Fiona Davis does it again with this historical fiction novel, set in 1950s NYC, focusing on the "Big Apple Bomber" which was taken from true events about a bomber who left bombs all throughout NYC for 16 years. This was also one of the first times criminal profiling was used to try to find a person. This book focuses on the Rockettes and Radio City Music Hall which was one of the locations that was bombed during this time, but it also added to this story and the characters she wrote. I adore Fiona Davis books and this was no exception.

Fiona Davis can do no wrong. I love her way of writing and the stories she tells about historical NYC culture and landmarks - learning about the Rockette's was really enjoyable, told in Davis signature style and dual perspectives!

I will read anything that Fiona Davis writes! The Spectacular is a wonderful blend of NYC history about the Rockettes, true crime, criminal profiling/psychology, and an examination of how women's roles have changed so much in such a short time. I really enjoyed Marion as a character - seeing her choose her own path, despite pressure from her father to embrace traditional women's roles was inspiring. One element that brought this book down a notch for me was that the Marion from the 1990s was supposed to be in her 50s... which I don't think is really that old. Even in the 1990s. Yet, it seems like that version of Marion is old and decrepit (until the twist where maybe she is not). That part was just a bit off-putting and not realistic. But overall, I really enjoyed this book and its combination of history, mystery, and love.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the eARC. All opinions are my own.

Fiona Davis is an author of historical fiction novels that are set in iconic New York City Buildings. Ms. Davis has done it again and this novel, "The Spectacular", takes place in 1956 and follows Marion, a nineteen-year-old who has just auditioned for and has been selected as a Rockette. Marion's story is set against the backdrop of the Big Apple Bombings.

I loved reading historical facts about the early days of the Rockettes and the precision and detail that goes into creating and staging a show. In addition to the historical details, the author has done a great job with the mystery aspect of this novel.

Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for an advance copy of this great book!!

4.25 stars

The Spectacular
By: Fiona Davis
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The love Davis has for NYC is apparent in all her books. She chooses an iconic building and writes a story involving the buildings and the people.
👯‍♀️
Radio City Music Hall in the 50’s is spectacular. Marion is nineteen and gets a coveted spot as a Rockette. They have so many rules to follow, and she is determined to make her mark as a dancer. Training is fierce practicing multiple times a day.
👯‍♀️
One day a bomb exploded at the theater and it hitting many areas in NYC. The police cannot catch the bomber and Marion starts profiling. Can she find out what is happening in her city?
👯‍♀️
I highly recommend this one!
❓Have you been to Radio Music City Hall?
#thespectacular, #fionadavis, #nyc, #therockettes, #dutton, #booksconnectus, #bookreview, #stamperlady50, #bookstagram

I enjoyed this story a lot. I didn’t realize it was alternating between Marion in 1992 and 1956, but once I figured this out, I was all for it. This is following Marion’s life and dream of becoming a Rockette with some added mystery of the Big Apple Bomber. Figuring out who this is and why he’s targeting certain places. Loved reading about all the history of Radio City Music Hall and the Rockettes. This was very hard to put down and everyone should read this.

The Spectacular is indeed spectacular.

Fiona Davis returns to what she does best, blending New York City history and mystery in this fun and compelling novel.

First, this is a wonderful return to form for Davis, who I felt veered far off course with her last novel, leaning into schlocky drama and doing little incorporate the history of place that the book purported to springboard from.

This one, by contrast, reminds me more of Davis’ terrific previous work, blending historical sense of place with an intriguing plot, and this time giving us a bonus of more action than usual.

It’s especially neat to see two real historical events come together here, as Davis marries the story of early Radio City Music Hall and its Rockettes with that of the mad bomber who terrorized the city for almost 20 years.

That case (and the story Davis built from it here) also both feature the first use of psychological profiling, which Davis spins perfectly into the plot.

I would have liked a bit more about the history of the theater itself and more fluffy fun Rockettes content, but this is just a terrific story and very much in line with Davis’ best previous work.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing an e-galley in exchange for an honest review. Davis is back with another juicy historical novel. I've always admired the Rockettes, mostly from watching their annual performance on the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade each year on TV. I only briefly did dance as a child, but know that to do the performance they do, so in sync and so well, must be a grueling behind-the-scenes experience. Marion is determined to join the Rockettes, despite everyone around her trying to discourage her from doing so. Thanks to a harrowing time in NYC, Marion ultimately becomes entangled in the investigation for the Big Apple Bomber. This book was clearly deeply researched and shone a light on a time, situation, and experience very removed from my own. Well done!

