I think that this should almost be marketed as a historical novel. The Briar Club is based on the lives of 5 women living in a boarding house in Washington DC during the McCarthy era. It starts on Thanksgiving Day 1954 with a murder, victim, (at this point) unknown. The story jumps back 4 years and the events leading up to the murder are revealed. Each woman is given their own chapter in the book and the author delves deep into the character of each one. Even the house itself has a role.

A bit of a slow burner but you gradually become involved with each individual story.

The author's notes were interesting to read as it showed where her ideas for the story began.

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for the advance copy of this book.

I really enjoyed this unexpected read. Set in the McCarthy era it centres around the female boarding house inhabitants at Briarwood House. When widow Grace March moves in, everything changes - she draws her neighbours into unlikely friendships; initiates weekly suppers; decorates the house and nudges them all into making changes to their lives. They all have secrets but perhaps Grace has the most.

Everything suddenly blows up with an act of shocking violence which will test the strength of their friendship.

You could easily connect with each of the women with their flaws and mistakes - each has a remarkable story and each a journey to make. Grace is a truly memorable character who holds the story together but who ends up being in their debt.

An interesting period of history which is brought to life by this book.

One I will be recommending.

"The Briar Club" by Kate Quinn is an excellent example of historical fiction, transporting me to 1950s Washington, D.C. and immersing me in the lives of a diverse group of women living together at the BriarWood boarding house.
Quinn's writing is impeccable, easily weaving together multiple storylines and characters. Each chapter focuses on a different boarder, each with its secrets, struggles, and perspectives to share. From Nora's struggles with her gangster lover to Fliss's seemingly perfect English mother, Reka's hidden talent, Bea's battles with 1950s gender norms, Arlene's work at the House Un-American Activities Committee, and Claire's secret love affair, each character is richly drawn and multi-dimensional.
The mystery at the novel's heart is expertly paced, building tension and suspense as the story unfolds. Quinn's research is meticulous, bringing the McCarthy era and its societal pressures to vivid life. The themes of friendship, love, and resilience are woven throughout the narrative, exploring the complex relationships between the women and their experiences as they navigate a tumultuous period in American history.
I was completely absorbed in this world of secrets, betrayal, and loyalty, and I found myself drawn into the lives of these fascinating characters. The recipes scattered throughout the novel are a delightful touch, adding a charming warmth to the narrative.
The climax is electrifying, tying together the threads of mystery and personal drama in a satisfying conclusion. Quinn's ability to balance historical accuracy with compulsively readable storytelling is truly impressive. Fans of historical fiction will be captivated by this novel, which is a testament to Quinn's remarkable talent for blending history and storytelling.
Overall "The Briar Club" is for anyone who enjoys historical fiction or is looking for a compelling mystery exploring friendship, love, and resilience themes. Kate Quinn has solidified her reputation as a master of the genre with this latest novel, which will linger long after you finish reading it.

Washington 1950.

Briarwood House is an all female lodging house and they all go about their business and work without much interaction.
However, that all changes when Grace March moves in.
She becomes a magnet for them all and her weekly dinner parties in her attic rooms are a great success.
But everyone has a secret they wont reveal.
The a violent incident teats them apart and it is soon obvious there is a traitor amongst them.

The Briar Club is something a bit different from Kate Quinn, but of course up to her usual standards.
Briarwood House is a run-down female only boarding house in Washington DC. When the enigmatic Grace Marsh moves into the attic room in 1950 she immediately makes her mark,brightening up the house and starting weekly dinner parties on the evening the grumpy landlady goes to her Bridge club. The parties bring together the diverse group of characters rooming at the house,who name themselves the Briar Club. Also invited are the landlady's teenage son,his sister and the odd "illegal" male visitors,all of whom the amazing Grace takes under her wing.
The book starts with police in the house ,an unknown corpse ,the Briar club and a couple of visitors, it then tells the stories of each individual tenant as well as their joint stories before all is revealed at the end.
This is an excellent read that's basically several linked short stories,all of them involving and often surprising. With McCarthyism in full flow the paranoia and suspicions of that appalling episode in America's history play a big part in the story as well.
There are quirks,the stories revolve around the Briar Club members and after each character's tale has been told their signature recipe is given, the house also plays a rather unusual place in the tale.
An excellent book with a truly diverse cast of characters and several short stories making up an exceptional whole.

An exceptional novel, portraying a no less exceptional home .... This story has impressed me a lot: most of the novel takes place in a house which will become a home with Grace's arrival. Indeed, the house feels loveless and dull at the very beginning reflecting its lonely inhabitants. Grace's presence will change all that! This novel is about the value of togetherness, friendship and solitude. Each character has a tough past unknown to the others whatever the reasons are. Grace will bring all of them together through the Thursday Evening Meals in her room.... Each chapter is about one of the inhabitants of the house ending each time with a tempting cooking recipe....
What I loved about this novel apart from the wonderful characterisation, is the historical time of the 1950's. An intensely fascinating period of history when communists were feared, when women did not have many rights, racism, Korea war and much more. The author managed to give a deep insight into the American society in those days, weaving a heartwarming storyline into a complex plot with some very surprising twists!! Highly recommended!
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I am leaving voluntarily an honest review.

