One set of historical novels/mysteries I enjoyed was the Benjamin January series by Barbara Hambly. These books take place in antebellum New Orleans. January, a free black man, was trained as a doctor in Paris, but can only earn a living as a musician in N.O. He plays a role in solving murders with the local police chief.
Next is the Amelia Peabody mystery series by Elizabeth Peters (aka Barbara Michaels). Peabody, her archaeologist husband, and young son travel to Egypt each season to conduct digs. On their travels they are involved in solving antiquities thefts, murders, etc. The series starts in the 1880's and runs through WWI. There's quite a few books in this series.
I'm also enjoying reading Tony HIllerman's Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee mystery series. They're Navajo tribal policemen. I just started reading the Charlie Moon mystery series by James D. Doss. Charlie Moon is a Ute police officer in Grant Creek, Colorado.
The last mystery series I've been reading is The Knights Templar Series by Michael Jecks.
Since you like historical novels have you tried “The Autobiography of Henry VIII w/Notes by His Fool, Will Somers” by Margaret George? It’s a big, fat easy and informative read. George also wrote “The Memoirs of Cleopatra”. Her books are well researched.
Thank you! Your choices sound fascinating. I am very curious about the Hambly series. I love reading books set in the south.