It is officially summer in the Northern Hemisphere and I am… not a fan of the summer. I do not well in heat, I don’t like bugs, and I don’t like needing to set up a seat, shading, etc. So, yes, I embrace my air conditioning and I grab a good book. In the summer, I do my best to give myself a lot of time to sit and read. Nothing else, just an afternoon or evening of reading time. And this is when I want a book that I absolutely cannot put down. Some people binge shows in a weekend, I love to read a book in one setting. So, if you are looking for a fantastic book to read this summer, these are my can’t-put-down books for history lovers!
My Can’t-Put-Down Books for History Lovers
I’ve picked books from several different genres, so there is hopefully something for everyone. We’ve got mystery, history, historical fiction, biography, and historical fantasy. While there are so many books that I love in these genres, these are ones that I was hooked immediately and couldn’t stop reading.
Mystery- The Murder of Mr. Wickham, Claudia Gray (My Review)
This is the first book is a series of Jane Austen-ish mysteries where we follow the son of Elizabeth and Darcy and the daughter of Catherine and Henry as they solve mysteries. (Yes, those mysteries include the murder of Wickham.) This series is second-gen Jane Austen if you will, and I think that gives Gray a ton of freedom. She isn’t trying to mimic Austen’s style or tone, and that is definitely a strength of the books. Everyone is somewhat familiar but we have entertaining new stories!
History- Pandora’s Jar, Natalie Haynes (My Review)
Natalie Haynes is one of the most engaging Classicists that I’ve read, and I recommend this book far and wide. Men, male deities, and male creatures dominate Greek and Roman mythology (and other mythologies), and yet the world is still 50% female. I love that Pandora’s Jar explores some of the key women in Greek mythology and the misconceptions about them. (Not shocking- misogyny is a major factor.) There is a second book that covers even more women, but I would start with this!
Historical Fiction- A Crane Among Wolves, June Hur (My Review)
I love all of Hur’s books, but A Crane Among Wolves was truly a gripping read for me. A mystery set at a royal court that reads like a K-Drama? I felt so immersed in this story and although it is darker, I needed to see it through. Hur’s characters are always incredibly complex and feel like real people- Iseul is one of my favourite protagonists of the last few years. We have mystery, we have political intrigue, we have family issues, we have a little bit of romance- there is something for everyone from a ridiculously talented author.
Biography- Marie Antoinette, Antonia Fraser
I love all of Antonia Fraser’s books but this Marie Antoinette biography is one of the historical biographies. Marie Atnoinette remains one of the figures that most people have at least a passing interest in, and given that at the time of publishing (mid-2025), we are seeing a ton of references to the French Revolution, there is no better time to dive into her life. Fraser’s books read like novels, and there is no better compliment for an historian. I would also highly recommend her Mary, Queen of Scots bio!
Historical Fantasy- Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries, Heather Fawcett (My Review)
This book sees the study of faeries a legitimate academic topic and our protagonist is a Cambridge-based professor who heads to the field to study these magical creatures. Set in the Edwardian period, I loved the grounding in a historical period. The other-wordly folk, the lush settings, Emily and her colleagues, every element of this book fit perfectly. There is also a second book that came out in January 2025, if you want more (and you probably will!)
Bonus: This is written by a Canadian author!
Bonus: Fiction- The Last Summer at the Golden Hotel, Elyssa Friedland (My Review)
I thought I would include a bonus pick if you enjoy contemporary fiction! This novel follows two families who have co-owned a hotel in the Catskill Mountains for over half a century and the hotel is set to close. The families come together for one last summer and drama ensues as you might expect. We have a wide cast of characters that make for a fun and heartfelt book. It gives me Mrs. Maisel vibes, if that is your thing!
What books are you reading this summer?
Cheers,
The Historian
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