Historical Thriller Books

The best historical thriller book reviews. Historical thrillers feature suspenseful situations set in specific time periods, in which the survival of fictional characters are threatened by the real circumstances of prior historical eras and places.

Born of Bombs

Born of Bombs and Bullets, a Hard-Hitting Historical Thriller by David A. Dummer

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The Bottom Line: A welcome respite from monotonous historical thrillers, Born of Bombs and Bullets delivers a fresh, hard-hitting take on Northern Ireland’s Troubles as seen through the eyes of a vulnerable American.  After failing to stop a preventable murder in the American prison where he worked, psychologist Aaron Thornton moves to his wife’s native city of Belfast, Northern Ireland, for a fresh start. Thornton specializes in psychological trauma, including vicarious […]

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Justice for Emerson, a Deeply Engrossing Murder Mystery by Karen E. Osborne

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The Bottom Line: Five stars for this deeply engrossing, serious-as-a-heart-attack murder mystery that has profound things to say about social justice, loyalty and the human condition.  Karen E. Osborne’s chilling new novel opens at the headquarters of a local not-for-profit organization 45 minutes North of New York City. If you’re the kind of reader who warns characters about the dangers of dark basements, prepare to get started

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Rescue Run, an Essential World War II Thriller by John Winn Miller

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The Bottom Line: Based on real World War II heroes, and profoundly researched from cover-to-cover, Rescue Run is every bit as riveting and essential as anything in Clive Cussler’s body of work.  Set during World War II, Rescue Run opens as American Captain Jake Rogers’ cargo ship comes under attack from a Nazi submarine. Despite the assistance of a B-24 bomber in fending off the U-boat attack, Rogers’ battered

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Historical Thriller of The Year: The Beauty Doctor by Elizabeth Hutchison Bernard

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The Bottom Line:  Voted Best Historical Thriller in the 2024 BestThrillers.com Book Awards Aspiring doctor Abigail Platford has nearly given up on her dream to follow in her father’s footsteps to help New York City’s poor. After her father’s death and her mother’s remarriage, she fends off an attempted rape by her alcoholic stepfather – a situation that finds her agreeing to marry a man

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Tiger Season

Tiger Season, a Haunting Historical Thriller by Gojan Nikolich

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The Bottom Line: A haunting, nerve-wracking tale set in the eerie landscape of the Korean demilitarized zone (DMZ). Tiger Season opens as U.S. Army veteran Eddie Profar is dying in a hospital in Duluth, Minnesota. After a day of visitors coming and going from his deathbed, a chill sends him into a vivid remembrance about the winter of 1968, when he served along the demilitarized zone (DMZ) dividing

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Echoes of Fortune, a Taut Historical Thriller by David R. Leng

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The Bottom Line: A taut historical thriller that blends a rich tapestry of American folklore with modern adventure and romance. Perfect for fans of Steve Berry and James Rollins.  In the timeless tradition of The Count of Monte Cristo, David R. Leng’s new book centers around a modern-day search for buried treasure. In this case, the fortune comes courtesy of the real-life historical account of British General Edward

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Pushing Back the Desert, a High-Stakes Political Thriller by Gordon Zuckerman

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The Bottom Line: Rigorously researched, this cold war political thriller crackles with high-stakes spycraft, corporate greed and the moral obligation to protect humanity.  Pushing Back the Desert opens in the 1950s, as New Yorker Claudine Demaureaux summons a group of highly educated friends dubbed the Six Sentinels. The group first became acquainted when they shared the same doctoral study group during World War II. Now successful

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The Best Lucy Foley Books in Order (Updated!)

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Looking for a list of Lucy Foley books in recommended reading order? You’ve come to the right place. Bestselling British author Lucy Foley is a favorite among fans of contemporary mystery and crime fiction and critics alike. She also writes historical fiction. Further, one of her short stories is included in a collection of Agatha Christie fan fiction focusing on Christie’s iconic character Mrs. Marple.

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Project Übermensch, an Unputdownable Conspiracy Thriller by Lonnie Busch

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The Bottom Line: An unputdownable conspiracy thriller that deftly explores the consequences of immortality and the nature of unchecked power without ever missing a beat.     North Carolina resident Geoffrey Cannon has a growing reputation as a benevolent healer. He detects illnesses. Like a messiah sent from God, he cures the gravely ill with a touch of his hand. A noted metaphysical author and speaker, he is

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House of Fat Man, an Atmospheric Spy Thriller by M Gerard-Alesco

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The Bottom Line: A deeply atmospheric, labyrinthine spy thriller written in the tradition of John le Carre.   House of Fat Man opens at dawn in Chiang Mai as 29-year-old American ex-pat Greg Robber  is polishing off yet another beer. The previous night, he had found a friend named Nok severely beaten at a research station. The primary suspect? The Fat Man – a Chinese drug lord

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