18 Books Set in Washington, D.C.
There’s something irresistible about a story set in the heart of American power. Whether it’s a political thriller, a memoir, or a novel unfolding in D.C.’s diverse neighborhoods, books set in Washington, D.C. give readers a front-row seat to a city where history, ambition, and culture collide.
As someone who lived in the D.C. area for more than eight years, I’ve spent afternoons wandering museums, strolling through Dupont Circle, and getting lost in indie bookstores. I know firsthand how much this city has to offer—both on the page and in real life.
This list brings together novels, memoirs, mysteries, and histories that capture D.C.’s many layers: from the iconic halls of Congress to quieter corners full of local flavor. Whether you’re planning a trip, reminiscing about your time in the capital, or simply love books with a strong sense of place, these Washington, D.C. reads are perfect for your next literary adventure.
18 Books Set in Washington D.C.
Advise And Consent
Author: Allen Drury
Genre: Fiction, Political
Although it was published in 1959, Allen Drury’s Advise and Consent still seems quite relevant today. The novel won the Pulitzer Prize in 1960 for its dramatic portrayal of a controversial nomination for Secretary of State where liberals and conservatives fight (not always in the most…respectful…way) against the backdrop of Communism and a turbulent time for U.S. politics. Drury worked as a journalist in the Senate, so he knows the ins and outs and people there and captures it all–it’s long (over 700 pages!), but you’ll learn a lot.
All American Girl
Author: Meg Cabot
Genre: Fiction, Young Adult, Romance
Location(s) Featured: Washington, D.C.
Samantha Madison is an artistic high school student living a pretty normal life…until she saves the President’s life. Suddenly thrust into the spotlight, Samantha becomes a reluctant national hero. Balancing her newfound fame with the everyday challenges of school, family, and a budding romance (with the First Son!), Samantha learns to embrace her inner strength and use her voice.
Note from Jen: You might know Meg Cabot’s more famous book/series, The Princess Diaries. This book has the same heartwarming humor and romance. (There’s also a sequel to this one, Ready or Not, about Samantha still trying to navigate teenage issues in a somewhat public way.)
All The President’s Men
Author: Bob Woodward and Carl Berstein
Genre: Nonfiction, Historical
Location(s) Featured: Washington, D.C.
It’s impossible to write a list of books set in Washington, D.C. and not include this Pulitzer Prize winning investigation that changed the political landscape–and journalism–forever. In it, Woodward and Bernstein (two journalists who worked for The Washington Post) explain their research and investigation into the political scandal that ended with the first (and so far, only) resignation of a sitting U.S. president. The book (later made into a movie which is, of course, included on my list of movies set in Washington, D.C.) details an important moment in American history.
Note from Jen: I readily admit I was excited to see the Watergate Hotel for the first time because of the role it played in this story.
The Beautiful Things that Heaven Bears
Author: Dinaw Mengestu
Genre: Fiction
Location(s) Featured: Washington, D.C.
Sepha Stephanos is an Ethiopian immigrant who fled his home country looking for a new start and runs a struggling grocery store in a gentrifying neighborhood of Washington, D.C. Haunted by memories of his past and not comfortable in his present, Sepha’s life is disrupted when he befriends Judith and her biracial daughter, Naomi. Their connection sparks a complex exploration of identity, displacement, and the search for belonging in a new land.
Capitol Hill Haunts
Author: Tim Krepp
Genre: Nonfiction
Location(s) Featured: Washington, D.C.
In a city as old as Washington, DC, there are bound to be a few ghost stories and that’s where this helpful guide comes in: a collection of stories to help you explore the spooky side of the capital city. Ghostly tales and legends surrounding the buildings and figures of Washington D.C.’s Capitol Hill area. From the spirits of past presidents to restless souls trapped within the Senate and House, Krepp blends historical fact with chilling folklore. Perfect for history buffs and ghost story enthusiasts alike.
Note from Jen: While I can’t say I’m a strong believer in ghosts, I still enjoy hearing stories about them and I love going on ghost tours. If you’re the same, here are some fun ones you might want to look into when visiting DC:
Creatures of Passage
Author: Morowa Yejidé
Genre: Fiction, Magical Realism
Location(s) Featured: Washington, D.C.
Creatures of Passage weaves together interconnected stories of a Black family haunted by history and trauma in Washington D.C. A taxi driver haunted by her past and her nephew dealing with his own trauma navigate grief, loss, and the search for redemption in the Anacostia area of Washington, D.C. Yejidé blends magical realism with historical fiction, exploring themes of family secrets, resilience, and the enduring impact of the past on the present. This haunting and lyrical novel is a powerful testament to the strength of community and the healing power of storytelling.
