This was spectacular in tying the historical facts and events to the Rockettes of the Rocky City Music Hall. In 1956, Marion auditioned for the Rockettes against her boyfriend and father's wishes. She experienced grueling and endless rehearsals with precision dancing.
It was a scary time for New York as the "Big Apple Bomber" terrorized the city and the Music Hall was not spared. Marion became involved in one of the first techniques in criminal profiling. It became a little too personal for her.

The story details Marion's family life with not all of it being pleasant. Her mother died in a tragic accident and she was raised by her father. The author reveals so much more about the life of her mother and the behavior of her father as a controlling man and his will to have reins on everyone.
I enjoyed it even if I knew very little about the Rockettes other than my fascination as a child on their perfection.
Thank you NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Dutton for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

Fiona Davis does it again! I've enjoyed every one of her novels, all set in two eras and centered on a building in New York city. In this case, while a building matters (Radio City Music Hall), The Spectacular is about a Rockette, Marion, who danced in the 1950s and is now, in the 1990s, invited to a sixtieth anniversary celebration of the troupe. In other words, in this two era book, the same character is featured, first in her youth and now at 55. It is also loosely inspired by the "Mad Bomber," who terrorized New York over a sixteen year period and who had a vendetta against the local electric company. A really interesting part of this novel involves a psychiatrist who is experimenting with what makes people behave violently. Marion's father works for Metropolitan Power Company. Her sister Judy works there too, as their father's secretary. Marion's decision to audition for and become a Rockette sits very poorly with her father, Simon. Her mother Lucille died many years ago and Simon is a proper and overprotective father. As is usual, part of the novel requires acceptance that every protagonist does something insanely dangerous. For me, these parts read like a nod to Nancy Drew, which is not a negative comment: I always buy into it. These scenes help make these novels fun. The characters that matter are three-dimensional. The writing and plotting terrific. I will read this series until Davis decides to hang up her dancing shoes.

@fionadavisauthor writes books set in NYC and they send me straight to google every time. I looked up pics and videos of kicks. I read about the building and the bad guy (and the good guy!). I think every year I say that this might be my fave. But it really might be.

The Spectacular takes place in and around Radio City Music Hall and the Rockettes. As a rebellion against her father, Marion auditions on a whim. When she becomes a Rockette, danger she didn't realize existed crossed her path and caused her to become part of a crucial investigation. I absolutely adore when the bones of a story are real, but the characters and details are fiction. It's my favorite way to learn and to have a great time reading. This is just about perfect. I couldn't stop.

My first Fiona Davis book, won’t be my last! What a surprisingly fun and unexpected delight this book was! How can you not love a Historical Fiction about a dance teacher dream coming true! Our main character Marion, is a part time dance teacher in the small town of Westchester. She lives at home with her dad and sister. Marion gets the opportunity of a lifetime to audition for Radio City Music Hall! This is the opportunity of a lifetime, but not everyone is happy about it. Marion’s father is not supportive as memories of watching his wife chase after the same dream, but dies very young. Her father wants her to stay and follow the path he thinks makes the most sense, but Marion is ready to start the next chapter in her life. Did I mention there is a side of mystery as we meet the “Big Apple Bomber” who is detonating pipe bombs all over the NYC??? This was an unexpected subplot intersects with Marions story and they are all on the hunt for this madman.

I loved the true facts, with beautiful storytelling weaved in so seamlessly. I loved the pace, the writing style and I found myself exciting to get back to the book at the end of the day! I think this would make a fun movie! I could picture all the characters and the city life.

I highly recommend to anyone who likes an engaging historical fiction read. Really loved this ARC provided by NetGalley and the publishing company.

Thanks!

The Spectacular by Fiona Davis is historical fiction at its best.

We are taken back to 1950s NYC and follow a dancer as she becomes a Rockette. Shenanigans ensue and she pairs up with a profiler (before Profiling was a thing) to hunt down a serial bomber.

I love it when authors take a piece of forgotten history, research it, and bring it to life in the pages of a book. I found myself so wrapped up in the story to the end I was staying awake longer to read than normal because I couldn't put it down. That is the sign of a good book!

r e v i e w - 💃
Thank you, Dutton Books, for the gifted copy of The Spectacular {partner}

Genre: Historica Fiction
Setting: 1956 NYC
Format: 📖
Pub Date: 6.13.2023
Star Rating: ☆☆☆

"I wish I had taken a moment… back when I was dancing, to stop and appreciate what it felt like to leave my leg effortlessly high, what it was like when my limbs and mind were rich with music, and my body snapped into place."

I know I will be in the minority with this review, but that's okay because (repeat after me) not every book is for every person. But here's a little about what worked and didn't work for me in The Spectacular by Fiona Davis.

