Home to one of the oldest, most prestigious universities in the world and the oldest National Trust nature reserve, which is home to more than 9,000 species of wildlife, plus two cathedral cities, Cambridgeshire is perhaps one of the most visited counties in England.
As a university, Cambridge has produced 126 Nobel Prize winners, has seen scientific breakthroughs in DNA, IVF and AI, plus has been home to people like David Attenborough, Stephen Hawking, Alan Turing, Hugh Laurie, Stephen Fry, Sylvia Plath and Ian McKellen.
Oliver Cromwell once lived in Ely; Newmarket is home to some of the finest horse-racing in the country, and Wisbech is the capital of the Fens.
It is, therefore, perhaps unsurprising that there has been a wealth of literature written about this varied county of England.
32 Must-Read Books set in Cambridgeshire
Case Histories by Kate Atkinson
Set in: City of Cambridge
Blending literary fiction with an absorbing detective story, Case Histories introduces private investigator Jackson Brodie as he takes on three seemingly unrelated cold cases. As he uncovers long-buried secrets, the lives of strangers begin to intersect in surprising ways, revealing the lasting impact of grief, loss, and family tragedy. Rich in wit, compassion, and emotional depth, Atkinson crafts a mystery that is as much about human relationships as it is about solving crimes.
Cambridge Blue by Alison Bruce
Set in: City of Cambridge
The first novel in the DC Gary Goodhew series follows a young detective eager to prove himself when he is assigned his first murder investigation. After a woman’s body is discovered on Cambridge’s Midsummer Common, Goodhew must navigate a web of conflicting testimonies, hidden motives, and personal loyalties. Set against the backdrop of the historic city, this police procedural combines a tightly woven mystery with an engaging detective whose intelligence and determination drive the story.
The Bellwether Revivals by Benjamin Wood
Set in: The city of Cambridge
Part literary fiction and part psychological suspense, The Bellwether Revivals follows Oscar Lowe as he becomes immersed in the privileged world of an eccentric Cambridge family. Drawn in by music, intellectual ambition, and an intense romance, Oscar gradually uncovers unsettling obsessions that blur the line between brilliance and madness. Atmospheric and thought-provoking, the novel examines power, obsession, and the consequences of unchecked idealism.
Blood Will Tell by Jeanne M. Dams
Set in: City of Cambridge
While visiting a Cambridge college, amateur sleuth Dorothy Martin stumbles upon what appears to be the aftermath of a violent crime only to discover that all evidence has vanished when she returns with help. Unsure whether she witnessed a murder or something far more complicated, Dorothy begins an investigation that leads her through the hidden corners of university life. Blending traditional mystery with an engaging academic setting, the novel offers plenty of twists and an appealing amateur detective.
The Three Body Problem by Catherine Shaw
Set in: City of Cambridge
Set in Victorian Cambridge, The Three Body Problem follows schoolteacher Vanessa Duncan as she investigates the suspicious death of a respected mathematics lecturer. When someone close to her becomes the chief suspect, Vanessa is determined to uncover the truth for herself, despite mounting evidence pointing in the opposite direction. Rich in period detail, this historical mystery combines academic life, intelligent detective work, and an engaging amateur sleuth.
The Dress Shop of Dreams by Menna van Praag
Set in: City of Cambridge
Blending magical realism with contemporary fiction, The Dress Shop of Dreams is a charming story about love, self-discovery, and second chances. Set around a magical dress shop in Cambridge, the novel follows Cora Sparks as unexpected events encourage her to confront her past, embrace new possibilities, and discover her own happiness. Filled with warmth, enchantment, and memorable characters, it celebrates the transformative power of hope, family, and believing in yourself.
Chapter and Curse by Elizabeth Penney
Set in: City of Cambridge
The first in the Cambridge Bookshop Mystery series, Chapter and Curse combines cosy crime with the irresistible appeal of historic bookshops. When Molly Kimball arrives in Cambridge to help run her great-aunt’s struggling antiquarian bookshop, she is soon caught up in a murder investigation that threatens both her family and their business. Filled with literary charm, quirky characters, and plenty of twists, this is an engaging mystery for lovers of books and traditional whodunnits.
