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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Victorian

A Ghastly Catastrophe (A Veronica Speedwell Mystery)

By Deanna Raybourn - Published 2026

Genres:

This is the tenth book of the Veronica Speedwell mystery series, featuring a sophisticated Victorian heroine equally adept at launching flying kicks off ...Read Review

Five Weeks in the Country

By Francine Prose - Published 2026

Genres:

Biographical Fiction

In 1857, Hans Christian Andersen shows up at Charles Dickens’s country home in Kent, having received an impulsive, soon to be regretful, invitation ...Read Review

The Victorian Revolution (Time Travel Twins, 5)

By Garry Parsons (illus.) - By Josh Lacey - Published 2026

Genres:

Children/Young Adult Time-slip

This fifth episode of the Time Travel Twins series sends Thomas and Scarlett back to the 1st May 1851, and the Great Exhibition in ...Read Review

The Corset Girls Unbound

By Annie R. McEwen - Published 2025

Genres:

Romance

It’s 1894, and London-based corset maker Minerva Hawkins is being blackmailed. Her blackmailer claims that Minerva is heir to a Scottish title and ...Read Review

The Icarus Ascent: Ghosts of the Matterhorn

By Mike Lewis - Published 2025

Genres:

Adventure

Swiss Alps, 1865: the first ascent of the Matterhorn ends in catastrophe. Fifty years later, the loss of four of his seven-men team still ...Read Review

The Geomagician

By Jennifer Mandula - Published 2026

Genres:

Historical Fantasy

Jennifer Mandula’s historical fantasy tackles paleontology versus religious ethics along with geomagical happenings. There are five large roles in play, balanced against ...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

All in Her Hands

By Audrey Blake - Published 2026

Genres:

This third entry in the Nora Beady historical series invites readers to witness the day-to-day medical and surgical practice of Dr. Nora Gibson (...Read Review