Another amazing book from Fiona Davis! I love historical fiction, and this book did such a great job of transporting you back in time. I really connected with the characters while I was reading this. There were so many emotions in this book with Marion going through so much at such a young age. I really liked that the book focused a lot on how women were expected to act and what they were expected to do with their lives back then. Definitely still a relevant topic today. The author did a great job describing the buildings, the outfits the Rockettes wore, etc. and that detail really helped you to feel like you were there. I also enjoyed the fact that it wasn't a typical love story ending.

Love Fiona Davis and was so happy to read her new book Spectacular. It was just that. I was brought to 1950's New York City on a whirl win tour. It is amazing how she takes a little remembered event and spins a tale. It should be on every book clubs must read list. Marion and Peter are amazing characters. Thanks again Fiona for a book that I could not but down and now that I have finished can't stop thinking about. Thanks for sharing your personal struggle...

Fiona Davis's historical fiction books never disappoint! She manages to weave together details from NYC"s history (in this case, the Rockettes and a bomber who terrorized the city for many years) into a compelling and entertaining story. I loved the theme of women in the 1950s struggling against societal norms to choose their own path. The historical research and vivid descriptions transported me to midcentury NYC. I enjoyed this book very much!

Marion wants to follow her dreams to continue to dance and find a job teaching dance. When she is fired from the dance studio she was working at she finds out about an audition to become a Rockette. He dad and boyfriend this it is the worst idea possible and she should put her childhood shenanigans aside. She leaves them goes to the audition and gets asked to join! When the Big Apple Bomber hits Radio City Music Hall the bombing becomes for personal than before. Marion with the help from a friend try's to support the police with the bombing but they don't seem to want the help and dismisses them. They take the investigation into their own hands to try to catch the bomber.

In the modern age with women being given so much choice as to their life’s trajectory, it is hard to envision a time when young ladies did not have much say in their lives. But this freedom enjoyed by women of today is a newfound luxury; one not so readily afforded to our sisters of the past. In her new novel The Spectacular, Fiona Davis introduces us to Marion, a young woman who dreams of following in her deceased mother’s footsteps by pursing a career in the arts, much to the dismay of her traditional father.

When she attends a Rockettes’ audition on a whim and surprisingly finds herself cast, Marion finds her life headed down a path that looks quite different from the one her conservative father wants for her. With her father refusing to acknowledge her talent and passion for dance and a madman dubbed the “Big Apple Bomber” planting explosives around New York City, including Marion’s new place of employment, Radio City Music Hall, Marion discovers that striking out on her own is a whole new ball of wax, but one that she is willing to explore. She just hopes that she can stay sane amid her father’s protestations and pressure for Marion to marry her high school sweetheart, and the critique she receives as a Rockette for standing out so much due to her individualism. Not to mention that the bomber is striking closer and closer to home. When tragedy affects Marion on a personal level, her life sets off on a course that she couldn’t see coming.

The Spectacular is my first Fiona Davis book, but it won’t be my last. I was delighted to learn in the Author’s Note that Davis always picks a New York City building for her novels and then spins an intriguing narrative around it, grounded in some historical fact. What a fascinating concept! I can’t wait to explore more of her books, as I am a big fan of the historical fiction genre, and this seems like such an interesting way to learn about some of the more famous places of NYC. As in the case of The Spectacular, Davis bases her book at Radio City Music Hall, delving into the life of a Rockette, while also shedding light on New York’s “Mad Bomber.” While Davis changes much of the facts surrounding NYC’s notorious terrorist who remained at large for nearly two decades, this plot line of her novel was inspired by George Metesky, who was eventually caught after planting explosive devices in the city for 16 years. While The Spectacular is not factual, it did serve as a jumping off point for me as I researched Metesky and how early criminal profiling was used in his takedown. Quite intriguing stuff!

In all, The Spectacular is a fine piece of work! Davis expertly weaves history, style, and substance with a compelling coming of age tale about a young woman in the 1950s finding her way in the world. I was so enraptured by this story and found it to be entirely bingeable. The Spectacular comes highly recommended.

The Spectacular was a wonderful book by Fiona Davis. The dueling timelines (which is a personal favorite!) was actually from the perspective of the same character throughout. Therefore, the reader can see the difference time makes on the same person.

On a personal note, as a resident of NYC, you really relate to the note that... your first time in New York City is the best impression you'll have. Everything changes from then.

Ms. Davis did a SPECTACULAR job with her newest book and I cannot wait for her next novel.

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.