A review by mmarlborough
The Spectacular by Fiona Davis

adventurous mysterious reflective sad 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? It's complicated

4.0

When I saw that Book of the Month had a new Historical Fiction book set at Radio City Music Hall, I had to grab it! This was a fascinating look at being a Rockette in the 50s set against a compelling mystery. I really enjoyed it and can’t wait to read more by Davis! 

Marion is living her quiet suburban life outside of NYC, all geared up to marry her high school sweetheart and remain in the small town she grew up in teaching dance. But she risks it all and auditions to become at Rockette on a whim and gets it! Defying her traditional father, she takes the job and gets swept up in the hard work and glamor of Radio City. She meets a young doctor named Peter who specializes in psychological profiling, even though the rest of the world doesn’t put stock in this. The pair have ideas to stop the Big Apple Bomber who is targeting NYC landmarks, but will anyone take them seriously? 

This was a very well researched novel- I was particularly impressed with the truth to backstage life! I cared about Marion and found Peter’s skill fascinating. I also really enjoyed the Author’s Note at the end that explained the facts that the novel was inspired by. The only reason this wasn’t 5⭐️s is because the middle was a tad repetitive. But overall, what a glitzy mystery!

✨Trigger Warnings: Death of a Parent, Murder, Sexism, Terrorist Attacks, Infidelity
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