Engleby by Sebastian Faulks
Set in: City of Cambridge
Set against the backdrop of Cambridge University, Engleby is a compelling psychological novel told through the distinctive voice of Mike Engleby, an intelligent but deeply isolated undergraduate struggling to find his place among his more privileged peers. As his account of university life unfolds, a fellow student’s disappearance casts an increasingly unsettling shadow over the narrative, prompting readers to question both the events themselves and the reliability of the storyteller. Thought-provoking and quietly suspenseful, the novel is an incisive exploration of identity, class, loneliness, and perception.
Yesterday by Felicia Yap
Set in: The city of Cambridge, its colleges and the River Cam
Yesterday is an inventive psychological thriller set in a world where memory functions very differently from our own. When a woman becomes entangled in a murder investigation, her limited ability to recall the past leaves her questioning not only the evidence but also those closest to her. Combining a fascinating speculative premise with a tightly plotted mystery, the novel explores memory, identity, and the elusive nature of truth.
An Unsuitable Job for a Woman by P. D. James
Set in: The city of Cambridge and the surrounding Cambridgeshire countryside
P. D. James introduces private investigator Cordelia Gray in this intelligent and elegantly crafted mystery. Hired to investigate the apparent suicide of a young Cambridge student, Cordelia soon uncovers evidence suggesting that far more sinister forces may be at work. As she navigates a world of privilege, secrecy, and hidden motives, she proves herself a determined and perceptive detective in a case where appearances are deeply deceptive.
Maurice by E. M. Forster
Set in: City of Cambridge and surrounding countryside
Written decades before its publication, Maurice tells the story of a young man coming to terms with his sexuality in a society that offers little acceptance or freedom. Beginning during his years at Cambridge and continuing into adulthood, Maurice’s journey is one of self-discovery, love, and quiet defiance against social convention. Both deeply personal and remarkably ahead of its time, the novel remains a powerful exploration of identity and the courage to live honestly.
Beware the Past by Joy Ellis
Set in: The city of Cambridge and the surrounding Cambridgeshire Fens
A chilling cold-case thriller, Beware the Past follows detective Matt Ballard as a decades-old murder investigation resurfaces in disturbing fashion. When new evidence emerges linking the present to a series of unsolved killings from his early career, Matt is forced to confront both old doubts and a cunning killer determined to stay one step ahead. Set against the atmospheric backdrop of the Cambridgeshire Fens, the novel combines suspense, psychological tension, and a race to uncover the truth before history repeats itself.
Police at the Funeral by Margery Allingham
Set in: Cambridge and the surrounding Cambridgeshire countryside
One of Albert Campion’s classic investigations, Police at the Funeral, sees the gentleman detective drawn into the affairs of a wealthy Cambridge family after a relative mysteriously disappears. As old resentments, hidden secrets, and unexpected deaths begin to surface, Campion must unravel a tangled web of family intrigue before the killer strikes again. Combining Golden Age detective fiction with memorable characters and sharp wit, the novel is an entertaining and cleverly constructed mystery.
The Versions of Us by Laura Barnett
Set in: City of Cambridge (plus other locations)
Beginning with a chance encounter between two Cambridge students in the late 1950s, The Versions of Us imagines three possible paths their lives might take. As each version unfolds across the decades, the novel explores the role of fate, choice, love, and missed opportunities in shaping our futures. Both inventive and deeply moving, Laura Barnett’s novel offers a thoughtful reflection on the countless possibilities contained within a single moment.
The Longest Journey by E. M. Forster
Set in: A college at Cambridge University (based on King’s College)
Often regarded as one of Forster’s most personal works, The Longest Journey examines the difficult choices that shape a person’s life. Following the idealistic Rickie Elliot from university into adulthood, the novel explores the tension between ambition, love, family obligations, and the search for authenticity. Thoughtful and reflective, it offers a moving portrait of a man trying to reconcile his ideals with the realities of the world around him.
Dusty Answer by Rosamond Lehmann
Set in: A women’s college at Cambridge University (based on Girton College)
Rosamond Lehmann’s debut novel is a beautifully observed coming-of-age story that captures the emotional intensity of youth. Through Judith’s relationships with a captivating neighbouring family, the novel explores first love, friendship, longing, and the bittersweet transition from childhood to adulthood. Rich in atmosphere and psychological insight, Dusty Answer is a lyrical reflection on memory, desire, and the experiences that leave a lasting mark on our lives.
