I verymuch enjoyed this book. I enjoyed the time period it was set it and the relationships that were built within these pages. I liked the the FMC refused to give up on her dreams of being a dance regardless of what her father and fiancé were wanting.

This was my first story by Fiona Davis, and I quickly realized as I was reading this that it would certainly not be my last by her! I grew up traveling to New York City around Christmastime with my family to see the Radio City Christmas Spectacular show featuring The Rockettes, so I knew when I saw the synopsis for this book that I would enjoy reminiscing on my own experiences at this music hall. And I don't typically steer towards Historical Fiction books, so this was truly a moment for the history books!

But even though this is characterized as Historical Fiction, I enjoyed the Mystery/Thriller aspects that this book provides as well. I felt like this story had a lot of depth to it, not only of our main character choosing to follow her dancing dreams and spontaneously trying out for The Rockettes, but also the investigation into the Big Apple Bomber, and the family drama sprinkled into the pages. This felt like it had something for every type of reader.

I felt like I was really close to going into the 5 star range with this one, but held off after a few personal ties to the character had me super bummed. This was definitely a me problem and not the author's!

This was an easy style of writing that propelled me to read faster and for longer doses at a time. I hope this continues with Fiona's other novels, and I'm excited what other thrilling stories based around New York City she has up her sleeves!

Thank you to netgalley for providing an e-galley for review. Fiona Davis writes such compelling novels and this one is no exception. Her female main characters are always so strong and inspiring. The Spectacular, set around Radio City Music Hall, gives mystery, suspense, romance to historical fiction that can sometimes be fairly rote. So good.

I thought this book was an entertaining read about an era in New York City that I am always intrigued by. I enjoy the author and how she centers her novels around New York City landmarks we all know and love. Somehow Fiona Davis always finds a novel and new way to write about the people, events, and places that we all know and from which we think we have heard it all. I had never know the backstory of the Rockettes and Radio City nor about the disgruntled former employee of Con Ed who for years (a decade plus!!!!) caused chaos, disruption, and pain and suffering.

One of my favorites by this author! When giving book recommendations to friends, I will always recommend this book and each of Fiona Davis's books.

Fiona Davis is a new to me author and i really enjoyed THE SPECTACULAR. I always like to read stores about times in fiction that I’m not familiar with and “The Big Apple Bomber” was unfamiliar to me. I thought THE SPECTACULAR was well thought out, detailed, and engaging. I can’t wait to read more from Fiona Davis!

Fiona Davis is the master of writing about glamorous New York City locations and offering a bit of history as well. The Spectacular focuses on Marion, a young woman with a dream to be a dancer. When she is chosen as a Rockette - a very coveted position in dance - she jumps at the chance. But, tragedy strikes when a bomb goes off in the theater during a performance and her sister is killed. Marion puts on her detective hat and, alone with a new friend, she sets out to solve the mystery of who is planting bombs in the biggest NYC locations. Part historical fiction and part detective story, The Spectacular is a fun novel!

Fiona Davis bases each of her books in an iconic New York City building, and The Spectacular is set at one of the city’s most well-known and beloved locales, Radio City Music Hall. Nineteen-year-old Marion is selected as a Rockette, performing at Radio City Music Hall, much to the chagrin of her parents and her boyfriend. Then one evening, a bomb explodes in the theater, and Marion’s personal connection draws her into the investigation. The behind-the-scenes glimpses into both Radio City Music Hall and the Rockettes are fascinating, and aspects of the story are more personal for Davis.

This story was such an amazing journey. I loved the main girl Marion. She was so ahead of her times! The rocketettes audition and then the Christmas spectacular was icing on the cake. The mystery of the bombs being planted was like having the cake and eating it too! Such a compelling story that keeps the reader flipping pages.

I have absolutely loved Fiona Davis's books in the past, but this one fell a little short, for me. I found it to be about 5 chapters too long, and felt like the book could have wrapped up long before it actually did. I enjoyed the back and forth with the mystery of the bomber that we found ourselves in the middle of, but I thought that the character play really took a backseat to that mystery, which is not like a typical Fiona Davis book. I felt like the characters were a little flat for me, and that the relationships in the book were not as parsed out as I would have liked. I feel like Fiona Davis usually makes the relationships and the characters front and center in the book, and this one got lost, a little bit. I also don't have much interest in the Rockettes, or dancing shows, so maybe that is another reason I didn't like it as much as her past offerings.

Thank you to the author, publisher and Net Galley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts are my own.

In her captivating novel, *The Spectacular*, New York Times bestselling author Fiona Davis immerses readers in the vibrant world of 1950s Manhattan. At the heart of this tale stands the illustrious Radio City Music Hall—a beacon of glamour and entertainment. Within its opulent walls, nineteen-year-old Marion realizes her lifelong dream: joining the iconic Rockettes, a precision-dancing troupe that graces the grandest theater stage in the world.
However, beyond the dazzling facade of sequins and spotlights, darker forces are at play. Danger lurks, mysteries unfold, and a relentless bomber threatens the very heart of the city. As Marion navigates the glittering highs and perilous lows of her newfound career, readers are drawn into a web of suspense and intrigue.

