There’s nothing I love more than a well written historical fiction! Quinn’s books haven’t let me down yet, and this is no exception. Following a woman’s boarding house in Washington DC in the 1950s, The Briar Club explores the importance of friendship and kindness, even during the darkest times. Quinn was able to weave together all these individuals stories into a seamless story.

Grace and Nora were my favourite, their stories stood out against the rest and I desperately wanted to know more about them. I’m happy that most of these women got a happy ending, it was well deserved. Even Arlene, who I hated for most of the book, I ended up feeling for in the end.

The plot twist at the end was incredible!! I simply couldn’t put this book down after about 80%, I needed to know what was going to happen. The entire book felt like a warm hug, despite the dark historical context, I adored the Briar Club and I can tell this book will leave me with the worst reading slump ever.

Title: The Briar Club by Kate Quinn

Release date: July, 18th, 2024

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Stars

"The Briar Club" by Kate Quinn stands as a captivating tribute to the bonds of female friendship, the enduring spirit of resilience, and the intricate web of secrets that connect us, all set within the charged atmosphere of Washington, D.C. during the McCarthy era.

This novel is a shining example of Quinn's narrative genius, delving into the lives of women during a critical and unsettled time in American history with both sensitivity and power.

Briarwood House, on the surface an ordinary all-female boardinghouse, emerges as a haven for a group of women as diverse as they are intriguing, each harbouring her own secrets and battling her own demons. The enigmatic Grace March, a widow with a past shrouded in mystery, sparks the formation of an unexpected sisterhood among her fellow residents—Fliss, Nora, Bea, and Arlene.

Quinn's skilful character development invites readers to empathise with these women, accepting their imperfections and missteps with an open heart.

As the story unfolds, it reveals the intricate tapestry of human connections, with the women confronting the era's challenges, from the weight of societal norms to the spectre of McCarthy's anti-Communist witch hunt. Grace's intimate attic-room gatherings and the shared moments over sun tea brewed in windowsills serve as beacons of unity and solace, providing a sanctuary from the chaos beyond their doors.

Quinn's adept handling of pacing ensures that the novel's exploration of weighty themes is neither hurried nor repetitive. Instead, the narrative strikes a perfect balance, interweaving moments of tranquility with scenes that quicken the pulse. The journey into the lives of these women is both deeply personal and vastly epic, culminating in a conclusion that is as fulfilling as it is contemplative.

"The Briar Club" transcends the genre of historical fiction, becoming an anthem to the fortitude and perseverance of women, a testament to the strength found in community and friendship, and a poignant reflection on the secrets we carry and the bravery required to face them. Kate Quinn has penned a narrative that is both relevant and enduring, a story that will continue to resonate with readers far beyond the turning of its final page.

Thank you to The Publisher HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction | HarperCollin ,The Author Kate Quinn & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.

“It’s seen three wars, ten presidents, and countless tenants….but until tonight, never a murder.”

Although not my favourite of this author’s work, I think I’ll remember it come Thanksgiving for the next few years! Quinn has taken a different approach and created a character-focused slow burn cozy mystery centered around female friendship and secrets and set against the backdrop of a boardinghouse in Washington, DC during the McCarthy era.

As you can tell from the quote, Briarwood House has a character-like role in this story. Miss Nilsson runs a boarding house for ladies and is at full occupancy with 8 eclectic boarders. Quinn devotes time to each of the tenants and shares their backstory; what led them to Briarwood House, and the secrets they don’t share when they meet with the other ladies in the top-floor apartment. Some of the characters were so interesting, I was sad to arrive at a new chapter and a new boarder! I love Quinn’s message about the need for connection and friendship.

This book is not as fast-paced and intense. Yes, as readers get closer to Thanksgiving 1954 and the aftermath of the tragic event, the story gains speed and the mystery deepens. Yes, the paranoia of the McCarthy era/Red Scare comes through loud and clear in her writing, but the readers’ focus is on the unity and friendships forged during this time in history when anyone could pose as a friend and confidante. I loved the mystery and the chance to become involved in the story.

If you’ve read The Rose Code, you’ll remember Beth. She’s Felicity ‘Fliss’ Orton from 2A’s auntie.

I loved the fantastic cover and the recipes inserted! I made Grace’s Sun Tea and sipped it on the deck as I read this book yesterday.

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.

There's nothing as good as well researched, well written historical fiction with a great plot. I won't talk about the plot because you need to go into this book without knowing too much and let yourself be taken in by the story. There are a great number of storylines that reflect the climate and society of the early fifties, mccarthyism, a bit of organised crime, Pillsbury bakeoff and especially the attitudes towards women. And there's never a dull moment. The characters are so real, the atmosphere is enticing and there's a mystery that doesn't get solved till the very end. It's historical fiction at its best. I enjoyed every moment.

Quinn’s done it again, with another fantastic novel in The Briar Club. I’ll admit it took me a little time to get into the story but once I did, I was hooked! I found every character to be so real & fascinating. Blending historical fact with fiction is a true talent of Quinn’s. The Briar Club feels a little different from some of her more recent works but it’s thoroughly enjoyable nonetheless.

