I grew up reading mystery books by Enid Blyton and Agatha Christie. Almost all of these had a British setting and were set in the early or middle 1900s. There’s something charming about mysteries set in the Golden Age of Detective Fiction, isn’t there? That’s the period between the two world wars. Agatha Christie became famous during this period. Although there are many mysteries written at that time that are now being resurrected (British Library Crime Classics for example), many modern writers are also writing stories set in the past.
I am going to tell you about some of my favorite historical mystery series today. Almost all of these star women sleuths. So get ready to load up your Kindle.
Before we delve in the past, an update on what’s happening in the present. Strawberries and Strangers, the first book in my new Pelican Cove series goes live this week. I am so excited I can hardly get anything done. And when that happens, I do what I like best – Read!
Top cozy mystery authors have come together to create an anthology that supports No Kill animal charities. Check this out. It’s on sale now at 99c so this is the best time to grab your copy. You get 12 books for a throwaway price and a ‘howlingly good read’ for the dog days of summer.
Fasten your seatbelts now, and get ready to plunge into the roaring twenties.
Women Sleuths and Historical Mysteries You will Love
These fearless femme fatales dress to kill.
Phryne Fisher – by Kerry Greenwood
Phryne lives in Australia and flies her own plane. Yes. Purists might be shocked by what she gets up to in her spare time. She has a flair for adventure and a devil may care attitude. If you love a strong woman who knows her mind and doesn’t think twice about flaunting established norms, you will love Phryne Fisher.
Lady Hardcastle – by T. E. Kinsey
Lady Hardcastle did her bit for king and country during the war. Now she is living the quiet life in a small village in Gloucester. But there’s a murder or two to keep her busy. Lady Hardcastle has a phone installed and is even learning to drive. Cotswolds fans will love the setting.
Ginger Gold – by Lee Strauss
Ginger Gold was born in Britain but grew up in America. She is now a war widow and also has a title. Lady Gold did some secret work for the government during the war. Now she is back in London, learning to drive on the wrong side of the road. On her first day back home, she finds a ten year old corpse in Hartigan House. Then her ancestral manor in the country is struck by a poltergeist. Ginger fearlessly tackles these obstacles, while trying hard not to fall for the charms of Inspector Basil Reed.
Daisy Gumm – by Alice Duncan
This one is set in the United States in California, a world very different from Downton Abbey. Daisy dabbles in the occult, taking everything from tarot cards to crystal balls in her stride. Daisy marries young but her husband is crippled in the war. She has a strong support system of friends and family. And yes, she solves murder mysteries too.
Flavia De Luce – by Alan Bradley
Flavia is a precocious 11 year old girl who lives at a country estate with her extended family. Left to her own devices, she spends time in a laboratory that belonged to an old uncle. Flavia is banished to a remote school in Canada, far away from her tiresome family. While she does get entrenched in a murder, she can’t wait to get back home to Buckshaw.
I am sure there are plenty more women sleuths of the 1920s and 1950s but these are my top picks. Have you read any of these? How did you find them? Can you recommend any other historical mystery series for fellow readers?
Please leave a comment below and join the discussion.
I have read and enjoyed both “Daisy Gumm” and “Ginger Gold” series. I love the old mysteries but have a hard time with the language differences , even tho we are supposed to both speak english. Also the differences in the police is confusing sometimes.
Hello Judy. Thanks for visiting. Yeah, I know. I enjoy reading about the different stuff.
I’ve read the first Favoa book. Enjoyed it.
It’s one of my favorites:)