I noted on a recent post books I am currently reading. I am posting here to recommend an author of popular histories, Mike Dash.
I have read three of his books, "Tulipomania" (about the boom in speculation in tulip bulbs), "Satan's Circus" (crime in Manhattan at the turn of the 20th century, think "Gangs of New York"), and "First Family" (founding of the mafia in the U.S.) . All read very well and were marked by what seemed to me to be very good primary source research.
He has written a half-dozen or so books. I recommend you give him a read.