The Historical Thriller genre is a subcategory of the broader thriller genre that intertwines the suspense and tension typically found in thrillers with a historical setting. This genre is characterized by its ability to transport readers to a different time period, while maintaining the edge-of-your-seat suspense that is synonymous with thrillers.
Historical thrillers can be set in any time period, from the ancient world to the recent past. They often incorporate real historical events or figures, blending fact with fiction to create a compelling narrative. The genre is known for its meticulous research and attention to detail, as authors strive to accurately portray the time period in which their story is set.
Key Characteristics of Historical Thrillers
Historical thrillers are characterized by their blend of historical setting and thrilling plot. The historical setting is not merely a backdrop, but an integral part of the story, influencing the characters, plot, and overall tone of the book. The thriller aspect, meanwhile, keeps readers engaged with a high-stakes plot full of suspense and tension.
Another key characteristic of historical thrillers is their blend of fact and fiction. Authors often incorporate real historical events or figures into their stories, adding a layer of authenticity to their narratives. This blend of fact and fiction allows readers to learn about history in an engaging and entertaining way.
Historical Accuracy
Historical accuracy is a crucial aspect of historical thrillers. Authors must conduct extensive research to accurately portray the time period in which their story is set. This includes researching the social, political, and cultural context of the time period, as well as the everyday details of life.
However, while historical accuracy is important, it is not the sole focus of historical thrillers. The genre is, after all, a form of fiction, and authors often take creative liberties with historical facts to serve their narrative. The goal is to create a believable historical setting that serves the story, rather than a textbook-like account of history.
Thrilling Plot
The other key component of historical thrillers is the thrilling plot. These stories are characterized by their high-stakes, suspenseful plots that keep readers on the edge of their seats. The plot often involves a mystery or conflict that the protagonist must resolve, with plenty of twists and turns along the way.
The thrilling plot is what sets historical thrillers apart from other historical fiction. While other historical fiction may focus more on character development or historical detail, historical thrillers prioritize the plot, ensuring that the story is always moving forward and keeping readers engaged.
Subgenres of Historical Thrillers
Like many genres, historical thrillers can be broken down into several subgenres. These subgenres can be based on the time period in which the story is set, the specific type of thriller, or other distinguishing characteristics.
Some common subgenres of historical thrillers include historical mystery thrillers, historical spy thrillers, and historical crime thrillers. Each of these subgenres combines the historical setting with a specific type of thriller, creating a unique blend of genres.
Historical Mystery Thrillers
Historical mystery thrillers combine the historical setting with a mystery plot. The protagonist, often a detective or investigator, must solve a mystery or crime that is somehow tied to the historical setting. The mystery element adds an extra layer of suspense to the story, as readers try to solve the mystery along with the protagonist.
These stories often feature complex plots with plenty of twists and turns, keeping readers guessing until the very end. The historical setting adds an extra layer of complexity, as the protagonist must navigate the social and cultural norms of the time period in their quest to solve the mystery.
Historical Spy Thrillers
Historical spy thrillers are set in a historical time period and feature a protagonist who is a spy or involved in espionage. The historical setting often plays a crucial role in the plot, as the protagonist must navigate the political and social landscape of the time period.
The spy element adds a layer of suspense and intrigue to the story, as the protagonist must outwit their enemies and complete their mission without being discovered. These stories often feature complex plots and high-stakes scenarios, keeping readers engaged from start to finish.
Historical Crime Thrillers
Historical crime thrillers combine a historical setting with a crime plot. The protagonist is often a detective or law enforcement officer who must solve a crime or bring a criminal to justice. The crime element adds a layer of suspense and tension to the story, as readers follow the protagonist’s efforts to solve the crime.
The historical setting adds an extra layer of complexity, as the protagonist must navigate the legal and social norms of the time period. These stories often feature detailed descriptions of the crime and the investigation, adding a layer of realism to the narrative.
Notable Authors and Works in the Genre
There are many notable authors and works in the historical thriller genre. These authors have made significant contributions to the genre, pushing its boundaries and exploring new ways to blend history and thriller.
Some notable authors in the genre include Ken Follett, author of “The Pillars of the Earth“; Robert Harris, author of “Fatherland“; and Philip Kerr, author of the “Berlin Noir” trilogy. These authors are known for their meticulous research, compelling narratives, and ability to create suspenseful stories set in a historical context.
Ken Follett and “The Pillars of the Earth”
Ken Follett is a British author known for his historical thrillers. His most famous work in the genre is “The Pillars of the Earth“, a historical thriller set in the 12th century. The book follows the construction of a cathedral in the fictional town of Kingsbridge, England, and features a complex plot full of intrigue, conflict, and suspense.
“The Pillars of the Earth” is known for its meticulous historical detail, from the architectural details of the cathedral to the social and political context of the time period. Follett’s ability to create a suspenseful narrative within this historical context has made “The Pillars of the Earth” a classic of the historical thriller genre.
Robert Harris and “Fatherland”
Robert Harris is a British author known for his historical thrillers. His most famous work in the genre is “Fatherland“, a historical thriller set in an alternate history where Germany won World War II. The book follows a German detective as he investigates a murder that leads him to uncover a dark secret about the Nazi regime.
“Fatherland” is known for its compelling narrative and chilling portrayal of an alternate history. Harris’s ability to create a suspenseful story within this historical context has made “Fatherland” a standout in the historical thriller genre.
Philip Kerr and the “Berlin Noir” Trilogy
Philip Kerr is a British author known for his historical thrillers, particularly the “Berlin Noir” trilogy. The trilogy follows a German detective in Berlin before, during, and after World War II. The books are known for their gritty portrayal of Berlin during this tumultuous time period, as well as their suspenseful plots.
The “Berlin Noir” trilogy is a prime example of the historical thriller genre, combining a detailed historical setting with a suspenseful narrative. Kerr’s ability to create a compelling narrative within this historical context has made the “Berlin Noir” trilogy a classic of the genre.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the historical thriller genre is a unique blend of history and thriller. It combines the suspense and tension of thrillers with a historical setting, creating a compelling narrative that transports readers to a different time period. With its blend of fact and fiction, meticulous research, and thrilling plots, the historical thriller genre offers a unique way to experience history.
Whether you’re a fan of thrillers, history, or both, the historical thriller genre has something to offer. From historical mystery thrillers to historical spy thrillers, there’s a subgenre for everyone. And with notable authors like Ken Follett, Robert Harris, and Philip Kerr, there’s no shortage of great historical thrillers to choose from.
Kathryn Taylor was born and raised in the Midwest and has been a book lover and writer since childhood. As a queer teenager, she found solace in writing, and has written professionally ever since graduating from college. She loves a variety of fiction book genres, including romance books, thrillers, YA, sci-fi, and adventure. She's also a fan of the Oxford comma.
Kathryn has received numerous awards for her writing and now writes exclusively for RT Book Reviews. She is a passionate activist in the LGBTQ+ community, speaking at conferences and leading queer writing workshops. When not reading and writing, Kathryn enjoys visiting local libraries and bookstores across the country, exploring new cities, and spending time with her family.
