The Briar Club

“The Briar Club” by Kate Quinn is a captivating story set in a 1950’s era boarding house in Washington DC.  Each character has her own story to tell.  Fliss, a seemingly perfect wife and mother, hides her roiling inner turmoil. Bea is sure that she will return to playing in the professional women’s baseball league, just as soon as she can get her knee to heal up.  Nora, the policeman’s daughter, finds herself falling in love with a soft spoken gangster.  Arlene works for the government and has embraced Senator McCarthy’s anti-communist Red Scare, no matter who it effects.  Grace March, new to Washington, has a knack for bringing everyone together, while somehow never giving away any of her own secrets.

Quinn weaves together history and intrigue, bringing to life this vibrant cast of characters in a truly compelling narrative. If you love historical fiction with strong female leads and a gripping plot, you won’t be disappointed!