I've loved all of Fiona Davis's books, including The Spectacular. It's set in 1956 New York, where a bomber has been terrorizing the city for 16 years. Marion is a Rockette in Radio City Music Hall, her dream job, and she refuses to give it up, despite her father's insistence that she marry, stay home, and have children. One night, when Marion has invited her sister Judy to a performance, the Big Apple Bomber strikes at the Music Hall, and Judy dies. Now Marion is on a mission—to unmask the killer, with the help of a physician who is the first to attempt criminal profiling.

I love Fiona Davis's novels, and was thrilled to be granted access to her upcoming The Spectacular. When I learned that it involved Radio City Music Hall and that the main character was one of the famed Rockettes, I just knew I would be completely lost in the novel. For the most part, I was not disappointed in The Spectacular, though it isn't my favorite of Ms. Davis's books.

I loved the setting of Radio City Music Hall and New York City in the 1950's. As a teen, I dreamed of what it would be like to be a Rockette, and to this day, I love to see the troupe perform on the television specials and parades. I learned a lot about the grueling practice and performance schedules, as well as the audition process. The Mad Bomber, that the story is based on, was something that I was completely unfamiliar with, and reading about how psychological profiling that was in its infancy at the time brought about a solution to the case was very interesting.

I struggled some with the role of Marion in solving the case, some of it just seemed over-the-top ridiculous and unrealistic in the extreme, and this aspect kept me from absolutely loving the book. The dual timeline, which is a key aspect of Ms. Davis's books, also seemed a little forced, and honestly could have been skipped entirely without affecting the story whatsoever, though the ending would have required an adjustment.

Overall, I loved most of the book, and would recommend it to those who have loved Fiona Davis's previous novels, or are interested in The Rockettes or psychological profiling.

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.

It's 1956 and Marion Brooks is a dance teacher. After her mother passed away, she and her older sister Judy were raised by their strict father who believed that women should be secretaries or teachers. Certainly not dancers. After Marion is fired, she goes to an open audition at Radio City Music Hall to try out to become a member of the Rockettes. While her father is expecting Marion to get engaged and settle down as a housewife, she is terrified to tell him that she has gotten the job as a Rockette. She moves to New York City into the Rehearsal Club boarding house with fellow Rockette Bunny. Through Bunny's paramour, Marion meets Peter Griggs, a psychiatrist who intrigues her. While Marion is working tirelessly to become part of the dance troupe, Manhattan is being terrorized by a man dubbed "The Big Apple Bomber" who targets major New York landmarks. He's already hit Radio City before and his most recent attack changes everything for Marion. Griggs, who has great insight into the troubled mind, gets involved with the case.

Leave it to Fiona Davis to keep bringing the most iconic places in New York City into her fabulous works of historical fiction. In The Spectacular, she has chosen one of my favorites. If you're old enough, you may remember when you not only saw the Rockettes perform but you also saw a top movie. Some of my best memories with family took place within this art deco masterpiece so this reading journey was such a pleasure. Not only do we get a behind-the-scenes look at what it took back then to become a Rockette, but Davis incorporates the true story of the "Mad Bomber of New York," the first case that used criminal profiling. But read the book first before checking out the details. A dual timeline element set in 1992 adds to the appeal as Marion returns for a Special Christmas Spectacular - Celebrating the 60th Anniversary of the Rockettes.

Every book by this author brings me great joy. And that cover!!

This historical novel is set primarily in 1956, when 19 year old Marion breaks free from the conformist life her father wants her to live to become a Rockette at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. And after a serial bomber sets off a bomb at one of their performances, she also gets involved in the police investigation trying to catch the bomber.

I am a huge fan of Fiona Davis, and have been ever since her first book, The Dollhouse, went straight onto my top ten list of 2017, and she became one of my favorite historical fiction writers and I haven’t missed one of her books since. So The Spectacular was one of my most anticipated books of 2023, and I’m happy to say it didn’t disappoint. In fact, it’s one of my favorite Fiona Davis books!