This was my first time reading a book from the author but I am delighted to say I thoroughly enjoyed the story and I look forward to reading more books from the writer in the future.

I read this ARC for an honest review
All thoughts and opinions are mine

This is not my usual genre but the cover and write up were intriguing

What a page turner!!
Absolutely loved this

I came to this book as a fan of Kate Quinn who often bases her books around unknown stories or little remembered stories of women particularly in wartime. I particularly admired the Alice Network and the Huntress although I was disappointed by the Rose Code her Bletchley based story I was really hoping that the Briar Club would be a return to form. Thankfully I am able to report that this was a great novel which kept me engaged and entertained.
In the Briar Club Quinn has set her story in a shabby genteel boarding house in 1950s's Washington DC which enables her to tell the stories of the female inhabitants in the context of the post war experiences and aspirations of working women, refugees and immigrant integration, abstract art, Korean war, women's professional baseball, LGBTQia+, McCarthy era anti communist drive, racketeering, segregation, jazz and so much more.
The female residents get together each week and bond over cooking a dish for each other (which reveals something about their background and personalities), the book even includes the recipes (a rare twee note). However my favourite character is the house itself whose thoughts are interlaced throughout the narrative. The book begins with a murder, and you are kept guessing until the end as to the victim. You can take this as the plot driver but Quinn really wants you, as ever to primarily hear the voices of the unheard women, as well as the landlady's family.
I am so very relieved to be able to recommend this book to both newbies and fans of Kate Quinn. Read it.
Thank you to Net Gallery for providing a review copy

It took me a little while to get in to this book, but once I did, I couldn’t put it down. I really enjoyed learning about each of the characters; their backgrounds and what they were up to at the time with the burning question of what was behind the opening chapters. A suspense with wonderful themes and characters.

"The Briar Club" by Kate Quinn is a captivating historical fiction novel that masterfully intertwines mystery and intrigue. Set in 1950’s America, the story follows a diverse cast of characters whose lives intersect at the Briar Club, a place steeped in secrets and hidden agendas. Quinn's meticulous attention to historical detail and her skilful character development create an immersive and engaging narrative. Themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the haunting consequences of past actions are explored with nuance, making "The Briar Club" a compelling read that lingers in the reader's mind long after the final page.

The Briar Club by Kate Quinn is a captivating historical fiction novel that completely immerses you in the intriguing world of 1950s Washington, D.C. Set against the backdrop of the McCarthy era, the story unfolds within the walls of The BriarWood boarding house, where a diverse group of women's lives become unexpectedly intertwined.

This novel feels a bit different from Quinn's previous works. It starts with a bang - a murder, or even two! But don't worry, I won't spoil the juicy details. As you read, you'll get to know the tenants of the boarding house intimately, but the house itself almost becomes a character, weaving its own story. And let me tell you, there are some delectable recipes sprinkled throughout that add a wonderful charm to the whole narrative.

The Briar Club opens on Thanksgiving 1954 with the discovery of a body and blood in the boarding house, then flashes back to June 1950 to trace the events leading up to this shocking moment. Each chapter focuses on a different boarder, each with their own secrets, struggles, and perspectives to share. There's Nora, a young woman working at the National Archives who's fallen for a gangster. Fliss, a seemingly perfect English mother. Reka, an older immigrant from Hungary with a hidden talent. Bea, a former female baseball player grappling with 1950s gender norms. Arlene, a Texas belle working for the House Un-American Activities Committee. Claire, a hustler with a secret lover. And the mysterious widow, Grace Marsh, who brings them all together.

Through these diverse voices, Quinn delves into powerful themes of friendship, love, and the profound impact of societal expectations on women during a tumultuous period in American history. Her meticulous research shines through, lending an authentic and immersive quality to the narrative. Quinn's rich character development and intricate plotting keep you engaged from start to finish, building to a suspenseful and deeply satisfying conclusion that ties together the threads of mystery and personal drama.

The Briar Club is a character-driven, slow-burn mystery that builds to an electrifying climax. Quinn's impeccable research brings the McCarthy era and the societal pressures faced by women to vivid life. This novel explores the complexities of female friendship, the weight of secrets, and how personal stories intersect with the larger political landscape.

The Briar Club is a testament to Kate Quinn's remarkable talent for blending historical accuracy with compulsively readable storytelling. Fans of historical fiction will be utterly captivated by this world of secrets, betrayal, and resilience, making it a must-read for anyone who appreciates narratives that linger long after the final page. Quinn's latest novel is a triumph that solidifies her reputation as a master of the genre.

I was so excited to read this having really enjoyed both The Alice Network and The Rose Code and I was not let down. This was such a great mystery with an engaging cast of characters. I loved the setting of the house itself and also McCarthy era DC more widely. One to add to your summer beach reads

Many thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.

Set in the the McGarthy era, this novel was such a page turner that I had to keep reading it until I had finished it. A group of female boarders are involved and when Grace March moves into the brownstone house things start to happen. I will not say any more for fear of spoiling the novel, but I will just say that my compliments go to Kate Quinn for writing the novel and that I would give it ten stars if I could. Highly recommended.