6 Must-Read Regency Historical Mysteries for Fans of Intrigue and Scandal
If you love the elegance of Regency romance and the thrill of a good mystery, these historical whodunits will keep you turning pages late into the night.
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The 6 Best Regency Historical Mysteries to Read Now
Love Regency romance? So do we! At Under the Covers Book Blog, we’ve been diving deep into Regency romance all week, but what about the darker side of the era? Enter Regency historical mysteries—where ballrooms hold secrets, house parties lead to murder, and even a well-bred lady might be forced to play detective.
Check out the posts on the blog:
📌 The Pioneering Authors of Regency Romance and Their Lasting Influence
📌 Deep Dive Into Jane Austen: Her Legacy, Her Novels and the Best Adaptations
📌 Exploring Regency Romance: A Guide to the Era, the Books, and Why We Love It
📌 10 Regency Romance Books on Kindle Unlimited
📌 12 Must-Read Regency Romance Series That Will Have You Swooning
For even more mystery recommendations, check out Mysterylandia, our dedicated home for thrillers, crime fiction, and cozy mysteries.
Why Do We Love Regency Historical Mysteries?
The Regency era (1811–1820) was a time of strict social rules, glittering balls, and high-stakes intrigue. But beneath the glamour lurked scandals, spies, and secrets—perfect ingredients for a compelling mystery. Whether it’s a clever debutante outsmarting a killer or a war-worn nobleman uncovering a conspiracy, Regency historical mysteries mix the best of both worlds: historical drama and edge-of-your-seat suspense.
While many historical mysteries lean toward the Victorian era with its fog-filled streets and gothic settings, Regency mysteries bring a unique blend of elegance, strict social structures, and early law enforcement intrigue. The period’s reliance on personal reputation and social standing adds extra stakes to every crime.
So if you are a fan of Bridgerton but would love to see Eloise investigating a scandalous murder at a ball, then these books are for you.
6 Regency Historical Mystery Series to Start Today
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A Brazen Curiosity by Lynn Messina
Series: Beatrice Hyde-Clare Mysteries
We cannot recommend this series enough! Miss Beatrice Hyde-Clare has resigned herself to spinsterhood—until she stumbles across a murdered houseguest at an elegant country party. When the magistrate rules it a suicide, Bea knows better. But proving it means enlisting the reluctant help of the aggravatingly handsome Duke of Kesgrave, who might be even more infuriating than the murderer.
Why You’ll Love It: A witty heroine, enemies-to-allies tension, and a mystery wrapped in Regency charm. If you love sharp banter, clever detective work, and a developing romance, this series is a must-read!
The Secret of the Lost Pearls by Darcie Wilde
Series: The Useful Woman Mysteries
Rosalind Thorne is a woman with connections—and the skill to dig up secrets. Known as a “most useful woman” in London society, she discreetly assists ladies in distress, but when a missing pearl necklace leads to blackmail, fraud, and murder, Rosalind finds herself in a far deadlier game than she expected. Assisted by the charming Bow Street officer Adam Harkness, she must uncover the truth before someone ensures her silence.
Why You’ll Love It: Think Jane Austen meets Sherlock Holmes—with all the charm, scandal, and slow-burn romance you could want.
A Gentleman Fallen on Hard Times by Grace Burrowes
Series: The Lord Julian Mysteries
Lord Julian Caldicott returns home from war scarred, sick, and scandal-ridden. All he wants is solitude, but his godmother drags him to a country house party—where whispers and lies threaten to destroy his already ruined reputation. To clear his name, he must investigate a crime he never wanted to be involved in.
Why You’ll Love It: A brooding hero, a country house filled with suspicious guests, and an unraveling conspiracy.
The Missing Diamond by Lynn Morrison & Anne Radcliffe
Series: The Crown Jewels Regency Mysteries
A diamond of the season has vanished, and Lady Grace is convinced it’s no ordinary scandal—her friend has been kidnapped. She teams up with Lord Percy, a reluctant but determined nobleman, to uncover the truth. In a world where alliances are everything and betrayal lurks in the shadows, can they find her before it’s too late?
Why You’ll Love It: A fast-paced mystery with high-society intrigue and an irresistibly snarky detective duo.
What Angels Fear by C.S. Harris
Series: Sebastian St. Cyr Mysteries
Accused of a brutal murder he didn’t commit, Viscount Devlin is forced to go on the run. To clear his name, he must use the spycraft skills he honed in the Napoleonic Wars, uncovering political conspiracies, hidden enemies, and shocking betrayals. But can he find the real killer before he’s caught?
Why You’ll Love It: Regency intrigue meets action-packed suspense, featuring a nobleman with a dangerous past.
The Secret Life of Miss Mary Bennet by Katherine Cowley
Series: The Secret Life of Mary Bennet
Mary Bennet, the most overlooked sister from Pride and Prejudice, finally gets her moment to shine. When she’s invited to Castle Durrington, she expects a quiet escape—but instead, she finds herself entangled in espionage, secrets, and even murder.
Why You’ll Love It: A clever twist on Jane Austen’s world, featuring a heroine who refuses to stay in the background.
Ready to Start Your Next Regency Historical Mystery?
If you love the grit and glamour of the Regency era, these books are the perfect blend of mystery, history, and romance. Which one are you adding to your TBR first? Let me know in the comments!
For even more Regency romance, check out our latest posts on Under the Covers Book Blog. For more mystery reads, visit Mysterylandia for thrillers, crime fiction, and cozy mysteries!
Sharing our love for books as Under the Covers Book Blog since 2011, running the Romanceopoly yearly reading challenge since 2019 and hosting the Reading Under the Covers podcast since 2020. Join our Substack community and have access to all paid member features.
Some new books for me to check out, thank you 😊 I love Elizabeth Hoyt's historical romances which sometimes have mystery and Amanda Quick is pretty good too.
great picks!