Reviews

The Spectacular by Fiona Davis

rockatanskette's review against another edition

adventurous informative mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

ashc123's review

challenging emotional mysterious reflective sad fast-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? Yes

4.75

bookishpsychologist's review against another edition

adventurous emotional inspiring mysterious tense 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? Yes

4.5

This was my favorite Fiona Davis novel to-date!

I expected this to be an enjoyable historical fiction work about a young dancer named Marion who lands a dream job with the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall in 1956. You know - a typical coming-of-age in Manhattan story full of glamor with a pinch of romance. 

I was pleasantly surprised to discover, however, that this book is more of a historical mystery/thriller based on the true story of a serial bomber who terrorized the city for nearly two decades. When the bomber strikes Radio City while Marion is performing, resulting in personal tragedy, she goes on a mission to ascertain his identity and assist the police in his capture, at great risk to herself. 

Having lived in NYC for five years myself, I was shocked that I had never heard of this bomber before! This book definitely had me hooked from the beginning and kept me reading to find out the fate of both Marion and the bomber. And, while there was a dash of romance, even that had an unpredictable and highly moving ending!

cleonardodavinci's review against another edition

dark mysterious fast-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? No

4.0

hitechredneck's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny hopeful mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

droman1180's review against another edition

adventurous emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

This is my first book written by Fiona Davis. It definitely won’t be my last.

Marion is a young dancer in 1950s NYC. Her father wants her to be the stereotypical wife, mother, and homemaker. Marion wants so much more out of life. She wants to make her own decisions. Against her father, she auditions to become a Rockette. We follow Marion as she finds her own way in life. During this time she also finds herself mixed in with the investigation of a bomber who has been attacking various locations throughout NYC over the last 16 years. 

I loved the mystery, the hints of romance, and the coming of age aspects of the plot. I will definitely be picking up more books by this author.

jennhesler's review against another edition

4.0

3.5 rounded up. Historical fiction about a woman becoming a Rockette and the search for a bomber in NYC. Dual timelines.

jennnafziger's review against another edition

5.0

This is the kind of cheesy storyline I actually enjoy reading. I’ve always found 1950’s New York to be romantic, and I love the connection to Radio City and the Rockettes. It was light, charming, a bit mysterious, and fun.

miriamleann's review against another edition

adventurous mysterious tense

4.25

mhprince21's review against another edition

challenging emotional mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0