The Briar Club

I was immersed in the setting and the characters. The prologue is set in 1954 (crime scene). The story begins in 1950 when Grace enters Briarwood House. The narrative comes from different characters who share their backstory as well as carry the plot forward. This serves a dual purpose to make us understand the people who live in the boarding house while minimizing repetition.Each woman is different and clearly defined. The main male characters are also given enough depth (depending on their purpose in the plot).While the mystery is dangled as a carrot, this should not be read as a mystery book. It is a character-driven historical fiction that can also be read as a series of interconnected stories.To summarize, The Briar Club is an interesting read dealing with many themes and subplots. I enjoyed it, despite the few issues.Thank you, NetGalley and HarperCollins Publishers Australia, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

Enjoyed this book by Kristen Hannah. Kept me in suspense. Interesting lives of the characters. Easy to pick up wherever I left off. Learn a bit of history too.

I loved this book and would give it 10 stars if I could. I loved the strong female characters who came together to support and love each other in spite of their differences. The characters were real, flawed, and believable. The writing style was a refreshing change and I thoroughly enjoyed it. This is the best book I have read in a while. I will have a book hangover for days.

Great book loved the characters really well written as all of her novels are. Parts made me laugh when the thoughts of the 'House' were voiced - would love to have a room there! - . I noticed another review said it was completely different to previous books and had nothing in common I didn't find that as this novel contains lots of strong women moving through life helping and some hindering other women and I have found that thread in the authors other novels including the co written ones. So do read this novel and enjoy I think its one of those books that I will read again.

I loved this book. Always something happening, great group of characters, all different personalities. Beautifully written,didn’t want it to end

An enjoyable read about an array of characters whobring the Broad Wood House to life. Food, camaraderie among house guests, secrets, and anunexpected ending keep you rapidly turning pages until the climax. Quinn saves the best for last!