The Briar Club
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The Briar Club
The Briar Club
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.
The dramatic new historical mystery novel for 2024 from the author of The Rose Code and The Alice Network
Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! DescriptionAt 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.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780008643553
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 18 July 2024
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: HarperCollins
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 36.0mm
Width: 153.0mm
Height: 234.0mm
Weight: 540g
Pages: 432
About the Author
Kate Quinn is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of historical fiction. A native of southern California, she attended Boston University where she earned a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Classical Voice. She has written five novels in the Empress of Rome saga, and two books set in the Italian Renaissance, before turning to the 20th century with The Alice Network, The Rose Code and The Diamond Eye. All have been translated into multiple languages. Kate and her husband now live in San Diego with three rescue dogs.
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