If you enjoy reading books by Robert Harris then you might also like the following authors:
Ken Follett is a master of historical fiction, known for creating stories that mix drama, history, and unforgettable characters. In his book “The Pillars of the Earth,” he brings medieval England to life.
The story is set around the building of a grand cathedral in the fictional town of Kingsbridge. It follows the lives of masons, clergy, and rulers, showing how their ambitions and struggles intertwine with the towering structure.
There’s betrayal, ambition, and survival, all woven into a story spanning decades. Fans of political intrigue and historical detail might find it difficult to put this one down.
Sebastian Faulks is an author known for exploring history and human emotion in his novels. One of his works, “Birdsong,” takes place during World War I and follows the life of Stephen Wraysford, a young Englishman who experiences love and the horrors of war.
The story weaves between Stephen’s passionate affair with a married woman and his time in the trenches of France, where the brutal reality of conflict tests his strength and will to survive.
Faulks captures the stark contrast between the tenderness of love and the darkness of war, creating a vivid and emotional journey. Fans of Robert Harris might enjoy the way Faulks brings historical moments to life with deeply personal stories.
Alan Furst writes historical spy novels that transport readers to Europe during the years leading up to and during World War II.
In his book “Night Soldiers,” the story begins in Bulgaria in 1934, where a young man named Khristo joins the Soviet secret police after his brother is murdered. The novel takes you through his training, missions, and eventual disillusionment with the brutal system he serves.
Shifting between countries and spies, the book creates a tense atmosphere where survival is often a matter of chance. Fans of Robert Harris will enjoy the way Furst builds a world filled with danger and betrayal, where the stakes feel real.
Tom Holland is a historian and author who writes about sweeping moments in history with an eye for drama and detail. In his book “Dynasty,” he explores the rise of the Roman Empire under the first emperors of the Julio-Claudian line.
The book paints vivid portraits of figures like Augustus, the man who transformed the republic into an empire, and Caligula, whose reign was full of extravagance and cruelty. Holland doesn’t hold back on the intrigue and politics that made this period so tumultuous.
It’s the kind of narrative history that pulls you into the lives of powerful people shaping a world that still affects us today.
Hilary Mantel is an award-winning writer best known for her historical fiction. Her novel “Wolf Hall” paints the life of Thomas Cromwell, the son of a blacksmith who rises to power as an advisor to King Henry VIII.
The story shows Cromwell’s sharp mind and resourcefulness as he navigates the volatile world of the Tudor court. It brings to life the drama of Anne Boleyn’s rise and the political calculations behind it.
If you enjoy well-researched historical novels that dive into power and ambition, this book might catch your interest.
C.J. Sansom is an author known for historical fiction, often weaving stories set in richly detailed past eras. One of his most popular books, “Dissolution,” introduces readers to Matthew Shardlake, a lawyer working under Thomas Cromwell during the reign of Henry VIII.
The story takes Shardlake to a monastery in turmoil after a commissioner is found dead under suspicious circumstances. As he investigates, secrets within the monastery begin to unfold, and the tension between faith and politics becomes impossible to ignore.
The vivid setting and historical context immerse readers in the dangers and complexities of Tudor England.
David Baldacci writes fast-paced thrillers with strong characters and plenty of twists. In his book “The Camel Club,” he introduces a group of eccentric misfits in Washington, D.C., who uncover a dangerous conspiracy.
Led by Oliver Stone, an ex-CIA operative with a mysterious past, they stumble across a political cover-up involving a dead body near the White House.
The story pulls you into a world of secrets and power struggles as Stone and his team race to expose the truth before it’s too late.
Frederick Forsyth is a master at creating tightly woven, fast-paced thrillers. One of his iconic books, “The Day of the Jackal,” follows a professional assassin hired to kill French President Charles de Gaulle.
The story moves through meticulous planning and a web of shifting loyalties as the assassin, known only as the Jackal, stays one step ahead of authorities. Forsyth’s attention to detail and his ability to build tension keep you hooked until the final confrontation.
Fans of Robert Harris who enjoy intelligent plots and historical backdrops will find this book hard to put down.
Kate Mosse is an author who writes historical novels with rich settings and intriguing mysteries. Her book “Labyrinth” is set in both modern-day France and the 13th century.
The story follows Dr. Alice Tanner, who discovers an ancient cave while working at an archaeological site. Inside, she finds a hidden crypt and two strange inscriptions, which connect her to a dark secret from the time of the Crusades.
The narrative alternates between Alice’s discoveries and the tale of Alais, a young woman from the medieval period. Themes of loyalty, power, and an ancient quest unfold against a vivid backdrop of history.
If you enjoy Robert Harris’ blend of history and suspense, this could be right up your alley.
Conn Iggulden writes historical fiction that brings the past alive in a vivid way. One of his books, “The Gates of Rome,” kicks off his series about Julius Caesar. It follows the young Caesar and his best friend Marcus as they grow up during a dangerous time in Rome’s history.
The story has gladiator fights, political betrayals, and the tension of a city on the brink of chaos. It paints a picture of ancient Rome that feels raw and full of life, where loyalty and ambition clash with deadly consequences.
Fans of Robert Harris’s historical tales may enjoy this richly detailed and action-driven novel.
Bernard Cornwell is known for writing historical fiction packed with action and vivid details. One of his popular books, “Sharpe’s Tiger,” is set during the Siege of Seringapatam in 1799.
It follows Richard Sharpe, a British soldier, as he faces brutal battles, betrayal, and incredible challenges in India. Sharpe’s journey takes him through dangerous territory as he must infiltrate enemy lines and uncover secrets that could change the course of the war.
The story paints a gritty picture of life as a soldier, with moments of courage and survival that keep you turning the pages.
Simon Scarrow is known for writing historical novels that bring the past to life with vivid scenes and memorable characters.
In his book “Eagles of the Empire: Under the Eagle,” he starts the series by introducing Cato, a young recruit in the Roman army, and Macro, his seasoned centurion. Together, they navigate the brutal world of military campaigns during Rome’s invasion of Britain.
Packed with battles, political schemes, and gritty Roman military life, the story pulls you into their dangerous and demanding journey through a harsh and unforgiving landscape.
Iain Pears writes historical fiction with layers of mystery and intrigue. One of his books, “An Instance of the Fingerpost,” takes place in 17th-century England during political and religious turmoil.
The story is told through four narrators, each offering their version of events surrounding a murder and the trial of a young woman accused of poisoning an Oxford don. With each perspective, the truth shifts, and secrets about the characters and their world are unraveled.
Pears creates a rich atmosphere, blending historical details with a puzzle that keeps you turning the pages.
Umberto Eco was an Italian author known for creating stories that mix history, mystery, and philosophy. One of his most famous books, “The Name of the Rose,” is set in a 14th-century monastery where a series of murders occurs.
The story follows a friar, William of Baskerville, as he investigates the deaths using his sharp mind and knowledge of logic. Along the way, he uncovers hidden secrets within the monastery, including forbidden texts in a labyrinth-like library.
The book weaves twists into a historical setting, offering a layered and thought-provoking mystery.
Charles Cumming writes spy novels that feel rooted in the real world, with characters facing situations that feel plausible and chillingly timely.
One of his books, “The Trinity Six,” follows academic Sam Gaddis, who stumbles on a buried Cold War secret about a sixth member of the infamous Cambridge spy ring. As he digs deeper, he becomes a target for those who will stop at nothing to keep the truth buried.
With its mix of history and espionage, the story feels sharp and engaging. Fans of Robert Harris might find Cumming’s work to be a thrilling discovery.