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The Briar Club: A Novel

The New York Times bestselling author of The Diamond Eye and The Rose Code returns with a haunting and powerful story of female friendships and secrets in a Washington, DC, boardinghouse during the McCarthy era.

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Published Jul 9, 2024

432 pages

Average rating: 8.34

1,271 RATINGS

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Community Reviews

Gail_71
Jul 20, 2025
5/10 stars
I know I’m in the minority, but this book wasn’t for me. I expected a typical historical fiction novel, but it turned out to be a collection of character stories woven into a mystery set in the 1950s. The story begins in Washington at Briar House, an all-women's boarding house. Quinn introduces various characters, including the owner and her children, as she explores the McCarthy era's impact on women. While it presents a murder mystery, the novel offers deeper insights into female friendship and the residents' struggles against sexism and racism in post-World War II America. The formation of the Briar Club brings the women together to share experiences and support each other. Though I initially found the story engaging, I felt the author included too many topics, which slowed down the narrative and made it hard for me to connect with the story.
Loolabell16
Dec 31, 2024
this was a great book! i really enjoyed the deep dive into each character (character development) it was such an interesting way to tell the story! loved the recipes!!!! i learned some things about the 50’s that i never knew. the narrator was the absolute best ever! my new favorite! i highly recommend this book.
Kate Roberson
Aug 01, 2025
8/10 stars
Loved this book. The characters were so good and I enjoyed the way Kate Quinn laid out the timeline.
Books on books on books
Jun 11, 2025
10/10 stars
10 stars! I loved every second of this book.
Grammyjoyce
May 20, 2025
Beautiful historical and warm story of unlikely friends who become a community in Washington DC

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