This is Winn’s second novel, after 2022’s  “Our Little World.” But “I’m not an overnight success by any shape or form,” she says with a laugh. 

“I was a nurse and a nurse practitioner, but always loved writing and wrote on the side,” says Winn, who left Mass General in 2010. “It’s a typical writer’s story: I had hundreds of rejections for short stories.”

One of those rejections — from JFK Jr.’s “George Magazine” in 2000 — actually landed her in Newsweek recently.

I called Winn to talk opium, strange graveyard tour, a terrifying house fire, TikTok, and more.

Taylor arrives in Boston with a burning curiosity about the city. “What is Boston? Who are these people?” questions swimming in her head.

“Absolutely. When I came to Boston, I was so struck by this beautiful city. In my head, I could very clearly see the Knox building: The front is on Mount Vernon Street, and the back, I imagined to look like Branch Street. Branch isn’t the back of Mount Vernon, so I gave it a fictional name.”

I love that level of detail, though. No one outside Boston — or maybe even Beacon Hill— would ever know: oh, Branch Street isn’t in back of Mount Vernon. You have other specific references, like dining at 1928.

“I almost wish I’d been a little craftier [with adding more]. For instance, at one point I had Taylor get her knives sharpened at Blackstone’s. And it was just too much detail, so I pared it down. But sometimes I’m like, ‘Oh, I wish I kept that!’ [laughs]”

[laughs] That’s how it goes.

I don’t think I realized the effect each reference would have. There are book clubs now that tour Beacon Hill and go to spots mentioned.  A few toured the Boston Atheneum, or dined at 1928.  I didn’t realize how much people would connect to the sense of place. It feels like it’s been embraced by people in Boston, which is so fun. 

Now 1928 has a cocktail named for your book. What are more specific inspirations that went into the novel? 

“For the Knox, I took inspiration from The Somerset Club and The ‘Quin —  the beautiful room with fireplaces and ornate details. 

“And I was in a secret society in college: Tabard Society at UPenn.”

Wow, what was that like? 

“I can’t tell you. [laughs]”

[laughs] Fair enough. 

“But I loved that experience. When I was rushing [or trying to get in] you’d find out if you were invited by getting handwritten notes slipped under your door. I tapped into that with The Knox sending notes.”

You said your husband went with you on midnight strolls through Boston?

“Yes! I dragged him to some graveyard tours. We did one that —it was funny, because I’m not sure how I found it, but it definitely, like, wasn’t very legit.”

[laughs] OK.

“It was just us and this guy — we weren’t allowed inside any of the cemeteries. We’d watch the tours go on the inside, and the three of us would be standing on the outside. [laughs]”

[laughs] Amazing.

“My husband’s like, ‘Where did you find this guy?’ I don’t know.” 

[laughs] This feels like a “Curb Your Enthusiasm” episode.

“It was quite an experience [laughs] And then, of course, I had to go back. We had to go back and do an official tour.

“And I toured the Nichols House Museum in Beacon Hill, which was neat to see another historic building and learn about family that lived there. I toured the Forbes House Museum in Milton. Forbes family was one of the Brahman families, they made their fortune in the opium trade. 

“Also we had lived, at one point in the South End, and actually had a house fire. We were home at the time. Luckily, we were fine. But our house was a total loss.” 

Oh my god.

“We each grabbed a kid and ran out at the door. It was pretty traumatic. Five minutes later, we would not have been able to go out that door. So, I tapped into that when I wrote the fire scene.”

Wow. That’s terrifying. 

“As a writer, you store all these things up, and then go into your basket of experiences, and you get to use them.”

You also created a TikTok for the Knox. What sparked that, and how long will you keep that going?

“I’m having fun with it. I had no expectations when I started. I wasn’t big on TikTok. But having the account for the Knox itself allowed more creative freedom because I wasn’t putting myself out there — I was putting the Knox out there. So I’ve enjoyed creating these videos. Especially since the next novel is brewing in my head.”

What are you working on now?

“My next book focuses on a minor character mentioned in “The Society” — the bookstore owner, Nicholas. I was telling you earlier about those rejections  —  I actually wrote a short story about him years ago that was never published. It’s been living on my computer and in my head for all these years.  I’m ready to tell the story. It will be another very Boston book.”

Catch Karen Winn on July 29 at Quincy’s Next Chapter Books & More. 

Lauren Daley is a freelance culture writer. She can be reached at [email protected]. She tweets @laurendaley1, and Instagrams at @laurendaley1. Read more stories on Facebook here.

Lauren Daley is a longtime culture journalist. As a regular contributor to Boston.com, she interviews A-list musicians, actors, authors and other major artists.