This story opens with 2 dead bodies in a woman's boarding house in 1950s D.C. This is the opening, The body of the book tells us how the two deaths came about and the identities of the victims. The backstory begins when Grace moves into the attic apartment of this grim boarding house. It is run by a grasping, self-absorbed mother of a teen age boy and young girl. The residents have always kept to themselves, ignoring each other except for occasional fights over bathroom privileges. Grace changes things, The house becomes a community. But the residents still have secrets, Grace included.

Kate Quinn should absolutely teach a masterclass on character development. Her talent for crafting compelling characters is unparalleled, drawing readers in within just a few sentences. This brilliance extends to her latest masterpiece, "The Briar Club."

"The Briar Club" brilliantly depicts a diverse group of women who protect, support, and love one another. Quinn excels at writing about women supporting women, weaving together camaraderie, loyalty, and empowerment into an inspiring tapestry.

The novel has the intriguing undertones of a whodunit while delving into significant historical moments. Quinn masterfully illustrates the backwardness of 1950s America, yet she also highlights the country's evolution through the perspectives of outsiders. Her nuanced portrayal beautifully balances flaws and progress.

"The Briar Club" explores an era many historical fiction authors avoid. As usual, Quinn masterfully balances humanity's darkest moments with its brightest, making readers reflect on the past while appreciating the present. This book is an experience that touches the heart and stimulates the mind, showcasing Quinn’s unmatched ability to blend historical insight with emotional depth.
Thank you to NetGalley & William Morrow for this ARC. I will read anything Kate Quinn puts out...including a grocery list.

I am ashamed to admit that this is the first book by Kate Quinn that I have ever read. I was quickly hypnotized by this amazing saga of women living in a Washington DC boarding house during the insane McCarthy years. The author pulled me into the complex lives of these amazing women. Quinn tells us each story, and involves the reader into the lives of the characters.

They are drawn together by the newest resident, Grace March. She manages to unite the residents and the struggling children of the cruel landlady into an ad hoc family. They begin by meeting for home cooked dinners, made on the hot plate of Grace’s tiny room. They are The Briar Club.

There is an unlikely narrator of the story, it is the house. She (is a house a she?) begins by taking us to a final Thanksgiving dinner that produces 2 murder victims. With that start, I was pulled into this compelling story. I was so taken by the novel and so curious about the victims that I spent a “sick” day at home finishing the book.

I can’t wait to share this book with my reading groups. I have already alerted my daughter that this is a must read. Thank you Netgalley for this incredible book and introducing me to Kate Quinn!

Like many, I'm a big fan of Kate Quinn, and I was especially intrigued by the time and pace setting of the book: the Cold War era in Washington D.C. There were several things I liked about this book (the writing was excellent, as was the historic detail and character development), but I will admit that I did not find it as strong and compelling as many of Quinn's books. Part of this might be do to the unusual structure (multiple points of view, each represented in a single long chapter) or with the inclusion of recipes (I'm not usually a fan) or the sentient house. All in all, I just found this to be a bit more "cozy" than my typical preferences in historical fiction. So though it was a decent read, I would definitely recommend others of Quinn's books (or other books from this era) when making recommendations to readers.

The Briar Club by Kate Quinn - eBook ARC
5 Stars!

Kate Quinn has once again proven herself a maestro of historical fiction with her latest masterpiece, "The Briar Club." Set against the opulent backdrop of New York City in the Roaring Twenties, this novel sweeps readers into a world of glamour, intrigue, and the secrets that lie beneath the glittering surface.

At the heart of the story are two captivating protagonists: Violet, a sharp-witted socialite navigating the complexities of high society, and Astrid, a talented but underestimated journalist hungry for the truth. Quinn skillfully intertwines their lives as they unravel a web of scandal and betrayal within the exclusive Briar Club, a bastion of wealth and privilege where appearances are everything.

Quinn's meticulous research shines through in every detail, from the sumptuous descriptions of flapper fashion to the lively jazz-filled nights that pulse with energy. The atmosphere is palpable, drawing readers into a world where champagne flows freely, and every whispered conversation holds the potential to unravel carefully guarded secrets.

The characters in "The Briar Club" are as vibrant as the era they inhabit, each with their own motivations and hidden agendas. Violet and Astrid's unlikely partnership is a delight to follow, their banter crackling with wit and intelligence as they navigate a world where power and influence are wielded like weapons.

Beyond the glamour and intrigue, Quinn explores deeper themes of class, gender, and the price of ambition. The novel deftly examines the societal constraints faced by women in the 1920s, juxtaposing the freedom of the Jazz Age with the rigid expectations of the upper echelons of society.

