Twists, Turns, Dual-Timelines: 10 Gripping New Historical Fiction Mystery Books to Get Lost In!

Woman's World

by Melissa D'Agnese and Carissa Mosness

July 26, 2025

In 1927, 8-year-old Clara’s mother—a famous author who wrote a book in a secret language—vanishes­. In 1952, Clara receives a letter about her mother’s disappearance and a clue to her lost language, so she travels to London to learn about the man who sent it and about what happened to her mom and the story she left behind. 

What readers are saying: “I love historical fiction—and I enjoyed The Secret Book of Flora Lea by Patti Callahan Henry,” says Carissa Mosness, Woman’s World Assistant Digital Editor. “So I couldn’t wait to crack open her latest story, and trust me when I say it was a must-read mystery!” 

READ MORE