The Thorn Birds
(Libby/OverDrive eBook, Kindle)

Steven Pressfield also creates detailed character studies. While his novels contain more battle scenes and are a good deal bloodier, Colleen McCullough fans may enjoy how Pressfield makes well-known historical figures live again. -- Krista Biggs

Australian Colleen McCullough and American James A. Michener write dramatic historical fiction set in a wide variety of places, from eighteenth-century Australia (McCullough) to fifteenth-century Zimbabwe (Michener). Both effectively combine large swathes of history with sweeping family sagas brought to life through a strong sense of place borne of meticulous research. -- Mike Nilsson

By splicing the seminal events behind the rise of a great young country with engaging intergenerational family sagas, Colleen McCullough does for Australia what John Jakes does for America. Each excels at dramatic plotting, complex characterization, and thorough research. -- Mike Nilsson

These authors' works have the appeal factors cinematic and evocative, and they have the subjects "politics and government," "murder investigation," and "murder."

These authors' works have the appeal factors bleak and strong sense of place, and they have the genre "mysteries"; and the subjects "rulers," "murder investigation," and "romans."

These authors' works have the genres "historical fiction" and "biographical fiction"; and the subjects "politics and government" and "ancient history."

These authors' works have the appeal factors cinematic.

These authors' works have the genre "christian historical fiction"; and the subjects "rulers," "social classes," and "princesses."

These authors' works have the appeal factors evocative and strong sense of place, and they have the genres "historical fiction" and "mysteries"; and the subjects "politics and government," "detectives," and "private investigators."

These authors' works have the genres "historical fiction" and "biographical fiction"; and the subject "politics and government."

These authors' works have the appeal factors cinematic and evocative, and they have the genres "historical fiction" and "australian fiction"; and the subjects "social classes" and "romans."

These authors' works have the appeal factors bleak and gritty, and they have the genre "mysteries"; and the subjects "politics and government," "murder investigation," and "murder."