Have you read 'The Kite Runner'? Not a whodunnit but certainly biographical and gripping reading.
My husband reads Donne Leon whodunnits. They are all based in Venice and she is a very erudite lady so they are well written.(She lives in|Venice and knows it well)
I have also had C J Sansom whodunnits recommenmded. They are based in Tudor times.
Talking of History....'The Other Boleyn Girl' is a jolly good read too.
happy reading!