Story Tags

The Artist, the Philosopher, and the Warrior cover

Nonfiction that Seems Like a Soap Opera

Reality television stars have nothing on these real historical figures

The adage is that truth is stranger than fiction and these books certainly show that to be true. These nonfiction books feature historical figures with personalities that would put reality television stars to shame—and the antics that go with such larger-than-life personalities.  

And Only to Deceive cover

Historical Mysteries with Female Protagonists

Fiction Picks for Women's History Month

Celebrate Women's History Month with a few historical mysteries featuring smart, independent women making their way in a man's world.  And Only to Deceive by Tasha Alexander

Water Bound cover

Get in the Valentine's Mood with these Romantic Suspense Picks

Curl up with one of these romantic suspense books to celebrate Valentine's Day. Water Bound by Christine Feehan

A Study in Sherlock cover

The Game is Afoot

Celebrate the 130th Anniversary of Sherlock Holmes

The first Sherlock Holmes story was published in December of 1887 and, as evidenced by the popularity of the BBC’s show Sherlock, he still resonates with us today.  Have you read all the original Arthur Conan Doyle stories?

Hystopia cover

Twisted History

Alternative History Novels

Alternative history fiction posits the question "what if?" about historical details large and small and how one change might have impacted the world. These five alternative history novels feature different time periods and different changes that will have history fans rethinking how they look at the world.   The Boleyn King by Laura Andersen

The Lady and Her Monsters cover

Nonfiction for the English Major in All of Us

or Literary History

Delve into the history around some of your favorite literary works, figures, and time periods. Ever wonder how so many great authors and works of literature came to be? These books will take you on a journey of literary history.  

The Cracked Spine cover

Cozy Mysteries for Bibliophiles

Each of these mysteries features a librarian, bookstore owner or employee, author, or other bookish character or setting along with the usual murder and mayhem.  

The Rift Walker cover

Get Your Gears Turning with these Steampunk Books

Where Fantasy and History Meet - and Twist

Are you a fantasy reader who has never found a historical novel you liked? Or the opposite – a historical fiction lover left cold by most fantasy novels? Steampunk might be just the genre for you! Steampunk is blatant historical anachronism, blending and bending history and fantasy to great effect. Try one of these books for a trip back in time - with a twist.  

A Cookbook Conspiracy cover

Sun, Sand, and Sleuthing

These Cozy Mysteries are the Perfect Read for Your Vacation

Cozy mysteries allow readers to enjoy the fun of a murder mystery while avoiding graphic violence and gore. You still get the whodunit twists and turns, the fun of trying to sleuth ahead of the characters, and the sometimes surprising reveal of who really killed the victim – was it really the butler? These are the perfect light summer books for your August beach trip or family vacation. 

Rival Queens cover

European Royalty Outside Britain

History with Larger than Life People

The British royal family is well known, from its towering historical figures, like Henry VIII and Elizabeth I, to the current adorable cuteness of baby Charlotte. What about the rest of Europe? There are some larger than life personalities in the history books of other European royal families. These books feature characters that would be at home on a soap opera - but they are real rulers of times past.  

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