Historical fiction lovers, get excited: 2024 is shaping up to be an amazing year for new historical fiction book releases! From bestselling authors like Kristin Hannah and Kate Quinn to talented debut authors, there are lots of must-read 2024 historical fiction novels to add to your TBR list.
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Exciting New 2024 Historical Fiction Novels
Below, I’m sharing my most-anticipated 2024 historical fiction books, ranging from emotional World War II stories to Victorian-era novels, historical mysteries, and lots more.
I’ve included a wide variety of books for different types of readers, so there’s something for everyone. 🙂
And if you love Kristin Hannah like I do, you’ll be excited to hear she has a new historical fiction novel releasing in early 2024 – called The Women – set during the Vietnam War.
For even more reading inspiration, be sure to check out my list of most exciting winter 2024 fiction books, highly-anticipated 2024 fantasy novels, and new 2024 mystery and thriller books!
In a book club? Here are some of the most engrossing historical fiction novels perfect for book clubs!
The Storm We Made by Vanessa Chan
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In British-colonized Malaya during the 1930s, a young housewife meets a charismatic Japanese general and becomes a spy, hoping to help her country.
She has no idea her actions will bring about an even worse occupation by the Japanese.
A decade later, as the war becomes ever more destructive, Cecily and her three children are at risk, and she’s desperate to save her family.
Release date: January 2nd, 2024
Maude Horton’s Glorious Revenge by Lizzie Pook
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When Maude Horton learns of her sister’s death, she’s devastated – and she knows the death wasn’t an accident.
Two years prior, Maude’s sister ran away from her life in Victorian London to join an expedition in the Arctic.
Maude suspects the expedition’s former scientist had something to do with her sister’s death, so she follows him around the country, determined to find the truth – no matter the cost.
Release date: January 16th, 2024
The Curse of Pietro Houdini by Derek B. Miller
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In the midst of World War II, a newly-orphaned Italian boy attempts to flee Rome, but is attacked by thugs.
He’s saved by a strange man – art preserver Pietro Houdini – who takes him in as his assistant.
Together, along with a group of equally eccentric characters, they attempt to transport three priceless paintings across dangerous battlefields.
Release date: January 16th, 2024
Diva by Daisy Goodwin
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This historical fiction novel is inspired by the life of Maria Callas, a famous opera singer who fell in love with wealthy shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis – before he married Jackie Kennedy.
But this heartbreak was just a temporary stepping stone toward the rest of her life.
Release date: January 23rd, 2024
The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard by Natasha Lester
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Jumping between decades and cities (from Paris to New York), this novel follows three generations of women – part of a fashion dynasty family – as they find themselves and rewrite their expected fates.
Release date: January 30th, 2024
The Women by Kristin Hannah
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This story follows a young woman who joins the Army Nurse Corps during the Vietnam War. It shines light on the forgotten sacrifices of women during the war.
Frankie McGrath comes of age during a turbulent time for her country: the 1960s. When her brother is shipped off to war, Frankie decides to leave behind her sheltered life and enlist as a nurse.
I read this book this year and absolutely loved it! Kristin Hannah is a favorite author of mine already, and I’m happy to report this was a solid 5-star read. (Just be aware, it is quite emotional and heart-wrenching at times).
(This was one of my picks for the best book club books to read in 2024)!
Here are my favorite Kristin Hannah historical fiction books!
Release date: February 6th, 2024
The Road from Belhaven by Margot Livesey
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This coming-of-age story follows a young woman in late 1800s Scotland.
Lizzie Craig has the ability to see snapshots of the future. But they aren’t always clear, and she can rarely do anything to change what she sees.
One day, a man comes to visit her town, and soon, she’s smitten. She goes with him to Glasgow, but with time, she realizes he may not be what he seems.
She’s forced to make a choice, but ends up regretting her decision. Can she use her gift to make things right?
Release date: February 6th, 2024
The Phoenix Crown by Kate Quinn & Janie Chang
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Four different women living in San Francisco in the early 1900s are all searching for something, and railroad magnate Henry Thornton might hold the key to all their questions.
But when he disappears in the wake of a terrible earthquake, he leaves behind a far-reaching mystery.
Release date: February 13th, 2024
The Hidden Life of Cecily Larson by Ellen Baker
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With dual timelines spanning from 1924 to 2015, this multigenerational story follows the remarkable life of Cecily Larson.
As a young orphan girl, she joins a traveling circus, where she comes of age and falls in love.
Now, at 94, Cecily lives a quiet life with her family. But the unexpected results of a DNA test bring long-hidden family secrets to light.
Release date: February 20th, 2024
King Nyx by Kirsten Bakis
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This Gothic murder mystery is set in the early 1900s, inspired by the real-life couple Charles and Anna Fort.
The couple is invited to an isolated mansion on an island, owned by mysterious millionaire Claude Arkel.
Charles is there is research strange phenomena and anomalies. But almost immediately, Anna gets an eerie feeling about the place – especially after hearing about the girls who went missing – and starts seeing things she can’t explain.
Release date: February 20th, 2024
James by Percival Everett
Genre: Historical Fiction/Literary Fiction/Retellings
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This reimagining of the American literary classic The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn tells the story from Jim’s perspective.
It follows the events of the novel we know – the treacherous river rafting down the Mississippi River and beyond – but with fresh eyes and an important new take on a beloved character.
Release date: March 19th, 2024
Table For Two: Fictions by Amor Towles
Genre: Short Stories/Historical Fiction/Literary Fiction
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If you loved Towles’ A Gentleman in Moscow as much as I did, be on the lookout for his newest book: a collection of short stories!
They’re mostly historical fiction, set in New York (and one in Los Angeles). One story even features a character from his novel Rules of Civility.
Publication date: April 2nd, 2024
Swift River by Essie J. Chambers
Genre: Contemporary Fiction/Historical Fiction
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This coming-of-age story set in New England in the late 1980s follows a young Black teenager – Diamond Newberry – as she grapples with identity, belonging, and the disappearance of her father.
When she receives a letter from a long-lost relative, it shines a light on hidden parts of her past. But how will it shape her future?
Publication date: June 4th, 2024
That’s all I have for now, but I’ll be updating this post throughout the year with more 2024 historical fiction book releases, so be sure to check back later! Happy reading. 🙂
For more reading inspiration, check out my list of most-anticipated 2024 fiction books!