Like her other books, it totally nails the NYC setting and taught me something about a famous building in the city, while also creating a great main character and a little mystery! I totally couldn’t put it down. This one is a little different than most of her others since they usually have dual time periods. This one does have a few chapters set in 1992, but they’re not with a separate character/storyline - they’re about a 55 year old Marion. But it totally worked for this book and maybe made it even stronger. If you love Fiona Davis’s other books I’m sure you’ll love this one too, and if you’ve never read her books but enjoy historical fiction that’s not about wars, you should totally check her out.

Based on the true story of the Big Apple bomber in the 1950s, the story follows Marian as her dream to become a Rockette at Radio City Music Hall is realized. I love how Fiona Davis incorporates NYC landmarks into her novels. The story explored familial expectations, chasing down your dreams, and mental health in a satisfying way. With a bit of mystery, history, and romance, this book is a perfect summer blend of genres. Enthusiastically recommend!

Marion Brooks dream was to dance and she loved being a Rockettette. the Big Apple Bomber, who has been on a 16 year spree, changed Marion’s life when a pipe bomb is set off during a Rockette performance. She sets off to discover who and why the pipe bomber is setting off bombs through out the city.

This book has a bit of everything and it’s definitely one of the best reads this year so far, because it has both fact and fiction, a fully developed story with suspense on the side and multiple interesting themes running through it.
Let me explain.
It’s the story of Marion, who leaves home to become a Rockette in the 1950s. Her father disagrees and would rather see her get married and settle down, he even has the right man picked out. It’s the 50s and it’s not the usual thing for a young woman to live in the city and dance, she should have a family or work in a decent job, such as being a secretary, like her sister Judy. Yet Marion seems to have inherited her love for performing from her deceased mother.
In New York though, a bomber is planting bombs all over the city, and has been doing so for 16 years. Her father and daughter, who work for the company targeted by the Big Apple Bomber, think it’s unsafe for Marion to be in the city. When one goes off during her performance at Radio City, Marion finds herself suddenly involved in the case and even has an idea for a completely new approach to catch the criminal.
While some details have been changed, there has indeed been a criminal called the Mad Bomber, though the story is not very well known. And the way of solving it was revolutionary.
Throughout all this, we have several themes from the time period, such as the recurring choice between a career and a family, the proper choice for a young woman, the underlying questions the daughters still have about their mother, who they don’t know much about, life as a Rockette, and finally the suspense of trying to catch the bomber himself. It was the first time in history profiling was used to solve crime, and again the story depicts how difficult it is for new approaches like these to be accepted by the authorities. It takes Marion and her psychologist friend several attempts to even be heard by the police, despite having information to catch the killer.
And finally, seeing all this review later by Marion in 1992 at the 60th anniversary of the Radio City Music Hall, is a heart-warming way to make all the strings of the story come together.
Overall, I love when books take us into a historic period without making it too obvious, using the discourse and here the image of a young woman in the 50s without it being the centre of the story, and using little known facts to base the story on, which make you want to research it further as you go along or finish.

Thank you to PRHAudio and Dutton for the ALC and ARC!

In New York City in 1956, Marion auditions to be a Rockette - against the wishes of her father and boyfriend. She is thrilled to be selected to be a member of the glamorous dance group, despite her father’s resistance. When he forces her to leave home, she befriends a fellow rockette and lives in a boarding house for artistic girls. There, Marion finds true friendship and through the work of a rockette is exhausting, she is exhilarated and loves it SO much! But one night, during the rockette’s performance, a bomb explodes in Radio City Music Hall, causing devastation and chaos. It’s the latest in a string of explosions that have been occurring around the city for the last sixteen years. As Marion finds herself immersed in the investigation, she begins to question everything she holds dear.

This story was magical! Told in dual timelines, we get to reflect with Marion on her past as she celebrates a reunion with the Rockettes. I hadn’t known much about the dancers, except that their routine is beautiful and mesmerizing, but I enjoyed hearing about the day-to-day work and routines they had as well as the storyline of how criminal profiling first came to be used. I found that aspect fascinating, from the point of a view of a doctor/psychologist, and how it was incorporated into this storyline worked well. Fiona Davis is my favorite historical fiction writer and if you enjoy this genre, you won’t want to miss this one! “The Spectacular” releases June 13th!

This review will be shared to my instagram blog (@books_by_the_bottle) shortly.

