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!

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.