The Tudor dynasty remains one of the most fascinating periods in history, filled with political maneuvering, courtly drama, and larger-than-life personalities. From Henry VIII’s six wives to Elizabethan espionage, these novels bring the era to life with rich storytelling and historical detail. If you love historical fiction set in this tumultuous period, these ten historical fiction books deserve a place on your reading list.
1. Wolf Hall – Hilary Mantel
A masterpiece of Tudor historical fiction, Wolf Hall follows the rise of Thomas Cromwell, the cunning and complex advisor to Henry VIII. Mantel’s vivid prose and deep character study make this an unforgettable read. As Cromwell helps Henry navigate his controversial marriage to Anne Boleyn, readers are drawn into a world of ambition, betrayal, and political intrigue. If you enjoy this, be sure to continue the trilogy with Bring Up the Bodies and The Mirror and the Light.
2. Revelation – C.J. Sansom
For fans of Tudor-era murder mysteries, C.J. Sansom’s Revelation is a gripping thriller. Lawyer-detective Matthew Shardlake investigates a series of gruesome killings in 1543 while King Henry VIII courts Catherine Parr. With a backdrop of religious upheaval and chilling prophecies from the Book of Revelation, this novel delivers both suspense and historical depth. This is part of the Shardlake series, which also includes Dissolution, Dark Fire, Sovereign, Heartstone, Lamentation, and Tombland.
3. Jane the Quene – Janet Ambrosi Wertman
This novel explores the life of Jane Seymour, Henry VIII’s third wife, as she is drawn into the dangerous orbit of the king. Wertman crafts a compelling story of a woman caught between duty and ambition, grappling with the moral weight of replacing Anne Boleyn. It is the first book in the Seymour Saga, followed by The Path to Somerset and The Boy King.
4. The Beaufort Bride – Judith Arnopp
This novel delves deeply into the life of Margaret Beaufort, the mother of Henry VII and the true architect of the Tudor dynasty. This novel captures her struggles as a young bride and mother in a politically volatile England. Arnopp paints a vivid portrait of a woman whose determination helped shape English history. Continue the story with The Beaufort Woman and The King’s Mother.
5. The Eyes of the Queen – Oliver Clements
If you love Elizabethan spy thrillers, this book is for you. The novel follows John Dee, the scholar and alchemist who becomes Elizabeth I’s first secret agent. With Spain threatening England and the Age of Enlightenment at stake, Dee must outmaneuver enemies in a world where espionage is just as deadly as open warfare. This is the first book in the Agents of the Crown series.
6. Heresy – S.J. Parris
This fast-paced thriller follows Giordano Bruno, a monk-turned-spy who infiltrates Oxford to uncover a Catholic plot against Queen Elizabeth I. Combining murder, mystery, and intellectual intrigue, Heresy is perfect for readers who enjoy stories blending real historical figures with gripping fiction. This book kicks off the Giordano Bruno series, which includes Prophecy, Sacrilege, Treachery, Conspiracy, and Execution.
7. The Angel’s Mark – S.W. Perry
Set in Elizabethan London, this novel follows physician Nicholas Shelby, who stumbles upon a series of ritualistic murders. With the help of a determined tavern keeper, Shelby must unravel the truth before the killer strikes again. Fans of richly detailed settings and suspenseful plots will love this historical mystery. It is the first book in the Jackdaw Mysteries series, followed by The Serpent’s Mark, The Saracen’s Mark, and more.
8. The Last Wife of Henry VIII – Carolly Erickson
Telling the story of Catherine Parr, Henry VIII’s sixth wife, these novel paints a dramatic picture of her rise and survival at court. Torn between her love for Thomas Seymour and her duty to the king, Catherine must navigate the deadly politics of Tudor England to secure her future.
9. A Tip for the Hangman – Allison Epstein
For fans of Christopher Marlowe and espionage, this novel follows the famous playwright as he is recruited by Queen Elizabeth’s spymaster to gather intelligence on Mary, Queen of Scots. Epstein’s fast-paced storytelling brings the Elizabethan court and London’s vibrant theater scene to life.
10. The Confession of Katherine Howard – Suzannah Dunn
Told from the perspective of Cat Tilney, a close friend of Katherine Howard, this novel explores the tragic downfall of Henry VIII’s fifth wife. Through Cat’s eyes, we see a young queen caught in a web of lies, power plays, and forbidden love, leading to her ultimate demise.
These ten books transport readers into the heart of the Tudor era, whether through political intrigue, gripping thrillers, or dramatic retellings of historical events. Whether you’re fascinated by Henry VIII’s court, Elizabethan espionage, or the fierce women who shaped the Tudor dynasty, there’s a novel here for you.
