Washington, DC, 1950. Everyone keeps to themselves at Briarwood House, a down-at-the-heels all-female boardinghouse in the heart of the nation’s capital where secrets hide behind white picket fences. But when the lovely, mysterious widow Grace March moves into the attic room, she draws her oddball collection of neighbors into unlikely friendship: poised English beauty Fliss, whose facade of perfect wife and mother covers gaping inner wounds; policeman’s daughter Nora, who finds herself entangled with a shadowy gangster; frustrated baseball star Beatrice, whose career has come to an end along with the women’s baseball league of WWII; and poisonous, gung-ho Arlene, who has thrown herself into McCarthy’s Red Scare.

Grace’s weekly attic-room dinner parties and window-brewed sun tea become a healing balm on all their lives, but she hides a terrible secret of her own. When a shocking act of violence tears the house apart, the Briar Club women must decide once and for all: who is the true enemy in their midst?

Capturing the paranoia of the McCarthy era and evoking the changing roles for women in postwar America, The Briar Club is an intimate and thrilling novel of secrets and loyalty put to the test.

I love that each chapter is a different tenant’s life, their story, flaws, and growth. I also love that the house is considered a sentient being. “If the walls could talk.” Each character is rich and well rounded. Their flaws are what make the reader want to know more, to read more.

Overall, I rate this novel 5 out of 5 stars.

I can sometimes struggle with books with many main character POVs, but Kate Quinn did such a great job in this book making each character SO distinct with their personalities and personal situations. I really enjoyed getting to know each housemate with so much detail into their pasts and what brought them to Briarwood house. The murder mystery element of this book was actually my least favorite, as I didn't care very much who was killed and who was responsible, but I can see how it was a required element to show how high the stakes were and how close the housemates had gotten. I think I would have liked something with a little less action/mystery and a little more emotion since I know Kate Quinn has the ability to make me cry. Regardless, I'll continue picking up Kate Quinn's books as long as she keeps writing them!

This is set in 1950s in Washington DC, during the time of the red scare .
The story revolves around the lives of the residents of a women’s boarding house and how their lives intertwine.
Each chapter delves into the background story for each resident. They come from all walks of life and I loved hearing about how they came to be at Brairwood House.

This was the third book I have read by Kate Quinn and I have loved each one. I would highly recommend this book to fans of historical Fiction ¥

Set against the backdrop of McCarthyism in the 1950s, this historical fiction novel is a gripping choice for fans of Kristin Hannah. Kate Quinn, renowned for her best-selling female-centered historical fiction, delivers a standout story with this book.

The narrative unfolds in a women’s boarding house in Washington, D.C., helmed by an unscrupulous owner and featuring a cast of richly developed characters. Each chapter centers on a different resident: an elderly immigrant, a retired women’s baseball player (reminiscent of A League of Their Own), and a mysterious widow from Iowa. The book also includes recipes at the end of each section, adding a charming touch.

In an era when women couldn’t divorce, own property, or have credit cards, boarding houses provided a space for single women to create supportive communities. By the end of the novel, the boarders’ strong bonds and protective instincts highlight the resilience and camaraderie formed in this unique setting.

For audiobook listeners, the varied accents of the characters make it easier to distinguish their stories. The structure, with each character’s tale told in separate sections rather than alternating chapters, enhances the clarity and flow of the narrative.

If you’re a fan of female-centered historical fiction and ready for an engaging, longer read, this book is perfect for you.

This historical fiction novel transports readers to Briarwood House, a women’s boarding house in 1950s McCarthy-era Washington, D.C. It explores the evolving roles of women in post-war America, weaving a compelling tale of secrets and loyalty tested.

The book is deeply character-driven and well-researched, with language that authentically captures the era. It's not a fast read but a richly immersive experience to be savored.

And it comes with recipes!

Following the success of “The Diamond Eye” and “The Rose Code,” Kate Quinn is back with “The Briar Club” (William Morrow, $28.99), a McCarthy-era thriller where secrets are brimming in a 1950s Washington, D.C., boardinghouse.

In this novel focusing on female relationships and women’s evolving roles in the U.S. following the war, a widow finds surprising companionship in her neighbors of various backgrounds, including a picture-perfect stay-at-home mom, the daughter of a policeman who also happens to be dating a gangster, a baseball star at the end of her career and a woman in the throes of the Red Scare. A murder threatens to turn the group’s weekly warm and sweet get-togethers sour, however, as the five women must discern who in their found family isn’t to be trusted.

Rich historical details and deep character-building drive this slow-burning tale that flawlessly balances pulpy entertainment with a tear-inducing storyline.

Thank you William Morrow for the advanced copy of a very anticipated book!

Kate Quinn writes some of the best historical fiction and I'm always excited for her new books. This one was a little different but I really enjoyed it.
Set in a boarding house in 1950s DC during the McCarthy era is this story about friendship and secrets.