Briarwood (Boarding) House, Washington DC, Thanksgiving 1954. Turkey, pumpkin pie and murder. Which of the characters present on this catastrophic night will end up clapped in handcuffs? The house knows…..
Backtrack to June 1950, maybe the answers lie there when widowed Mrs Grace March arrives seeking a room, that’s when the house wakes up that’s for sure. Why so? Maybe its because Grace draws all the ‘motley’ collection of boarders into the unlikely friendship of The Briar Club. There’s English Fliss and her young daughter Angela, who’s trying to be a perfect mother while her husband is in Korea, Nora holding a gangster at bay, injured former baseball star Bea, Arlene an ardent supporter of McCarthy, Hungarian born artist Reka Takacs to say nothing of Peter and Lina, the lovely put upon children of the less than lovely owner of Briarwood, Mrs. Nilsson. All of them from very different backgrounds, but in November of 1954 all having a huge decision to make- will their friendship hold good?

Fantastic, quite simply fantastic. I love the way that Kate Quinn writes, she pulls you into her well researched sagas immediately and keeps you utterly riveted. The characterisation is outstanding as I find myself caught up in each of their lives. There are quite a lot of characters, but as each has their own distinctive voice, it’s not in the least hard to keep track of them. Their backstories are fascinating and you need to brace yourself with one or two as the odd surprise or even a bombshell is dotted along the way! They’re all fantastic characters but for me Grace, Pete and Bea stand out in differing ways.

The early 1950s are captured to perfection, this author is known for her extensive research and ability to convey a strong sense of time and place. Here we have an America deep in the reds under the beds with the paranoia of McCarthyism, a time of deep suspicion. Mind you, Mrs. Nilsson is suspicious of everything, just ask the house. There’s the Korean War in the background, gangs, crooks, corruption, prejudice, and judgement to name but a few of the themes and of course, close friendship.

This is a terrific slow burner intense novel with the author cleverly keeping you in suspense on the number of things. It builds to a very good ending with a few sharp intakes of breath.

Overall, I find this a cracking read. I love the use of actual characters such as Senator Margaret Chase Smith and little inclusions like JFK proposing to Jackie in the Martin Tavern on Wisconsin Street. June 1953 FYI! It’s also worth reading all the authors notes at the end. Highly recommended.

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Harper Collins for the much appreciated in return for an honest review.

Kate Quinn is fast becoming one of my favourite authors!
Her latest novel is set in 1950s America at the height of McCarthyism when Reds were seen around every corner.
Grace March moves into a boarding house in Washington DC and there meets range of characters all living separate lives. Instigating a weekly supper club, bonds of friendship form and secrets are unearthed.
Each resident was well drawn and believable even the house itself becomes a character!

A really enjoyable read!

Another winner from Kate Quinn. What a rich and absorbing read about a boarding house in 1950s McCarthy Communist fearing America. Grace moves in and starts a weekly supper club that brings the very different residents together and starts the unlikely friendships. We get the stories from each of the residents, which hold some interesting surprises, plus the weekly recipes, which is a magic touch. The story opens with two murdered bodies, but this is not a crime story. It is a story of secrets..... some of which are based on true events.....

It may take you a little time to get comfortably settled into The Briar Club but once there you won't want to leave. I got seriously invested in the lives of the residents and was rooting for them all as their very individual stories were revealed from Hammerin' Pete through to poor confused Arlene. I loved the quirky anthropomorphising of the house as an occasional narrator and although not particularly my thing, the recipes were an interesting addition as well. Quinn tells the individual stories of the women living at Briarwood House against a secondary background story of a murder investigation that weaves between the women's stories whilst keeping us in the dark as to the victim(s) and the murderer(s) until the very end. I usually skim through authors notes but I read Kate Quinn's with interest as they demonstrate the amazing amount of research she must have done to write this book. In them she relates the historical background for each character, which I found fascinating. I found The Briar Club to be an excellent, thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining book that I was extremely reluctant to put down. This was my first Kate Quinn novel but I shall certainly be reading her others. Recommended if you enjoy a good chunky 5* read.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy. All opinions are my own

"The Briar Club" by Kate Quinn kicks off with a bang on Thanksgiving Day, 1954, in a women's boarding house in Washington D.C. There's been a brutal murder, but we don’t know who the victim is. Then, the story jumps back to 1950, and we start piecing together the events that led up to that shocking moment.

Each chapter gives us a peek into the lives of different boarders, each with their own secrets and struggles. It's a slow burn, for sure—don't expect any fast-paced action. Instead, it’s all about diving deep into the characters' lives and seeing the world through their eyes.

One quirky and charming feature is the recipes sprinkled throughout. Each character has a favorite dish, which ties into their story. It's a neat addition, though it might not be everyone's cup of tea. If the recipes aren’t your thing, just check out the last bullet point, which connects more directly to the story and suggests a nice song to play in the background. It really helps set the 1950s atmosphere.

Don't come looking for a fast-paced thriller here; "The Briar Club" takes its time to build up the characters and plot.

Also, make sure you check out the author’s note at the end! I always enjoy reading about an author’s journey, and Quinn gives a great rundown of how she came up with the story and how the characters were inspired by real people.

Big thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

HAVE YOU PRE ORDERED UP THIS BOOK YET?! 🚨

a gripping historical mystery, inspired by real life AS PER Quinn’s usual style, about remarkable woman who left an unparalleled impact.
magically pull together this clever, layered and captivating story with a thrilling mystery interwoven. I was completely hooked from the very first word - SO 👏🏻 FREAKIN’ 👏🏻 GOOD 👏🏻 🌟🌟🌟🌟💫

🛒 Pick up if you love OUTLANDER, Kate Quinn books or want the perfect book for bookclub discussions !) - you won’t be disappointed!

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