This book was so good! It weaves the past and present day stories so well together. We get a glimpse into the life of a Rockette. We’re also treated to a real mystery and a little romance at the same time. It grabbed my attention from page one and held it to the very end. I read it in one day, it’s that good!
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy

I am a huge fan of Fiona Davis. I love how she sets each book in an iconic New York City building and does significant historical research to find a story line that fits. This one is set at Radio City Music Hall during the 1950's. Although another great book, I felt like this one did not focus as much on the building but rather on the Rockettes and the investigation to find who is placing bombs around the city. Still a good book, just not my favorite.

Fiona Davis has an interesting way of bringing history and landmarks in New York City to life. I have always enjoyed this about her stories, as I had to travel to the Big Apple many times throughout my career. She continues to add in interesting characters and storylines, and it makes for a very enjoyable read!

In this novel, she focuses around the real life (and famous) Rockette dancers and the Mad City Bomber who terrorized NYC for 16 years in the 40s &50s. It also brings to light the real life person behind the very first “psychiatric personality profiling” used to help the police and FBI in a case, long before DNA findings were a thing. The liberties taken around the real facts created a nice mystery, and one that I have felt closest to because of my past life I was also a performance dancer. I could tell the research that had gone into this book and it felt genuine and accurate.

Marion has a complicated relationship with her family as is evident when I noticed, she never addresses her mother or father, with anything other than their first names. The 1950s also is evident in the relationship and role that women have in the house as depicted by her strongly opinionated father and boyfriend at the time. Our protagonist is equally as strong-willed, determined and poised— I found myself rooting for her. I also really enjoyed her friend, and side character, Bunny. Marion had lost her mother when she was very young, and when she found something in a box, hinting a her mother’s earlier life, it prompted her down a rabbit hole that set off a chain of events that kept me wanting to know more.

When liberties are taken for a novel, based on true facts, I expect that there will be some scenes that are far-fetched, or as I like to call them, “Hollywoodized”. You do get that here, which is why it’s never a five star for me, but that is not a bad thing. I had fun with this one, and I would highly recommend it! Fiona has easily become an Auto-Buy for me!

Fiona Davis does it again! Honestly, can the woman right a bad book? Is it even possible? I so deeply appreciate all the research and historical accuracy Davis puts into her work, which, as a fellow Journalist, I'd expect nothing less!! She is absolutely a treasure and every time a book of hers comes out, I cannot physically hit the 'request ARC' button fast enough. I'd love to write more, but I have to go binge read every wikipedia page about the Rockettes until 2 in the morning

Dare I say, this book is SPECTACULAR!

This is novel five from Davis that I have absolutely loved. Davis literally brings NYC history to life and the Big Apple is my favorite place to visit. I've learned historical facts about its landmarks simply by reading her books. I'm ready for a road trip to take in a show at Radio City featuring the Rockettes.

The authors notes are not to be missed as Davis outlines "how" she found the information on the Big Apple Bomber and the liberties she took with the story. This novel is truly a backstage pass to this world famous show, and the terror the city was under for 16 years.

Thank you PENGUIN GROUP Dutton for the complimentary copy.

It is the childhood dream of almost every little dancing girl to grow up and become a New York City Rockette. This is the story of a young woman named Marion. Marion, who has grown up with her father and sister, is forbidden to even consider dancing as a profession. Her father wants Marion to maintain a certain standard, find a husband, get married, and have babies. Marion, looking to find and prove herself, has other ideas brought about by the changing times of women's roles in the 1950's.

Marion, having no mother, has the strong need to be independent and self reliant. On a last minute whim, Marion goes to a Rockettes dance audition. She has no intent of actually being chosen among such a vast number of talented and experienced dancers. The selection process is grueling, the physical specifications precise, and the requirements demanding and strict . Marion does her best, but she has no expectations. Much to Marion's surprise, she's is chosen to become one of the select few to join the Rockettes in Radio City, NYC. Only now her dilemma begins, how will she break this news to her father, boyfriend, and sister?

Marion marches on practicing her dance routines day and night. She and her new dance friends work until they can physically handle no more. They are expected to be perfect and professional in every way with no room for error or individuality. Stress builds for Marion, and even though she questions her decision, she has something to prove.

During this time, there is a murderer on the loose. The Big Apple Bomber is setting off bombs around NYC that will effect Marion's father's business endeavors. The people of the city are scared and nervous as to find out where the next attack will occur. Could it be? Yes, Radio City Music Hall.

