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3.79 AVERAGE
3.79 AVERAGE
mysterious
medium-paced
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I slept on this book because every time I re-read the synopsis I was like “meh”. And this is why I shouldn’t re-read synopses (and rarely do TBH) because this book delivered! I love this puzzle-y type of mystery and I’m so glad I gave it a chance!
I loved the dual timeline format of the book. It made it even more interesting that both timelines remained historical.
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
4.5. It had everything; some history, a mystery, family drama, and a little bit of a love story.
2nd book by Fiona Davis that I enjoyed. I like the way she has two storylines, one in 1919 and the other in 1966.
2nd book by Fiona Davis that I enjoyed. I like the way she has two storylines, one in 1919 and the other in 1966.
4.5⭐️ I’ve been waiting to read a Fiona Davis book, and I really loved The Magnolia Palace. This historical fiction story had so many of my favorites: a scandal, a murder mystery and a lot of family drama. It dives into the societal expectations of women and a world where power and privilege impact one’s relationships and success. Like so many great books within this genre, The Magnolia Palace has two POVs set across two different time periods: Lillian’s story occurring in 1919 and Veronica’s in 1966. The two timelines blended together seamlessly and it was interesting to see a series of events unfold in the same setting with some character overlap. There was definitely a greater emphasis on Lillian’s story over Veronica’s, but honestly I found the earlier more interesting. Also, be sure to read the author’s note in the end. It’s clear that Davis did a lot of research on the Frick family, the house and the art collection.
Read if you like:
-NYC setting
-Manhattan’s elite during the early 20th century
-Mansions that become museums
-Art history
-Family drama and buried secrets
-Scavenger hunts
-Dual timelines
Read if you like:
-NYC setting
-Manhattan’s elite during the early 20th century
-Mansions that become museums
-Art history
-Family drama and buried secrets
-Scavenger hunts
-Dual timelines
hopeful
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I absolutely love the way Fiona Davis combines history and fiction. Her subjects are always so interesting and her characters as well. Loved this book!
I got to page like 75, I can't do this. This is definitely not my kinda book so dnf
i really enjoyed this dual-perspective mystery, however i couldn't fully get into the 1919 chapters (which were the majority of the book) and i couldn't figure out whether the exposition or the climax was too long. it was just really long. although one thing i did love was the author's note at the end about the historically accuracy & inspiration for a book on the frick collection. overall i liked the concept & characters im just not into early 20th century settings :/