The Briar Club

At Briarwood House, an all-female boarding house in the heart of the US capital, the residents live their lives cloaked in mystery. The air is thick with the paranoia and suspicion of the McCarthy era, where rumours can destroy lives and hidden pasts are the order of the day.

Into this tension-filled environment steps the enigmatic Grace March, who moves into the attic room and slowly begins to draw her diverse group of neighbours into an unlikely camaraderie. Among her new acquaintances are a poised English beauty with an air of melancholy, a policeman’s vigilant daughter, a frustrated female baseball player struggling against gender norms, and a fervently pro-McCarthy typist. Through weekly dinners in her attic room and afternoons spent sipping sun tea brewed on the windowsill, Grace’s compassion becomes a soothing balm for their fractured spirits.

However, each resident harbours secrets that could unravel the fragile bonds of friendship they have formed. Grace, the glue that holds the group together, is no exception, hiding a dark and painful secret of her own. The peaceful facade of Briarwood House is shattered by a shocking act of violence, forcing its residents to confront their fears and decide once and for all who among them is a friend and who is a foe.

With its vivid portrayal of the postwar era and its exploration of the evolving roles of women, The Briar Club is an intimate and thrilling examination of loyalty, trust, and the human spirit under pressure. The novel captures the essence of a time when the personal and political were deeply entwined, and survival often depended on the strength of unconventional alliances.

The Briar Club has garnered critical acclaim for its gripping narrative and well-drawn characters. Library Journal describes it as "a powerful, unforgettable historical romance," and Booklist highlights its compelling nature, stating, "Compulsively readable, The Briar Club will find eager readers in those who love woman-led historical fiction with rich, appealing characters." Glamour Magazine praises the book's blend of suspense, class struggle, and female empowerment, calling it "a thrilling addition to Quinn's repertoire."

Dive into The Briar Club and uncover the hidden truths that bind and divide the women of Briarwood House. This evocative novel is a must-read for fans of historical fiction and anyone captivated by stories of strength, resilience, and the bonds of sisterhood.