If you enjoy reading novels by Winston Graham then you might also like the following authors:
Daphne du Maurier has a way of creating atmospheric and intensely human stories. One of her most famous books, “Rebecca,” tells the story of a young woman who marries a wealthy widower and moves to his sprawling estate, Manderley.
She soon finds herself haunted by the lingering presence of his first wife, Rebecca, whose memory seems to control every corner of their lives. The novel is full of tension, unexpected twists, and an unforgettable setting.
If you enjoy Winston Graham’s intricate relationships and rich landscapes, you might find yourself getting lost in du Maurier’s world.
Hilary Mantel is an author who knows how to bring history to life through her writing. One of her best-known books, “Wolf Hall,” tells the story of Thomas Cromwell, a man who rises from poverty to become an influential figure in the court of King Henry VIII.
The book focuses on Cromwell’s cunning and his ability to navigate the dangers of political power during a time when alliances shift quickly and betrayals are common.
Mantel captures the atmosphere of Tudor England in vivid detail, making you feel as if you’re walking beside Cromwell through the halls of power.
If you enjoy stories rich with historical drama and characters who must outthink those around them, this book might be worth checking out.
Elizabeth Gaskell was a 19th-century writer who told stories about love, society, and human struggles in ways that feel personal and immediate.
One of her well-known books, “North and South,” explores the clash between the industrial North of England and the more traditional South. The story follows Margaret Hale, a young woman who moves to a mill town and crosses paths with John Thornton, a proud and driven mill owner.
Their relationship is tense at first, shaped by misunderstandings and differing views on class and industry. But beneath the surface, there’s something deeper drawing them together.
The book doesn’t shy away from showing the hardships factory workers face, which adds a lot to the stakes of their story.
Patrick O’Brian is best known for his series of historical novels set during the Napoleonic Wars. His book, “Master and Commander,” kicks off the tale of Captain Jack Aubrey and his close friend, Stephen Maturin, a ship’s surgeon and spy.
The story begins with the two men meeting at a concert and quickly forming a deep, yet complex, friendship. Aubrey is given command of HMS Sophie, and readers are taken on thrilling naval battles, daring captures, and life aboard a British ship.
The book mixes action with quiet, personal moments, such as Aubrey’s struggles with responsibility and Maturin’s deep curiosity about nature and humanity.
If you enjoy Winston Graham’s rich historical settings and layered characters, you might find O’Brian’s stories a refreshing discovery.
Susan Howatch is an author who writes richly layered stories, often focused on family drama, deep personal struggles, and the effects of past decisions. One of her standout books is “Penmarric.”
It’s a multi-generational saga set in Cornwall, following the lives of a powerful family and their tangled relationships. At the heart of the story is Mark Castallack, a man torn between ambition, love, and the legacy of the sprawling Penmarric estate.
The novel brings to life the tensions of inheritance, loyalty, and betrayal. Fans of Winston Graham’s vivid historical settings and complex characters might find themselves drawn to Howatch’s storytelling.
Georgette Heyer is often celebrated for her historical novels that bring Regency England to life with humor and charm. One of her standout books is “The Grand Sophy.”
The story follows Sophy Stanton-Lacy, a young woman who comes to stay with her relatives and immediately causes a stir. Sophy is bold and resourceful, helping her family with their troubles in ways no one expects.
She confronts financial missteps, unwanted engagements, and all sorts of household confusion with quick thinking and a flair for the dramatic. Her antics often leave everyone around her questioning their own choices, while Sophy herself seems to stay one step ahead of the chaos.
It’s an entertaining read filled with lively characters and sharp dialogue.
Philippa Gregory is an author who brings historical fiction to life with dramatic stories set in richly detailed past eras. One of her standout novels is “The Other Boleyn Girl,” which follows the story of Mary Boleyn, sister to the infamous Anne Boleyn.
Mary catches the eye of King Henry VIII and becomes his mistress before her sister rises to power. The book dives into the power struggles within the Tudor court, family rivalry, and ambition.
It’s filled with betrayal, alliances, and the dangerous decisions women had to make in a time when their survival often depended on the whims of men. If you enjoy historical fiction layered with personal drama, her books might be worth exploring.
