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.
  Browse our magazines
  
  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.
Contact Us

Western

Pioneer Scout John Helper: The Complete Western Trilogy

By Eugene J. DiCesaris - Published 2025

Genres:

The Pioneer Scout trilogy is set during the LDS westward exodus (1847-1869) and well described as “three intertwined tales of love, vengeance and ...Read Review

The Harvey Girl

By Dana Stabenow - Published 2026

Genres:

Mystery/Crime Western

Best-selling writer Dana Stabenow (of the beloved Kate Shugak mysteries) introduces a brand new detective series set in the 19th century of America’...Read Review

In the Great Quiet

By Laura Vogt - Published 2026

Genres:

Western

This masterful work of historical fiction tells of the fourth and largest of Oklahoma’s land rushes, which gave away lands previously pledged ...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

Boomtown: The True Story of the Wickedest Town in Texas

By Joe Pappalardo - Published 2026

Genres:

Nonfiction Western

Joe Pappalardo, a journalist who has written nonfiction books on spaceflight, sunflowers, and the Texas Rangers of Company F, opens Boomtown with an ...Read Review

The Fourth Wife

By Linda Hamilton - Published 2026

Genres:

Mystery/Crime Western

In 1880s Utah Territory, the polygamous practice of the Mormon church is coming under the scrutiny of Federal officials. Hazel has been raised ...Read Review

Taming Lady Temperance: A Christian Opposites Attract Frontier Western Historical Romance with Cowboys (The Secret Society of Spinsters)

By Karen Witemeyer - Published 2026

Genres:

Inspirational Romance Western

Twenty-seven-year-old Noreen O’Sullivan has come from hard circumstances. Her alcoholic father often beat her and her mother and ruined the family farm ...Read Review