Victoria Holt is an author many think of when they consider gothic historical romance. Her books often place a woman in the middle of a mystery, and these mysteries unfold in places like old manor houses or distant lands.
If you enjoy novels with a similar mix of history, suspense, and love, discovering other writers is a great idea.
Readers who enjoy Victoria Holt’s blend of mystery, romance, and historical settings might also find Mary Stewart’s novels appealing. Mary Stewart skillfully combines suspenseful plots and vivid descriptions of locations, creating atmospheric and intriguing stories.
One book to consider is “Nine Coaches Waiting,” which follows young Linda Martin, an English governess hired to look after a young French heir.
At first, Linda thinks her new role will be peaceful and fulfilling, but soon she suspects that someone inside the luxurious estate intends to harm the child and seize his inheritance.
As dangers escalate, Linda must decide whom she can trust to save herself and her young charge. This tale of suspense, romance, and elegant danger showcases Mary Stewart’s talent for drawing readers into thrilling and romantic adventure.
Phyllis Whitney was an American author known for her romantic suspense novels filled with mystery, romance, and atmospheric settings. Readers who appreciated Victoria Holt’s blend of historical intrigue and mystery will enjoy Whitney’s vivid storytelling style.
One of her memorable books is “The Winter People.” In this story, Dinah travels to a remote New England town to uncover the truth behind her mother’s mysterious death years ago.
As she investigates family secrets in a house overshadowed by tragedy, strange events begin to unfold. Whitney skillfully weaves suspense and emotion into the narrative, creating an absorbing sense of foreboding and mystery.
Readers who enjoy Victoria Holt’s atmospheric historical mysteries and romantic suspense will also appreciate Barbara Michaels. Michaels blends suspense, romance, and subtle supernatural themes in plots rich with historical detail.
Her novel “Ammie, Come Home” provides an excellent introduction to her work. Set in Georgetown, the story follows Ruth Bennett, whose quiet life changes overnight when her niece uncovers a haunting presence tied to their old home.
Family secrets surface, romantic tensions build, and mysterious events unfold that draw you deeper with each chapter. Michaels captures the eerie charm of an old house full of unexpected discoveries and hidden dangers.
Readers who enjoy Victoria Holt’s atmospheric tales of mystery and romance may appreciate Daphne du Maurier. Du Maurier’s stories skillfully blend intrigue, suspense, and rich settings. Her novel “Rebecca” tells the story of a young woman who marries a widowed aristocrat.
When she arrives at his grand estate, his first wife’s lingering presence seems to haunt every corner. Hidden secrets, complex relationships, and an eerie atmosphere gradually surface, as the unnamed protagonist struggles with doubt, identity, and jealousy.
Du Maurier weaves psychological suspense and romantic tension into a compelling plot that keeps readers hooked from start to finish.
Anya Seton was an American author known for richly detailed historical fiction filled with romance and suspense. Readers who enjoy Victoria Holt would likely connect with Seton’s ability to blend strong characters, intricate romance, and historical settings.
In “Katherine,” Seton takes readers back to medieval England to tell the story of Katherine Swynford, whose life and love affair with John of Gaunt shape history.
Through vividly drawn scenes of royal courts, political intrigue, and forbidden love, Seton captures the depth and drama of Katherine’s remarkable life. Fans of historical romance who seek drama and accurate historical settings may find Seton’s work engaging.
Charlotte Brontë was an English novelist known for stories filled with mystery, romance, and gothic atmosphere. If you enjoy Victoria Holt’s books, then “Jane Eyre” could be exactly what you are looking for.
The novel follows Jane, an orphan who faces hardship and loneliness at every turn before arriving at Thornfield Hall. There, she becomes governess to the ward of the mysterious Mr. Rochester. Jane feels drawn to him, although dark secrets surround both Rochester and his estate.
The book mixes romance, suspense, and a touch of the supernatural in the same way fans of Victoria Holt admire.
Readers who enjoy Victoria Holt’s blend of romance, historical drama, and suspense might find Susan Howatch equally engaging. Howatch is known for crafting vivid stories filled with family secrets, intriguing settings, and complex characters.
Her novel “Penmarric” is a great example. Set against the rugged coast of Cornwall, this saga spans several generations of the passionate, ambitious Castallack family.
At its center is the grand estate, Penmarric, the prize in fierce rivalries, jealousies, and romantic entanglements. Howatch skillfully weaves family drama with historical detail, creating a sense of time and place that draws readers deep into the story.
If you’re looking for emotional depth and rich storytelling reminiscent of Holt, Susan Howatch is an author worth exploring.