The historical fiction + mystery mash-up was well executed and added just the appropriate amount of suspense to the story, keeping me interested. I know Fiona Davis bases her books on real-life events, so I had to stop looking up specific circumstances in the book as I didn't want to spoil them for myself.

Unfortunately, the writing style felt abrupt and unnatural in places which caused me to see the MC, Marion, in a more juvenile light, distracting me from the story. The writing felt completely different from Davis' other novels. 🤷🏽‍♀️

The book's first quarter was just meh for me as I struggled with Marion's father and his control over her life (but then again, it is set in the 1950s). I enjoyed the middle half of the book as this is when the mystery element is introduced. Unfortunately, the last quarter did not work for me. When we reached the story's apex and what would've been a perfect conclusion, there were 50ish pages left, and this last section added nothing further to the book. It caused me to drop from a solid 4 ⭐️ down to a 3 ⭐️ as I thought the author was trying to do too much with the story.

🫤 Pacing was okay
💃 Behind the scenes look at the Rockettes
✍🏼 Short & unnatural writing
Middle half was the most interesting

Again, not every book is for every reader, so I encourage you to check out The Spectacular. But if you're looking for a Fiona Davis title, I highly recommend The Chelsea Girls!

Author Fiona Davis brings historical New York buildings to life again with THE SPECTACULAR. This book focuses upon Radio City Music Hall and the lives of the Rockettes in the 1950’s, for the most part. Receiving equal attention, the man terrorizing the City as the Mad Bomber and the beginnings of criminal profiling play increasing roles in the second half of the book. This book, more than earlier ones, loses focus when it moves away from the historical building and dives into mysteries focused elsewhere in the City. The story was still compelling but not as well integrated thematically. It remains, like Davis’ earlier books, impossible to put down. I received my copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

The Spectacular by Fiona Davis transports readers to 1956 when Marion Brooks tries out for the Radio City Music Hall Rockettes. The story alternates between 1992 and 1956. I thought the story was well-written with realistic, developed characters. The author has a way of bringing history alive. I enjoyed the vivid descriptions of New York City, Radio City Music Hall, Brownsville, and Marion’s childhood home. I especially enjoyed reading about Radio City. I had no idea there was so much going on in that building. Fiona Davis brought history to life and made it interesting. There was never a dull moment. I enjoyed learning about the Rockette audition process (I wish there was a television show about it), the lengthy rehearsals, costume fittings, and daily shows. I cannot imagine doing four shows a day. The “Big Apple Bomber” has been hitting New York City landmarks for sixteen years without getting caught. When Marion’s sister is killed, Marion is determined that the bomber shall be caught. Marion wants the bomber identified and caught. Marion seeks help from Dr. Peter Riggs, a resident at Creedmoor Psychiatric Center, in profiling the bomber. It is something new and the police are naturally skeptical. The mystery ramped up near the end. I was up late quickly turning the pages to see how everything would turn out. There were some great characters in the story. I enjoyed getting to know Marion Brooks. She had a special talent and Marion wanted to use it despite her father’s pressure to marry. There is some repetition of details especially regarding the father, Simon, and Judy, Marion’s sister. I appreciated the author’s note at the end of the book. I like how the author brought the Rockette’s Christmas show to life, especially the wooden soldier number. I had no idea that the kick line was accomplished without the dancers touching each other. It is the details that elevate a story. You will find yourself caught up in the case and wondering how Marion and her friends will help catch the “Big Apple Bomber”. The Spectacular is a fascinating historical tale with an active audition, a straightlaced sister, old-fashioned dad, a baffling bomber, a brown-nosing boyfriend, a disobliging detective, and a dazzling dancer.

I love NYC, Radio City, and The Rockettes, so I was really excited about reading this book. The first half of the book did not disappoint. We follow Marion on her quest to break from the mold of the path to being a 50’s housewife to becoming a Rockette. It was fun reading a “behind the scenes” of what goes into the performances. I liked Marion and her story and rooted for her carving a life of independence when it was something that was frowned upon by her family and society.

The second half took a bit of an unexpected turn and was largely focused on the storyline of the New York City Bomber. I didn’t dislike that part of the story, but it took away from the sparkle of the first half with the Rockettes. I know this author always writes about a historical NYC landmark and centers the story around an event that happened there. However, I think Marion’s story and budding romance with Peter would’ve held enough intrigue.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed it!

Fiona Davis's "The Spectacular" is a captivating dual timeline novel set in 1950s New York, centered around the world of the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall. Marion Brooks, a determined aspiring dancer, finds herself entangled in a gripping investigation to catch the notorious "Big Apple Bomber." Teaming up with Dr. Peter Griggs, a young psychiatrist with an innovative approach to psychological profiling, Marion becomes an invaluable asset to the authorities. As she delves deeper into the dangerous pursuit, Marion must navigate family dynamics, societal expectations, and her own safety, all while hoping to expose the bomber's identity. Davis's meticulous research, vivid descriptions, and the compelling blend of history and mystery make "The Spectacular" an unforgettable reading experience.

