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The Briar ClubKate Quinn

Historical fiction

The Briar Club

by Kate Quinn

In 1950s Washington, the women renting rooms at shabby Briarwood House initially keep their histories and ambitions behind closed doors. Mysterious widow Grace March begins hosting weekly suppers that draw a baseball player, a policeman's daughter, a political typist, and other residents into friendship during the McCarthy era. A murder on Thanksgiving 1954 exposes secrets shaped by political persecution, gender, race, and the risks of offering sanctuary. Vivid and ensemble-driven, this historical mystery suits readers who enjoy boardinghouses, found family, recipes, Cold War Washington, and nonlinear stories that reveal how a community formed before showing what violence asks it to protect.

Paired for this story

Strawberry Roller Fizz + Celebration Prosecco

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At a glance

Know what you're getting into

Spice4 of 5
Suspense4 of 5
Creepy2 of 5
What do these symbols mean? →

No surprises at chapter twelve

Content notes

Domestic, physical and emotional abuse; murder and violence; racism and racial slurs; sexism/misogyny; homophobia; war and antisemitism; sexual assault/harassment; infidelity; alcohol use; closed-door sexual content.

Alcohol-Free Pour

Strawberry Roller Fizz

Strawberries and lemonade sparkle together in a playful pink fizz.

What you'll need

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How to mix it

  1. Muddle strawberries lightly in a glass. Add ice and lemonade, top with sparkling water, and stir gently.
  2. Garnish: Strawberry and lemon wheel.
  3. Glassware: Highball glass.
21+

Cocktail Pour · 21+

Celebration Prosecco

For adults of legal drinking age. Please drink responsibly.

A gently sweet pour suits an evening of clues and clever sleuthing.

What you'll need

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How to mix it

  1. Pour chilled Prosecco into a flute. Add only a tiny pinch of food-grade edible glitter and stir once gently.
  2. Garnish: Food-grade edible glitter.
  3. Glassware: Champagne flute.

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