Technical difficulties made me set this book aside for a few days. Fortunately the netgally app on my phone came through, and I was able to finish it.

I liked this book a lot. I’d been disappointed in Magnolia Place, but in The Spectacular, Davis is back in form.

Miriam is a dancer who longs to live s life of creative freedom. Her dreams come true when she’s cast as a member of the famed Rockettes of Radio City Music Hall. Her father and boyfriend refuse, but she stands her ground, setting in motion a chain of heart breaking events.

I truly enjoyed the background information on the Rockettes, and the side story of the Mad Bomber was a fascinating piece of forgotten history. Yes, at times, Miriam felt too perfect, but overall the story was a page turner.

My largest complaint is that Miriam’s sister, Judy, was unable to have a happy ending. She deserved one.

Quick and Dirty⁣
-1950s Manhattan ⁣
-dancer storyline⁣
-murder mystery ⁣
-great summer read⁣
⁣
Thoughts ⁣
Ok, so hear me out. As compared to other books in the historical fiction genre this book is not especially profound. Instead, it’s a lot of fun, plain and simple. And I loved it. Sure, it can be a bit fantastical with some moments that defy logic, but isn’t that what a good book is supposed to do? In my opinion, as long as you approach Davis’ work with the expectation that you will learn something about NYC history and have fun learning it, then you’ll enjoy her books. Like all other Davis books I’ve read, it’s a great story about a strong-willed young woman trying to find her way in the man’s world of early 20th century Manhattan. Davis has a knack for writing books that make you reflect on women’s struggle to find equal footing in society and/or in their own households. She blends history with culture in a way that’s not only palatable but actually enjoyable. And the historical elements of this book (a little known serial killer) kept me intrigued and guessing, kinda like the Nancy Drew books I loved as a kid. Manhattan plays a big role in the book, like all her other novels, so be ready to pack your bags for a weekend in the city. To me, this is the perfect vacay read for any histfic lover who wants something light that still packs a big punch…or a pirouette.

Fiona Davis mesmerizes her fans with another novel set in an iconic building in New York City. In The Spectacular, Radio City Music Hall and the Rockettes take center stage. The opening act stars fifty-five-year-old Marion Brooks on moving day as she’s packing to leave her childhood home. That same evening in 1992, Marion is an honored guest at the 60th Anniversary of the Rockettes Celebration. Through a flashback of memories Marion shares the story and impact of her exhilarating time as a Rockette.
Davis’s dual timeline immerses readers in the1950’s frenzy and euphoria of the famous Rockettes. Packed with research and history, she illuminates the try-outs, grand tours, and dance moves with optical illusions. From Radio City to the Rehearsal Club, a boardinghouse for girls in the performing arts to the family home in Bronxville, Davis choreographs a romance, a coming-of-age story, and the sixteen-year mystery of the famous “Big Apple Bomber.” The social and political handling of the manhunt and lack of success highlights the introverted Dr. Peter Griggs’ struggle to convince the police to use early psychological profiling. The male perspectives of Marion’s father and Nathaniel, her boyfriend create an emotional bridge connecting readers to the limited choices and infuriating parameters of young women in the 1950’s.
This novel is about suffocating family dynamics, sacrificing dreams and the consequences, decisions that protect those we love, and taking a leap late in life. At the last curtain, The Spectacular earns Five dazzling stars!

Marion, a newly minted Rockette, is living her dream dancing on the stage of the world famous Radio City Music Hall. Much to her father's disapproval she can't give up on this once in a lifetime opportunity to have the bright lights in her eyes, wear those dazzling costumes and hear the roar of the applause four shows a day. Marion's father's worst fears come to fruition one night when a bomb goes off while Marion is on stage. Unimaginable chaos erupts but when the smoke clears it's the unthinkable loss that hits Marion to her core. The attack is just the latest explosion set off by "The Big Apple Bomber", someone that has been terrorizing New York City for over sixteen years. Being one of the few witnesses to have actually seen the bomber's face, Marion is desperate to help the police, even pointing them towards a friend with the new skill of psychological profiling. When the bomber seems to be escalating Marion realizes she is running out time to prove to everyone that she is not to be underestimated and is willing to lay everything on the line to get justice even the career she has worked so hard for. When I heard last year what the plot of Fiona Davis' latest novel would be to say I was giddy is an understatement. His Fic, Dance and Davis?! Sign. Me. Up. As a former dancer, it's incredibly frustrating seeing the thing you love the most written about incorrectly or just thrown in as an aside but reader let me tell you Davis has knocked this out of the park! If you have ever wondered what it is like to work in this industry, even back in 1956, "The Spectacular" gets it all right. As always, Fiona Davis has written a story that is not to be missed. Shuffle off to your nearest bookstore and get yourself a copy today! Huge thank you to NetGalley and Dutton Books for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

The Spectacular
By Fiona Davis
Pub Date June 13, 2023
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Fiona Davis is one of my favorite historical fiction authors. This one does not disappoint. I could see NYC vividly as I read about the history of the Rockettes, this book was full of intrigue.
I highly recommend it.
4 stars

I always enjoy a Fiona Davis novel. There's historical fiction involved as well as intrigue.

