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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  Submit your novel for review
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 Polished Hoe

By Austin Clarke - Published 2003

Genres:

Miss Mary-Mathilda has committed a crime. As a responsible citizen of Flagstaff Village on the island of Bimshire (local slang for Barbados), she ...Read Review

Undertow

By Thomas Rendell Curran - Published 2003

Genres:

Mystery/Crime

This engaging, complex mystery takes place in Newfoundland in 1947, before it joined Canada as a province. The book’s prologue is a newspaper ...Read Review

The Arbogast Case

By Thomas Hettche - Published 2003

Genres:

Mystery/Crime Thriller

Adults attracted to legal thrillers will find this highly recommended book a must read. It stands somewhat distinguished from writings of American authors. ...Read Review

Shutter Island

By Dennis Lehane - Published 2003

Genres:

Mystery/Crime

This fast-paced and smartly plotted psychological thriller is set in 1954 on the grounds of the Ashecliffe Hospital for the criminally insane. The book ...Read Review

Days of the Dead

By Barabara Hambly - Published 2003

Genres:

Mystery/Crime

Hannibal Sefton is in trouble. Ben January’s dearest friend, a gifted musician who suffers from TB, enjoyed a new lease on life ...Read Review

The False Inspector Dew

By Peter Lovesey - Published 2001

Genres:

Mystery/Crime

Mystery fans who enjoy a good plot and 1920s ambiance should dip into this seafaring tale of murder for which Lovesey won the ...Read Review

Chickahominy Fever

By Ann McMillan - Published 2003

Genres:

Mystery/Crime

In June 1862, the city of Richmond, Virginia, is surrounded by the Union army. A letter to Jefferson Davis, outlining the location of Confederate ...Read Review

Murderers Prefer Blondes

By Amanda Matetsky - Published 2003

Genres:

Mystery/Crime

The intrepid heroine of this mystery is one Paige Turner (and don’t think she hasn’t been teased about that!), a secretary-cum-dogsbody ...Read Review