Books like The Pillars of the Earth

In a wealthy Italian abbey in 1327, Brother William of Baskerville is tasked with investigating suspected heresy. But when seven strange deaths occur, Brother William turns detective, using the logic of Aristotle, theology of Aquinas, and insight of Roger Bacon to solve the case. With a touch of humor and sharp curiosity, he deciphers codes, collects evidence, and navigates the eerie abbey where "the most interesting things happen at night."

Follow engineer Marcus Attilius Primus as he takes charge of the Aqua Augusta, a major aqueduct that supplies fresh water to nine towns around the Bay of Naples in ancient Rome. Despite failing springs and disappearing predecessors, Attilius promises to repair the aqueduct before it runs dry. But corrupt Pompeii proves to be a more daunting task, as natural and man-made forces threaten to destroy everything in their path. In this riveting historical novel, author Robert Harris brings to life a world on the brink of disaster.

Experience the bloody and thrilling battle of Agincourt like never before. From the events leading up to it, the epic day of the battle, and its aftermath from multiple perspectives, Bernard Cornwell's historical fiction brings the characters and action to life. Witness the brilliance of the English's first victorious use of the longbow and the development of this weapon that dominated European battlefields for the rest of the century. With lively characters on all sides and a dramatic, hour-by-hour view of the battle, Agincourt is a vivid and gripping read.

Set in XIV century Barcelona, witness the construction of the largest cathedral Mary had ever known rising from the humble neighborhood of fishermen. Follow Arnau's story as he escapes from the abuses of his feudal lord and becomes a member of the guild of stone-workers, soldier, and moneychanger. His ascent to nobility and wealth is met with envy and a sordid plot that puts his life at the hands of the Inquisition, which leads him to a heart-wrenching betrayal. Will he lose his life just as his beloved Cathedral of the Sea is finally completed?

Set in World War II Paris, this thrilling debut novel follows gifted architect Lucien Bernard as he accepts a commission to design a secret hiding place for a wealthy Jewish man. Outwitting the Nazis occupying the city is a challenge he can't resist. But when one of his hiding spaces fails horribly, the problem of where to hide a Jew becomes personal for Lucien. The Paris Architect is a gripping story about what we owe each other and how far we'll go to make things right, written by an architect whose knowledge imbues every page.

Travel back in time to 1896 New York City in this modern classic of historical suspense fiction. Follow newspaper reporter John Schuyler Moore and psychologist Dr. Laszlo Kreizler as they embark on a revolutionary effort in criminology to catch a twisted murderer who will kill again. This fast-paced and riveting tale is infused with historical detail, conjuring up the gritty reality of Gilded Age New York. Don't miss out on this touchstone of the genre!

Discover a world of family secrets, hidden histories, and an inconceivable evil with this thrilling novel. A young woman delves into her father's past, following his quest for the truth behind the legend of Vlad the Impaler, and uncovering a centuries-long hunt for the source of darkness. From dusty libraries to the depths of Eastern Europe, travel with her as she unravels the horrifying truth behind Dracula's existence and its connection to the modern world.