Spotlight on a recent trend in English historical fiction: the 17th century

The English Civil War, the Restoration, the Great Fire of London, the Great Plague, and the country's notorious witch persecutions... 17th-century England is full of dramatic events ripe for historical novel treatment. The period has long been a favorite of mine, and it's great to see trends finally catching up with my reading tastes. This flourishing new direction in historical fiction has taken root in the UK marketplace; nearly all of the books below are from British authors, and/or are published by British publishers. However, 17th-century fiction fans from around the world can easily join in!

Below are 14 new and forthcoming novels set in this period, with covers and short blurbs. Are there any you've read, or are hoping to read? Suggestions for others are welcome.

If you're reading this post via Goodreads, and the images don't match up with the text, you can find a better version at my blog via this link.

1650: This romantic epic about a former Royalist captain and a traitor's daughter takes place following the Second English Civil War and the execution of Charles I, a time of suspicions and divided loyalties.  Endeavour, May 2017. [see on Goodreads]

1603: This first in a trilogy by a British historian (Elizabeth's Women and others) will focus on a young woman with healing talents who gets drawn into danger at the Jacobean court.  Atlantic Monthly, July 2018. [see on Goodreads]

1674: This gothic ghost story, set in wild, remote Yorkshire amid the ruins of the English Civil War, centers on a young woman, a creepy old hall, and a stranger who pays a call.  Headline, Feb 2018. [see on Goodreads]

1662, the early 19th century, and the present day: a time-slip focusing on Elizabeth Stuart, the "Winter Queen," and her champion, William Craven; and a modern woman seeking her missing brother. Graydon House, Oct 2017; I interviewed the author based on the UK edition (2015). [see on Goodreads]

1640s: This second novel in the Blandford Candy series sees him looking back on his picaresque adventures during the Civil War years, which include conspiracy, a treasure hunt, and the quest for a missing book. Holland House, Sept. 2017. [see on Goodreads]

1615: Writing under a new name for her historical thrillers, Elizabeth Fremantle (who's written several excellent novels of Tudor- and Stuart-era royals including The Girl in the Glass Tower) turns her hand to the real-life drama of the Overbury murder scandal.  Michael Joseph, June 2018.  [see on Goodreads]

1640s: This dark historical fantasy, geared towards YAs and set during the early English Civil War, follows a girl named Makepeace who discovers her family's innate talent for hosting spirits of the dead. Amulet, Oct. 2017; Macmillan UK, Sept 2017 (the UK cover is above). [see on Goodreads]

1611: After numerous trials detailed in the first two books (The Aviary Gate and The Pindar Diamond), merchant Paul Pindar and his wife Celia, a former captive of the Sultan, take up residence  in London, but troubles soon invade their household. Bloomsbury, May 2017. [see on Goodreads]

1663 and the 20th century: the isolated estate of Wychwood in Oxfordshire reflects the themes of the surrounding world, from the years after the English Civil War through the Cold War. This sounds like a great choice for fans of "house" books. Harper, Jan 2018. [see on Goodreads]

1652: A varied cast of characters, including a grieving husband, an overzealous preacher, and his suffering wife, ponder their political ties and religious loyalties during the age of Oliver Cromwell. Corvus, Apr. 2017. [see on Goodreads]

1630: Book 2 of the author's Lydiard Chronicles (after The Lady of the Tower) follows the second generation of Apsleys, the children of Lucy St.John, as England heads toward civil war. I'll be reviewing this novel shortly!  Falcon Historical, Oct. 2017.  [see on Goodreads]

1660s: The life of Samuel Pepys, the famous diarist of mid-17th century London, is envisioned through different perspectives, including that of Deb Willet, his wife's real-life maid, who finds herself at the center of intrigue. Accent, Sep. 2017.  [see on Goodreads]

1649: The author of Aristocrats, among many other works of historical nonfiction and fiction, pens a new historical novel about a Dutch engineer, the English fens, and the impact of scientific achievement.  July 2018, Chatto & Windus. [see on Goodreads]

1645:  The story of Matthew Hopkins, England's notorious Witchfinder General, is seen through the eyes of an older sister, Alice, who's frightened of what he has become. Ballantine, April 2017; Viking UK, March 2017.  [see on Goodreads]

Also see The Bookseller's announcement for the sale of Stacey Bartlett's forthcoming The Familiars, set during the Pendle witch trials of 1612.

While I was gathering up material for this post last month (sometimes these ideas take a while to percolate), I came across Elizabeth Fremantle's post on the History Girls blog, "The Stuarts Are Still the New Tudors," which also focuses on this very welcome trend. Check out her post for more perspective, and for info on additional titles that fit, both in fiction and nonfiction.