The Spectacular revolves around former Rockette, Marion Brooks. She is in the midst of packing up her home to move to an assisted living facility when a woman shows up to escort her to the 60th Anniversary Celebration of the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall. When Marion had discussed not going with the organizer, wires were crossed and they thought she was attending.

As she decides to get ready & go, memories of her time as a Rockette come back to her as well as events revolving around the Big Apple Bomber (known in real life as the "Mad Bomber"). During her first few months on stage, her life is personally affected by the Big Apple Bomber and Marion can't rest until she finds out who it is and why they have planted bombs all over the city of New York.

There is constant conflict with her father who absolutely does not see this as a profession, but a hobby and he believes she should get married and settle down. She also meets a psychologist that she develops feelings for while trying to recruit his help in finding the bomber.

There's a little bit of everything for readers in this historical fiction novel and I would recommend reading it. Do not skip the author's note at the end either.

Spectacular by Fiona Davis is a wonderful standalone novel, which centers on Radio City Music Hall and the 1950’s Rocketts. In 1956, Marion (our heroine), lives with her father and sister in Westchester, and has just been fired from her job as a dance teacher. She finds an advertisement to audition for the Rocketts, and is offered a job; but her father disapproves, as well as her fiancée, but Marion is determined to live her own life, and defies her father’s wishes.

Marion meets Bunny, who is a regular member of the Rocketts, and quickly they become friends. Bunny brings her to a boarding house for Rocketts and Actresses, where she can get a room, allowing her to be able to support herself working at Radio City Music Hall. Marion is happy meeting new people, living an exciting life, and learning to be wonderful dancer, knowing this is where she belongs. Though the work is grueling, with four shows a day and one week off a month, Marion is enjoying her life. She is sad that her father continues to ignore her and Nathaniel tries to convince her to quit, but she manages to convince her sister to see her perform. Bunny drags Marion to a local restaurant to meet her boyfriend, and his friend, Peter; who Marion finds very shy; later in the story, Peter will play a large part of the story with Marion.

One night, a bomb explodes in the theater, which is said to be the Big Apple Bomber (actually true story, with villain called in real life, Mad Bomber), who has terrorized New York for 16 years, with no clue who he is. The bomb hit close to home, and Marion tells the police what he looked like, and she becomes very invested to find the bomber. She enlists her friend Peter, who is a psychiatric doctor at Creedmore Psychiatric Institute to help; with little support from the police; though Peter tries to explain the type of murderer who kills for revenge, using psychological profiling. Marion will find herself to be the target of the bomber, who reflects back to her father’s company. To say too much more will be spoilers, and this is a fantastic story line that should be read from start to finish.

Spectacular was a fascinating read, with so much going on, such as history, mystery, family drama, Rocketts dancing and danger. I loved all the dancers, the performances, and the friends in Marion’s life; very enjoyable. Fiona Davis excels in her research, always giving us plenty of history. Spectacular was so very well written by Fiona Davis. I wholly recommend that you read this book, as it is a do not miss.

The Spectacular follows Marion in the 1950s as she leaves home against her father’s wishes to become a rockette. But when a bombing at Radio City Music Hall changed Marion’s life, she is determined to find the culprit.

While the beginning was a bit slow for me, once Marion started investigating the bombings, it really picked up and I read most of it in a day. The ending might be a bit far-fetched but I find that true anytime someone takes investigating into their own hands in a book. Overall, I enjoyed Marion’s friendships with the Rockettes and the NYC backdrop. Marion was a strong female character with determination and fierce independence.

I find it amazing how Fiona Davis pulls from true aspects of history and seamlessly weaves them in to create a fiction story.

If you are a fan of historical fiction, I will always recommend anything Fiona Davis writes and this was another winner for me.

The Spectacular – by Fiona Davis

I love The Spectacular by Fiona Davis so much! This author’s novels draw inspiration from the historic landmarks and legends of New York City, and I love each one that I have read by her. The Spectacular is another new favorite of hers for me. With the iconic Rockettes at the heart of this story, and the added elements of history, mystery and the dynamics of familial and work relationships, this novel is a standout. So much to love about this story!

