The shortlist for the 2017 Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction has been announced – and includes seven books instead of the usual six. Congratulations to all the authors and publishers.

The Judges commented: ‘Our shortlist was achieved by the judges’ instinctive reaction to each book. The seven shortlisted novels, a mix of old hands and new voices, offer readers joy in the discovery of unusual subjects and times; appreciation of historical research and insight worn lightly and applied skilfully; and, perhaps most important of all, that visceral connection to the characters which is the prerequisite of every novel, whether historical or not.’

The shortlisted titles for this year are…

• A Country Road, A Tree by Jo Baker
• Days Without End by Sebastian Barry
• The Vanishing Futurist by Charlotte Hobson
• The Good People by Hannah Kent
• Golden Hill by Francis Spufford
• Mothering Sunday by Graham Swift
• The Gustav Sonata by Rose Tremain

A special congratulations to Australian author Hannah Kent for her shortlisting. The Good People is her second novel and was voted one of our top ten fiction books of last year.

With a total value of £30,000, the Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction is unique for rewarding writing of exceptional quality which is set in the past. The winner will be announced at the Baillie Gifford Borders Book Festival on Saturday 17 June.

Find out more about this year’s shortlist here.