This riveting story is set in Washington D.C. during the McCarthy era, following murders at the Briarwood boarding house. The women of the boarding house, each from different backgrounds and dealing with their own demons and regrets, gather around Grace’s attic room to share in friendship and healing. But who is who is their real friend and who is the enemy hiding among them?
There’s murder at the center of this story. But there are also a lot of secrets, more than a little collective paranoia and spies! And for fans of The Briar Club who want more of that, we’ve got you covered. The following five books like The Briar Club each offer a few similar elements.
If you’ve read this novel for book club, be sure to use our Briar Club book club guide.

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5 Books to Read if You Loved The Briar Club

And After the Fire, Lauren Belfer
A historical fiction novel that follows the story of a lost controversial Bach manuscript passed down through generations of family. Uncovering that a Jewish musician had hidden the manuscript due to its anti Jewish sentiments. The novel explores themes of the weight of history, the ethical dilemmas surrounding controversial art, and the complex relationship between family and legacy.

The Magnolia Palace, Fiona Davis
This one is perfect for fans of The Briar Club who loved the historical fiction, murder mystery, and an iconic house at the center of it all.
This intriguing story also involves secrets, betrayal, and even murder. Intertwined by stories of two women from different eras but are connected by one location, the Frick mansion. This novel explores a variety of themes, including: societal double standards, the value of beauty and art, and the eccentricities of wealth.

The Stolen Lady, Laura Morelli
From the acclaimed author of The Night Portrait comes a suspenseful story told in dual timelines. A story about two different women involved with hiding Leonardo da Vinci’s infamous Mona Lisa painting. One of the woman safeguards it during WWII from the Nazis, and the other, a servant girl who is privy to secrets around the painting’s creation in the 15th century. The story explores themes of important artwork, world war, and the importance of preserving culture.

Who is Vera Kelley, Rosalie Knecht
This choice is a straight up play for those of you who want more spies served with a hot slice of cold war. But it’s less James Bond in a speeding car, and more of a slow burn character study.
Vera Kelly is struggling to make rent and blend into the underground gay scene in Greenwich Village. Despite her checkered youth, she ends up being recruited by the CIA and sent on a mission to Argentina to infiltrate a student group. Well, that doesn’t go so well, and after a miliary coup and some betrayals, Vera finds herself on a wild ride trying to escape Argentina.

The House of Eve, Sadeqa Johnson
Like The Briar Club, this book is also set in 1950’s DC.
Ruby is on track to become the first in her family to attend college. But after she falls for a local boy (who she shouldn’t fall for), things get complicated, threatening her chances.
On a parallel story thread, Eleanor arrives in DC with a bag full of ambition. She meets William at Howard University and they fall in love. His parents are part of the black elite and Eleanor is trying to fit in. She hopes that having a baby with William will grant her a place at the table.
The book follows the two women, each from different sides of the tracks, and is told in dual timelines with alternating chapters…until their stories intertwine.
In it, you’ll find themes like: maternal bonds (or lack thereof), the weaponization of women’s bodies, the importance of second chances, and the ways in which gender, racism, and poverty affect women’s options.
Read it for book club and use our House of Eve discussion guide.
Related Readalike Lists
- Books like The First Ladies (for more on female agency and mid-century America.)
- Books like The Seven Husbands or Evelyn Hugo (secrets, more secrets, and yet more secrets).
- Books like North Woods (for a sprawling tale featuring a cabin in the woods).