Fiona Davis crafted a spectacular novel of yet another iconic New York city landmark. The Spectacular was an amazing read featuring the Rockettes and Radio City Music Theatre. Woven into the mix was a very interesting mystery that kept you on the edge of your seat as you got a peak into the life of being a Rockette through the main character Marion. An amazing read!

Thank you to the publisher for an advanced copy of this book. This is my honest opinion.

This book was spectacular just like the name suggests. Fiona Davis is a maverick when it comes to writing about New York City and this book was no exception. The setting was so rich you felt like you were in Radio City. The family relationships, lost love and trials and tribulations were perfectly crafted. The love of dance was felt within these pages. I love how Davis can take a lesser known historical event or events and bring them to light in really great way. Highly recommend this book!

Fiona Davis has a wonderful way of bringing the history and landmarks of New York City to life! Her latest novel The Spectacular, focuses on Radio City Music Hall and the Rockettes in the 1950s.

The Spectacular is based on a true story of the search for, "The Mad Bomber of New York City," a person who planted pipe bombs throughout New York City and taunted the police with letters.

We are introduced to Marion is a lifelong dancer and dance teacher who wanted to be independent and pursue her dreams. She auditions for and is offered a spot as a Rockette. Her family and the man her father wants her to marry object to her accepting the position. She moves to New York City where she meets new friends and eventually finds her soul mate.

Through our the novel, we are treated to a behind the scenes look at the Christmas Spectacular and many landmarks of New York City.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Thank you NetGalley for opportunity to read and review this book.

I have to admit that I have loved every one of Fiona Davis' books that I have read. This one is no different! Fiona has a way of writing a story that truly takes you back. Her dual timelines are not confusing and are sometimes emotional as the stories tie together. I highly recommend any of her books, but if you're a Radio City fan, or a fan of the Rockettes you will absolutely love this! Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC of this wonderful book!

I love Fiona Davis books and this one is no exception. Perfect blend of a mystery and heartfelt story mixed together. This is a definite recommend for me.

I have been a huge fan of Fiona Davis since picking up The Address back in 2017. Historical novels are my favorite genre of fiction, and she continues to delight me as she navigates us around old New York. Ms. Davis moves us this time to Radio City Music Hall and backstage with the Rockettes in The Spectacular.

In 1956, Marion Brooks doesn’t want to just be get married and be a good housewife and mother. She dreams of performing on stage. Dancing is in her blood and she when she gets the chance to audition for the Radio City Rockettes, she will allow nothing to stop her, even if it means losing the support of her family and the love of her college sweetheart.

Starting in the 1940’s the “Big Apple Bomber” has been causing chaos in New York City, by detonating bombs in famously crowded spaces around the city. This time his sights are set on Radio City and the Brooks family. A chance meeting between Peter Griggs, a young doctor of psychiatry, and Marion sets in motion a chance to finally catch the bomber, get justice for her family, and right the wrongs of the past.

This story runs the reader through the gambit of suspense, nostalgia, heartache, loss, and love. All the emotions that make her novels hard to put down. Fiona Davis reminds us that sometimes your destiny cannot be denied, even when you feel all is lost.

Set mostly in 1956, we follow nineteen year old dancer Marion Brooks. Stifled by an over-protective father and a jealous older sister, Marion abandons all caution and decides to audition for the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall. Amazingly, she succeeds and is put through the exhaustive grind of long hours, extreme physical exertion, and lofty expectations. Kick high and smile wide, no matter what.

The first half of the book gives us a backstage pass through Marion’s eyes and experiences: the euphoria of being on stage, the fear of disappointing her family, plus the friendships and intricacies of a young woman living independently during a very buttoned up time in history. Then suddenly, this already fascinating plot swerves in a new direction, turning The Spectacular into a suspenseful thriller.

