Crossword Genius

Pricklier British fiction hidden within covers of bestseller by American (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

bramblier

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'within covers of bestseller by american' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'pricklier british fiction hidden' is the wordplay.
'pricklier' becomes 'bram' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'british' becomes 'br' (abbreviation for British).
'fiction' becomes 'lie' (fiction can mean a lie or fabrication).
'hidden' indicates putting letters inside.
'br' going around 'lie' is 'blier'.
'bram'+'blier'='BRAMBLIER'

Can you help me to learn more?

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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