"The Briar Club" is not just a compelling mystery; it's a testament to Quinn's storytelling prowess. Her prose is as elegant as a Gatsby soirée, flowing effortlessly from one page to the next, keeping readers spellbound until the final revelation. Whether you're a longtime fan of Quinn's work or new to her novels, "The Briar Club" is sure to satisfy your craving for a richly textured historical tale filled with suspense and sophistication.

In conclusion, "The Briar Club" is a must-read for anyone who loves immersive historical fiction that transports them to another time and place. Kate Quinn continues to shine as a master of her craft, and this novel is yet another shining gem in her impressive literary crown. Treat yourself to a journey through the glittering streets of 1920s New York—you won't regret it.

Kate Quinn is an amazing writer and storyteller! Fans of historical fiction are going to love this one.
It is set during the Cold War in a women’s boarding house.
It starts on Thanksgiving 1954. There is a dead body and blood everywhere. We don’t know who’s dead or what happened. But we go back a few years to see what led up to that.
The women are each so different. But they come together each Thursday night for supper. It’s set up so each character has their own part in a chapter. The chapters are long but I was able to stop and start with no issues. I loved getting to know each character. It was almost like a short story each chapter.
There is soooo much history in this book and it’s so fascinating to read about it.
Definitely read the authors note at the end when you’re finished!

I was so excited to receive an ARC of Kate Quinn's newest historical novel. I loved The Rose Code and the description of this taking place in DC in a boarding house sounded like a story I would enjoy. Though some of her novels have some darkness and hard things, this took a lighter tone while still showing Quinn's great storytelling. There are still terrible things that the women go through in each of their stories, but the book is about this found family coming together over the years to support one another while we the reader try to figure out the overarching mystery set up in the prologue. I tried to figure out throughout the story how Quinn's novel structure would come together. I shouldn't have worried though because she pulled it off brilliantly! I loved being able to see the house from each woman's perspective at a point in time at this boardinghouse in Foggy Bottom. The only thing I would have liked more of is more DC. I thought the setting was a bit under utilized. All in all though, another great story by Kate Quinn!

A powerful and heartwarming historical mystery about the power of women, friendship and found family. The Briarwood House has been home to legions of borders but with the arrival of Grace things start to change. Tenants become friends over Thursday night supper but there is more to all the women than meets the eye.

As much of a fan of Kate Quinn I am, I can say that in my opinion The Briar Club doesn’t meet the strength of her other books. The story and characters are lacking and compared to The Huntress or The Diamond Eye this book pales in comparison.

This is another great book from the very talented Kate Quinn. This one is set in 1950 Washington DC during McCarthy's red scare. The story is about the residents of an all-women boarding house, Briarwood House and how the arrival of the intriguing Grace March turns the disparate residents into a strong community. All the characters are interesting, as is the depiction of the fervent anti communist sentiment of the time. The book is fascinating, one of Quinn's best.

First of all, I LOVE Kate Quinn. I’ve read The Rose Code and The Diamond Eye, and I always recommend her for historical fiction fans…But this one was not for me. However, I do think it will be a hit for plenty of people.

𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞:
🐢 Slow, character driven books
❌ Long chapters (I’m talking 50 pages)
🕵️‍♀️ A little mystery
🦄 Unique structure
👯‍♀️ Female Friendships

The book starts off with a murder in The Briarwood House, so it immediately grabs you. Then, it goes back 4 years, and the murder is barely mentioned at all. There are little snippets at the end of each chapter from the house’s POV, but it wasn’t enough.

Each resident of The Briarwood House gets their own chapter (which is why they were so long). I thought this was a very unique way to structure the story, and while I enjoyed some of the women’s chapters, most I found slow and repetitive. We get told a lot of information instead of experiencing it with the characters.

The most mysterious lady, Grace, is hiding secrets. Of course her chapter was one of the last, but once we got there, the ending exploded 🙌. The last 50 pages had all the action and their friendships were put to the test.

While this book wasn’t for me, I can appreciate what Kate Quinn was doing here. She brought together a very diverse group of women during a rough time in our country and united them over Thursday supper club….and that is what people are going to love about this story.

This historical novel from Kate Quinn is a bit of a departure from her previous works. This 400-page book unfolds rather slowly, focusing on four of the many characters readers will meet at Briarwood House, a rundown boarding house in Washington DC. As is evident from the title, the house is a character of equal importance to the women who inhabit Briarwood House’s tiny rooms in the early 1950s. The Briar Club, which refers to the comaraderie among most the renters, Mrs. Grace March, takes care of its own. The novel focuses on themes such as the meaning of freedom and patriotism, the meaning of friendships, racial injustice, class, gender, and sexuality. There’s much for the thoughtful reader to ponder even if the book is overlong. Few will see the big twist coming or the ensuing actions. Kate Quinn fans will not be disappointed.

