The Briar Club is a haunting historical mystery set in an all-female boardinghouse in Washington, D.C., during the turbulent McCarthy era. The novel opens in November 1954 with a shocking act of violence at Briarwood House, leaving a dead body and a community in turmoil. As the police arrive and the residents await questioning, the narrative rewinds to explore the years leading up to the tragedy.
In 1950, Briarwood House residents keep to themselves until the mysterious widow Grace March moves into the attic room. Her arrival sparks unlikely friendships among them: Fliss, a harried new mother; Nora, a police officer’s daughter entangled with a gangster; Bea, a former pro baseball star; and Arlene, who works for Sen. Joseph McCarthy. Grace’s illicit Thursday night dinners held when the landlady is away, foster camaraderie, but secrets slowly emerge, leading to a suspenseful climax.
Quinn masterfully brings the 1950s to life, exploring themes of race, class, gender, and the pervasive fear of the unknown. The novel highlights the limitations on women of the era, from being expected to bear children to the societal taboo against mixed-race relationships.
The plot weaves together multiple perspectives, adding depth and suspense as it uncovers the darkness within Briarwood House. Though some may find the pacing slow, the book’s rich historical detail and strong character development make it an interesting read for fans of woman-led historical fiction. 4 stars.
** Thanks to the publisher for a comp of this novel. The opinions are my own.