I will stop right here as not to drop any story spoilers. Read the Spectacular and enjoy the history and background of the Rockettes. Get a behind the scenes look of what being a Rockette truly requires. Travel within to Radio City and Manhattan. This is a high energy, vastly interesting, and "spectacular" read.

Fiona Davis continues to "wow us" with her historical fiction novels based on New York City landmarks. In the Spectacular she meticulously portrays Radio City, it's famous inhabitants, the Rockettes, all while incorporating a true murder scenario going on at the time. Her characters are always that of a strong woman, smack, right in the middle of some brave feat. Marion is her woman this time, and she does not let us down. Well done Ms. Davis. You have just earned another 5 star review.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of The Spectacular by Fiona Davis in exchange for my honest review. It was an honor and a pleasure.

#fionadavis #thespectacular

The Spectacular by Fiona Davis takes us back to the early days of the Rockettes at Radio Music Hall in New York. Davis weaves history within her story of young Marion who defies her father and becomes a Rockette. Kicked out of her home, the dancers became her family. Meanwhile there are bombs being left after different areas about the city, all threatening Marion’s father’s workplace. A very interesting read, especially with the way Davis crafts her plot lines. Another great book by Fiona Davis. Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy.

A stunning story combining historical fiction, thriller/suspense, and romance. The story follows dual timelines centered around the famed Radio City Music Hall: in 1992 as Marion is attending an anniversary celebration…and back to 1956 when at the age of 19, she was at the start of her career as a Rockette. As she navigates this new life as a performer, the city is grappled with a man known as the “Big Apple Bomber” terrorizing citizens and Marion quickly finds herself too close to the danger and investigation.
I’ve been a fan of the Rockettes since I was a little girl and nothing compares to seeing them perform. I went into this thinking it was the journey of a Rockette but quickly realized it was so much more, and found plenty of moments where I was holding my breath. Highly recommend!
Thank you to Penguin Random House & Dutton for the ARC. You can catch this in just a couple days…out Tuesday, June 13!

Fiona Davis is one of my favorite historical fiction writers, I love how she focuses on one building in each of her novels. In The Spectacular she focuses on Radio City Music Hall and incidents that occurred during the 1950s. In this story we follow Marion in the present day at a celebration honoring former Rockettes, and we learn something awful happened to Marion in the 1950s. That was just the hook I needed to dive into this story and want to know what happened to her and how she ended up as a former Rockette. I loved reading about how she eventually becomes a Rockette and all the work that went into performing.

Davis is so good at creating a strong sense of time and place. I loved visiting 1950s New York City through Marion’s eyes. And that cover! So pretty. If you enjoy a good historical fiction novel with a strong sense of place that will also teach you some interesting history, this novel is for you.

Davis is absolutely an auto-buy author for me and I was so excited to receive and ARC of her book. Thank you to #netgalley and #dutton books.
#thespectacular #fionadavis

Marion loves to dance - and she defies her father to join the Rockettes. Little does she know how her life will change, especially after the first Christmas Spectacular, when a bomber who has been plaguing Manhattan sets a pipe bomb off in the theater. This moves back and forth in time between 1956 and the more or less present when Marion, who now has Parkinsons, goes to a reunion. She's able to see her old pal Bunny, who was her roommate at their boarding house. Bunny introduced her to Dr. Peter Griggs, a psychiatrist and pioneer in criminal profiling. It's Griggs who develops a portrait of the bomber, who will eventually go after Marion. Marion's father is twined into everything in this novel and he will even impact her relationship with Griggs (golly what a stupid man in some ways). If I have a quibble it's that the "present day" parts are superfluous and could have been cut to add more details of life as a Rockette (fascinating details). Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. Fans of Davis know that she's a master at bringing real events to life using dynamic female characters and this is one of her best. A good read.

I am new to discovering Fiona Davis, having only read The Magnolia Palace before her latest, The Spectacular. She is quickly becoming a fast favorite with 2 books I absolutely loved!

To those newbie readers of Davis, she's known for setting her books at a historical building in New York City. Readers will find themselves at Radio City Music Hall in The Spectacular, a place I have walked by and now wish I had purchased a ticket to see a show.

Synopsis: New York City, 1956: Nineteen-year-old Marion Brooks future is marrying and staying home to raise her children. It's the life of a proper lady and yet Marion finds herself feeling trapped. So when she comes across an opportunity to audition for the famous Radio City Rockettes, she jumps at the chance to exchange her predictable future for the dazzling life of a performer.

