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loveclairebearx 's review for:
The Briar Club
by Kate Quinn
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This book has everything: Lovable main characters, women admirably ahead of their time shirking social norms, murder mystery suspense complete with twists, recipes for a rainy day, and a 1950s playlist.
I initially worried about keeping such a large cast of characters straight, but early on discovering each one had a distinct backstory and voice allayed these fears. Quinn managed to keep all of the characters afloat throughout the long chapters, and I appreciated learning bits and pieces about each one through all the different POVs.
The structure was well executed. By the time each character’s primary chapter arrived, I was eager to read their perspective and glean what new information I could from it. It was also clear Quinn thoroughly did her research on the time period and created a realistic world within these pages.
The real joyous icing on the cake here is the Briarwood House personified. I adored returning to the present tense for a bit of piping hot “whodunnit” tea from the perspective of the walls that listen and feel. Ultimately I didn’t fully see the twists coming which took this from a 4 to 5 star for me.
I initially worried about keeping such a large cast of characters straight, but early on discovering each one had a distinct backstory and voice allayed these fears. Quinn managed to keep all of the characters afloat throughout the long chapters, and I appreciated learning bits and pieces about each one through all the different POVs.
The structure was well executed. By the time each character’s primary chapter arrived, I was eager to read their perspective and glean what new information I could from it. It was also clear Quinn thoroughly did her research on the time period and created a realistic world within these pages.
The real joyous icing on the cake here is the Briarwood House personified. I adored returning to the present tense for a bit of piping hot “whodunnit” tea from the perspective of the walls that listen and feel. Ultimately I didn’t fully see the twists coming which took this from a 4 to 5 star for me.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Homophobia