The Greatest "Historical fiction, Suspense, Fiction" Books Since 2010

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 300 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

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Genres

Historical fiction

Historical fiction is a genre of literature that combines fictional stories with real historical events, settings, and characters. These books often take place in a specific time period and are based on research and factual information, but also include imaginative elements to create a compelling narrative. Historical fiction allows readers to experience the past in a unique and engaging way, while also providing insight into the social, cultural, and political issues of the time.

Suspense

Suspense is a genre of literature that is characterized by a feeling of tension, uncertainty, and anxiety that keeps the reader on edge and engaged throughout the story. It typically involves a protagonist who is facing a dangerous or threatening situation, and the plot is driven by the anticipation of what might happen next. Suspense novels often feature unexpected twists and turns, and the reader is left guessing until the very end. This genre is popular among readers who enjoy thrillers, mysteries, and crime fiction.

Fiction

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  1. 1. Life After Life by Kate Atkinson

    "Life After Life" follows the story of Ursula Todd who is born and dies repeatedly in February 1910. Each time Ursula dies, her life restarts, with each successive life bringing different circumstances and decisions. The novel explores themes of fate, free will, and the infinite possibilities of existence. Through Ursula's many lives, the narrative provides different perspectives on significant historical events, including both World Wars.

  2. 2. 11 22 63 by Stephen King

    "11/22/63" is a science fiction novel by Stephen King that follows the story of Jake Epping, a high school English teacher who discovers a portal that leads to 1958. After being convinced by his friend Al to use the portal to prevent the assassination of John F. Kennedy, Jake embarks on a journey through time to change the course of history. Along the way, he falls in love with a woman named Sadie and faces various obstacles that threaten to alter the timeline he is trying to change. The book explores themes of love, loss, and the consequences of trying to change the past.

  3. 3. The Sound Of Things Falling by Juan Gabriel Vásquez

    "The Sound Of Things Falling" is a thought-provoking novel that delves into the complex and haunting aftermath of the drug trade in Colombia. Set against the backdrop of a turbulent country, the story follows the lives of two men whose paths intertwine in unexpected ways. Through vivid storytelling and poignant reflections, the book explores themes of memory, guilt, and the lasting impact of violence on individuals and society.

  4. 4. Manhattan Beach by Jennifer Egan

    Set against the backdrop of the Great Depression and World War II, the novel follows the life of a young woman who becomes the first female diver to repair ships at the Brooklyn Naval Yard, where her father once worked before his mysterious disappearance. As she grows into her new role, she is drawn into a complex web of underworld figures, sailors, and her father's past, all of which converge to reveal profound truths about her family and the larger world around her. The story is a rich tapestry of a bygone New York, exploring themes of resilience, the impact of war, and the quest for self-discovery amidst the tides of history.

  5. 5. The Invisible Life Of Addie La Rue by V. E. Schwab

    The book follows the story of a young woman in 18th-century France who, desperate to escape an arranged marriage and yearning for freedom, makes a Faustian bargain with a mysterious god-like figure to live forever without being remembered by anyone she meets. Her immortality becomes a curse as she moves through the centuries, leaving no mark on the world until, 300 years later, she stumbles upon a young man in a bookstore who, to her shock, remembers her name. This encounter unfolds into a tale of love, memory, and the intrinsic value of leaving one's mark on the world.

  6. 6. The North Water by Ian McGuire

    "The North Water" by Ian McGuire is a dark historical fiction novel set in the 19th century that follows the journey of a whaling ship called the Volunteer and its crew as they embark on a dangerous voyage to the Arctic. The protagonist, Patrick Sumner, a disgraced surgeon, joins the crew as they set out on the perilous journey. However, the voyage takes a disturbing turn when they encounter a psychopathic harpooner named Henry Drax, who is capable of unspeakable acts of violence. The novel explores themes of morality, survival, and the human condition in a harsh and unforgiving environment.

  7. 7. The Old Drift by Namwali Serpell

    "The Old Drift" by Namwali Serpell is a sweeping and ambitious novel that spans generations and continents, exploring the intertwined lives of three families in Zambia. Set against the backdrop of colonialism, technological advancements, and political upheaval, the story delves into themes of love, power, and identity. From the early days of the British settlers to the rise of an experimental town and the emergence of a new generation, Serpell weaves a rich tapestry of characters and narratives, offering a thought-provoking exploration of history, race, and the impact of human actions on the world.

  8. 8. Those Across The River by Christopher Buehlman

    In this gripping horror novel, a disillusioned World War I veteran moves with his partner to a small, seemingly idyllic town in Georgia to write a book about his family's history. However, they soon discover that the town is haunted by a dark and violent past that refuses to stay buried. As they delve deeper into the town's secrets, they encounter strange rituals and a menacing presence in the woods across the river, which the townspeople are desperately trying to appease. The couple's presence stirs the ancient evil, leading to a terrifying struggle for survival against a force that challenges the very nature of humanity and morality.

  9. 9. The Hunger by Alma Katsu

    In this historical horror novel, a perilous journey unfolds as a wagon train bound for California faces not only the brutal realities of the American frontier but also a terrifying supernatural force preying upon them. As members of the group begin to disappear or show signs of an insidious illness, paranoia and fear escalate among the survivors. The travelers' dire situation is compounded by their own secrets and the mysterious backgrounds of their companions, leading to a harrowing struggle for survival that blurs the line between man and monster, hunger and horror.

  10. 10. This Mortal Boy by Fiona Kidman

    Set in 1950s New Zealand, "This Mortal Boy" tells the gripping true story of Albert "Paddy" Black, a young Irish immigrant who finds himself caught up in a tragic turn of events. When Paddy is accused of murder, his fate rests in the hands of the justice system and the public's perception of him as an outsider. As the trial unfolds, the novel explores themes of prejudice, class division, and the power of love and hope in the face of adversity.

  11. 11. Go Tell The Bees That I Am Gone by Diana Gabaldon

    In this historical fiction novel, we follow the story of a time-traveling woman who has reunited with her 18th-century husband in pre-Revolutionary America. As the couple attempts to build a life together in the tumultuous setting of the American colonies, they are faced with the challenges of the impending war, family drama, and the complexities of navigating a society on the brink of rebellion. The novel intertwines elements of romance, adventure, and historical events, as the protagonists balance their personal lives with the larger historical forces at play, all while maintaining the secret of the woman's time-traveling origins.

  12. 12. Pure by Andrew Miller

    Set in pre-revolutionary France, the novel follows a young engineer who is tasked with demolishing an overflowing cemetery in Paris. As he undertakes this macabre task, he encounters a variety of characters, including a rebellious nun, a gravedigger, and a family living on the cemetery grounds. The book explores themes of mortality, the inevitability of progress, and the fragility of existence, all set against the backdrop of a society on the brink of dramatic change.

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download