“Opportunities were things that fell in your lap, but second chances had to be fought for.”
If you’re a fan of The Briar Club by Kate Quinn, you already know how captivating historical fiction can be when it weaves together secrets, strong female characters and rich environments. Set in 1950s Washington DC during the McCarthy era, The Briar Club offers a compelling exploration of female friendships and hidden truths all against a backdrop of societal pressures and political scandal. Whether the suspenseful narrative pulled you in, the nuanced depiction of women’s lives or the vivid depiction of a turbulent era, there’s no shortage of books to fill the void. From novels exploring mid-century America to stories of heroines with complex friendships, join us today at What We Reading as we present our favourite books like The Briar Club that capture the same depth of emotion, intrigue and historical richness that any Kate Quinn fan is sure to recognise.
The Rose Code – Kate Quinn
First up on our list of books like The Briar Club is another one of the best historical novels by Kate Quinn, The Rose Code. Set during the Second World War, the story follows three women – Osla, Mab and Beth – who work as codebreakers at Bletchley Park, decoding Nazi communications. Despite their shared mission, personal tensions and buried secrets threaten their friendship. Years later, as England prepares for a royal wedding, the estranged friends are brought back together by a mysterious letter, forcing them to reckon with a betrayal that could change everything.
Like the 1950s McCarthy-era setting in The Briar Club, The Rose Code vividly brings wartime and post-war struggles to life and explores themes of loyalty and betrayal against richly detailed historical backdrops.
The Night Watch – Sarah Waters
The Night Watch by Sarah Waters is a beautifully layered historical fiction novel set in 1940s London, exploring lives intertwined by love, loss and secrets. Told in reverse, the story opens in post-war Britain and moves backwards in time, revealing the connections between its four major characters: Kay, a woman haunted by her wartime experiences; Helen, navigating a fraught relationship; Viv, caught between expectations and love; and Duncan, harbouring a mysterious past.
Waters captures the emotional and physical aftermath of World War II through vivid descriptions of bomb-scarred London and richly-developed characters. Like The Briar Club, it is a story that focuses on complex relationships, hidden truths and the profound ways war shapes personal lives.
The Magnificient Lives Of Marjorie Post – Allison Pataki
Born into the Post cereal empire, Marjorie Merriweather Post transformed her inheritance into a legacy of power, wealth, and philanthropy. Allison Pataki’s The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post takes readers on a tour through her opulent world, from glamorous mansions to her pivotal role in American diplomacy, society, and history.
Amid her success, Marjorie is also forced to grapple with personal struggles, including four turbulent marriages, societal expectations and the difficulties that come with being a woman in a male-dominated world. Nevertheless, she emerges as a trailblazer who balances ambition with compassion. Fans of The Briar Club are sure to be drawn to this tale of a strong female protagonist and the intricate interplay between public success and private challenges.
The Other Typist – Suzanne Rindell
Suzanne Rindell’s The Other Typist is a darkly compelling historical fiction novel set in 1920s New York during the heyday of Prohibition. Rose Baker, a prim and proper typist for the police department, spends her days toiling away, transcribing confessions and navigating the gritty world of crime and justice. Her life is upended when Odalie, a glamorous new typist, joins the department. Drawn into Odalie’s dizzying world of speakeasies and indulgence, Rose becomes increasingly entangled in her new friend’s secrets.
As Rose’s obsession grows, the lines between reality and perception become blurred, leading to shocking twists and revelations. The novel’s use of unreliable narration and the hidden facets of its characters make it an enthralling historical thriller and one of the best follow-ups for anyone who loved The Briar Club.
The Address – Fiona Davis
Another one of the best books, similar to The Briar Club, is set in historical New York City. Fiona Davis’ The Address follows two women—Sara, a young interior designer in the 1880s, and Bailey, a modern-day interior decorator—whose lives become connected through the secrets of the city’s iconic Dakota building.
In the 1880s, Sara’s rise to fame is threatened by betrayal and a scandalous affair; in the present, Bailey is drawn into a search for the truth behind Sara’s sudden disappearance. Featuring rich historical detail, strong female protagonists and the unfolding of long-buried secrets, The Address is the perfect pick for readers who enjoy historical fiction that blends suspense with deep character exploration.
The Last Bookshop In London – Madeline Martin
Grace Bennett is a young woman who moves to London and finds work at an undoubtedly charming, albeit struggling bookshop. As the war intensifies outside, Grace’s life is disrupted by air raids, loss and the many pressures of living in a city at war. However, the bookshop becomes a sanctuary, not just for books, but for the community that congregates there.
Through the hardships of war, Grace finds strength in the written word and the friendships she forms with fellow Londoners. Like The Briar Club, The Last Bookshop in London focuses on friendship and resilience to present its message on the healing power of literature, the human spirit and the importance of community during crisis.
Lilac Girls – Martha Hall Kelly
Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly is a powerful historical fiction story following three women during and after the Second World War. Caroline is an American socialite turned humanitarian, determined to help Holocaust survivors. Kasia, a young Polish woman, is sent to a Nazi concentration camp where she endures unimaginable horrors. Herta, a German doctor, finds herself ensnared in the atrocities of war whilst grappling with her own moral struggles.
The narrative alternates between these women’s perspectives, showing how their paths cross in unexpected profound ways. Lilac Girls is a tale of survival, guilt and the resilience of the human spirit. Any fans of The Briar Club are sure to be drawn to Kelly’s strong female protagonists, deep emotional exploration and the way bonds are forged through adversity.
Check Out The Best Historical Fiction Books From 2024
Part-time reader, part-time rambler, and full-time Horror enthusiast, James has been writing for What We Reading since 2022. His earliest reading memories involved Historical Fiction, Fantasy and Horror tales, which he has continued to take with him to this day. James’ favourite books include The Last (Hanna Jameson), The Troop (Nick Cutter) and Chasing The Boogeyman (Richard Chizmar).
