Historical Mystery Lovers discussion

I read a lot of historical mysteries because I love both moving into a different timeline and being able to "participate" in problem-solving. What I've found, though, is that a great many historical mysteries feel formulaic with not-particularly-difficult mysteries and with characters that feel more like cardboard cut-outs than real people. I am also not a reader of romances, and the dividing line between historical mysteries and historical romances feels dangerously fine much of the time. That said—who are the historical mystery writers that you turn to when you want something that really engages in terms of character, plot, and writing style? I'm not asking that you dis anyone, just that you mention particular favorites. For me, those favorites generally cross genres: Iain Pears, Benjamin Black/John Banville, Laurie King, Carlos Ruíz Zafón, C.J. Sansom, Eloisa Díaz, Eva García Saénz de Urturi, Leonardo Padura Fuentes. Who are your no-compromises best of the best?

Thanks for your take on the genre Sarah-Hope.

One thing I like about historical mysteries is that there are many sub-types and something for everyone's tastes. For me, one of the most important elements is historical accuracy (or as much as is possible in fiction).

I do enjoy a little bit of romance in my historical mysteries and also enjoy the occasional historical cozy every now and again, although they can be formulaic with predictable mysteries.

My favorite authors are C.S. Harris (Sebastian St. Cyr), Caleb Carr (The Alienist), Anna Lee Huber (Lady Darby), Sherry Thomas (Lady Sherlock), Denna Raybourn (Lady Julia, Veronica Speedwell), Catherine Lloyd (Kurland St. Mary), Charles Todd (Bess Crawfords).

Looking at this, it seems I prefer female protagonists :)

I'll add Anne Perry to the list. I've read almost all of her William Monk series and the first few of the Pitt series.

And how could I forget Lindsey Davis, of the Falco series. I'm just starting the follow-up series with Falco's daughter, and it is also excellent.

I hear what you're saying, Sarah-Hope. I'd like to add some of my favorites to your list, for their sense of time and place in their books:

Abir Mukherjee -- at the top of his game at the moment, for his series set in the British Raj time period.
William Savage -- his Ashmole Foxe Georgian mysteries are filled with period detail.
Renee Patrick -- Edith Head and 40s Hollywood Gossip -- what's not to like?
Ed Ifkovic -- uses Edna Ferber as his "detective," and his books center around all of her books' timelines. One of my all-time favorites for the worlds he conjures up.
Mike Hollow -- the "Blitz Detective" books reminds us that War is Hell, and that the consequences of war are felt long after the fighting is over.

Those are my top five. I could come up with a few more, but these will do to start with.

I love the romance plots more than the mysteries! I adore Amelia Peabody. They're funny, romantic and suspenseful.

I liked Lady Julia Grey and Veronica Speedwell but for me, the hook is the romance. Same with Kat Holloway by Jennifer Ashley.

The best of the best that deal with the history of the time and have engaging plots without too much cozy fluff (I love the fluff though) are
Alyssa Maxwell A Lady and Lady's Maid series is a little darker than the Gilded Newport series. I like them both and love Gilded Newport because I've been to some of the mansions and theoretically could grab the book and go read on location.

Kurland St. Mary series Catherine Lloyd is more traditional even though there's romance.

The Frances Ffolks series Death on the Sapphire was short-lived but excellent. Not much romance there.

I love Darcie Wilde's Rosalind Thorne series.