This was much more character driven than her other books but I loved getting introduced to each of the women and hearing their stories. I liked seeing how it all connected. I love that we're getting more 1950s historical fiction these days so this glimpse into the daily lives is something I really liked.

The Briar Club introduces us to the women of Briarwood House, a boarding house in Washington DC. Each woman is as different as night and day, each harboring secrets of her own. Through newcomer Grace March, a hot plate, and a painted flowering vine, the women become more than just neighbors, they become friends, a family.

Set in the 1950s in DC, with McCarthyism and the Red Scare as the backdrop of their lives, Quinn divides the book up into distinct POVs from each character. The timelines overlap where they need to, but everything we need to know about each woman is doled out perfectly. You never feel like one of the other women is missing from the story, even if its not told from her perspective.

All seven women have full lives and backgrounds and reasons for their idiosincracies. Each woman could have fronted a book of her own, but the way Quinn weaves them all together is masterful and magical. In the end, they all need each other and come to rely on each other. They battle the status quo of the day, they listen to one another and make their lives better, more fulfilled.

The house, too, plays a small part, and its so ingeniously done that I would have taken MORE of the house, if offered. All in all, Quinn says a lot about many things, from being a perfect mother, to family strife and chasing your dreams even if they seem out of reach, that there is something for everyone. I don't know how she does it, but Quinn is a master of historical fiction.

Kate Quinn only writes hits and I will die on that hill. Better review to come later, but this was absolutely amazing. The Queen of Historical fiction.

Thank you Net Galley and William Morrow for the arc.

The Briar Club by Kate Quinn did not disappoint! I had previously read very little about this time period so I was very excited to learn more about this specific period. As always, Kate Quinn draws out the most unique and interesting perspectives in her characters- causing us as readers to dive deep into the various viewpoints as they eloquently stream together! I thoroughly enjoyed "getting to know" the tenants of Briarwood house and found myself wishing that I could have continued on with them in the end. Thank you for the opportunity to preview this book as an ARC!

I read a collection of interconnected stories involving the Briar Club, where a central event ties them all together. The concept of exploring each story in the context of this central event provided a fascinating structure and added depth to the narrative. The stories were skillfully crafted and connected, offering a rich and engaging experience.

Although I appreciated the overall structure and the way each story contributed to the central theme, I didn't connect with every narrative on a deeply emotional level. That said, it’s clear that the collection has resonated strongly with many readers, highlighting its broad appeal.

Claire was my standout favorite; it had a unique charm and depth that truly shone. Additionally, the author’s note was particularly valuable, offering insightful commentary that enriched my understanding of the collection and provided meaningful context to the stories.

🎨 This may be a first for me, and certainly for Kate Quinn: an historical fiction novel that reads more like a slower paced, character-driven literary fiction piece. Thank you to @williammorrowbooks for the sneak peek at this one— it’s out now!

🎨 I loved the structure of this book. It’s about a bunch of strangers living in a boarding house in Washington, DC in the 1950’s, and each chapter is told through a different boarder’s POV. Each character’s struggle gives us a peak at life for women during the time period— and Quinn covers a LOT with this:
- the discovery of birth control, fertility treatments
- the McCarthy era and the Red Scare
- the collapse of the women’s baseball league
- female choice
- immigration
- the Korean War

🎨 And beyond those bigger storylines there’s lovely nuances of themes like:
- found family
- the importance the friendship
- the pitfalls of political hysteria

🎨 The chapters are long, making this a slower-paced read, but it’s very enjoyable! And the farther I get from finishing it, the more I seem to think back on it and really appreciate it.

🎨 If you are not someone who always reads the author’s note, I would HIGHLY recommend taking the time to read this one. The story of how this book came together is really pretty incredible.

🎨 Overall, I’d definitely recommend this— especially if anything above has piqued your interest. Kate Quinn is one of my favorite writers and I’ll continue to read anything she writes. It was cool to see her do something different here.

I imagine this was similar to a book club of the 50's - a group of women meeting to gab. Gossip maybe? However, each woman has her own personality and background. As expected, Kate writes such beautiful women characters who ultimately stand for what is right. Her writing style makes her one of my favorite authors!

This book took me a long time to read, and it’s not because it is long. It means I was able to read a little at a time and did not having a problem putting the book down and picking it up. That is not always necessarily a bad thing as I definitely wanted to pick it back up. But I know a book is a smash when I put off bedtime, chores and TV because I don't’ want to leave the story.

This had an interesting premise and I liked the way the chapters were told from different POVs. I didn’t like all the characters, but that was ok because I did feel for each character. The story takes place mostly in a 1950’s boardinghouse for women, with each chapter taking the reader into that character’s background. There are secret relationships, secret heartbreak, secret love and even a secret identity. This was a heavily character driven story.

