Well, 'Gorky Park' by Martin Cruz Smith is a top pick. It's set in the Soviet Union and the mystery revolves around a triple murder in Gorky Park. The book gives a great insight into the Soviet society at that time. 'The Seven Per - Cent Solution' by Nicholas Meyer is another good one. It involves Sherlock Holmes and his struggle with drug addiction, set in a historical context. And 'The Historian' by Elizabeth Kostova is a great read. It weaves a story of mystery around the search for Dracula, with a lot of historical detail about different regions and time periods.
One of the best is 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco. It's set in a medieval monastery and involves a complex mystery filled with religious symbolism and intellectual debates. The detailed description of the medieval setting makes it a classic.
One characteristic is the blend of historical settings and mystery elements. They often use real historical periods like the Victorian era or the Middle Ages as the backdrop. For example, in 'The Alienist', the 19th - century New York setting is vividly described, and the mystery of the serial killer is intertwined with the social and cultural aspects of that time. Another is the use of historical figures or events. In 'The Name of the Rose', the monastery's life and the theological debates of the medieval period are important parts of the mystery.
Mystery historical fiction books often blend historical facts with fictional mystery elements. They typically have a setting in a specific historical period, like the Victorian era or the Middle Ages. The characters are usually influenced by the social norms and values of that time. For example, in a book set in the 1920s, the characters might be dealing with post - war issues while also trying to solve a mystery. The mystery itself can range from a murder case to a missing artifact. And the plot often unfolds slowly, revealing historical details along the way.
'The Alienist' by Caleb Carr is also excellent. It takes place in 1896 New York and follows the investigation of a serial killer. The historical details of the city at that time are vividly depicted, and the mystery keeps you on the edge of your seat. The audiobook is well - performed, making it an engaging listen.
One of the best is 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco. It's set in a medieval monastery and involves a complex mystery with religious overtones. The detailed descriptions of the time period make it a great historical fiction as well as a mystery.
I think 'An American Marriage' by Tayari Jones has elements that can be considered in the mystery fiction of 2018. It's a story about a marriage torn apart by a false accusation of rape. The mystery lies in the truth behind the accusation and how the characters deal with it. It's a complex exploration of relationships and the justice system.
'The Dante Club' by Matthew Pearl is also worth reading. It combines the mystery genre with Dante's 'Inferno'. Set in 19th - century Boston, it involves a series of murders that seem to be inspired by Dante's work. The historical context of the literary scene in Boston at that time is well - presented.
You can start by asking for recommendations from librarians. They are very knowledgeable and can point you to some great mystery and historical fiction books. Another way is to check online book communities like Goodreads. People there often share their favorite books in these genres.
One great mystery historical fiction book is 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco. It's set in a medieval monastery and involves a series of mysterious deaths. Another is 'Rebecca' by Daphne du Maurier, which has a sense of mystery in an old English estate. 'The Alienist' by Caleb Carr is also a great one, set in 19th - century New York with a mystery surrounding a serial killer.
One great historical mystery fiction book is 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco. It is set in a medieval monastery and involves a series of mysterious deaths. Another is 'The Alienist' by Caleb Carr, which takes place in 1896 New York City and follows the investigation of a serial killer. 'The Dante Club' by Matthew Pearl is also excellent, as it combines the mystery element with Dante's Inferno in a historical Boston setting.