"The Spectacular" takes readers on a journey through the behind-the-scenes world of the Rockettes, offering captivating insights into their grueling schedules and breathtaking performances. Davis's exceptional attention to detail seamlessly integrates historical facts and true events, bringing authenticity to the narrative. Marion's personal growth, struggles as a woman in the 1950s, and her complex family dynamics add depth to the story. While some aspects, such as the romance and police interactions, may feel contrived, the novel remains engrossing, urging readers to uncover the truth behind the bombings and Marion's fate. Despite pacing challenges and potential anachronistic feminist themes, "The Spectacular" offers a compelling premise, an immersive historical setting, and a touch of mystery, making it a must-read for fans of Fiona Davis and historical fiction enthusiasts.

One by one, iconic buildings in New York City are intricately woven into historical fiction novels by Fiona Davis: The Spectacular is a June offering focusing on Radio City Music Hall in the 1950s. A second timeline in 1992 revolves around an anniversary celebration bringing a retired dancer back to the music hall.

Marion Brooks has been either taking dancing classes or teaching dance for most of her young life. She goes to an open audition for the Rockettes where she nails a spot for herself at only 19. However, Marion lives at home with a domineering father and her older sister, and both take a dim view of Marion being a dancer when she should really either go for a career in nursing, teaching, or be a secretary until she gets married and has children. Not only has Marion’s relationship with her family become splintered, the city of New York has been plagued for 16 years with the "Big Apple Bomber."

Marion finds being a Rockette to be both grueling and satisfying, calling for the glamourous precision-dancing troupe to perform in four shows a day, three weeks in a row before having one week off. Out of the blue, her sister Judy contacts Marion who invites her to this spectacular art deco theatre to see a show. Unfortunately, the bomber explodes another of his pipe bombs in Judy’s row, right in front of Marion, who gets a good look at the man wearing a trench coat and carrying a black briefcase.

Marion cooperates with the police, frustrated that the bomber is still operating after 16 years. Through another dancer, Marion meets Dr. Peter Griggs who is a medical resident specializing in mental illness. His ability to profile Marion after meeting her leads to him offering up a psychological profile of the bomber to the authorities, who at first dismiss the whole idea until the arrest of a suspect is negated when bombings still occur.

How will Dr. Grigg’s profile of the bomber aid in identifying the criminal? How far will guilt-ridden Marion go to lure the bomber back to Radio City? How will she repair her relationship with her father?

Fiona Davis is a Canadian-born author who began her career in NYC as an actress. Upon earning a master’s at Columbia Journalism School, her writing career has embraced both journalism and fiction. Her previous novels have been about the Barbizon Hotel, The Dakota, Grand Central Terminal, the Chelsea Hotel, the New York Public Library, and the Frick Museum.

My review will be posted on Goodreads starting May 28, 2023.

I would like to thank PENGUIN GROUP Dutton and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in return for an objective review.

Fiona Davis is best known for her historical fiction novels, which explore the history (and mystery) behind some of New York City's most well-known landmarks. I’ve read many of her books, and I can confidently say that this is her best book yet.

In this dual timeline story, we meet Marion, a nineteen-year-old whose thrilled when she lands a spot in the Rockettes, even if her father isn’t. Davis takes us on a journey not just behind-the-scenes of the grueling dance life but imagines a dancer that is such a showstopper that she fails to blend into the dance ensemble.

However, amidst the glamour and grueling routines, the “Big Apple Bomber” is on the loose and Marion, tragically, becomes entangled. The bomber has been relentlessly planting explosives all over New York, even where Marion is performing.

As the police turn to psychological profiling for the first time, Marion finds herself drawn into the investigation with an unlikely man tied to the case, and she must decide if catching the bomber is worth risking everything she holds dear, including her hard-earned dreams and the safety of her loved ones.

Most people are unfamiliar with the true story of this bomber Davis was surprised to uncover the details herself, bringing an astounding amount of research to this story along with beautiful historical elements to those beginning days of the Rockettes. What she does well is making this easy-to-digest so the reader is never too bogged down with the details.

Davis also excels at writing captivating dance sequences with perfectly captured frenetic energy. The true showstopper to this story isn't just Marion's earlier life, it is how she weaves a surprisingly personal and profound ending for her that beautifully connects these two timelines.

It was so satisfying and moving that I encourage any reader to have a box of tissues accessible for a good cry after you finish it.

Historical fiction, to me, is like the spoonful of sugar that helps the medicine go down. I love to learn about different eras in history, but I don’t love to read dry, scholarly works with millions of footnotes. Instead, with historical fiction, I can be thoroughly engaged, entertained, and transported to another time and place.