Fiona Davis knocks it out of the park every time; there is no better realistic fiction author out there right now! I honestly feel like I'm living in the era of her books; that's how realistic her writing and stories are. I'm not sure anyone else could write a story about the Rockettes, a bomber, and criminal profiling and make it all work. This is a highly entertaining novel, and I can't wait to see what she comes up with next!

The Spectacular by Fiona Davis, set in 1950s New York, tells the story of 19-year-old Marion Brooks, who auditions to be a Rockette at Radio City Music Hall. By doing this, she defies the wishes of her father, who wants her to marry and settle down.

Meanwhile, The Big Apple Bomber is planting bombs all over the city, including Radio City Music Hall. Directly impacted by this particular incident, Marion becomes embroiled in the investigation, forging a bond with Dr. Peter Griggs, who introduces the concept of criminal profiling.

The story is filled with suspense and intrigue, but was a bit predictable at times. The alternate timeline of the 1990s only became significant at the very end of the novel. As usual, Ms. Davis deftly weaves in a real-life incident (in this case, The Big Apple Bomber) with her vivid fictional characters. She also addresses topic of mental illness, which is important in our current times.

Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Random House-Dutton for the digital ARC of The Spectacular by Fiona Davis.

Thank you to the publisher for an early release copy of this novel. I love everything Fiona Davis has written and this one is no different. I loved learning more about Radio City Music Hall and being a Rockette. What a fun but difficult time to be a young woman. Typically Fiona Davis' books have a split timeline that is equal in storyline but The Spectacular mainly stayed in the 1950s with about 5-10% of the story taking place in the 1990s. Frankly this was the right call in this story as the interest was truly in the 1950s. I highly recommend this and can't wait for her next novel!

It's not often a story fits its title so perfectly, but that is definitely the case with The Spectacular! I loved this historical fiction look at the Rockettes through the eyes of Marion. Not only did it have a cool New York City theater feel, but it also reminded me of the Nancy Drew novels I grew up reading.
This was such a great story from start to finish with the combination of Marion's family drama, her dancing aspiration, the terror of not knowing when the bomber would strike next, and even the romantic subplot. I could easily visualize everything going on as if I were watching it on the big screen. It made me think of when I watched Annie as a kid and they had the Rockettes in the "Let's Go to the Movies" scene. (Start at 2:22 for this part.) I haven't actually gone to a Rockettes performance, but they're always performing at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. I didn't know that there were other performances along with theirs, before the movie would start. I also was fascinated by how the choreography had to be so incredibly precise at all times and one difference would be completely noticeable.

The bombings remind me so much of what is happening now, down to the greed and ignorance that was keeping them from stopping long before they did. Just replace the bomber with a shooter, except there are many more of those and it feels unsafe to go almost anywhere these days. And it's not the greed and ignorance of a particular company, but instead the people who are supposed to be in charge of our country. I love how Marion worked so hard to get to the bottom of things since no one else was willing to step up and take control of the situation. She was wise beyond her years.

The 1950s sexism in this story was also frustrating to me. It reminded me of Lessons in Chemistry in some ways, as well as some of the shows I've been watching that take place in the 1950s. Marion was ahead of her time in that respect and wanted to have a career before getting married and having kids. And as more information comes to light about her mother, who can blame her for that?

This novel kept me riveted the entire time. It was really well done and now my favorite of everything I've read by Fiona Davis. (I still have a few of her earlier ones waiting to be read, but now I'll be measuring them up to this one, I'm afraid.) Don't hesitate to pick this one up and be ready to devour it!

Movie casting suggestions:
Marion (1956): Daisy Edgar-Jones
Judy: Liana Liberato
Bunny: Violett Beane
Nathaniel: Carson Rowland
Peter: Hunter Doohan
Simon: Dean Norris
Marion (1992): Frances O'Connor

wow this is a spectacular book! The characters are wonderful and the story has so many facets to keep you entertained. There is so much going on. Heartbreak, bombing, hard work, lots of twists and turns. Very colorful and informative, unpredictable and inspirational. I love Marion and her story moved me. I recommend this book, it is a real page turner and a must must read! Fabulous author has written another fabulous book!!!

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.