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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HNR Issue 116 (May 2026)

Pixie

By Jill Dawson - Published 2026

Genres:

After her mother dies, trying and not quite succeeding in revealing a secret, young artist Pamela Colman Smith leaves Jamaica to travel with ...Read Review

More Than You Know

By Anne Canadeo - Published 2026

Genres:

Mystery/Crime

The first scene makes us think this will be the story of a plucky young woman in the aftermath of WWII who loses ...Read Review

Broken Truths

By Alessandro Robecchi - By Gregory Conti (trans.) - Published 2026

Genres:

Literary Mystery/Crime

Manlio Parrini is a long-retired film director who’s decided to make one more film, about Augusto De Angelis, the real pioneer of ...Read Review

The Witch and the Huntress

By Luna McNamara - Published 2026

Genres:

This vibrant reimagining of Greek myth centers on Princess Medea of Colchis, a daughter of the goddess Hekate. Eager to escape her tyrannical ...Read Review

When the Wolves Are Silent (Sebastian St. Cyr Mystery)

By C.S. Harris - Published 2026

Genres:

Mystery/Crime

Post-war London’s social unrest in 1816 is the setting for this historical thriller, the 21st in the author’s Sebastian St. Cyr Mystery ...Read Review

Eleanor and the South Beach Murders (An Eleanor Roosevelt Mystery)

By Ellen Yardley - Published 2026

Genres:

Mystery/Crime

As temporary secretary, Kay Thompson accompanies Eleanor Roosevelt to a conference in southern Florida even as her heart remains in Washington, D.C. ...Read Review

Herne the Hunter

By Charles Shearer (illus.) - By Edmund Newell - Published 2025

Genres:

Nonfiction

Edmund’s Newell’s exploration of the origins of Herne the Hunter is a fascinating look at an intriguing legend that has inspired ...Read Review

Muse of Fire

By Howard Linskey - Published 2026

Genres:

Mystery/Crime

Shakespeare the sleuth, skulking around Whitehall trying to solve a murder? Actually, this novel is an incredibly jolly romp, marrying expert historical knowledge ...Read Review