Readers who enjoy Victoria Holt’s blend of romance and suspense will appreciate Georgette Heyer’s lively historical romances set in Regency England.
Her novel “The Grand Sophy” follows the spirited Sophy Stanton-Lacy, who arrives at her aunt’s London home and quickly disrupts the household with her bold personality and unconventional methods.
Sophy takes charge of her cousins’ romantic troubles and family finances, surprising everyone around her. With sharp humor, vivid period detail, and affectionate character portrayals, Heyer creates a delightful story full of wit, warmth, and lively dialogue.
Anne Stuart is an author who creates suspenseful romance novels, packed with gothic atmosphere and dark heroes. If you enjoy the sinister yet romantic style of Victoria Holt, then try Stuart’s novel “House of Shadows.”
In this book, the protagonist, Sophie Rutledge, unexpectedly inherits a remote mansion full of unsettling secrets. As Sophie explores her new home, she soon realizes that the mansion’s mysterious master, Nicholas, holds troubling intentions related to her inheritance.
Stuart brings intensity to her storytelling, carefully balancing mystery, romance and danger, which can appeal strongly to Victoria Holt fans.
If you enjoy Victoria Holt’s romantic suspense novels set in intriguing historical settings, Elizabeth Peters might appeal to you as well. Peters brilliantly blends mystery, romance, and adventure in her popular Amelia Peabody series.
One great place to start is “Crocodile on the Sandbank,” the first in the series. Amelia Peabody travels to Egypt in the 1880s, eager for adventure and historical exploration, but soon finds herself caught up in danger.
She becomes involved with mysterious threats, fascinating archaeological clues, and a stubborn yet appealing archeologist, Radcliffe Emerson. Peters’ skillful stories have the sort of strong-minded lead characters and exciting historical plots fans of Victoria Holt often enjoy.
Jennifer Wilde is an author known for historical romances filled with suspense and drama, perfect for fans of Victoria Holt. In her novel “Once More, Miranda,” readers meet Miranda James, a young woman drawn into a world of secrets after the mysterious death of her wealthy aunt.
Miranda travels to the lush estates of Cornwall, where hidden letters and old family betrayals slowly come to light. Wilde weaves romance with mystery, creating a story of compelling characters and dark intrigue, ideal for readers who enjoy Holt’s captivating style.
Madeleine Brent was an English author known for historical romances full of suspense and adventure. If you enjoy Victoria Holt’s blend of gothic atmosphere, romance, and intriguing mysteries, Brent’s novels have that same appeal.
Her book “Moonraker’s Bride” takes readers from rural China to Victorian England, following Lucy Waring, a young British woman raised by missionaries. After returning to England, Lucy faces new mysteries about her past and inheritance.
She navigates danger, surprising discoveries, and unexpected romance, all the elements that fans of Holt’s dramatic plots will appreciate.
Brenda Jagger was an English author who excelled in historical fiction, romance, and family sagas, showing a style and depth similar to Victoria Holt.
Her novel “A Winter’s Child” explores the captivating life of Lucy, a spirited young woman born into privilege but confronted with social expectations and personal tragedies in Victorian England.
The reader travels alongside Lucy through love, loss, and scandal as she navigates a society filled with hidden secrets and strict conventions. Jagger brings to life the atmosphere and setting of the period vividly, and weaves an intriguing plot with memorable characters.
If Victoria Holt’s blend of romance, suspense, and historical detail fascinates you, you’ll find Brenda Jagger’s novels equally absorbing and satisfying.
Readers who enjoy Victoria Holt’s blend of historical settings, suspense, and romantic tension may appreciate novels by Evelyn Anthony.
Anthony was a British author known for her historical fiction and thrilling espionage stories, often filled with intrigue, complex characters, and absorbing plots.
Her novel “The Tamarind Seed” centers around Judith Farrow, a widow vacationing in Barbados, who becomes entangled in an unexpected relationship with a mysterious Russian named Feodor Sverdlov.
Their connection soon draws the attention of intelligence agencies on both sides of the Cold War, leading readers through twists of loyalty, romance, and political suspicion.
Anthony crafts an atmospheric story that expertly combines the charms of a romantic tale with gripping spy drama.
If you enjoy Victoria Holt’s blend of historical drama and vivid storytelling, you might appreciate Margaret Campbell Barnes. Her novels transport readers to fascinating periods of history through the eyes of real-life figures.
In “The King’s Fool,” Barnes presents the story of Will Somers, a common man who becomes jester to King Henry VIII. Will witnesses the complexities of court life, the king’s relationships, and private scandals from a unique and honest perspective.
This novel brings history to life with relatable characters and emotional depth, offering an engaging look at a familiar era through an entirely new angle.