The Masters by C. P. Snow
Set in: A fictional College at Cambridge University (based on Christ’s College)
Set within the close-knit world of a Cambridge college, The Masters is an intelligent and compelling novel about ambition, leadership, and the subtle exercise of power. As the college prepares to elect a new Master, alliances are formed, rivalries intensify, and personal loyalties are tested behind the institution’s quiet façade. Through its nuanced characters and keen observations of academic life, C. P. Snow delivers a thoughtful exploration of politics, morality, and human nature.
Porterhouse Blue by Tom Sharpe
Set in: A fictional college at Cambridge University
A sharp and irreverent satire of academic tradition, Porterhouse Blue follows the chaos that erupts when a reform-minded Master attempts to modernise one of Cambridge’s most stubbornly traditional colleges. His efforts are met with fierce resistance from eccentric Fellows and fiercely loyal staff, leading to a succession of increasingly absurd and hilarious events. Packed with colourful characters and biting humour, Tom Sharpe’s classic novel offers a wonderfully exaggerated look at university life and the clash between progress and tradition.
Death of a Scholar by Susanna Gregory
Set in: Michaelhouse, which later became Trinity College, Cambridge
Part historical mystery and part portrait of medieval Cambridge, Death of a Scholar follows physician Matthew Bartholomew as he investigates a series of suspicious deaths within the university community. Against a backdrop of academic rivalry, political intrigue, and personal loss, Bartholomew must untangle competing ambitions and hidden motives while navigating the challenges facing both his family and his college. Meticulously researched, the novel brings fourteenth-century Cambridge vividly to life.
Lessons in Love by Charlie Cochrane
Set in: A college at Cambridge University
Set in Edwardian Cambridge, Lessons in Love combines a gentle romance with an engaging mystery as two academics develop an unexpected relationship. Outgoing teacher Jonty Stewart and reserved mathematician Orlando Coppersmith find themselves drawn together while becoming involved in the investigation of a troubling crime. Blending historical detail with humour, warmth, and suspense, the novel explores friendship, loyalty, and love in an era shaped by convention.
The Gate of Angels by Penelope Fitzgerald
Set in: A fictional college (St Angelicus) at Cambridge University
Set in pre-First World War Cambridge, The Gate of Angels is an elegant novel about chance, knowledge, and the unexpected ways lives can change. When a young physicist’s orderly existence is disrupted by an encounter with an independent and unconventional woman, his scientific certainty is challenged by questions of love, faith, and human experience. Characteristically understated, Penelope Fitzgerald combines humour, intelligence, and warmth in this thoughtful exploration of a society on the cusp of change.
The Glittering Prizes by Frederic Raphael
Set in: A college at Cambridge University (most likely based on St John’s College)
Spanning several decades, The Glittering Prizes follows a close-knit group of Cambridge students as they leave university and pursue careers, relationships, and ambitions in post-war Britain. As their lives diverge, the novel explores friendship, social mobility, changing values, and the realities of success beyond the university’s ancient walls. Witty, insightful, and sharply observed, it offers an engaging portrait of a generation shaped by education and opportunity.
The Maidens by Alex Michaelides
Set in: A fictional college at Cambridge University
Set within the atmospheric surroundings of Cambridge University, The Maidens is a psychological thriller steeped in classical mythology and academic intrigue. When a series of murders shocks the university, therapist Mariana Andros becomes convinced that a charismatic professor is connected to the crimes. As her investigation deepens, obsession and danger begin to blur, leading to a suspenseful story that explores grief, manipulation, and the dark side of intellectual ambition.
A Lesson in Secrets by Jacqueline Winspear
Set in: A fictional female college at Cambridge University (based on Girton and Newnham)
In this instalment of the Maisie Dobbs series, the resourceful investigator takes on an undercover assignment at a Cambridge college during the uneasy years between the World Wars. While posing as a lecturer, Maisie uncovers hidden tensions, political undercurrents, and personal secrets that reach far beyond the university’s walls. Combining historical authenticity with an engaging mystery, the novel offers a thoughtful exploration of espionage, loyalty, and the lingering shadows of the past.
