About
- Established in 1997, the Historical Novel Society is an international literary society devoted to promotion and advocacy for the genre of historical fiction.
Membership
- Historical Novel Society members include authors, readers, librarians, editors and industry professionals – membership is entirely open, and anyone enthusiastic about the genre is welcome.
Events
- Our worldwide membership loves to meet. Many travel thousands of miles to attend our conferences in person; many more enjoy our virtual options from home. Others form member connections in their area through regular Local Chapter meet-ups. Discover what’s on with conferences, Local and Virtual Chapters, and more.
Book Reviews
- Our exclusive, members-only print magazine, the Historical Novels Review, publishes reviews of hundreds of historical fiction books each quarter, in addition to features and columns. Become a member to receive the magazine and enjoy all our other benefits.
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Articles
- We publish articles in our members-only print magazine, Historical Novels Review, as well as web features exclusive to this site. All are original pieces, commissioned by our Features Editors based on topics of interest to members – interviews with historical fiction authors, publishers, and agents; explorations of novels and subgenres; guides, and regular columns on historical fiction market news, debut authors, and more. Articles are written by vetted contributors, most of whom are Society members. If you’re a member interested in joining the team, Contact Us.
Awards
- HNS Awards have helped discover authors and launch their careers (e.g., Michel Faber, Ruth Downie, Nikki Marmery, Hilary Green, Elizabeth Macneal, and many more) and provided vital support for others. Our ARA Award is one of the most generous of all literary prizes. If you’d like to partner to sponsor an award, Contact Us.
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Mystery/Crime

The Thirteenth Apostle (Richard Brinsley Sheridan Mysteries)

By R M Cullen - Published 2025

Genres:

This is the third mystery in which 18th-century playwright, theatre owner and politician Richard Brinsley Sheridan turns detective. The story takes on a ...Read Review

Spring Melt

By Lori Duffy Foster - Published 2026

Genres:

Mystery/Crime

This courtroom drama takes place in the 1920s Adirondack town of Saranac Lake, center of logging and hiking and a refuge for wealthy ...Read Review

The Tatiana File

By William Paterson - Published 2025

Genres:

Mystery/Crime

Do secrets survive centuries of upheaval, war, and betrayal, only to be unearthed accidentally? The Tatiana File deciphers the answer by linking archaeologist ...Read Review

A Wasp in the Beehive (The Brigid Reardon Mysteries)

By Mary Logue - Published 2026

Genres:

Mystery/Crime Western

In 1881, Brigid Reardon is newly settled into the Cutter home in Salt Lake City after leaving Cheyenne, where she left her brother Seamus, ...Read Review

The Chambermaid’s Key

By Genevieve Graham - Published 2026

Genres:

Mystery/Crime

Graham continues illuminating fascinating facets of Canadian history, upping the ante plotting-wise with her new dual-timeline novel centering on a storied Toronto landmark. ...Read Review

Murder at the Moulin Rouge: A Blackwell & Watson Time-Travel Mystery

By Carol Pouliot - Published 2025

Genres:

Mystery/Crime Time-slip

Steven Blackwell is a 1930s police detective. Olivia Watson is a 21st-century journalist. This cozy mystery is their fifth time-travel adventure, with a ...Read Review

The Two Deaths of Lillian Carmichael

By Paulette Kennedy - Published 2026

Genres:

Mystery/Crime

In 1853 South Carolina, Lillian Carmichael faces the noose for the murder of her sister. Though Lillian is innocent, it makes no difference now; ...Read Review

The Lost Girl of Craven County

By Emily Matchar - Published 2026

Genres:

Mystery/Crime

This story takes place in New Bern and Craven County, North Carolina, in 1939. The protagonist is Millie, a 25-year-old Jewish “old maid” living ...Read Review