Fiona Davis (1) (1966–)

The Magnolia Palace in the title refers to the Frick Mansion. Fiona Davis has written a book imagining that two famous women of the early 2oth met and worked together to plan the Frick Art Reference Library. Although the character of Lillian is based on the "supermodel" Audrey Munson, Davis writes that she and Helen Frick probably never crossed paths. Davis writes, "I like to layer a fictional story over the scaffolding of historical facts..." What results, in this case, is a very entertaining mystery that inspires one to find out more! It is like the scavenger hunt within the novel...how much of the plot is based on fact?I was also interested in the many pieces of art and sculpture mentioned in the story.
Also, although I visited the Frick years ago, I would like to revisit with a deeper understanding of the family's history.
… (altro)

Grand Central Station--a history. Continuing her exploration of New York's well known buildings, Davis creates a story around known historical facts. As always, her research is the most fascinating part of her novel. In the late 1920s when an art school existed in the structure, well known artists began their careers. Decades later a challenge to the value of the edifice, nearly brought it down. Although I enjoyed the stories told in both timelines, I did find some of the aspects a bit cheesy. So not my favorite, but still a solid 3 star read for me.… (altro)

In 1956, Marion Brooks has dreams of being a dancer. But, her father, Simon, wants her to settle down and get married to Nathaniel. Marion also outshines her sister, Judy, who works for their father at Met Power. On a whim, Marion auditions for The Rockettes, and is hired. Simon is furious. Meanwhile, there's a bomber hitting NYC targets. When Judy attends a show at Radio City, she is harmed by a bomb. Marion feels guilty and with Dr. Peter Griggs, a psychological profiler, she is determined to find the bomber.
This is a look at the glitz and glamour of Radio City and the life of a Rockette. It is also the story of a young woman trying to have a career in 1950s. Later, in 1992, at 55, Marion is remembering her life.
Enjoyable and informative.… (altro)

Marion lives at home with her dad, Simon, and sister, Judy. Their mother died tragically and they were raised by their father. Marion is set to get engaged to Nathaniel, even though she really doesn’t want to. Simon works as an executive for Metropolitan Power and Judy is his assistant. Marion is a dance teacher and gets an incredible opportunity to join the Rockettes, which she jumps at, despite the disapproval from both her father and her soon-to-be fiance.

For 16 years, the Big Apple Bomber has been terrorizing iconic locations within NYC. One night, while Marion is performing, a bomb explodes in Radio City Music Hall. Marion is sure she’s seen the bomber and tries to convince the police of the same. They choose to ignore her. She meets Peter through another dancer, Bunny, and Marion and Peter start investigating this matter on their own.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book for an honest review.
Told in alternating timelines - first in the 1950s and then in the 1990s when Marion is going back to Radio City for a special event. Most of the story takes place in the earlier time frame.

The characters are wonderful, the storyline is fabulous and you learn things about the Rockettes you may not have already known. Highly recommend!… (altro)