I'm in the mood for a gripping historical story

[RoobyMurray]

I really enjoyed
This Thing of Darkness - Thomas Harris,
Pure and Ingenious Pain - both by Andrew Miller,
Wild Swans - Jung Chang,
Star of the Sea - Joseph O'Connor,
A Long Long Way - Sebastian Barry
Perfume - Patrick Suskind

Can any of you recommend me something to read next?

Dorothy Dunnett is an amazing author. The Lymond chronocles are set in the 16th century.

The first book, Game of Kings, is set in Scotland. the next book is in the french court then after that he travels to Malta, Russia...they are truly amazing books.

In my opinion she is the finest writer of the genre.

Good Behaviour by Molly Keane
The Secret Scripture by Sebastian Barry

Check out Edward Rutherfurd.

If the ancient Greeks float your boat, try Mary Renault. Or there's Mary Stewart and her Arthurian set starting with The Crystal Cave. Or Ellis Peters with her Brother Cadfael series.

But Dorothy Dunnett is the best, as the DamnDeDoubtance (great name!)said. They are big and complicated books which need time and attention, but they repay in spades.

More ancient Rome with Lindsey Davis. Or Robert Graves.

Second Mary Renault.

What about Pompeii by Robert Harris? It is from 2003, so should be lots of second hand copies around.

Of course, the ending won't surprise you, but there is a lot of genuine suspense and was an exciting read, if slightly alarming.