Where to Start with Anna Mazzola
The first thing to know about Anna Mazzola is that all of her historical novels are standalones. You do not need to worry about missing character arcs, recurring detectives, or multi-book cliffhangers. You can pick up any of her books based entirely on which historical era, setting, or mystery calls to you first.
For the absolute best starting point, we recommend beginning with The Clockwork Girl. Set in 18th-century Paris, this novel perfectly showcases Mazzola's ability to blend intense gothic atmosphere, historical detail, and intricate pacing. It follows a young maid hired into the household of a famous clockmaker, only to get caught up in a web of secrets, rumor, and mechanical marvels.
If you prefer grit, crime, and legal drama, start with her debut, The Unseeing. Drawing heavily on Mazzola's background as a criminal justice solicitor, this book is based on the real-life case of Sarah Gale and explores the dark underbelly of Victorian London's legal system. It is a fantastic introduction to her signature style of giving voice to marginalized women caught in historical injustices.
Anna Mazzola Books in Publication Order
Reading Anna Mazzola's books in the order they were published allows you to experience her evolution as a writer. Below is the list of her historical crime novels in order of release:
- The Unseeing (2016)
- The Story Keeper (2018)
- The Clockwork Girl (2022)
- The House of Whispers (2023)
- The Book of Secrets (2024)
Mazzola has also contributed to short story collections, such as the CWA Anthology of Short Stories: Mystery Tour (2017), which is perfect for readers looking for a quick taste of her writing.
The Chronological Reading Order
Because each of Mazzola's novels is set in a completely different time period, reading them chronologically by their historical setting is a popular and rewarding alternative. This order lets you journey through history from the mid-17th century all the way to the mid-20th century:
- The Book of Secrets (Set in 17th-century Rome, 1659)
- The Clockwork Girl (Set in 18th-century Paris, 1750)
- The Unseeing (Set in Victorian London, 1837)
- The Story Keeper (Set in Victorian Scotland, 1857)
- The House of Whispers (Set in Fascist Italy, 1938)
A Closer Look at the Historical Standalones
The Book of Secrets (2024)
Set in Rome in 1659, this gripping novel takes inspiration from the infamous real-life Acqua Tofana poisonings, where hundreds of women used a discreet poison to escape abusive marriages. The story delves deep into the Vatican's response, superstition, and the desperate lengths women went to for freedom in a patriarchal society. It won the prestigious CWA Gold Dagger for Best Crime Novel in 2025.
The Clockwork Girl (2022)
Transporting readers to Paris in 1750, this novel centers around the city's obsession with complex automatons. When children begin disappearing from the streets, rumors of conspiracy reach the royal court. The story alternates between Madeleine, a maid with a secret past, and Veronique, the daughter of the brilliant clockmaker. It is rich, creepy, and highly atmospheric.
The Unseeing (2016)
Mazzola's debut novel is set in 1837 London. It follows Edmund Fleetwood, a young lawyer appointed to investigate the case of Sarah Gale, a woman sentenced to hang for her role in a horrific murder. Edmund must determine if Sarah is a cold-hearted accomplice or another victim of the system. The book won an Edgar Allan Poe Award and established Mazzola's reputation for meticulous historical research.
The Story Keeper (2018)
Set on the Isle of Skye in 1857, this novel blends gothic suspense with Scottish folklore. Audrey Hart travels to the island to collect local folk tales, only to discover that the dark stories mirror the real-life disappearances of local girls. Against the bleak backdrop of the Highland Clearances, Audrey must untangle superstition from reality.
The House of Whispers (2023)
Stepping into a later historical era, this novel is set in Rome in 1938 as Fascism tightens its grip on Italy. It is a gothic ghost story focused on a grand house, a medium, and the mounting tension of a country on the brink of war. It combines supernatural elements with the very real horrors of historical totalitarianism.
Writing as Anna Sharpe: The Legal Thrillers
In addition to her historical mysteries, Mazzola writes contemporary legal and political thrillers under the pseudonym Anna Sharpe. Writing under this pen name allows her to draw directly on her extensive modern legal career as a human rights solicitor.
Her debut thriller under this name is Notes on a Drowning (published in January 2025). The novel follows a lawyer and a political adviser who team up to expose a major cover-up following the death of a young girl. For readers who enjoy fast-paced contemporary legal intrigue, this is a must-read side track to her historical work.
What to Know Before You Start
Mazzola's stories are heavily grounded in real historical records, trials, and court transcripts. She does not shy away from the darker, grubbier aspects of the past. If you prefer lighthearted mysteries, you might find her work intense; however, if you enjoy atmospheric settings, complex female characters, and psychological depth, you will find her bibliography incredibly rewarding. Because her books are entirely independent, there are no wrong decisions—simply select the era you find most intriguing and dive in.