Best-selling author Fiona Davis writes stories that center around famous historic buildings and landmarks in New York City, bringing them to life. The Spectacular immerses us in the world of the Rockettes in 1956 through the story of Marion Brooks, a 19-year-old dancer who wants more out of life than to settle down with her high-school sweetheart, get married, and start a family right away, which is what her father thinks she should do. Marion defies her father’s wishes and society’s expectations for a young woman at the time, and auditions for a spot with the prestigious, world-famous dance troupe, the Rockettes of Radio City Music Hall.

While Marion tests her new freedom in the theater, the city reels from a string of bombings in busy, popular New York Landmarks carried out by a terrorist the press refers to as the Big Apple Bomber. When the bomber hits too close to home, Marion takes it upon herself to defy expectations yet again and help the police find him before he kills again.

I really enjoyed this book and recommend it for lovers of historical fiction, New York history, and the Rockettes!

Thank you to @netgalley and @duttonbooks for an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Engaging story of one of the most iconic dance groups ever! The NYC rockettes capture the imagination of young girls and grown women who wish and wonder what it would be like to perform the magical numbers see onstage. Author Fiona Davis puts the reader right in the midst of the performance life and then adding a little known historical crime to the story. Enjoyable read!

I always love Fiona’s books for the history lesson they give. Being from New York, I’ve never heard of the Big Apple Bomber, so I of course went down the rabbit hole after I read the book to learn all about this! Out of all of the books of Fiona’s I’ve read, this would fall in the middle for me. I enjoyed it, there were some parts I found a bit rushed that I would’ve enjoyed more from, especially since the first third of the book was a little slow for me. Once I hit the 40% mark I was fully invested and it went quicker.

Marion I both liked and didn’t like at the same time. She felt a little immature at times, so it wasn’t always easy for me to root for her. I really liked Peter and would’ve loved more insight into him and his time at Creedmoor.

I’m not a historical fiction fan, but I’ll always read Fiona’s books in the genre!

I’m not sure what I expected but it wasn’t this. And it was FABULOUS. I loved Magnolia Place when I read it last year and I adored this one just as much, maybe more. The dance plot line is SO fun. She does historical fiction so so well. This will tug at your heartstrings while also delivering an unforgettable story. I will also say that I have never heard of the Big Apple Bomber until this book but was a really interesting plot.

This book was beyond fascinating. Not only does this showcase the start of how criminal profiling became a thing to help the police. So interesting what you can find about a person based on psychology.

Thank you NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!

This was such an interesting historical fiction. I love how the author picks a place in New York and builds a story around it.

This book was so engaging. I really enjoyed watching Marion work towards a dream of dancing and her journey to being a Rockette. It was interesting to see it move into a mystery with Marion and Peter working to solve the bomber case. It was frustrating to read about the police officer who wouldn’t take them seriously.

Basically this book was very engaging and would definitely recommend for fans of historical fiction, especially set in NYC.

The newest historical fiction from Fiona Davis follows Marion, a dancer. After getting fired from her job teaching dance, Marion auditions for the Rockettes on a whim. She ends up getting it and decides to follow her heart, despite protests from her dad. Marion finds herself questioning whether the traditional life is even for her when a bomb at Radio City Music Hall changes her life forever. Pairing up with psychologist, Peter Griggs, they work together to find the culprit.

I enjoyed this one a lot! Fiona Davis is a master of creating characters that just come to life. I also had never heard of the Big Apple Bomber so that historical part was interesting to learn about too. I do wish that Marion had gotten her happy ever after earlier but I do appreciate that she still lived a more unconventional life for a woman in the 50s and 60s.

I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

For readers who enjoy the glamour of the Radio City Music Hall Rockettes, this novel gives a birds-eye view into the behind scenes of the production. When a bomb is set off in the Hall, Rockette, Marion risks her life to find the bomber. Loosely based on events during this time, the author creates a believable scenario in this enjoyable tale. Highly recommended!

This was a fascinating read!
I will wholeheartedly admit that any book touting the 20s-50s in New York City is likely to pique my interest. I honestly just saw that this was a historical fiction connected with the Rockettes and I jumped on it. I didn't realize that there was an entire plot line of a bomber in the city that the protagonist would quickly jump into trying to find/stop. Marion, the protagonist, didn't really strike me as a likely "crime solver", so it felt a little forced initially. Eventually, I let it be, and it didn't stop me from enjoying the novel as a whole.

The mix of present and past chapters flowed nicely. I liked both Marion and Peter, as well as Bunny. The tidbits of information about the early days of the Rockettes combined with the start of criminal profiling was perfect.

If you like mystery, historical fiction, dancing, criminal profiling or early New York -- this one is for you!

Special thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group for the early read of this spectacular book!