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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Kensington

The Mysterious Death of Junetta Plum (A Harriet Stone Mystery)

By Valerie Wilson Wesley - Published 2025

Genres:

After all her family dies, Harriet Tubman Stone cannot maintain her life in Hartford, Connecticut. Twenty-six and educated as a teacher, she doesn’...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

The Determined

By Rachel Rueckert - Published 2026

Genres:

Adventure Biographical Fiction Nautical

1721. The Golden Age of Pirates is winding down as two pregnant young women, Anne Bonny and Mary Read, face the gallows for piracy. ...Read Review

Crossing the Line

By James D. Shipman - Published 2025

Genres:

Saga

Beginning in German-occupied Poland in February 1941 and ending in Soviet-occupied Poland in August 1945, Crossing the Line follows three young women—one Jewish, one ...Read Review

This House Will Feed

By Maria Tureaud - Published 2026

Genres:

Historical Fantasy Thriller

This historical horror novel opens in gripping manner: The taste of my brother’s flesh still haunted me. The tone is scarcely sensationalistic ...Read Review

Miss Morton and the Missing Heir (A Miss Morton Mystery)

By Catherine Lloyd - Published 2025

Genres:

Mystery/Crime

This fourth Miss Morton mystery sees Lady Caroline Morton and her employer, Mrs. Frogerton, allowing the Scutton family to stay with them in ...Read Review

Murder by Moonrise (A Dr. Julia Lewis Mystery)

By Patrice McDonough - Published 2026

Genres:

Mystery/Crime

This third installment of the Dr. Julia Lewis Mystery series set in Victorian England sees Julia investigating the murder of a young Irish ...Read Review