The Years of Rice and Salt by Kim Stanley Robinson is an ambitious alternative history mystery that spans centuries and explores what would have happened if the Black Death had wiped out 99% of Europe's population. The novel follows a group of characters who are reincarnated throughout history, witnessing the development of different civilizations and grappling with questions of destiny and meaning. Robinson's meticulous research and imaginative storytelling make this book a standout in the alternative history genre.