Every Thanksgiving morning, all preparations stop in our household when the Rockettes are on television in the morning parade. Their synchronized and choreographed dances are mesmerizing and a complete joy to watch! It was a thrill to read about them from a historical perspective while learning a bit about the history of this dance group as well as the history of the city of New York.

My sincere thanks to Netgalley and Penguin Group Dutton for the opportunity to read and review an early digital arc copy of The Spectacular by Fiona Davis.

This book… I do not even know what all to write about it. The Spectacular is AMAZING! I love everything about this book. The setting of New York City is so realistic. The characters are exactly what I would expect to meet in the 50’s in NYC. The storyline brought to life Radio City Music Hall and the life of the Rockettes.



Marion has dreams and they are not the dreams that her dad wants her to follow. She won me over the minute she decided to step out of the path that would have been easy and decided to follow her heart. I love that she took the risk and that risk pays off. Seeing her make friends, learn to rely on herself, and find her way through a world that is full of glamour while not losing who she is made this book perfect for me. I love seeing Marion follow her dreams.



The Spectacular is full of history. History of the Rockettes and all the hard work that goes into being synchronized with the rest of the dancers and history of the “The Big Apple Bomber”.

I could picture NYC as I read the book and the story came alive for me. NYC is on my wish list of places to visit and I cannot wait to see many of these places in person.

What an amazing book. I learned a lot about this book and how this woman named Marion. I wanted to pursue her dream as a dancer and things started to fall in place when she became a Rocket in New York City and radio city hall.. It was fascinating how there was also a bomber let loose in the city too and this played a very important part in the book. It was like a love story and a murder mystery all rolled into one. Your father name s Sinon. Worked at metro power in this plate of Portland park and the story as well.. They had a lot of different issues in their how women were treated in nineteen fifty six and how they were supposed to stay home but someone choose not to. I like how the big Apple bomber was in this book. It was very interesting how he's tied into the story as well. Marion and a r I o n became friends with doctor maine peter who worked in the crazy hospital and they both worked to try to solve this murder by profile. Her friend named bunny was really good to her and show her the ropes as well. Things turned out differently in the end of this book and you'll be amazed how the ending is totally different what you think it can be.

I loved this book! Full review and link coming soon, but this was a stunning novel with history, romance, mystery and so much more.

𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬:
Fiona Davis has done it again and has made New York history come to life in this beautiful story about the Radio City Rockettes! Davis’ stories bring light 💡 to real events and her plots include romance, history and mystery. Davis did a great job at weaving all the genres into this beautiful story. I really loved this book and am ready to visit Radio City and see The Spectacular holiday show!

This book is SPECTACULAR 🌟

Returning to the format of her other blockbuster novels, Fiona Davis once again highlights a New York City landmark building by revealing a fictional account of those who lived in and around it. The star of this show is Radio City Music Hall and features a fictional story of a real life criminal, known then as the Mad Bomber, who terrorized audiences of the most famous entertainment venues in the city. The inception of criminal profiling is also a compelling part of the story.

Opening with Marion Brooks, on her way to a 1992 Rockette Alumni ceremony, the bulk of the novel is a flashback to her time spent in the mid 1950s in the world famous kick line. Family secrets, old fashioned expectations and complicated relationships create an uphill battle for the young dancer in search of a dream. The meticulous research brought this novel to life in technicolor, and had this long time Rockette wanna-be soaking in all the details of the grueling and glamorous lifestyle.

Brief but very poignant passages about a character’s Parkinson’s challenges grace the final chapters. Ms. Davis quite elegantly described her own diagnosis in an essay featured on Good Morning America (January 2022) and her personal connection is reflected in the stunning writing in these pages.

I imagine other fans of this author join me in reiterating her own message, “Sometimes it’s okay to be the passenger, instead of the driver” as we anxiously await her next novel. Brava!

Thank you Penguin/Dutton Books and NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

The latest installment in Fiona Davis’s historic New York novels, The Spectacular is exquisitely researched and beautifully written. Drawing from the real events that surrounded a series of bombings in NYC in the 1940s and 50s, the book tells the story of Marion, a 19-year-old who has just left her family to pursue her dream of becoming a Rockette and performing at Radio City Music Hall. After tragedy strikes, Marion is determined to help track down the “Big Apple Bomber” (a character David derives from real-life criminal George Metesky, better known at the Mad Bomber). If you are a fan of historical fiction and thrillers, The Spectacular is not to be missed!

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Dutton for the advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.

