As usual Ms. Davis brings history to life! Her dueling timelines are wonderful and the venue (the frick mansion) is iconic. I breezed through this book because, frankly, I devour everything Ms. Davis does! Her research is impeccable.

With that being said, I knocked a star off because of Mr. Frick. There was a lot more to the story that was glossed over. I felt that in some of Ms. Davis' other books, characters got their just desserts and, there were too many characters in this novel that didn't. The ending was tied up too neatly, and we met more characters at the end that could have really added to the story. I guess it felt a bit thin. With that being said, I didn't knock off a 2nd star because this isn't a history book, and there's only so much space to tell a story. (The Angelica statues reminded me of the destroyed work from the bonwitt teller building!)

As always, I look forward to her next novel!

(also, typo in the first Veronica chapter discussing 200 pounds)

*thank you net galley!
**if you have a chance to see Ms. Davis speak, she's magnificent!

Another exciting blend of fact and fiction, and I personally love how NYC comes alive in all its gilded splendor. The research, the detail, and the cliff-hanger chapters, make this another exciting book from Ms. Davis. A total pleasure!

Fiona Davis has quickly become one of my favorite authors so I was ecstatic when I got an advanced copy of her forthcoming novel, THE MAGNOLIA PALACE.

The Magnolia Palace shines a light on the Frick mansion and weaves together a page turning story between two women over thirty years apart. The Magnolia Palace is typical Fiona Davis -- dual timelines, mystery, murder, intrigue, and history. It does not disappoint. I love the landmarks she chooses to highlight in each of her novels and the Frick mansion fits nicely in the collection.

I look forward to sharing this title with our readers and will keep it as a contender for a future month book club pick for our organization's book club.

Thank you to Dutton Books and NetGalley for an advanced copy of Fiona Davis' THE MAGNOLIA PALACE in exchange for an honest review.

1919 New York, artists model stumbles upon a job at the Frick mansion, a perfect
escape from the law. But when a diamond goes missing and she is accused of Mr. Frick’s murder she disappears into history.
Years later two young people discover the real story of Lillian Carter and the diamond.
An interesting historical novel about the Gilded Age and what privilege could buy and could not buy.

Having read all the other books by Fiona Davis I am so happy to review her Latest one, The Magnolia Palace. Set in 1919 in New York City the story begins with Miss Lillian a model who winds up working for Miss Helen Frick. It then alternates to 1966 with Veronica who is also a model who discovers a long lost clue at the Frick house/museum . The writing is magnificent true to her style and I look forward to more historical fiction or other genres from this author.

I truly enjoy Fiona Davis' books!
I have read every book that she has written. I have recommended her books to patrons who have become fans also. I was looking forward to this book, thrilled to receive ARC. I will be excited to promote book upon release to others at library.

You will be transported back to 1919 New York City;
where life, mishaps, and consequences lead her, well she actually stumbles into a job.
Is this the answer she needs?? Will this be the solution?

Now to New York City in 1966
where life, mishaps and consequences lead her into a puzzle she must solve
Is this the answer she needs?? Will this be the solution?

You will get wrapped in these stories, you will have to keep reading to get the answers.
I read entire book in 1 sitting, as I was in NYC deep in the past and lost to everything else.

Fiona Davis brings to life the hidden part of New York. This book has passion, mystery, intrigue, and adventure. I loved it

Also adore the cover

The Magnolia Palace was reminiscent of Lions of Fifth Avenue, but takes place the Frick museum rather than the NY Public Library. The story occurs in dual time lines of 1919 and 1966. It begins in 1919 with Lillian Carter (known in the art world as Angelica, renown for her beauty). Unfortunately, she finds her self in the middle of a murder investigation, and she looks for somewhere she can lay low and earn money. She stumbles upon the Frick mansion, and it's oddly demanding Frick family. They she is employed by the scattered and overly challenging daughter, Miss Helen. There she becomes embroiled in another possible murder and scandal as she tries to keep her identity secret. Forty seven years later, during a blizzard, Veronica becomes locked in the now Frick museum. She along with the museum intern search for answers as they find clues to the almost 50 year mystery of what happened in 1919 with the Frick family. As with the previous book, the story unfolds slowly but does pick up about 50% into the novel.

Fascinating book about the beginnings of the Frick Museum in New York City. A historical time piece that readers of this author will enjoy . Highly recommendable, I plan to go back and read the author's previous novels.

This is an engaging book about a an iconic site here in NYC. The Frick Museum occupies a large plot of land on New York’s Upper Eastside, yet few people realize this was once a family home. Having visited both the house in Pittsburgh and the one here has given me a tremendous thirst for knowledge about this family. Although historical fiction, surrounded by a fanciful story, I did enjoy reading about the Fricks, especially Helen.

When the beautiful model and muse, Angelica is forced to flee from her home, she is hired to work in the mansion. Going back to her birth name of Lillian, she becomes the private secretary for the mercurial Helen and involved in the intrigues of the family.

Woven into this is the fanciful story of the young model, Veronica, who is locked in the mansion and makes a startling discovery.

The weakness in the novel is the fact that the author forced an unnatural closure on the reader.

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.