The story and characters were interesting, but the mystery is not much of a mystery, and the circumstances an investigation were a bit of a stretch. It sounds like I didn’t like this one - but that isn’t true. I enjoyed my time in DC in the 50’s during the McCarthy days with a group of women who came together once a week to share a meal. They became found family and I was happy with the way most of the character’s stories resolved. This author is able to bring the reader into the time frame she is writing in with ease. She writes descriptively while also succinctly.

If you enjoy books in 50s timeframes, books on friendship and books on women’s issues, I think you’ll like this one! Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for the copy to read and review.

The Briar Club by Kate Quinn is a captivating historical fiction novel set in the 1950's during the height of Senator McCarthy’s Red Scare. The story revolves around a group of women living in Briarwood House, an all-female boarding house in Washington, D.C. The novel opens with a murder on Thanksgiving Day in 1954, and the narrative weaves back and forth in time, unraveling the secrets and lives of the residents.

At the heart of the story is Grace March, a mysterious widow who moves into the attic of Briarwood House. Grace’s presence brings together a diverse group of women:
*Fliss, an English beauty hiding her inner wounds
*Nora, a police officer’s daughter entangled with a gangster
*Bea, a former baseball star
*Arlene, a fervent supporter of McCarthy’s anti-communist crusade.

Grace’s weekly dinner parties become a source of comfort and connection for the women, but she harbors a dark secret of her own.

Quinn masterfully blends historical context with rich character development, offering a glimpse into the lives of women during a tumultuous period in American history. The novel explores themes of friendship, resilience, and the impact of political paranoia on personal lives.
The inclusion of recipes for the dishes shared at Grace’s dinner parties adds a unique and charming touch to the narrative.
While the book is filled with intriguing characters and a compelling plot, I did find the number of characters overwhelming at times. I did very much like the fact learning more about McCarthyism and the effect of the Korean War and that kept me very intrigued. Quinn’s ability to keep me guessing until the very end about the true identity of the murderer made for an engaging and satisfying read.

I felt the “The Briar Club” was a delightful and thought-provoking novel that showcases Kate Quinn’s talent for historical storytelling. It’s a must-read for fans of historical fiction and mystery.
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4.5 stars

As I continue to work my way through my toppling summer reading TBR, I’ve been trying to prioritize works by my favorite authors first and foremost. Last week, I finished the latest new release by Liz Moore (which I loved) and this week, it’s Kate Quinn’s turn. I’ve read and loved most of Quinn’s 20th century historical novels and her newest work, The Briar Club, is of course no exception. This time around, Quinn takes on 1950s America at the height of McCarthy’s Red Scare, with both the Korean War as well as the aftermath of WWII playing minor roles in the backgrounds of a few of the characters. At the center of the story is the Briarwood House, an all-female boardinghouse in Washington D.C., where, on Thanksgiving Day 1954, a murder has just taken place and the police are on-site investigating. As the police get ready to interview witnesses (of whom there are many – the tenants of the boardinghouse as well as various friends and relatives), we are taken back through the past 4 years leading up to this point, starting from the day that mysterious widow Grace March moves into the closet-like room on the top floor and starts a Thursday night supper club that ends up drawing her eclectic mix of neighbors together.

The structure of the story is a unique one – in between a narrative that alternates between the perspectives of each of the characters where we learn their varying backstories, there are short interstitial sections that return us again and again to the present storyline in 1954, each time revealing more clues about the murder currently being investigated. All these threads converge into an unexpected plot twist in the end that actually had me going back through some of the chapters trying to understand how I missed some of the clues that were staring me in the face. Also, one of the things I found different about this novel compared to Quinn’s previous ones is that the historical elements were more subtle, blended seamlessly into the various characters’ backstories to the point that you kind of have to pay close attention in order to notice them. In this regard, Quinn’s Author Note – which she deliberately puts at the end of the book because it reveals spoilers from the story – is a must-read, as it provides much of the historical context for both the story as well as the characters.

Those who’ve read Quinn’s previous historical novels will notice that she went in a slightly different direction with this one (both story and structure-wise), but one aspect that’s a constant with her works is the focus on strong yet flawed female protagonists and the friendships (as well as rivalries) that are formed as the story progresses. It is also worth mentioning that the tone of this novel overall is much lighter than that of Quinn’s past works, with some subtle humor interspersed throughout the story that is not usually present in her other novels. The biggest indication of this, in my opinion, exists in the interstitial sections from the “present” 1954 timeline, which are all told from the perspective of the Briarwood boarding house (yes, you read that right – the house actually narrates those portions of the story) in contrast to the rest of the chapters which are told from the actual characters’ perspectives. I found this narrative structure quite interesting and in this case, it worked well for the story that Quinn was trying to tell.