While Marion is navigating the excitement of professional dance, the Big Apple Bomber is on his sixteenth year terrorizing the city. Pipe bombs are being left in public places such as libraries, phone booths, offices, and theaters. That’s right. Theaters. It is here that Marion’s story gains even more momentum and collides with actual events because these bombings really happened, becoming a case that pioneered the use of criminal profiling in police work and examining the role of severe mental illness as a possible cause for such crimes.

I went into this book with no real idea of what to expect and ended up absolutely mesmerized. Fiona Davis is an extraordinary writer. She has created an incredibly immersive story. Marion Brooks is a riveting protagonist, as are the supporting characters in her orbit, all of whom are grappling with challenges and emotions that Davis brings to life in a realistic way. I could feel the energy of events while being transported to 1950s New York City, a living, breathing metropolis which is a character in itself. Its heartbeat echoes throughout the story’s action, romance, and drama with a pulsating rhythm that keeps the reader’s attention from start to finish.

Keep this book on your radar when it releases in June. It is exceptional.

I love Fiona Davis’s passion for old NYC, and the Rockettes in particular hold a special place in my heart. The Spectacular takes place in 1956 and follows the journey of a young Marion, who follows her dream of dancing at Radio City Music Hall. A little familial drama, along with a domestic terrorist (indeed!), threaten to derail that dream, but through it all Marion discovers the importance of family and her true calling. While fiction, The Spectacular has roots in real-life events, particularly the “Mad Bomber of New York”, which I found particularly fascinating. 4.5 stars

Thanks Netgalley for allowing me to read this book. Marion is excited to learn that she has an audition with the rockettes. Her boyfriend will not be happy. He wants to get married and for her to stay home. When there is a bomb going of, everyone is scared. Whi would do such a thing. Marion is scared and is unsure of what she can do. This book catapulted me back in time and was an enjoyable experience.

Fiona Davis once again magically transports us to the 1950s and the life of a young woman pursuing the career of her dreams. I first became acquainted with Fiona Davis’ writing when I read her debut book, The Dollhouse. Like that earlier work, I was pleased to see I was back in Davis’ capable hands to explore a similar time period and work-life challenge with this upcoming book, The Spectacular.

The story reflects how women were stuck in a career choice trap after Rosie the Riveter type workers were directed to return to their housewife roles so World War II male veterans could resume their factory jobs AND before the fight for the Equal Rights Amendment was in full swing. The main protagonist of The Spectacular, Marion Brooks, isn’t compelled by the stereotypical life of a housewife after she graduates from high school. She has her sights set on a career as a classical dancer. Opportunity knocks at her door with an audition to be a member of the famous Radio City Rockettes dance company. She wins a spot with the troupe and boldly leaps at the chance even though her father and her soon to be fiancé are against this career choice.

Davis pulls us into the fascinating behind-the-scenes world and history of the Rockettes with this newest novel. She expertly weaves other significant developments during this period of our work culture. Readers truly experience history through her characterizations and storylines. For example, by incorporating elements of the real life “Mad Bomber” scare (George Metesky was convicted of planting explosives all over New York City over 16 years, including the Paramount Theatre), Davis cleverly unfolds the very first seeds of criminal psychological profiling in the story to solve the case. This practice, which seems commonplace to us now, was a radical approach at the time of the story. Davis’ careful research and artful writing come together seamlessly for this plot point.

As with most historical fiction books, there is a dual timeline. I especially liked Fiona Davis’ thoughtful touch to the modern plotline of 1992. She gave it the balanced light touch it needed, just enough to give us some perspective yet not give away the ending. My thanks to NetGalley for an advance reading copy of The Spectacular. My love of historical fiction drew me to the story. The added bonus was a well written plot with suspense and intrigue to double up my momentum in turning the pages.

If you have ever dreamt of being a Rockette, or even wondered how they came to be and are chosen this is a SPECTACULAR book to do it with.

Like all of Miss Davis' books, there is wonderful NY history blended with characters that you will love forever. A great storyline and is utterly readable: if you have not read any of her previous books, pick them up as well as they will not disappoint.