Mary Stewart is known for blending romance, mystery, and a sense of adventure in her novels. One of her best-known works, “The Moon-Spinners,” takes readers to a small village in Crete where the air is heavy with danger and secrets.
The story follows Nicola, a young British woman, as she stumbles upon a wounded man hiding in the wilderness. As she gets drawn into his troubles, she uncovers betrayal and a plot involving stolen jewels.
The vivid setting and tense moments make it an exciting story for fans of Winston Graham’s Cornwall backdrops and intrigue-filled plots.
Ken Follett is known for his historical novels that focus on rich characters and dramatic events. One of his most popular books, “The Pillars of the Earth,” is set in 12th-century England and follows the lives of several characters tied to the building of a cathedral.
You meet Tom Builder, a mason who dreams of creating something lasting, and Prior Philip, a monk with ambitions for his community. Their stories intertwine with political intrigue, betrayal, and personal struggles.
The book takes you deep into the challenges of medieval life, from the danger of lawless lords to the fragile hopes of ordinary people.
C.J. Sansom is known for historical fiction that brings the past to life with vivid detail. One of his most popular books, “Dissolution,” is set in Tudor England during the reign of Henry VIII.
The story follows Matthew Shardlake, a hunchbacked lawyer, who is sent to investigate a brutal murder at a monastery. The book captures the tension of the English Reformation, with power struggles, religious conflict, and dangerous secrets hidden in the monastery’s walls.
Fans of Winston Graham’s ability to paint a rich historical atmosphere may enjoy Sansom’s storytelling and attention to the period.
Bernard Cornwell is known for historical novels that bring the past to life with vivid characters and intense stories. One of his most popular books, “The Last Kingdom,” is set in ninth-century England during the time of Viking invasions.
It follows Uhtred, a young Saxon noble who is captured and raised by Vikings. Uhtred finds himself torn between his birthright and the world of his captors. The book is rich in battles, ambition, and loyalty, all wrapped around Uhtred’s struggle to reclaim his ancestral lands.
Joanna Trollope is an author known for exploring relationships and the complexities of family life. In her book “The Rector’s Wife,” she tells the story of Anna Bouverie, a vicar’s wife whose life revolves around her husband’s church and the needs of their small community.
When her husband is passed over for promotion, Anna decides to take control of her own life by getting a job at a local grocery store. This decision sends ripples through their traditional village, challenging norms and straining her marriage.
Trollope writes with a deep understanding of how societal expectations shape people, creating stories filled with the raw emotions of everyday struggles.
Sharon Kay Penman wrote historical fiction that brings the past to life in vivid detail. Her novel “The Sunne in Splendour” is set during the Wars of the Roses and focuses on Richard III.
Penman tells his story from a different perspective, painting him as a loyal brother and a man burdened by circumstance. The book dives into the shifting loyalties of the era. There’s betrayal, fierce battles, and the complicated relationships within the royal family.
Fans of Winston Graham’s ability to combine personal drama with historical settings might find Penman’s storytelling deeply engaging.
Edward Rutherfurd writes historical novels that explore the lives of characters across generations, set against the backdrop of real historical events.
One of his well-known books, “Sarum,” traces the history of the Salisbury area in England from prehistoric times to the modern era.
It starts with early tribal communities and moves through Roman occupation, the building of the iconic Salisbury Cathedral, and the turmoil of the Reformation. The story follows several families, showing how their lives intertwine with historical changes.
Rutherfurd weaves personal dramas into the sweeping history, making long-gone times feel alive and immediate.
Patricia Finney is an author known for historical fiction that captures the atmosphere of the past with vivid detail and strong characters. Her book, “The Crow Goddess,” is set in the dangerous world of Elizabethan England.
It follows Martin, a young man forced into espionage, as he navigates treachery and secrets in a time of political unrest. The story blends court intrigue with the grit of everyday life, painting a picture of a world full of risks and hidden agendas.
Finney’s ability to create believable characters and show the tension of living under constant threat makes the book unforgettable.