If you enjoy reading novels by C. J. Sansom then you might also like the following authors:
Hilary Mantel is a British author praised for historical novels rich with detail, complex characters, and vivid settings. Readers who enjoy C. J. Sansom’s Tudor-era mysteries might appreciate Mantel’s “Wolf Hall,” the first novel in her Thomas Cromwell trilogy.
This novel paints an absorbing picture of Henry VIII’s court and Cromwell’s rise from a common blacksmith’s son to the king’s closest advisor. Mantel blends political intrigue, personal loyalties, and historical events into an absorbing story of ambition, power, and survival.
Her portrayal of Cromwell feels deeply human, making the past come alive in an intimate and believable way.
Ellis Peters was a British author known for historical mysteries set in medieval England and Wales. Readers who like C. J. Sansom’s detailed and atmospheric storytelling will likely appreciate Peters’ Brother Cadfael series.
For example, “A Morbid Taste for Bones” takes place in 12th-century England, where Brother Cadfael, a Welsh monk with a talent for medicine and investigation, encounters murder during a journey to retrieve the relics of a saint.
Cadfael’s sharp wit and the medieval backdrop make this mystery story enjoyable and immersive.
Umberto Eco was an Italian novelist and philosopher known for intelligent historical mysteries wrapped in layers of symbolism. Fans of C. J. Sansom’s meticulous historical setting will appreciate Eco’s novel “The Name of the Rose.”
Set in a medieval monastery, the book opens with a mysterious murder, which leads the sharp-minded monk William of Baskerville into an investigation filled with secretive manuscripts, coded messages, and deadly rivalries.
Monks clash over spiritual debates and forbidden texts, as the truth becomes more elusive. Eco weaves a complex mystery, rich in historical detail, with layers of intellectual intrigue similar to Sansom’s novels.
“The Name of the Rose” challenges the reader on multiple levels while delivering a deeply satisfying story.
Books by Robert Harris offer fascinating historical adventures filled with suspense and vivid detail, especially appealing to those who enjoy the historical mysteries of C.J. Sansom.
In “Fatherland,” Harris creates an alternate history set in a world where Nazi Germany won World War II. Detective Xavier March investigates a seemingly routine murder, but soon uncovers a dark conspiracy that could shake the foundations of his society.
Harris skillfully blends a fictional scenario and true historical events, with well-developed characters whose fates will genuinely keep you turning the pages. If you appreciate Sansom’s layered characters and atmospheric settings, Harris provides an engaging change of pace.
Ken Follett is a master storyteller known for historical novels full of suspense, vivid characters, and meticulous detail. Readers who enjoy C. J. Sansom’s detailed historical mysteries set in turbulent historical periods might enjoy Follett’s “The Pillars of the Earth”.
Set in 12th-century England, this novel revolves around the ambitious building of a cathedral in the fictional town of Kingsbridge.
Readers encounter strong personalities, political intrigues, violent confrontations, and personal dramas as the characters pursue their hopes and ambitions over decades.
Follett not only brings medieval times to life but also lets readers experience the personal struggles and hidden battles behind monumental historical events.
Books by Bernard Cornwell often blend history, mystery, and action into memorable tales. If you enjoyed C. J. Sansom’s historical mysteries, try Cornwell’s “The Last Kingdom.” It tells the story of Uhtred, a young Saxon noble captured by Danish invaders in 9th-century Britain.
Torn between two worlds, Uhtred grows up among Vikings yet struggles with loyalty to his Saxon roots. Battles, shifting alliances, and complex characters fill the pages. Cornwell vividly portrays the harsh realities of early medieval life and warfare.
It’s an addictive read with plenty of historical depth.
Readers who enjoy C. J. Sansom’s historical thrillers might appreciate S. J. Parris and her book “Heresy.” Parris introduces readers to Giordano Bruno, a former monk and philosopher on the run in Elizabethan England.
In Oxford to debate theology, Bruno instead finds himself investigating a series of chilling murders. The story blends history with mystery famously, including political intrigue, hidden loyalties, and dangerous secrets.
Fans of carefully researched settings, conflicted heroes, and suspenseful plots will find “Heresy” satisfying and absorbing.
Andrew Taylor is an author fans of C. J. Sansom may enjoy for his atmospheric historical thrillers set in vividly drawn periods of English history. One great starting point is “The Ashes of London,” which places readers right in the chaos of London after the Great Fire of 1666.
James Marwood, the protagonist, is tasked with tracking down a killer amid the ashes and rubble of the devastated city.
