The Briar Club

This historical fiction set during the McCarthy era in 1950 Washington, DC takes place almost entirely in the Briarwood House, a women's boardinghouse run by a parsimonious landlord. The structure is interesting: we hear from each of the house's residents in turn, but just once, and learn of her dreams, disappointments, and the secrets she's keeping from her housemates. But the house has its own opinions on what unfolds within its walls: we hear from the house itself repeatedly throughout the story, beginning in the opening chapter when it tells us two people have been murdered there. Beautifully constructed and highly entertaining. I definitely folded extra laundry so I could find out what happens next. If you opt for the audiobook narrated by Saskia Maarleveld, don't miss her conversation with Kate Quinn at the end.