Step Back in History with Kate Quinn Books
Kate Quinn’s books have managed to capture the hearts and minds of readers around the globe—and when you see how artfully she combines historical details with resilient female characters, it’s easy to see why. Read our helpful guide to her most popular titles and pick your next read today!
What Kinds of Books Does Kate Quinn Write?
Known primarily for her prolific work in the historical fiction genre, Kate Quinn is praised for capturing extraordinary female-forward stories in different exciting decades. What’s even more fascinating is that, though partially fictionalized for dramatic effect, her main characters are based on real women! If you’ve ever wanted to read about a mistress in the Renaissance era, a codebreaker in World War II, or the Roman empresses, Kate Quinn books are for you.
What’s the Best Order for Reading Kate Quinn Books?
Apart from her older series, there is no “correct” way to read Kate Quinn books. Some lifelong fans recommend starting with her earliest novels, so you’re able to grow alongside her storytelling abilities and appreciate how far she’s come.
If you ask us, at Novel, we’d say that since there’s no numerical order to follow, you should pick up whichever one interests you the most! Either way, you’re sure to find a Kate Quinn book that resonates with you.
A Quick and Easy Guide to Reading Kate Quinn’s Books
If you’re interested in reading or listening to a Kate Quinn book, you’re in luck! There are plenty to choose from, and no “right” order. Deep dive into each title below to determine which one you’d like to start with before heading to your local indie bookstore.
The Astral Library
Kate Quinn’s latest book, The Astral Library, tells a more fantastical story than her devoted fans are used to—and we’re loving it! If there’s one thing Alexandria “Alix” Watson has learned from growing up in the foster-care system, it’s that books, unlike people, will never let you down. One night, after taking refuge in the high-vaulted reading room at the Boston Public Library in an attempt to escape her grueling day-to-day, Alix stumbles through a hidden door and meets an ageless guardian known as the Librarian, protecting the hidden library where people can escape to new lives inside their favorite books.
Before Alix can dive between the pages, a mysterious enemy emerges, threatening to destroy everyone the Astral Library has ever aided. Determined to outrun danger, Alix and the Librarian flee through Sherlock Holmes, The Great Gatsby, and Regency-era Jane Austen novels. Will they be able to make it to the end of their stories?
The Briar Club
It’s 1950 in Washington, DC, and the all-female Briarwood boarding house in the heart of the capital is filled with secrets. When Grace March, a mysterious yet lovely widow, moves into the attic, her neighbors find themselves inexplicably pulled into friendship. Through Grace’s weekly dinner parties, Fliss, the poised English woman nursing painful inner wounds, Nora, the policeman’s daughter recently involved with a no-good gangster, Beatrice, a frustrated baseball star with a petering career, and Arlene, a gung-ho woman throwing herself into the Red Scare, come together to heal. That is, until a shocking act of violence tears the house apart. Root out the real enemy in The Briar Club today!
The Diamond Eye
After Hitler’s 1937 invasion of Ukraine and Russia, history student Mila Pavlichenko is taken away from the life she’s known and thrust into the fight, where she transforms from a studious, wry young mother into a deadly sniper—and a good one at that. After news of her 300th kill turns her into a national heroine known as Lady Death, Mila is pulled from war and sent to America for a goodwill tour.
Nursing physical and emotional scars, Mila lives isolated in Washington, DC, until she unexpectedly connects with First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and a fellow sniper. But when an old enemy from her past begins working with a new foe, it looks like she may have to fight the deadliest duel of her life—or else. Will Lady Death be able to save herself? Find out in The Diamond Eye.
The Rose Code
It’s 1940 in The Rose Code, and three very different women are preparing to break German military codes at Bletchley Park in England. Osla, society’s favorite debutante, ready to use her fluent German to prove herself as more than a beautiful girl; Mab, a self-made codebreaking machine worker interested in finding a socially advantageous husband; and Beth, the shy, local spinster with a penchant for puzzles make history as the Park’s few female cryptanalysts, but war and loss tear the three apart.
Years later, in 1947, as the royal wedding of Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip had Britain in a frenzy, the three friends-turned-enemies are reunited by a mysterious encrypted letter and a resurrected traitor from their past. Together, they must forge a new alliance and crack one last code—even if that means putting their own lives at risk.
The Huntress
Nina Markova always dreamed of flying. So, when the Nazis attack the Soviet Union, she doesn’t hesitate to join the legendary all-female night bomber regiment known as the Night Witches. But soon she finds herself stranded behind enemy lines, prey to the lethal Nazi murderess known as The Huntress and equipped with only her cunning and bravery.
Transformed by the unspeakable horrors he witnessed in Omaha Beach and the Nuremberg Trials, former British war correspondent Ian Graham spends his days hunting Nazis. His only shot at finding his #1 target? Working with Nina, the only witness to escape her clutches alive.
When Jordan McBride’s long-widowed father suddenly returns home with a new fiancée, she’s thrilled. But there’s something off about the soft-spoken, German widow. Following her gut instinct, Jordan begins to explore her new stepmother’s past—only to discover secrets big enough to threaten everything she holds dear. How will these individual lives weave together? Find out for yourself in this popular Kate Quinn book!
The Alice Network
In 1947, after World War II, Charlie St. Clair is pregnant, unmarried, and about to be disowned. Her one hope? Rose, her beloved cousin who disappeared in Nazi-occupied France during wartime, might still be alive. When her parents send her to Europe to “solve” her “problem,” Charlie breaks free, determined to track Rose down—whatever it takes.
In 1915, a year into the Great War, Eve Gardiner is recruited to work as a spy against the Germans. Sent into enemy-occupied France to train under Lili, the “Queen of Spies,” who runs a vast network of secret agents behind the enemy’s back, Eve has finally found her place. That is, until a betrayal tears it all apart.
30 years later, haunted by the demise of The Alice Network, Eve spends her days drunk and alone in her crumbling London house. But when a young American barges in, asking about someone Eve hasn’t heard from in decades, the two join forces to discover the truth.
The Empress of Rome Saga
Each novel in The Empress of Rome saga follows different interconnected and historical women throughout a tumultuous Roman Empire. If navigating dangerous politics, balancing personal ambitions, and dodging the deadly whims of emperors excites you, consider grabbing these Kate Quinn books the next time you’re shopping at your favorite locally owned bookstore.
The Empress of Rome Saga in Order:
- Mistress of Rome (#1)
- Daughters of Rome (#2)
- Empress of the Seven Hills (#3)
- The Three Fates (#3.5, novella)
- Lady of the Eternal City (#4)
The Borgia Chronicles
In 1492, the Pope is dead, the throne of God is vacant, and an innocent girl, Giulia Farnese, is drawn into a dangerous scheme. The marriage promised to her is a sham—instead, she is to be given as a concubine to the Cardinal Borgia, a charismatic candidate for the Pope who is passionately in love with her. But as corruption thickens and the circle of enemies closes in, she’ll need all her wits to survive. Grab Kate Quinn’s Renaissance era duology today!
Books Kate Quinn Has Co-Written:
- Ribbons of Scarlet: A Novel of the French Revolution’s Women
- A Day of Fire: A Novel of Pompeii
- A Year of Ravens: A Novel of Boudica’s Rebellion
- A Song of War: A Novel of Troy
- The Phoenix Crown
Both a New York Times and USA Today bestselling American author, Kate Quinn is sure to go down in history for her ever-expanding body of work. Grab one of her titles at Novel and see what all the hype is about!