Meanwhile, the city is reeling from a string of bombings orchestrated by a person the press has nicknamed the “Big Apple Bomber,” who has been terrorizing the citizens of New York for 16 years by planting bombs in popular, crowded spaces.

I will start saying I love a good historical novel. I am always amazed about all the things I have never heard about. The Big Apple Bomber is definitely that for me! Who knew bombs were left in public places such as libraries, phone booths, offices, and theaters for over 16 years! This case also includes the use of criminal profiling in police work and led to the examination the role of severe mental illness plays a role for such crimes.

I loved having a backstage pass at Radio City and seeing the Rockettes through Marion’s eyes. It was fascinating to experience her joy of being on stage, the fear of disappointing her family and the new friendships of a young woman living independently during that period of time. Davis shares a compelling story showcasing the Rockette's grueling schedules and breathtaking performances. It all felt so vivid and alive!

With themes of conformity, societal expectations, and the pursuit of one’s dreams, The Spectacular is sure to resonate with readers. I also enjoyed watching Marion's growth. Her determination, drive, and ambition were inspiring.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Penguin Group Dutton for this dazzling story of a kick-line dancer and her determination to uncover the truth of a decades old and continuing crime.

Two things I can't get enough of this time of year are picnics and great books. 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗦𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧𝗔𝗖𝗨𝗟𝗔𝗥 by Fiona Davis was the perfect one to take on our first outing of the summer.

Davis's books all revolve around a famous location in New York City, and this may be my favorite of hers yet. It focuses on Radio City Music Hall and the Rockettes in the 1950s when a serial bomber terrorized the city. It's meticulously researched historical fiction with a compelling mystery and a sweet romantic subplot, and I couldn't put it down.

I'm pretty sure I read the author's next book is about The Metropolitan Museum of Art and I cannot wait. The Met Gala is like my Super Bowl so I'll be first in line to read it.

Thanks to Dutton Books for the copy to review.

Marion lives at home with her dad, Simon, and sister, Judy. Their mother died tragically and they were raised by their father. Marion is set to get engaged to Nathaniel, even though she really doesn’t want to. Simon works as an executive for Metropolitan Power and Judy is his assistant. Marion is a dance teacher and gets an incredible opportunity to join the Rockettes, which she jumps at, despite the disapproval from both her father and her soon-to-be fiance.

For 16 years, the Big Apple Bomber has been terrorizing iconic locations within NYC. One night, while Marion is performing, a bomb explodes in Radio City Music Hall. Marion is sure she’s seen the bomber and tries to convince the police of the same. They choose to ignore her. She meets Peter through another dancer, Bunny, and Marion and Peter start investigating this matter on their own.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book for an honest review.

The Spectacular by Fiona Davis

Set in 1950s Manhattan it follows dancer, Marion Brooks as she gets the once in a lifetime chance to follow her dreams and perform as one of the famous Radio City Hall Rockettes. A string of bombings is terrorizing the city though and the public is in an uproar. Marion, along with her doctor friend Peter are determined to catch the bomber. Even if it means risking everything she’s worked for and standing out from the crowd.

I absolutely loved this book and felt a deep connection to Marion with my dance background. Fiona Davis is truly a master of her craft and knows how to write the perfect historical fiction. Every time I pick up one of her books I know I’m in for a treat and The Spectacular, like its title implies, is by far no exception. Get ready to be dazzled, moved and on the edge of your seat while you read this stunning book!

Thank you Dutton for the advanced copy of this book!

I love books by Fiona Davis and was so very excited to see her newest, The Spectacular. Can we just admire this cover for at least thirty-five minutes? It’s perfection- from the colors to the font and everything in between!

I knew before I began that I would love it. I so appreciate a well-written historical book that takes place in old New York City. I wish I could go back in time and see NYC during the 1950s.

This book was just everything.

Synopsis:

New York City, 1956: Nineteen-year-old Marion Brooks knows she should be happy. Her high school sweetheart is about to propose and sweep her off to the life everyone has always expected they’d have together: a quiet house in the suburbs, Marion staying home to raise their future children. But instead, Marion finds herself feeling trapped. So when she comes across an opportunity to audition for the famous Radio City Rockettes—the glamorous precision-dancing troupe—she jumps at the chance to exchange her predictable future for the dazzling life of a performer.

