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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Mystery & Crime

New Voices: Jackie McMahon, Callie Murray, Susan Nolen & Ellen Rachlin

By Bethany Latham - Article Published August 1, 2026

WRITTEN BY MYFANWY COOK Jackie McMahon, Callie Murray, Susan Nolen and Ellen Rachlin have set out to tantalise their readers by encouraging them ...Read Article

Celtic Myth & the Regency: The Sebastian St. Cyr Series

By Bethany Latham - Article Published

WRITTEN BY CHRISTINE NELLAS ACOSTA In an interview about the 21st mystery in the St. Cyr series, When the Wolves Are Silent (Berkley, 2026), ...Read Article

Launch: Kate Khavari’s A Botanist’s Guide to Tradition and Treachery

By Jessica Knauss - Article Published June 30, 2026

INTERVIEW BY MALLY BECKER Kate Khavari is the USA Today bestselling author of fiction ranging from historical mysteries to high fantasy epics. She ...Read Article

The Right Season for Amy Ephron’s Unseasonably Cold

By Claire Morris - Article Published June 22, 2026

BY TRISH MACENULTY When Amy Ephron started out to write her noir-ish 1939 mystery, Unseasonably Cold, (The Sager Group, 2026) she did not expect the ...Read Article

Launch: Marlie Parker Wasserman’s First Daughter

By Jessica Knauss - Article Published June 16, 2026

INTERVIEW BY SUSAN HIGGINBOTHAM Marlie Parker Wasserman writes historical crime fiction after a career in scholarly publishing. She has written The Murderess Must ...Read Article

Anne Perry’s friend, editor, and ultimate collaborator Victoria Zackheim makes Death Times Seven possible

By Claire Morris - Article Published April 14, 2026

BY TRISH MACENULTY After novelist and screenwriter Victoria Zackheim read Cater Street Hangman, (Random House, 1979) Anne Perry’s first published novel, she was ...Read Article

Writing a medieval mystery or thriller? Here are sources on medieval crime

By Claire Morris - Article Published March 7, 2026

BY B.J. SEDLOCK Are you thinking of writing a mystery or thriller set in medieval times? Here are some print and online ...Read Article

Pasadena’s Japan: Crown City by Naomi Hirahara

By Claire Morris - Article Published February 25, 2026

BY LOUISE TREE Naomi Hirahara is a mystery writer who has also written a non-fiction work on the Japanese gardeners of Southern California. ...Read Article

Bleeding on the Page: Graeme Macrae Burnet and Historical Murder

By Bethany Latham - Article Published February 1, 2026

WRITTEN BY GORDON O’SULLIVAN Benbecula (Polygon/UK, Biblioasis/US&Can.), the new novella from Scottish writer Graeme Macrae Burnet, is part ...Read Article

Launch: Kerry Blaisdell’s A Lamentation of Swans

By Jessica Knauss - Article Published January 22, 2026

INTERVIEW BY MALLY BECKER Kerry Blaisdell writes bestselling and award-winning Fantasy, Romance, and Mystery, including the acclaimed Dead Series, recommended for fans of ...Read Article

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