It is important to point out that there are many new historical mystery novels coming out which should not be missed. Even if you don’t usually like historical mysteries, there is surely something here for you.

Reading right now:

“Portrait of Peril” is Laura Joh Rowland’s fifth book in the Sarah Bain series. This is a fantastic historical mystery series set in 1890 London which opens with Sarah Bain finally getting married to Detective Sergeant Barrett. Unfortunately, murder follows them right into the church and takes them on a journey into the world of spiritualism. The murder victim was a photographer who was trying to photograph ghosts in the church because many believe it to be haunted. While trying to solve one complicated mystery, Sarah is also dragged back into her family’s dark past which forced her father into hiding from a murder charge. All of Sarah’s fascinating friends are back while they all try to cope with how their lives are changing especially with Sarah now married.

On hold right now:

“A Sinister Service” is the sixth book in the Lady and Lady’s Maid series by Alyssa Maxwell.  This series takes place in post-World War I England where a young Lady Phoebe Renshaw and her lady’s maid seem to always be ready to solve a mystery. Even trying to commission a gift for her grandparents’ wedding anniversary puts her in a position to find a dead body and try to discover who the killer is.

Bill Pronzini’s ninth book in the Quincannon & Carpenter book is “The Paradise Affair.” This historical series takes place in 1890s San Francisco where this time former Pinkerton operative Sabina Carpenter and her detective partner, ex-Secret Service agent John Quincannon, go in pursuit of two con men who have stolen from their employer and left for Hawaii.

“Death Comes to the Rectory” is the eighth book in the Kurland St. Mary series by Catherine Lloyd. After one of their guests for their daughter’s christening is found dead with a note in his hand, Lady Lucy and her husband Major Sir Robert Kurland both jump in to solve the murder. Sir Robert because it is his job and Lady Lucy because her father is implicated in the murder.

“City of Schemes” is the fourth book in the Counterfeit Lady series by Victoria Thompson. World War I is over and Elizabeth Miles is planning her wedding to Gideon Bates. Unfortunately, one of their friends, recently discharged from the army, receives a letter from a woman in France that he fell in love with and she now needs help. Elizabeth is convinced the letter is a con job, but how can she prove that it isn’t real?

Other Mysterious Things:

There were several historical mysteries that came out in December that are must reads. “The Mystery of Mrs. Christie” by Marie Benedict is an exciting take on why Agatha Christie disappeared for 11 days in 1926. Alys Clare’s second novel in the World’s End Bureau Victorian Mystery series is out and is called “The Outcast Girls.” Clare’s series is definitely one not to miss. “Marion Lane and the Midnight Murder” is T.A. Willberg’s first book which takes place in London in 1958. Harald Gilbers’ first book is also the first in a new series. Called “Germania” it takes place in Berlin in 1944 where Jewish detective Richard Oppenheimer hunts for a serial killer in war-torn Nazi Berlin.