The Best 2024 Fall Reading Guide Historical Fiction Books

One of my favorite parts of fall reading is curling up with historical fiction. The 2024 Fall Reading Guide Historical Fiction Books list is full of rich, layered stories that bring the past to life in fresh and imaginative ways. Whether you’re drawn to mythological retellings, literary scandals, or eerie tales tinged with mystery, this historical fiction book list has something to transport you into another time and place. These are the historical fiction standouts that I believe deserve a place on your fall TBR.

Top 3 Historical Fiction Books

The Witch of Colchis by Rosie Hewlett

This captivating retelling follows Medea’s journey from a young, naïve princess to a powerful and feared sorceress in Greek mythology. Rosie Hewlett breathes new life into a story we thought we knew, centering Medea’s voice and exploring her complex relationships, agency, and transformation. I selected The Witch of Colchis because it’s a fresh feminist spin on mythology that’s perfect for fans of Madeline Miller and Jennifer Saint. It’s atmospheric, fierce, and beautifully written, and it left me reflecting on how women’s stories are often silenced or reshaped by history. If you love mythological retellings with a dark edge, this one is a must-read.

You can get a copy on Amazon.

The Wildes by Louis Bayard

This novel examines the emotional aftermath of Oscar Wilde’s scandal—not through his perspective, but through the lens of his family, who must navigate the shadow of his choices and the social consequences that follow. Bayard digs into themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the personal cost of genius, while offering a tender, intimate look at Wilde’s loved ones. I included The Wildes because it explores not just history, but the human cost behind the headlines. For readers who loved The Paris Wife or The Other Bennet Sister, this book blends emotional storytelling with impeccable research. It made me think about how public disgrace ripples through private lives in heartbreaking and deeply human ways.

You can get a copy on Amazon.

The Empusium by Olga Tokarczuk

Set in 1913, this haunting story follows a young Pole suffering from tuberculosis as he arrives at a mountain sanatorium in the Silesian Alps. What seems like a place of healing quickly turns unsettling, with eerie occurrences that blur the line between the natural and supernatural. Tokarczuk’s prose is both cerebral and atmospheric, weaving philosophy and suspense into a historical setting. I chose The Empusium because it delivers the perfect mix of historical fiction and gothic unease—ideal for readers who enjoyed The Magic Mountain by Thomas Mann or even the eerie tone of Sarah Waters. It made me feel both fascinated and unsettled, the way only the best historical fiction with a gothic edge can.

You can get a copy on Amazon.

What Historical Fiction Books Are You Adding to Your TBR?

Those are my top picks for 2024 Fall Reading Guide Historical Fiction Books, and I’d love to hear what you think! Do you gravitate toward retellings of myths, family dramas rooted in real history, or atmospheric tales with a touch of the gothic? Share in the comments which of these historical fiction books you’re most excited to read—or what else you’re adding to your fall TBR. Let’s swap recommendations and make this reading season unforgettable!