The Cupcake Diaries: Recipes and Memories from the Sisters of Georgetown Cupcake
Author: Katherine Kallinis Berman and Sophie Kallinis LaMontagne
Genre: Nonfiction, Food/Wine, Biography/Memoir
Location(s) Featured: Georgetown, Washington, D.C.
In this cookbook/memoir, the two sisters that starred in the hit TLC series DC Cupcakes share the delicious and inspiring story of how they founded Georgetown Cupcake. From their early dreams to the challenges of opening a small business, the authors recount their journey from corporate professionals to culinary entrepreneurs. Filled with personal anecdotes, baking tips, and mouthwatering recipes, this book offers a behind-the-scenes look at the world of cupcakes. While this book is mostly focused on a very specific D.C. location, it still offers great insight into DC life and would be a good book choice for someone looking for something a little more sweet.
The Exorcist: A Novel
Author: William Peter Blatty
Genre: Fiction, Horror
Location(s) Featured: Washington, D.C.
You’re probably familiar with the The Exorcist movie (see my list of movies set in Washington, D.C. to learn more about the movie and where it was filmed in the city), but many don’t realize that it actually started as a book …and was based on a true story When twelve-year-old Regan MacNeil begins exhibiting bizarre and violent behavior, her mother seeks medical help, but doctors are baffled. As Regan’s condition worsens, a desperate plea leads to two priests, Father Damien Karras and Father Lankester Merrin, who suspect demonic influence. They embark on a harrowing battle against a powerful evil, challenging their beliefs and pushing them to the brink.
Grand Avenues: The Story Of Pierre Charles L’Enfant, The French Visionary Who Designed Washington, D.C.
Author: Scott W. Berg
Genre: Nonfiction, Biography/Memoir, Historical
Location(s) Featured: Washington, D.C.
Pierre Charles L’Enfant was a French artist who volunteered to be a soldier during the American Revolution and was asked (personally by George Washington) to design the new nation’s capital. His methods were controversial, though, amongst the Founding Fathers and despite a lot of commitment and hard work, he was dismissed from the project and did not receive credit for his efforts until years later. This book exposes the drama behind the first few years of Washington, D.C.’s existence and reveals a lot about the founders of this country. It’s a fun way to learn about Washington, D.C. before visiting.
The Great Society Subway: A History Of The Washington Metro
Author: Zachary M. Schrag
Genre: Nonfiction, Historical
Location(s) Featured: Washington, D.C.
I know, I know–is a book about a train system really that interesting? It is! Zachary Schrag manages to take descriptions of the planning and construction of the Washington Metro and turn it into an intriguing story of politics (of course), history, and society. Locals ride the Metro every single day (and like to complain about it) and tourists to D.C. will also probably become quite familiar with the train, so why not better understand the true significance of this modern day convenience?
The Hopefuls: A Novel
Author: Jennifer Close
Genre: Fiction
Location(s) Featured: Washington, D.C.
Of course there are some good novels set in Washington, D.C., too! In this one, Beth Kelly, a Wisconsin native, follows her husband, Matt, in Washington, D.C. as he begins making moves in the political world. She finds herself in a strange city, where who-you-know and who-you-work-for mean everything. Fortunately, they make friends with a White House staffer and his wife and life in D.C. starts to be a little more fun. But, soon, competitiveness and jealousy start to get in the way. It’s a light engaging modern look at the city.
The Lost Diary of M: A Novel
Author: Paul Wolfe
Genre: Historical Fiction
Location(s) Featured: Washington, D.C.
Mary Pinchot Meyer was a real Georgetown socialite who used to be married to a CIA officer, used to be JFK’s lover, was sister-in-law to the editor of The Washington Post, and may have been a drug user; she was murdered soon after JFK’s assassination and no one has ever been convicted of the murder. Meyer had a diary detailing her relationships, but the diary was destroyed soon after her death (though are some conflicting stories around this diary). The Lost Diary of M is novel that explores what her diary might have said.
The Lost Symbol
Author: Dan Brown
Genre: Fiction, Action/Adventure, Mystery/Crime
Location(s) Featured: Washington, D.C., Old Town Alexandria, Virginia
This is the third book in the famous Robert Langdon series where a Harvard professor and expert on icons and symbols is roped into adventures around the world. In this one, Robert Langdon is brought to Washington, DC on an exciting quest to find his mentor who’s been kidnapped. He finds himself exploring the history of the city through hidden tunnels, chambers, and buildings around the city and its surrounding area. It’s an exciting and suspenseful look (with some really fascinating history) at many popular landmarks in the city. (And, there’s a pretty good TV series of the book starring Ashley Zukerman.)
