'City of Thieves' by David Benioff. It's set during World War II in Leningrad. It tells the story of two young men on a dangerous mission. It gives a great sense of the hardships during the war while also being a thrilling adventure with some unexpected twists.
'The Historian' by Elizabeth Kostova. It weaves a complex story about Dracula that spans different historical periods. It's not as well - known as some others but is really engaging as it has elements of travel, history, and a spooky mystery.
'The Secret History' by Donna Tartt is somewhat underrated. It has a unique setting in a group of elite students studying Classics, and the slow - burn psychological thriller elements are really engaging. Another is 'The Kind Worth Killing' by Peter Swanson. It has a great plot full of twists and turns that many people might not be aware of.
Some underrated historical fiction books are 'The Birth of Venus' by Sarah Dunant. It's set in Renaissance Florence and follows the story of a young girl coming of age in a time of great artistic and social change. 'Wolf Hall' by Hilary Mantel is also underrated. It offers a unique perspective on the court of Henry VIII. And don't forget 'A Place of Greater Safety' by Hilary Mantel as well, which focuses on the French Revolution.
There's also 'The Book of Merlyn' by T.H. White. It's a sort of continuation of 'The Once and Future King' but often overlooked, and it adds more depth to the Arthurian legend.
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak is often overlooked. It's set in Nazi Germany and is narrated by Death. It shows a different perspective of the time through the eyes of a young girl who steals books.
'The March' by E. L. Doctorow is also a bit under - the - radar. It tells the story of General Sherman's march through the South. It has a lot of different storylines intertwined and gives a broad picture of the chaos and destruction during that period.
One great historical thriller is 'The Da Vinci Code' by Dan Brown. It combines historical facts and mystery in a really engaging way. Another is 'Umberto Eco's 'The Name of the Rose'. It's set in a medieval monastery and is full of intrigue.
One of the best is 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco. It's set in a medieval monastery and involves a series of mysterious deaths. The detective - like monk has to solve the mystery while also dealing with the complex religious and political atmosphere of the time.
The 'The Kingmaker's Daughter' is an underrated gem. It focuses on the life of Anne Neville, a key figure during the Wars of the Roses.
'The Midwife's Apprentice' by Karen Cushman. It's set in medieval England and follows the story of a girl who becomes a midwife's apprentice. It gives a great look into that time period.
One of the most underrated fiction books is 'The Golem and the Jinni' by Helene Wecker. It weaves together the stories of two mythical creatures in New York City. Another is 'Station Eleven' by Emily St. John Mandel. It has a unique post - apocalyptic setting that is more about the human spirit than just the end of the world. And 'The Night Circus' by Erin Morgenstern is also underrated. Its magical circus setting and the love story within it are truly captivating.