Highly recommended.

#shortbutsweetreviews

Another book by Fiona Davis that lives up to it's title The Spectacular! The descriptions throughout the book give a real sense of the timelines, the city view, and the Rockets and all of their hard work. It was a great read and one that I would highly recommend. You will not be disappointed in this one.

The latest in a series of novels by Fiona Davis that are set in New York City, it focuses on Radio City Music Hall and the Rocketts in the 1950s. Touching on themes of feminism, corporate greed, mental illness and the beginnings of criminal profiling, the novel weaves them together into a very satisfying story.

The Spectacular tells the story of Marion, a lifelong dancer and dance teacher who is offered a spot as a Rockett despite the fact that her family and boyfriend disapprove of her decision. Marion is torn between her families wishes and her desire to live her own life. Meeting new friends, including a shy but interesting young man, Marion feels she is where she belongs.
Based on a true story, Marion also gets caught up in the search for a person who has planted bombs throughout the city and who sends letters blaming the company Marions father works for. The conclusion well done if a little unrealistic in parts but still rounds out the story nicely.

Fiona Davis has a wonderful way of bringing the history and landmarks of New York City to life, along with an engaging story and interesting characters. One of her best novels yet.

The Spectacular is a wonderful piece of historical fiction, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. This is my second novel by Fiona Davis, and she has a way of transporting the reader to NYC and immersing them in it. This story focuses on the history of the Rockettes and a serial bomber that has been terrorizing NYC for years. It is based on a real-life story and is told in dual timelines with the bulk of the story taking place in the 1950s. Thanks to NetGalley and Dutton Books for the early copy.

While I love Fiona Davis, I must admit that her last few books didn't impress me as much. The Spectacular, however, knocked it out of the park!! I absolutely loved this book. We all know about the Rockettes, but I never knew much detail about them. This book gives so many details about the Rockettes and Radio City Music Hall. It was a delight from beginning to end!

One of the best books I have read! I enjoyed all of the aspects of NYC. Such a wonderful story with multiple layers. A must read!

A young ballet teacher who is not stern enough to keep her job, instead auditions for a place with the NYC Rockettes, and is hired. Unfortunately, her father doesn't think she should take such an unladylike position and her boyfriend just wants her to get married and start a family. But this is something she wants and no one can stop her, including her jealous big sister. To prove how great her Rockettes job is, she invites her sister to see one of her shows. But Radio City Music Hall is the next place that the Big Apple bomber strikes and the explosion kills her sister.. She teams up with a psychiatric resident who seems to be very adept at reading people, as they race to find the bomber's identity before he can harm others.
Davis, once again, mines New York history as a backdrop for a plucky heroine and and an iconic building. I thought this was her best yet as it combined the stories of the Rockettes with one of the first criminal profilers. It was a good romance and a suspenseful mystery and hopefully THIS one will be turned into a movie.

Storytelling at its best - this book should read by all fiction fans, not merely historical fiction fans.

Another hit out of the park for Fiona Davis! I loved being transported by this historical fiction. The lush descriptions were phenomenal and amazing. Will be recommending this one for years to come!

It's 1956, and Marion, a passionate dancer and dance teacher, is thrilled when she has the opportunity to be a Radio City Rockette. But there is a cost; she must sacrifice her family to follow her dream, as her father is adamantly against this career choice.

I love how the book focuses on the iconic Radio City Music Hall and the Rockettes. Living in NYC and being a fan of the arts, I have seen countless shows there and always pass by Rockefeller Center and Radio City. So, reading about the Rockettes, the intensity of their daily routines, and the rigid rules they must follow was fascinating.

This book also has a mystery: a terrorist is placing bombs in famous NYC buildings, including Radio City Musci Hall. This hits too close to home for Marion, so she teams up with a young doctor, and together, they use the new technique of psychological profiling to help with the search.

I've read and loved this author's books for years, and this story is everything I hoped it would be. Fiona Davis excels at immersing you in another era.