From smoky jazz clubs to candlelit ballrooms, clever women have always known how to read between the lines—and sometimes, solve a murder or two. If you love your historical mysteries served with a sharp mind, a dash of wit, and a heroine who doesn’t wait for permission, this list is for you.
Here are 10 historical mystery series featuring women sleuths who are as brilliant as they are bold—perfect for fans of cunning investigations and clever twists.
Historical Mysteries with Clever Heroines
1. The Dora and Rex Mysteries by Lynn Morrison
Set in glittering 1920s England, this series follows high-society socialite Theodora Laurent and Lord Rex. Together, they navigate murder, political intrigue, and the unspoken rules of the upper class. Dora’s quick wit, natural charm, and unflappable poise make her a standout sleuth—whether she’s investigating a cold case or tracking down a killer.
Why you’ll love it: Flapper-era glamour, sizzling slow-burn chemistry, and a heroine who’s as sharp as her stilettos.
2. The Lady Sherlock Series by Sherry Thomas
Charlotte Holmes reimagines the great detective as a woman working under the guise of “Sherlock Holmes” in Victorian London. Her brilliance is unmatched—and so is her ability to navigate scandal and subterfuge.
Why you’ll love it: Clever plots, razor-sharp prose, and a heroine who redefines genius.
3. The Lady Darby Mysteries by Anna Lee Huber
Set in 1830s Scotland, this series follows Kiera, Lady Darby—a widowed artist with a scandalous past and an eye for detail. Her forensic talents and sharp mind draw her into murder investigations that others dare not touch.
Great for fans of: Gothic intrigue, intelligent heroines, and brooding romance.
4. The Veronica Speedwell Mysteries by Deanna Raybourn
Veronica Speedwell is a Victorian lepidopterist with a taste for adventure and a gift for scandal. Partnering with the enigmatic Stoker, she tackles dangerous mysteries with cool logic and biting wit.
Perfect for: Readers who crave fearless heroines, scientific curiosity, and slow-burn romantic tension.
5. The Maisie Dobbs Mysteries by Jacqueline Winspear
In post-WWI England, former maid turned psychologist-investigator Maisie Dobbs uses her intellect and emotional insight to solve delicate cases. The series is rich in historical depth and character development.
Why it resonates: A thoughtful, introspective sleuth navigating grief, change, and justice.
6. The Lady Eleanor Mysteries by Verity Bright
Lady Eleanor Swift is an aristocrat who’d rather investigate murders than attend society teas. With her bulldog, Gladstone, and her loyal butler, she solves mysteries across 1920s England—often while raising eyebrows and ruffling feathers.
What makes it special: Zippy humor, a strong female lead, and a delightful balance of cozy comfort and clever crime.
7. The Counterfeit Lady Series by Victoria Thompson
Elizabeth Miles is a former con artist using her skills to champion women’s causes and outsmart corrupt businessmen in early 20th-century New York. This series blends mystery, justice, and social change.
Perfect if you enjoy: Smart cons, female empowerment, and reform-era intrigue.
8. Tommy & Evelyn Christie Mysteries by Catherine Coles
When Evelyn marries former police detective Tommy Christie, she expects a quiet country life—not a string of murders in their stately home. Evelyn’s social grace and keen intuition complement Tommy’s methodical mind in this delightful 1920s mystery series.
Why it’s a must-read: Charming marital sleuths, Downton Abbey-esque settings, and clever puzzles.
9. The Rosalind Thorne Mysteries by Darcie Wilde
In Regency London, Rosalind Thorne solves delicate problems for the well-bred elite—quietly, of course. As a woman on the edge of society, she must rely on charm, connections, and brains to stay afloat and ahead.
Best for readers who love: Elegant sleuthing, subtle romance, and scandals behind closed doors.
10. Murder at Mallowan Hall by Colleen Cambridge
Imagine if Agatha Christie’s housekeeper solved murders on the side. Enter Phyllida Bright—efficient, intelligent, and not above interrogating guests in the drawing room. A clever homage to the golden age of crime fiction.
Why you’ll enjoy it: Crisp prose, period detail, and a behind-the-scenes look at the world of classic mysteries.
✨ Meet Your New Favorite Sleuth
Whether you’re craving champagne-sipping socialites or sharp-tongued Victorian rebels, these heroines prove that intellect and instinct never go out of style.