*The Spectacular* is a must-read for enthusiasts of richly detailed historical fiction. With its strong female protagonist and a touch of suspense, this book leaves an indelible impression, lingering in the reader's thoughts long after the final page is turned.

I just dont think that Historical Fiction is really for me. I liked the premise of this book but I wasnt over joyed by it.

Another spectacular Fiona Davis story. Great depiction of the era and historical events. I learned so much about the Rockettes. The development of the main character was deliciously satisfying.

I can never go wrong with a book by Fiona Davis. I read her books as soon as I can. Loved this one about Radio City Music Hall. An iconic novel about a New York icon.

This page-turner plunges readers into midcentury New York City and the lives of the Rockettes. But it's much more than a book about a dancer. Marion Brooks is desperate to break free from her overbearing father, and an unexpected opportunity to join the Rockettes seems like her ticket out. But when tragedy strikes, she finds herself thrown into an investigation to track down the Big Apple Bomber before he can strike again. With believable, three-dimensional characters and Davis's trademark exquisite research, this one won't let you go.

Fiona Davis's books are always spectacular! I absolutely love diving in to see what forgotten nugget of NYC history I will learn about. As with the majority of her books, this one was fast paced. There was an intensity to both the characters and the plot. Reading about the early history of the Rockettes and learning about the vigorous schedule was amazing. I had never heard of the bombing before and found the dismissiveness of the early investigators deplorable. Marion was a no nonsense woman and committed herself fully to everything she signed up for. A wonderful historical thriller.

This should be one of this summer's must-reads. Loved the premise, the mystery, and the characters. Life as a Rockette was fascinating to learn about!

What a roller coaster ride! Davis has done it once again. I'm a huge fan and this book doesn't disappoint.
Marion Brooks is trapped by the thought of an ordinary life, marrying, having children and succumbing to a world of subservience. So, when given the opportunity, thanks to her talent. she joins the Radio City Music Hall Rockettes. Simultaneously, there is a rash of bombings in New York City and the tension begins.
The era is captured beautifully, and Davis poignantly expresses the mood of the population where terror reigns. I was especially impressed. by the detailed research that made the Rockettes come alive. It takes a great author to achieve that, and the success is evident.
This book had all the elements of a great read. Loved it!

One of the big reasons I enjoy historical fiction is the opportunity it presents to learn something new. In The Spectacular, author Fiona Davis introduced me to “The Big Apple Bomber” who terrorized New York City for 16 years in the 1940s – 50s, setting off bombs in many of its landmarks, including Radio City Music Hall (twice). I also got a backstage pass to the Rockettes in their heyday. In typical stellar fashion, she has managed to merge the two when her female protagonist, 19-year-old Marian Brooks, auditions for the precision dance troupe on a whim and is accepted. Against her overly-protective father’s and soon-to-be fiancé’s wishes, she moves from her comfortable home in Westchester County to New York where she rehearses and performs 4 daily shows for 21 days straight with just a week off before the cycle begins again.

On a surprise double date, she meets a young psychiatrist, Peter Griggs, who surprises her with his incredible insight into her upbringing and personality. At first glance, she isn’t impressed with either his looks or his personality and doesn’t expect to see him again. However, when a bomb goes off during a performance of the Christmas Spectacular (a show I’ve been privileged to see), her connection to the tragedy and the police’s failure to catch the bomber cause her to solicit Peter’s help in finding him before he strikes again. As they and a reluctant police force work together with the clock counting down, a mutual respect and attraction is formed. It will take Marion’s courage to stand out in a performance that demands uniformity to catch a killer.

As in all her books, Davis uses a dual timeline to offer perspective. In this case, it’s Marion at age 55 as she prepares to sell her family home and reluctantly agrees to attend a Rockettes reunion. We learn what she’s done in the intervening yearsm and she also uses the opportunity to tell readers about how Peter’s work is the origin of criminal psychological profiling. I couldn’t help but think of the show “Criminal Minds” as I read it. Davis is undoubtedly one of the reigning queens of dual timeline historical fiction and fans of the genre will love this one. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from Dutton in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

Thank you to netgalley.com for this ARC.

I am a big Fiona Davis fan and read all of her books. This one did not disappoint. Loved the setting of Radio City Music Hall (which I've been too and also done a backstage tour as a kid) as well as the time period of the 1950's NYC. This was heartbreaking at times, but also fun at times. Loved learning about the Rockettes, a little more about Creedmore Psychiatric Center, which I pass every day on my way to work.

I highly recommend this book - definitely a page turner! Can't wait to see what's next from her.