In 1956 in glamorous NYC, 19 year-old Marion auditions for the Radio City Music Hall Rockettes against the wishes of her father and boyfriend. But Marion quickly realizes it's not all glitz and glamour. With 4 shows a week plus a grueling rehearsal schedule, Marion rides the roller-coaster of entrancing highs and devastating lows. Especially when her beautiful theater is bombed by the criminal known as the Big Apple Bomber, Without any real leads and a yearslong search for perpetrator, the police turn, at Marion's urging, to a new technique - psychological profiling.
Marion finds herself pulled deeper into the investigation, even though she has been trained to be identical. She must learn to stand out.

*Special thanks to NetGalley and Dutton for this e-arc.*

This is the second of Fiona Davis' historical fiction novels relating to New York City landmarks that I have read and I enjoyed this one even more than the first one!

The Spectacular is set primarily in New York City in 1956 and revolves around the incredible art deco building Radio City Music Hall and the Rockettes glamourous precision-dancing troup that performs there. 19 year-old Marion is a dancer who auditions for the Rockettes on a whim and accepts an offer to join the troup despite the objections of her father. Marion moves from her suburban home to a rooming house for young female performers in the city when her dad kicks her out because she won't give in to his demands to quit dancing and marry her high school boyfriend. Marion is enjoying her newfound freedom and her life as a Rockette when a bomber who has been terrorizing New York City for 16 years sets off a bomb in Radio City Music Hall. The police don't seem to be making any progress in catching the bomber and Marion is drawn into the investigation as she urges them to use psychological profiling to identify the suspect. There's a second timeline with just a few chapters set in 1991 with Marion attending a reunion event at Radio City Music Hall.

Another great New York story that brings the history of Radio City Music Hall to life in an engaging and enjoyable read! Based on a true story, The Spectacular combines historical fiction, family drama and mystery with just the right amount of suspense. I had never heard about this bombing spree and the early use of psychological profiling in criminal cases was quite interesting. The story also highlights some of the struggles faced by young women in the '50s who were expected to sacrifice their dreams to raise families instead. Mostly I just loved reading about Radio City Music Hall and the Rockettes. I have attended a performance of The Christmas Spectacular and toured Radio City Music Hall - I love the magic of it all and reading a novel set in that world was just fun!

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

After Marion unexpectedly loses her job, she decides to take a wild chance and audition for the Rockettes. Much to her surprise she nabs one of the coveted positions. While her father isn’t thrilled, Marion doesn’t have much time to worry about him with the grueling schedule of four shows a day, seven days a week, for three weeks straight before a single week off. When a bomb explodes during a performance, Marion makes it her mission to find out who has been setting off these bombs around the city. Little does she know how much more it will help her find out.

Fiona Davis you kill me. This book was so damn good. I was sitting by the pool reading and having to pretend I wasn’t crying. Like seriously, Im already the girl at my apartment complex that is always by the pool with a book, now Im the crying girl too! I just loved every single second of the dancing, the mystery of the bomber, and the detective work of Marion as the book went on. Her father drove me insane, and I wanted to shake him, but I also kind of (not really but if I really push myself really hard I can) understood where he was coming from. I loved learning a bit of history about New York that I hadn’t known, and after finishing I found myself googling the Big Apple Bomber and reading more to find out the inspiration for this book! Five stars all around for The Spectacular!

Thank you to Penguin Group Dutton and NetGalley for an ARC of this novel.

I have been a fan of Fiona Davis for many years, so was very excited to receive the ARC of this book. I love that her novels are set in New York City and provide history of many of the city's iconic buildings and are centered around historic events. This book is no exception and what I liked about this novel. The Spectacular's main character, Marion is a Rockette, so much of the novel takes place in Radio City Music Hall, during the 50's. We learn about the "Big Apple Bomber", who was a person I knew nothing about. He terrorized New York City for 16 years, setting bombs in crowded places and landmark buildings. I loved learning about these historical events, but the book, unfortunately fell short for me. I didn't find the main character likeable or engaging. I also felt that there were too many unbelievable events that took place in the story and I found myself rolling my eyes at the impossible feats that the main character performed. I also found the first part of the book rather slow. It was definitely my least favorite of her novels, but it is still worth reading to learn about the life of a Rockette and the events involving the "Big Apple Bomber".

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.