I definitely enjoyed this one, though admittedly, it’s not my favorite of Quinn’s novels (which has more to do with me than her, as this particular historical setting – 1950s America, specifically Washington D.C. amidst McCarthyism – is one that I’ve never been too keen on). With that said, the writing is brilliant (as expected), but what blew me away the most is how Quinn wrote her characters – every single character has a distinctive personality as well as a unique backstory to match, yet the way the characters interact with each other when they come together as a group felt so natural. These are characters that, when I got to the end of the story, I honestly did not want to part with and would’ve absolutely been happy reading more about them -- if Quinn ever decides to continue any of these characters’ stories in future works, I am totally there for it!

Received ARC from William Morrow via NetGalley.

Unlike many of her previous books set during the war, Quinn takes readers on a journey into the world of a handful of women who live together in a 1950’s boardinghouse in Washington D.C. Each woman has her own story and background with individual chapters devoted to them, plus one centered on Pete, the young boy whose mother owns the boardinghouse. The women come from different countries and different parts of the U.S., bringing their nationalities, their dialects, and their histories with them. One can’t help but fall in love with the diverse group: the rule-following Nora who falls for a guy she shouldn’t, Fliss, the cute young English mother waiting for her husband, Bea, the baseball player who has been sidelined, and Reka, the curmudgeonly older woman who lost so much fleeing Hungary. These are just some of the fascinating boarders.

The women form a bond over the years and gather weekly at Grace’s apartment to share food and conversation. They help each other and become like a family – something each of them currently lacks. Though some have immediate family from whom they are estranged, they look to bond with their housemates.

The primary timeline is set in 1954 but the plot skips back to earlier years as the women’s individual stories unfold. Though not focused on the dangers of wartime, there is a violent event that anchors the 1954 opening. A dead body has been discovered in the boardinghouse and someone in the house is presumed to be the murderer. As readers discover more about each of the characters, they look for clues about who is dead and who might be capable of murder. Quinn cleverly weaves each of the backstories together into a taut mystery. Even the boardinghouse itself becomes a character with its own insights and opinions.

Quinn addresses many of the issues of the time: McCarthyism, communism in the US, women baseball players in the 50’s, domestic abuse, pressures of single parenting, falling in love with someone you shouldn’t, child abuse, propaganda, preventing pregnancy, physical challenges and more. She mixes in plenty of fun such as a Bake Off competition and the addition of the recipes for the food the characters share at their weekly dinners. Grace paints ivy on the walls and the hallways, symbolic of the intertwined lives of the boarders and the growth of their friendships. The murder mystery weaves throughout the novel and adds intrigue to the story of the women as they establish relationships and support each other. Juxtaposed to the solidarity of the boarders is the cranky, hard-hearted owner of the house. She provides conflict for the women and especially for her son Pete and his sister. The male characters add to the interest, especially Nora’s bad boy. There’s also a tattletale, a woman who sees herself as a righteous victim. The resolution of the plot is cleverly managed and brings the book to a satisfying conclusion. This is a great story of sisterhood; don’t miss it.

In addition to reading the book, I was able to listen to the audiobook and it is superbly read by the talented Fiona Hardingham who flawlessly switches voices and dialects with ease.

Fans of slow-burn mystery and character-centered historical fiction will love this one.

I was gifted this copy by Harper Collins UK, Harper Fiction and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

To my mind, Ms.Quinn is a bit of a chameleon. Her latest novel, The Briar Club, felt quite different from say The Rose Code (a favorite of mine). That is not to say that I didn’t enjoy The Briar Club because I very much did.

A few things about the structure of the book:

The house gets some chapters as events unfold.

The story is told almost as a series of short stories with a section given to each of the main characters.

There are recipes from each of the main characters included.

As regards the story itself, which unfolds during the McCarthy era, right from the beginning readers know that there has been a murder. There may be more to come (no spoilers). Who was killed and why? Of course, readers want to know. They will keep turning the pages to find out.

The character who moves in to the house right at the beginning of the story seems to be the glue between characters. It is Grace March who draws everyone together and it is she who organizes the regular weekly tenant dinners. The residents who attend are quite different from one another. One character works at the National Archives, another is a mother with a young child, someone is more involved with the McCarthy hearings, an older woman was once an artist and is now down on her heels. These are just some of the women and all of them have backstories.

I would read anything by Kate Quinn and this book does nothing to change that opinion. I recommend it highly recommend it as do Library Journal and Publishers Weekly which both gave this a starred review. Readers will remember the women and events at Briarwood House.

Many thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for this title. All opinions are my own..

Loved the characters, loved the interweaving plot and time period (early 1950s), another winner from Kate Quinn!

I am a library associate and received an advance copy from #NetGalley.