If you enjoy reading novels by Mary Stewart then you might also like the following authors:
Victoria Holt is a classic name in gothic romance, blending mystery and romance in atmospheric settings. One of her novels, “Mistress of Mellyn,” is about a young governess named Martha Leigh who takes a position at the brooding Mount Mellyn estate in Cornwall.
The house is full of secrets, its master is distant and mysterious, and the shadow of his late wife seems to linger over everything. There’s something unsettling about the place, and Martha starts uncovering details about the family’s past that may explain its haunting vibe.
If you enjoy stories with strong, intelligent heroines and mysterious old mansions, this book might draw you in.
Daphne du Maurier wrote stories that draw you in with their mysterious atmosphere and unexpected twists. One of her most famous books, “Rebecca,” tells the story of a young woman who marries a wealthy widower named Maxim de Winter.
She moves to his grand estate, Manderley, but soon finds herself haunted by the memory of his first wife, Rebecca. The housekeeper, Mrs. Danvers, seems obsessed with Rebecca and does everything to make the new bride feel out of place.
As secrets about Rebecca’s life and death come to light, the tension grows, keeping you guessing until the very end. Fans of Mary Stewart’s gripping narratives might enjoy diving into du Maurier’s work.
Phyllis A. Whitney was a master of romantic suspense, known for weaving atmospheric tales set in exotic or mysterious locations.
One of her books, “The Turquoise Mask,” tells the story of a woman named Megan who returns to New Mexico, where her mother died under strange circumstances years before.
As Megan uncovers family secrets, she faces unexpected dangers tied to her heritage and a valuable turquoise mask. The book blends mystery and romance, with vivid descriptions of the desert landscape and an engaging sense of tension throughout.
Susanna Kearsley writes stories that combine history, romance, and a touch of mystery. Her book, “The Winter Sea,” is a great example of her style. It follows a novelist named Carrie McClelland, who travels to Scotland to write her latest book.
As she researches, she begins to uncover a connection to events from the Jacobite uprising of 1708. The novel weaves together Carrie’s discoveries with the lives of characters from the past, creating a story that feels rich and atmospheric.
Fans of Mary Stewart’s blend of romance and historical settings might enjoy this one.
Barbara Michaels was a master at weaving suspense and romance into atmospheric settings. If you enjoy the kind of storytelling Mary Stewart was known for, you might like Michaels’ work as well. One of her standout books is “Ammie, Come Home.”
The story takes place in a grand old Georgetown house, where strange and ghostly events start to disturb the lives of its inhabitants. The tension builds as the characters try to uncover the house’s dark history, which seems tied to unexplainable, chilling occurrences.
There’s an old charm to the setting, mixed with a sense of danger that keeps you hooked.
Georgette Heyer is known for her historical romance novels, often set in the Regency era, with lively characters and witty dialogue.
In her novel “The Grand Sophy,” Sophy Stanton-Lacy arrives at her aunt’s household and shakes up their rigid lives with her charismatic energy and sharp mind. She takes it upon herself to solve her cousins’ problems, whether it’s a mismatched engagement or a financial dilemma.
Sophy’s boldness and humor make the story light and entertaining, while her clever schemes keep you guessing what she’ll do next.
Elizabeth Peters is the pen name of Barbara Mertz, an author known for blending mystery and adventure with humor and a touch of romance. One of her standout books is “Crocodile on the Sandbank,” the first in her Amelia Peabody series.
Set in the late 19th century, it introduces Amelia, an independent and witty woman who decides to explore Egypt. She quickly finds herself tangled in strange occurrences involving an archaeologist, a mysterious mummy, and ancient tombs.
The story mixes archaeology with danger and features sharp, entertaining dialogue. Fans of Mary Stewart will likely enjoy how Peters sets the scenes in exotic locations and keeps the tension alive with engaging characters.