The Tudor dynasty remains one of the most fascinating periods in history, filled with political maneuvering, courtly drama, and larger-than-life personalities. From Henry VIII’s six wives to Elizabethan espionage, these novels bring the era to life with rich storytelling and historical detail. If you love historical fiction set in this tumultuous period, these ten historical fiction books deserve a place on your reading list.
1. Wolf Hall – Hilary Mantel
A masterpiece of Tudor historical fiction, Wolf Hall follows the rise of Thomas Cromwell, the cunning and complex advisor to Henry VIII. Mantel’s vivid prose and deep character study make this an unforgettable read. As Cromwell helps Henry navigate his controversial marriage to Anne Boleyn, readers are drawn into a world of ambition, betrayal, and political intrigue. If you enjoy this, be sure to continue the trilogy with Bring Up the Bodies and The Mirror and the Light.
2. Revelation – C.J. Sansom
For fans of Tudor-era murder mysteries, C.J. Sansom’s Revelation is a gripping thriller. Lawyer-detective Matthew Shardlake investigates a series of gruesome killings in 1543 while King Henry VIII courts Catherine Parr. With a backdrop of religious upheaval and chilling prophecies from the Book of Revelation, this novel delivers both suspense and historical depth. This is part of the Shardlake series, which also includes Dissolution, Dark Fire, Sovereign, Heartstone, Lamentation, and Tombland.
3. Jane the Quene – Janet Ambrosi Wertman
This novel explores the life of Jane Seymour, Henry VIII’s third wife, as she is drawn into the dangerous orbit of the king. Wertman crafts a compelling story of a woman caught between duty and ambition, grappling with the moral weight of replacing Anne Boleyn. It is the first book in the Seymour Saga, followed by The Path to Somerset and The Boy King.
4. The Beaufort Bride – Judith Arnopp
This novel delves deeply into the life of Margaret Beaufort, the mother of Henry VII and the true architect of the Tudor dynasty. This novel captures her struggles as a young bride and mother in a politically volatile England. Arnopp paints a vivid portrait of a woman whose determination helped shape English history. Continue the story with The Beaufort Woman and The King’s Mother.
5. The Eyes of the Queen – Oliver Clements
If you love Elizabethan spy thrillers, this book is for you. The novel follows John Dee, the scholar and alchemist who becomes Elizabeth I’s first secret agent. With Spain threatening England and the Age of Enlightenment at stake, Dee must outmaneuver enemies in a world where espionage is just as deadly as open warfare. This is the first book in the Agents of the Crown series.
6. Heresy – S.J. Parris
This fast-paced thriller follows Giordano Bruno, a monk-turned-spy who infiltrates Oxford to uncover a Catholic plot against Queen Elizabeth I. Combining murder, mystery, and intellectual intrigue, Heresy is perfect for readers who enjoy stories blending real historical figures with gripping fiction. This book kicks off the Giordano Bruno series, which includes Prophecy, Sacrilege, Treachery, Conspiracy, and Execution.
7. The Angel’s Mark – S.W. Perry
Set in Elizabethan London, this novel follows physician Nicholas Shelby, who stumbles upon a series of ritualistic murders. With the help of a determined tavern keeper, Shelby must unravel the truth before the killer strikes again. Fans of richly detailed settings and suspenseful plots will love this historical mystery. It is the first book in the Jackdaw Mysteries series, followed by The Serpent’s Mark, The Saracen’s Mark, and more.
8. The Last Wife of Henry VIII – Carolly Erickson
Telling the story of Catherine Parr, Henry VIII’s sixth wife, these novel paints a dramatic picture of her rise and survival at court. Torn between her love for Thomas Seymour and her duty to the king, Catherine must navigate the deadly politics of Tudor England to secure her future.
9. A Tip for the Hangman – Allison Epstein
For fans of Christopher Marlowe and espionage, this novel follows the famous playwright as he is recruited by Queen Elizabeth’s spymaster to gather intelligence on Mary, Queen of Scots. Epstein’s fast-paced storytelling brings the Elizabethan court and London’s vibrant theater scene to life.
10. The Confession of Katherine Howard – Suzannah Dunn
Told from the perspective of Cat Tilney, a close friend of Katherine Howard, this novel explores the tragic downfall of Henry VIII’s fifth wife. Through Cat’s eyes, we see a young queen caught in a web of lies, power plays, and forbidden love, leading to her ultimate demise.
These ten books transport readers into the heart of the Tudor era, whether through political intrigue, gripping thrillers, or dramatic retellings of historical events. Whether you’re fascinated by Henry VIII’s court, Elizabethan espionage, or the fierce women who shaped the Tudor dynasty, there’s a novel here for you.