It's 1950 in Washington, DC and police are called to the Briarwood House to investigate a disturbance. When they arrive they find a body in the attic and none of the boarders are talking. I was fascinated by this look into the turbulent years when Senator McCarthy's baseless ravings against the "Red Menace" infiltrating our country and its eerie similarities to the current state of our nation. Despite the communist paranoia and racial tensions prevalent during that time, I longed to climb the stairs and attend one of the "Briar Club's" Thursday night dinners with this eclectic group who come together to form a strong sisterhood. By including the recipes from the dinners and what song should be played while eating the featured dishes, Kate Quinn allows readers to sit down and join the party. I highly recommend this wonderful book!

This is something of a departure from the author’s previous work and not what I was expecting. Still, authors are allowed to evolve – and this change was very well done. A slow burn charater driven narrative throughout until the action picks up, and then I flew through the pages.

Thank you so much to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

4.75 stars rounded up. When I started The Briar Club, it took a minute for it to click and I was a bit confused. Those things are probably related, however.

From then, I was hooked. Getting to know, and trying to keep straight, the ladies from Briarwood House. The characters mostly end up being endearing and integral to the story. The story weaves them together as we get to know them, their backgrounds and how they relate to one another.

We know from the beginning there are two dead bodies and the books built, for me, on trying to figure out who ended up dead. I definitely did not see the end coming and was pleased to have the answer unveiled.

Overall, this was both a mystery and heartwarming. It was a whodunnit and a story of friends, women and the way they make life better for each other.

Advance reader copy provided by William Morrow and NetGalley but all opinions are my own.

This was far from my favorites of her books. The characters did not really speak to me. I'm sure it will be popular

Loved this book!! I have been a Kate for years and I think this book is so different then what she is use to. I loved the multiple perspectives and the unique character back stories that we got to see through out that time period. Also the mystery woven within the story I thought added an extra layer of intrigue. Also the twist at the end was so unexpected and really made the last fourth of the book just fly by.

Kate Quinn's latest novel, The Briar Club, is a captivating historical mystery set against the backdrop of the McCarthy era's paranoia. The story unfolds in 1950s Washington D.C., within the confines of Briarwood House, a down-at-the-heels boarding house brimming with secrets.

The arrival of the enigmatic Grace March, a beautiful widow who settles in the attic room, disrupts the lives of the house's residents. Grace's warmth and hospitality draw together a group of unlikely friends: Fliss, a seemingly perfect Englishwoman with hidden struggles; Nora, a police officer's daughter caught up with a dangerous crowd; Bea, a former baseball star yearning for a return to the diamond; and Arlene, a staunch supporter of McCarthy's Red Scare tactics.

As their bond deepens through weekly attic dinners, a shocking act of violence shatters their fragile sense of security. The women are forced to confront not only the dangers lurking outside but also the hidden truths within their own midst. The mystery of who is responsible becomes a test of their loyalty and a stark reminder of the era's pervasive fear and suspicion.

Quinn excels at weaving a richly detailed historical tapestry. She brings to life the anxieties of the McCarthy era, where accusations of communism could destroy lives. The novel also explores the societal constraints placed on women during this time, highlighting their struggles for independence and personal fulfillment.

The strength of The Briar Club lies in its compelling characters. Each woman is vividly portrayed, with their own unique hopes, desires, and flaws. Their camaraderie and unwavering support for each other shine through even in the darkest moments.

If you're looking for a historical novel with a touch of suspense, The Briar Club is definitely worth a read. It's a story that will stay with you long after you turn the final page.

This book was absolutely perfect and the best one I’ve read by Kate Quinn! The backdrop of the narrative is Washington D.C. in the 1950s,
commonly referred to as The McCarthy Era. The captivating story is brought to life with well-crafted chapters and impressive character
development. I found reading this book to be an enthralling and deeply engaging experience. This book comes highly recommended, particularly for those who enjoy reading Women’s and Historical Fiction novels.

Kate Quinn has a gift for engaging readers by interweaving historical elements and complex characters. It's the 1950s and Grace March, a boarder at the Briarwood House, takes action to unite the other boarders and befriend them. In doing so, Grace skillfully brings about the best in each person and shows them the kindness needed to succeed in their own lives. Unbeknownst to the other housemates, Grace harbors a dangerous secret that threatens all of their lives. A perfect read for those who love historical fiction, feminist overtones, and redemptive character arcs.