Taylor blends political intrigue with a detailed portrayal of Restoration-era England, bringing readers into a fascinating story of suspense, conspiracy, and murder.
If you liked the historical depth and mystery of Sansom’s Matthew Shardlake series, Taylor’s vivid characters and complex plotting will probably feel very familiar.
Antonia Hodgson writes absorbing historical thrillers set in vibrant 18th-century England. Readers who enjoy C. J. Sansom’s rich atmosphere and attention to period detail will find Hodgson’s novels equally captivating.
In her book “The Devil in the Marshalsea,” Hodgson vividly brings to life the dangerous underworld of a London debtors’ prison. The protagonist, Tom Hawkins, is a charming young gentleman who finds himself imprisoned after falling deeply into debt.
To survive this harsh place, he soon gets caught up in solving a chilling murder mystery within the prison walls.
Hodgson masterfully blends suspenseful storytelling with historical authenticity, transporting readers directly into the gritty streets and shadowy corners of Georgian London.
C. W. Gortner writes historical novels packed with drama and atmosphere, perfect for readers who enjoy C. J. Sansom. His book “The Last Queen” explores the life of Juana of Castile, daughter of Ferdinand and Isabella, known to history as Juana la Loca.
Set against the tense backdrop of 16th-century European politics, the novel traces Juana’s struggles, betrayals, and emotional battles as she fights to claim her rightful place on the throne.
Gortner’s vivid writing draws readers into royal intrigue, bringing to life a remarkable queen whose true story deserves to be heard.
Readers who enjoy C. J. Sansom’s historical mysteries might find Rory Clements appealing as well. Clements brings Elizabethan England vividly to life through stories filled with political intrigue, secret plots, and shadowy figures.
In his book “Martyr,” readers meet John Shakespeare, an investigator working for Sir Francis Walsingham, Queen Elizabeth’s infamous spymaster. Shakespeare must unravel a web of conspiracy involving Catholic rebellions, hidden manuscripts, and deadly assassins.
As he races to protect the realm and prevent chaos, readers are transported into a turbulent time of spies, betrayal, and suspense.
Readers who enjoy historical mysteries by C. J. Sansom might also appreciate author Dissolution Hostetter. Hostetter crafts intriguing stories set in richly detailed historical periods, filled with authentic atmosphere.
In the novel “The Devil’s Breath,” readers follow detective William Crawford through Victorian London. Crawford investigates a series of poisonings that unsettle the city’s powerful elite.
The detective’s careful inquiry uncovers a disturbing web of corruption and deceit hidden beneath London’s respectable veneer.
Fans of mysteries embedded in historical accuracy, complex characters, and intriguing plots will likely find both satisfaction and suspense in Hostetter’s storytelling.
Lindsey Davis writes historical mysteries set in ancient Rome, full of sharp wit and richly detailed settings. If you enjoyed the political intrigue and historical depth of C. J. Sansom’s novels, Davis’s series featuring private informer Marcus Didius Falco might appeal to you.
In “The Silver Pigs,” the first book in this series, Falco investigates a dangerous conspiracy involving stolen silver from Roman Britain.
Falco’s investigation takes readers from Roman streets to the far reaches of the Empire, all while capturing Roman daily life with great humour and authenticity. This series offers a lively snapshot of ancient Rome, within a clever, entertaining detective story.
Readers who enjoy historical mysteries by C. J. Sansom may find Ariana Franklin equally appealing. Franklin brings medieval Europe vividly to life in her novel “Mistress of the Art of Death.”
The story unfolds in 12th-century Cambridge, where a series of brutal child murders shocks the town. King Henry II summons Adelia Aguilar, an intelligent physician trained in forensic science, to solve these crimes discreetly.
Adelia must navigate a hostile society, confronting suspicion and superstition at every turn. Richly detailed and atmospheric, Franklin draws readers into Adelia’s challenging task to uncover a dangerous killer hidden in plain sight.
Edward Rutherfurd is an author known for richly detailed historical novels that span centuries and generations. His book “Sarum” offers a sweeping saga that follows five interconnected families through generations living around Salisbury, England.
The story begins in prehistoric times and moves through significant historical events including the building of Stonehenge, Roman occupation, medieval rivalries, and church intrigues.
Fans of C. J. Sansom will appreciate Rutherfurd’s clear storytelling and attention to historical detail, with characters whose personal dramas are entwined closely with major historical moments.
“Sarum” paints history through personal stories, making past eras feel vivid and alive.