Meanwhile, the city is reeling from a string of bombings orchestrated by a person the press has nicknamed the “Big Apple Bomber,” who has been terrorizing the citizens of New York for sixteen years by planting bombs in popular, crowded spaces. With the public in an uproar over the lack of any real leads after a years long manhunt, the police turn in desperation to Peter Griggs, a young doctor at a local mental hospital who espouses a radical new technique: psychological profiling.

As both Marion and Peter find themselves unexpectedly pulled into the police search for the bomber, Marion realizes that as much as she’s been training herself to blend in—performing in perfect unison with all the other identical Rockettes—if she hopes to catch the bomber, she’ll need to stand out and take a terrifying risk. In doing so, she may be forced to sacrifice everything she’s worked for, as well as the people she loves the most.

Don’t miss this one! Its such a beautiful and well-written story. Out on June 13.

Spectacular! Spectacular!

Synopsis: Set in NYC in 1956, Marion impulsively auditions for the Rockettes and is selected. While it is an honor to be selected to this glamorous, prestigious dance troupe, her father does not approve. During a performance one night, a bomb explodes in the theater. It is the latest of a series of bombings throughout the city by a terrorist the press are referring to as the “Big Apple Bomber.” The police continue to struggle to find any real leads, and at Marion’s encouragement turn to psychological profiling. Marion quickly finds herself deeply entrenched in the investigation all while trying to keep up the demands of being a Rockette.


Thoughts: This was my first Fiona Davis (The Magnolia Palace has been on my TBR for way way too long). As a resident New Yorker who just saw her first Rockettes performance last year, I absolutely loved this book. Davis captured the intensity of the NYC performer scene, as well as desiring a parent’s approval despite taking a path they don’t support. I particularly enjoyed the psychological profiling component, which added some welcomed suspense and intrigue. This book straddles a variety of genres and will surely win over many readers!

Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Random House-Dutton for the digital ARC of The Spectacular by Fiona Davis. The opinions in this review are my own.

Big Apple Bomber, Rockettes, dual timelines -- what could be better? This is another homerun by Fiona Davis and a must read if you are a fan of her work.

There is so much to say about The Spectacular by Fiona Davis. The first thing I will say is that it made me think of my mother. My mother didn’t leave the house much. She wasn’t really exposed to the arts and to NY City. We lived 45 minutes away and never took advantage of that. But she did get to see The Rockettes in the Christmas Spectacular one day. And the look on her face was priceless every time she talked about it. The way Fiona describes the audience watching the show is exactly the way I imagine my mom watching. The look of awe and amazement. As if they are seeing the lost magical thing in the world.

Ok, now, about the book. It has everything you would want in a book. And it all comes together so well! It has drama, suspense, love, heartache,, betrayal, dreams being followed and dreams being crushed. Fiona Davis captured my attention from the very beginning to the very end.

Marion Brooks has big dreams of being a dancer. She knows there has to be more to her life than becoming a housewife and a mother. She knows that those would be safe, but she doesn’t want safe. She wants adventure. Her father tries with everything he has to keep away home. Where the only job outside of the home for women is being a secretary.

A madman, nicknamed the Big Apple Bomber, is going around planting pipe bombs. When Marion’s world collides with the Big Apple Bomber, she can’t just sit around and do nothing about it.

The Spectacular pays homage to Radio City's Rockettes--the grit and determination it takes to succeed--while tackling the mystery behind the Big Apple Bomber. Davis does a fantastic job capturing the soul of these young performers and how one woman chooses to carve her own path. Without giving too much away, I cried through the last pages at the resiliency and courage of main character Marion (and her creator, Davis). A spectacular, unputdownable tale of glamour and glitz and heartache and healing. Highly recommend.

As someone who enjoys historical fiction and stories set in New York, I was excited to read The Spectacular. It follows the story of Marion who becomes a Rockette at Radio City in the 50’s. During this time there is a “Big Apple Bomber” who is bombing New York landmarks and this is based on a real person who set off bombs during this time in New York.

I found myself swept up in the story and very invested from the get go. While it was very predictable, it didn’t really bother me. I also found some of the conversations to be a bit stilted and feel inauthentic and was surprised this didn’t seem to take away from the story for me.

This was my first Fiona Davis book and I will definitely be checking out the rest of her catalog! If you like historical fiction I would recommend this one.

Thank you netgalley for the advanced reader copy!