 1860-1970. I don't know many people that also like historical books so feel free to add me!
Mod
Welcome to the group, Britt!
Where to begin and not get my post drowned by a hundred others? I've been on goodreads for a couple of years and have just stumbled upon your group. I'm a historical mystery author published by Kensington, but have squeezed myself into either Tudor historical fiction or Mystery groups. This group seems to be the best of both worlds for me. I'm delighted to get to read what folks have to say about their favorite books. It is a special genre, one not as heavily populated as cozy mystery readers, which is fine by me. Lovely to be here. Mary Lawrence (the Bianca Goddard Mysteries)
Mod
We have many interesting discussions going on, so feel free to jump in.
Hello. I was delighted to discover this group as historical mysteries fascinate me. I enjoy the challenge of deciphering clues while absorbing the details of the era that a book is set in. I particularly enjoy books based on real events, and believe that we can learn so much from them. I know how challenging it is for an author to attempt to portray a famous person. I look forward to hearing your book recommendations and taking part in discussions.
Mod
The merging of fact and fiction is one of my favorite aspects of historical mysteries as well :0)
Hope you have a good time with us.
Thanks for the welcome! I'm looking forward to discovering new books in this genre.
I've just joined and I look forward to reading mysteries with like minded people!
Mod
Welcome everyone! Hope to see you on the threads!
Hi, I'm Paula from Sweden. I read a lot and love historical mysteries. I look forward to participating in this group.
Mod
Welcome. I hope you have fun with us!
Mod
Welcome to all the new members! I hope everyone is enjoying the group :)
Mod
Mod
Those are some great authors. Hope you find some new ones to enjoy via the group.
Hi! I know this is an old topic, but I'd like to introduce myself all the same. My name is Esther and my favorite genre is, obviously,Historical Mystery. I specially love those kind of "Big old house" mysteries and books that involve long buried family secrets. I also like WWI and WWII mysteries and I usually prefer books set in the beginning of the 20th century. My favorite author is Kate Morton, but I also enjoy reading the works of Kate Riordan and Tracy Rees. Sometimes I feel like I already exhausted every historical mystery novel that concerns old mansions and secrets, but I love getting recommendations, so do, please, send them my way if you think of a title I might enjoy! Nice meeting everyone here!
Mod
This is still an active thread so you've definitely posted in the right place :0)
We have a featured author and are playing Historical Mystery monopoly so that will hopefully help you find some great recommendations.
I just wanted to say hello. Historical mystery is a fairly new obsession of mine -- a byproduct of my genealogical research obsession! I have several series on my to-read list. The only series I've read in the past were Deanna Raybourn (new Veronica Speedwell is out today!). I look forward to chatting with/learning from you all.
Historical Mystery Lovers
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Abir Mukherjee (other topics)Sulari Gentill (other topics)
Anna Castle (other topics)
Abir Mukherjee (other topics)
Stephanie Barron (other topics)
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Two of the detective mysteries I've published are based on true historical events: one in 17th century Italy, and one in 19th Century New York City. However, things happen in both stories that make the historical events relevant to the 1990's, where a lot of the action also takes place.
I don't want to say more about the books here because it might be seen as promotional, so here's my question:
Can a novel truly be considered an "historical mystery" if part of the plot takes place in the 20th Century?
I'd love to be part of this group but, first, I want to make sure I have a proper understanding of the genre.
All advice cheerfully appreciated.
Many thanks.
Robert Tell
http://www.roberttell.com