Ghostwalk by Rebecca Stott
Set in: The city of Cambridge and Trinity College
Blending literary mystery, historical fiction, and the supernatural, Ghostwalk unfolds across contemporary Cambridge and the city’s seventeenth-century past. When a writer agrees to complete the unfinished work of a recently deceased historian, she becomes caught up in long-buried secrets involving Isaac Newton, alchemy, and an unsolved historical murder. Rich in atmosphere and intellectual intrigue, the novel skilfully intertwines past and present in a story of obsession, love, and discovery.
The Water Clock by Jim Kelly
Set in: The cities of Cambridge and Ely, plus the Cambridgeshire Fens and the River Great Ouse
Set amid the haunting landscape of the Cambridgeshire Fens, The Water Clock introduces journalist Philip Dryden, whose instinct for a story soon draws him into a complex murder investigation. What begins with the discovery of a body hidden in a submerged car quickly develops into a series of unsettling deaths that suggest a dangerous killer is at work. Rich in atmosphere and local detail, this crime novel blends investigative journalism with a compelling mystery rooted in the unique character of the Fens.
Steel Witches by Patrick Lennon
Set in: The city of Cambridge and the Cambridgeshire Fens
Blending crime fiction with historical mystery, Steel Witches follows private investigator Tom Fletcher as a routine inquiry draws him into a far-reaching conspiracy linked to both his own family history and the Cambridgeshire Fens. As buried wartime secrets, forgotten military sites, and unexplained disappearances begin to connect, Tom uncovers a story that spans generations. Atmospheric and fast-paced, the novel combines suspense with local history and folklore.
Waterland by Graham Swift
Set in: Ely and the Cambridgeshire Fens
Set within the haunting landscape of the English Fens, Waterland weaves together history, family legend, and personal memory into a richly layered narrative. As history teacher Tom Crick reflects on his past, long-hidden events gradually emerge, revealing stories of love, tragedy, obsession, and loss that span generations. Philosophical yet deeply human, Graham Swift’s acclaimed novel explores how history shapes both individuals and communities, questioning whether the past can ever truly be left behind.
The Willow Marsh Murder by Karen Charlton
Set in: Ely
Set in the isolated marshlands surrounding Ely, Bow Street detectives Stephen Lavender and Constable Ned Woods are drawn to the mysterious Willow Marsh Manor to investigate a reported murder. When they arrive, the case appears to be a deception, but the troubled estate soon reveals hidden tensions, old grudges and secrets from the past. Against the atmospheric backdrop of the Fen landscape, Karen Charlton combines Regency-era crime, family intrigue and historical detail to create a mystery in which the waterways, marshes and remote countryside of Ely become central to the unfolding drama.
Sidney Chambers and The Shadow of Death by James Runcie
Set in: The village of Granchester, Cambridgeshire
The first in the Grantchester Mysteries series introduces Sidney Chambers, a thoughtful village vicar whose curiosity often leads him into criminal investigations. Working alongside Inspector Geordie Keating, Sidney uncovers a series of mysteries that reveal the hidden complexities of post-war village life. Combining traditional detective fiction with warmth, wit, and reflections on faith and friendship, this is an engaging introduction to one of Cambridge’s most memorable amateur sleuths.
The Evil Seed by Joanne Harris
Set in: City of Cambridge and Granchester
Blending psychological suspense with touches of the supernatural, The Evil Seed follows Alice as she struggles to move on after her former partner begins a new relationship. When she discovers an old diary connected to a mysterious woman buried in Grantchester, the past begins to cast an unsettling shadow over the present. As long-forgotten stories and contemporary events become increasingly entwined, Alice is drawn into a dark tale of obsession, betrayal, and revenge where the boundaries between history, memory, and reality begin to blur.
Dead Cert by Dick Francis
Set in: Newmarket
When champion jockey Alan York witnesses the fatal fall of his friend Bill Davidson during a race, he refuses to accept that it was simply an accident and begins uncovering a sinister plot connected to the racing world. Drawing on Francis’s own knowledge of National Hunt racing, the novel captures the atmosphere of the stables, racecourses and competitive world of Newmarket, where ambition, money and deception collide.
Have you read any good books set in Cambridgeshire, or indeed by Cambridgeshire-based authors?
Are you looking for books set around this particular area of England? We have several great book suggestions if you would like to visit Norfolk, Suffolk or Essex from the comfort of your own armchair as well.
Check out our Reading Around England Book List for all of our recommended books in this series.
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