Set primarily in 1956 NYC, this story follows 19 year old Marion as she chooses a different life path than expected by her strict father and instead becomes a Rockette at Radio City Music Hall. Alongside Marion’s Rockette life we also get a look at a manhunt for a serial bomber, based on a true story, who’s been at large for 16 years. There are a few chapters that jump forward to 1992 and that, along with the manhunt, really made this one absorbing and entertaining.

This is my second book by Fiona Davis, Magnolia Palace being the first, and both were exceptional reading experiences. I was fascinated to learn so much about the history and hard work of the Rockettes. My six year old has been in ballet and tap for a year now so I had some understanding of the moves but I had to google what “character shoes” were so clearly my knowledge is lacking. 😂

If you’re a Davis fan I know you’ll enjoy this and if you’re a historical fiction lover but have never read her books, definitely give one a try!

Thank you Penguin Group Dutton for the #gifted digital arc via Netgalley

THE SPECTACULAR by Fiona Davis is her latest engrossing historical novel featuring an iconic New York City landmark. This story focuses on Radio City Music Hall and the Rockettes, the renowned precision dancing troupe that has performed there for decades. Set in the mid-1950s and based on several true-life events and people, the author has expertly blended fact and fiction to write an entertaining and informative story. In 1956, nineteen-year-old Marion has been let go from her job as a dance teacher. On a whim, she auditions for, and wins a spot with, the Rockettes. Despite her father and boyfriend being dead set against it, Marion takes her position with the troupe. Soon she will learn the grueling schedule and the exacting standards that are demanded of the dancers. She will also find the sisterhood she lacks at home and the strong bonds of friendship she develops with her fellow dancers. Meanwhile, for the past sixteen years, a person dubbed by the press as the “Big Apple Bomber” has been planting bombs around the city in popular and crowded venues. After a bomb explodes in Radio City Music Hall with tragic personal consequences, Marion winds up becoming part of the investigation to learn the bomber’s identity. The two storylines become seamlessly woven together and lead up to a suspenseful and dramatic conclusion. I have read and loved all of Fiona Davis’ novels and as always, her latest becomes my new favorite. I highly recommend THE SPECTACULAR. Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the chance to read and review an early copy.

Fiona Davis has been an auto-read author for me since her debut, The Dollhouse, and she has yet to disappoint! The Spectacular is her best novel to date (imho) and I couldn't put it down. If you love historical fiction, having light shined on women throughout history that tend to get overlooked, and NYC, you'll love Fiona Davis's books!

It's 1956, and Marion, age 19, is anticipating a proposal from her boyfriend, but she dreams of being a professional dancer. She auditions for the famous Radio City Rockettes on a lark and lands a coveted spot. Her dilemma is telling her father who wants her to settle down. Meanwhile, a bomber has been terrorizing New York City for 16 years by planting bombs in public places. When Marion finds herself dangerously close to the bomber, she finds herself pulled into the investigation.

I enjoyed every minute of this, with its dual timeline, rich period detail, and iconic NYC setting! The plot combines fact and fiction with mystery, suspense, and romance against a glamourous backdrop of Radio City Music Hall and its famous Rockettes. I was fascinated by the behind-the-scenes looks at both The Rockettes and how criminal profiling came to be used to solve crimes. The way Davis writes makes you feel the time and place, and in this one, 1950s Radio City comes alive, both onstage and off, and the brewing romance and race to find the bomber had me immersed and riveted. Marion is full of grit, determination, and ambition and pushed back at the limited societal options she faced, and I rooted for her. The Author’s Note was fascinating, with information about the real bomber who terrorized NYC for nearly two decades. I loved this, and highly recommended it to historical fiction lovers!

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Dutton for the opportunity to review this ARC.

My review, as posted on Goodreads:

I am so incredibly thankful that Nicole Jarvis reached out to me to offer an e-galley of this book! I absolutely LOVE Fiona Davis and this is my third advanced read and review of her novels.

The Spectacular was amazing! I had not read the description closely (I mean, just being written by Fiona Davis was enough for me to jump on it) and I was so pleasantly surprised by how she weaved together NYC in the 1950’s, traditional family roles and expectations, the birth of criminal profiling, the Rockettes, loss and family secrets, and eventually, her father’s illness. This hit particularly close to home as my own father has struggled with a Parkinson’s diagnosis for several years.

This book has everything…fun, adventure, mystery, suspense, the glitzy and raw sides of NYC, love, deception…I’d highly recommend this as a fantastic summer read!

Wonderful read about The Radio City Rockets, with an underlying story about a mad bomber.
I couldn’t put the book down.. interesting how both themes came together for an enjoyable read!