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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Broadway

Last Stop in Brooklyn

By Lawrence H. Levy - Published 2018

Genres:

It’s summer 1894 in Brooklyn, and private detective Mary Handley is a busy woman. Not only has the brother of a convicted murderer ...Read Review

The Girl from the Paradise Ballroom

By Alison Love - Published 2014 Published 2016

Genres:

The Girl from the Paradise Ballroom is a sweeping novel that explores humanity, family loyalty, and national prejudice in the face of war. ...Read Review

Brooklyn on Fire: A Mary Handley Mystery

By Lawrence H. Levy - Published 2016

Genres:

Mystery/Crime

Mary Handley is a young, feisty woman trying to break into the male-dominated world of police and detective work at the end of ...Read Review

Second Street Station: A Mary Handley Mystery

By Lawrence H. Levy - Published 2015

Genres:

Mystery/Crime

At twelve years of age, Mary Handley discovers the strangled body of a Frenchman on a Long Island to New York passenger train. “...Read Review

The Secrets of Life and Death

By Rebecca Alexander - Published 2014

Genres:

Mystery/Crime

The Secrets of Life and Death begins with the meeting of the Elizabethan scholar and alchemist, Dr. John Dee, and Countess Elisabeth Bathory, ...Read Review

A Triple Knot

By Emma Campion - Published 2014

Genres:

Biographical Fiction

A Triple Knot chronicles the life of Joan of Kent, a 14th-century English beauty famous for her three marriages, the last making her ...Read Review

A Life Apart

By L.Y. Marlow - Published 2014

Genres:

Literary

On December 7, 1941 the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan. Stationed ...Read Review

The Funeral Dress

By Susan Gregg Gilmore - Published 2013

Genres:

Spanning three decades in the mid-20th century, this story follows two women from a small mountain town in Tennessee who work side-by-side ...Read Review