Note from Jen: I’m a big fan of the Robert Langdon series by Dan Brown—they’re fun adventures that take me around the world, teach me some fun facts, and make me think. When I moved to the Washington, D.C. area myself, this was the first book I read (well, listened to) even though I’d read it before and it really is so fun to be learning about a place as you walk around it.
Murder In The White House
Author: Margaret Truman
Genre: Fiction, Mystery/Crime
Location(s) Featured: The White House, Washington, D.C.
Murder in the White House is the first book in the popular Capital Crimes series written by Margaret Truman (yes, the daughter of President Harry Truman, so she knows the area well). In this book, the Secretary of State is found murdered right in the Lincoln Bedroom of the White House…where only a small group of supposedly trusted people have access, so White Hous
Note from Jen: The whole Capital Crimes series is based in Washington, D.C. and each book features a famous D.C. location, so if you’re really dedicated or want to explore a specific place, check out the whole series. (They really are fun.) Actually, check out my whole list of book series set in Washington, DC.
Red, White, and Royal Blue
Author: Casey McQuiston
Genre: Fiction, Romance
Location(s) Featured: Washington, D.C. and London, England
In Red, White, and Royal Blue (I just love that title for this story), sparks fly when Alex Claremont-Diaz, the First Son of the United States, and Prince Henry of Wales are forced to stage a friendship after a public mishap. As they spend more time together, their initial animosity blossoms into something deeper. Navigating the pressures of their families, countries, and the watchful public eye, Alex and Henry grapple with their burgeoning romance. This charming and heartwarming novel explores themes of identity, love, and the power of defying expectations, all wrapped in a delightful royal romance.
Note from Jen: Amazon turned the popular book into a movie in 2023 and its one of “Prime’s top three most-watched romantic comedies.”
This Town: Two Parties And A Funeral–Plus Plenty Of Valet Parking–In America’s Gilded Capital
Author: Mark Leibovich
Genre: Nonfiction, Humor
Location(s) Featured: Washington, D.C.
Although this was written in 2013 and might be considered outdated, it’s still a humorous take on all the seriousness of DC and a lot of things still apply today. In it, Mark Leibovich gives an unapologetic look at the, well, unapologetic inner workings of D.C. life (well, life for the politicians, the journalists, and the socialites). Covering how fame, money, and politics run the city, the New York Times reporter uses anecdotes, historical references, and personal experiences to give readers a view into D.C. life for those that actually live and work there. It’s been called a “gossip fest”…but, that’s kind of the point: D.C. thrives on gossip.
When Washington Was In Vogue: A Lost Novel Of The Harlem Renaissance
Author: Edward Christopher Williams
Genre: Fiction, Historical, Romance
Location(s) Featured: Washington, D.C., and Harlem, New York City
Told through a series of letters sent by Davy, a Black veteran who just moved to Washington, D.C., to his friend in Harlem, this book describes life for upper class Black Americans in the 1920s of Washington, D.C., where Davy finds himself in a whole new world and with a whole new type of woman, Caroline. There are parties and football games between historically Black universities and stories of community issues like colorism and sexism. But mostly it’s a glimpse into Black Washingtonian society of a time gone by.
The Woman At The Washington Zoo: Writings On Politics, Family, And Fate
Author: Marjorie Williams
Genre: Nonfiction, Biography/Memoir, Short Stories
Location(s) Featured: Washington, D.C.
Marjorie Williams was a journalist who wrote popular columns in Vanity Fair and The Washington Post covering the inside stories of the “political elite” of Washington, D.C. and her own life as a woman in a male dominated industry, a mother, and a cancer patient. This book is a collection of her columns that covers a wide range of stories–famous figures in the D.C. scene, her own life experiences, and life in the city–and will leave you with a wide range of feelings.
Final Thoughts: Themes of Passion, Power, and Politics in Books Set in Washington, D.C.
Washington, DC is more than monuments and politics—it’s a city of neighborhoods, history, culture, and unforgettable characters. These books capture its many sides: ambition and scandal, love and loss, triumphs and struggles.
If you want to understand DC beyond the headlines—or just enjoy stories with a strong sense of place—this list of books set in Washington, DC is a great place to start your next reading journey.
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