When the nights draw in and the air turns crisp, there’s no better excuse to slow down, wrap yourself in a blanket, and lose yourself in a good book. Whether you’re drawn to historical adventures, haunting wartime tales, or stories steeped in folklore and firelight, winter invites us to escape into other worlds while the wind howls outside.
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Best Winter Books to Read by British Authors
This seasonal winter line-up, we have curated some books that bring history to life, enthral you in secrets, and keep you company on those long, cold nights.
Crimson Snow by Martin Edwards
In the Golden Age of murder, Crimson Snow brings together a dozen vintage crime stories. From Yuletide dramas, unpleasant carol singers, and suspicious father Christmases to murder, these winter mysteries are the perfect collection of stories to read on a chilly night by the fire.
For a thrilling crime fiction tale, read Crimson Snow: Winter Mysteries by Martin Edwards.
A Boy in Winter by Rachel Seiffert
This historical fiction story is set in November of 1941 in a small Ukrainian town. Facing the oppressive power of fear in a time of turmoil, this winter read steps back in history to touch on the haunting impact of war through intersecting lives. As the SS overruns the town, a Jewish father searches desperately for his missing sons, while a young woman faces painful truths about love and loyalty in a time of chaos. Meanwhile, a German engineer, seeking to distance himself from the war’s brutality, witnesses atrocities he can no longer ignore. At the heart of it all is a boy whose determination to survive brings strangers together in the darkest of times.
Check out A Boy in Winter by Rachel Seiffert.
Highwayman: Winter Swarm by Michael Arnold
This winter read touches on historical and military fiction set in England during December 1655. The Civil War has left the country scarred, and Cromwell’s Protectorate rules with an iron fist. Once a loyal soldier in Cromwell’s army, Major Samson Lyle now lives as the feared outlaw known as the Ironside Highwayman. Haunted by the massacre he witnessed in Ireland and the brutal murder of his wife, Lyle’s grief has hardened into vengeance. Alongside his sharp-witted ward Bella and the gruff smuggler Eustace Grumm, he prowls England’s frostbitten roads, striking at those who serve Cromwell’s regime. But when a daring plan to cripple the army unfolds, Lyle must risk everything to outwit his pursuers.
Read the Highwayman: Winter Swarm by Michael Arnold. Haven’t read book 1 yet? You can go back and read Highwayman: Ironside.
Midwinter Folk Tales by Taffy Thomas
Drawn from over three decades of exploring Britain’s ancient seasonal customs, these stories capture the magic and mystery of the darkest time of year. From Devon’s flaming Tar Barrels of Ottery St Mary to Shetland’s fiery Viking “Up Helly Aa” and the raucous Haxey Hood Game of Lincolnshire, each tale reflects the warmth of community and the timeless power of storytelling.
Embrace some folk tales and myths born from the heart of winter and read Midwinter Folk Tales (Folk Tales: United Kingdom) by Taffy Thomas.
Explore More British Books this Season
As the temperature drops and the nights grow longer, let these books keep you company through the season. From icy landscapes to tales of warmth and resilience, there’s a story here for every winter mood. Ready to find your next read? Explore more books on our site and discover the perfect companion for your evening by the fire.
Loved this guide? You can check out more seasonal guides in our Reading Books section.