Rosamunde Pilcher had a talent for crafting heartfelt stories about family, friendship, and love. One of her most loved books, “The Shell Seekers,” follows Penelope Keeling, an elderly woman reflecting on her life and the choices she made.
The story moves between her youth during World War II and her relationship with her children in the present. Central to the story is a valuable painting that stirs conflict within the family.
Pilcher’s ability to create vivid settings and characters makes her writing feel personal, and the book has moments that stay with you long after you finish it.
Rebecca Tope writes mysteries that often blend small-town charm with tangled personal lives. One of her books, “A Cotswold Killing,” follows house-sitter Thea Osborne as she stays in a quiet Cotswold village.
Her peaceful escape is disrupted when she stumbles on the body of a local man. As she gets drawn into the investigation, secrets about the villagers begin to surface, creating an unsettling atmosphere.
It’s a book with vivid countryside settings and a sense of unease beneath the surface.
Sharon Kay Penman was a master at weaving history into vivid stories, bringing the past to life with rich detail. In her novel “Here Be Dragons,” she takes readers to 13th-century Wales.
The story follows the lives of Llewelyn, Prince of Gwynedd, and Joanna, the illegitimate daughter of King John of England. Their marriage is both a bond and a battleground as they are caught between loyalty to their homelands and their love for each other.
Penman creates a world filled with political intrigue, personal turmoil, and historical events, all told through characters who feel real and deeply human.
Anya Seton is an author known for historical novels that bring the past to life with vivid characters and detailed settings.
One of her well-loved books, “Katherine,” tells the story of Katherine Swynford, whose scandalous love affair with John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, shaped English history. The book paints a rich picture of medieval England, from court life to the fields of the countryside.
Katherine’s transformation from a young, naive girl into a strong and resilient woman makes the story unforgettable. Fans of Mary Stewart’s mix of history and romance might find Anya Seton’s work a perfect fit.
Joan Aiken was a British author known for blending adventure, mystery, and a touch of the supernatural in her stories. One of her fascinating works is “The Wolves of Willoughby Chase.”
Set in an alternate 19th-century England, the book tells the story of Bonnie and her cousin Sylvia, who face danger and betrayal when a scheming governess takes control of their home.
The harsh winter setting and the presence of wild wolves in the countryside add an extra layer of excitement. Aiken weaves a tale full of bravery, escape, and clever plans, creating a rich atmosphere and memorable characters.
Kate Morton writes atmospheric stories filled with secrets, family drama, and a touch of mystery. Her book “The Forgotten Garden” tells the tale of a woman named Cassandra who inherits a cottage from her grandmother.
Inside, she finds clues to a hidden past that leads her across continents and decades. The story weaves together Cassandra’s journey, her grandmother’s life, and the mystery of a child left abandoned on a ship to Australia.
It’s a story about uncovering the truth and the way people’s lives are connected by choices and secrets.
Evelyn Anthony wrote stories filled with suspense, romance, and strong characters.
One of her popular novels, “The Tamarind Seed,” follows Judith, a British intelligence worker, and Feodor, a Russian diplomat, as they find themselves caught in the dangerous pull of Cold War espionage. Their growing connection risks exposing secrets and threatens their lives.
Evelyn Anthony’s storytelling captures the tension and emotion of a world shaped by mistrust and danger. Fans of Mary Stewart might enjoy the mix of intrigue and romance in her books.
Mary Roberts Rinehart was a popular American author known for her mystery and suspense novels. Her writing often includes twists, strong heroines, and an air of danger. One of her well-known books is “The Circular Staircase.”
The story follows Rachel Innes, a middle-aged woman who rents a country house for the summer. What starts as a relaxing getaway turns into a nightmare when strange noises, mysterious figures, and a murder disrupt her plans.
The book is full of secrets tied to the house, and Rachel finds herself trying to uncover the truth while facing unexpected dangers. Fans of suspenseful, atmospheric stories may enjoy exploring her work.