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A review by mbkarapcik
The Magnolia Palace by Fiona Davis
4.0
Young model Lillian Carter appears in sculptural form all over New York City from posing for artists as a way to support herself and her mother. After her mother dies of the Spanish flu in 1918, she finds herself mistakenly embroiled in a scandal and must flee. She happens upon the Frick mansion and, through another case of mistaken identity, ends up employed as the private secretary to Helen Frick, daughter of the famed Henry Clay Frick.
So starts The Magnolia Palace, a new novel by Fiona Davis. Lillian aka Angelica plays the starring role, becoming a confidant and secretary to the Frick's daughter, which leads to more turmoil for the aspiring starlet.
In alternating chapters, you meet Veronica Weber, a British, 1960s-era model who ends up at a photo shoot at the mansion. By happenstance, she finds notes hidden in secret crevices throughout the house when she goes exploring and, with art intern Joshua in tow, tries to solve the mystery of the notes.
All Davis's books center around a historical or cultural building in New York City. The books serve as a love letter to each place, and I like how she creates a story that reflects the atmosphere of the building. This story caught my interest with its many layers and interesting characters. The notes play a unique part in the plot and will intrigue you. They further move the plot along and add a whimsical touch to the story.
I found these characters to be fully formed and empathetic. The settings will inspire you to Google the Frick Mansion and its extensive art collection. Having grown up in Northern New Jersey, I frequently heard the name Frick but never visited the building. It's a beautiful place, and Davis describes it simply but in a way that stirs up interest.
Although the Spanish flu is mentioned, you may briefly think of the impact of COVID-19 in our world today, but there's no heavy-handedness about any relationship between the two. It's merely a plot point that pushes the story forward.
I've read all of Davis's novels, and some of them work out better than others. This one wasn't slow or rushed with a satisfying ending and enough intrigue and mystery to keep you engaged. If you like historical mysteries, this should definitely be on your list. The only thing that's missing? Pictures of the Frick mansion!
So starts The Magnolia Palace, a new novel by Fiona Davis. Lillian aka Angelica plays the starring role, becoming a confidant and secretary to the Frick's daughter, which leads to more turmoil for the aspiring starlet.
In alternating chapters, you meet Veronica Weber, a British, 1960s-era model who ends up at a photo shoot at the mansion. By happenstance, she finds notes hidden in secret crevices throughout the house when she goes exploring and, with art intern Joshua in tow, tries to solve the mystery of the notes.
All Davis's books center around a historical or cultural building in New York City. The books serve as a love letter to each place, and I like how she creates a story that reflects the atmosphere of the building. This story caught my interest with its many layers and interesting characters. The notes play a unique part in the plot and will intrigue you. They further move the plot along and add a whimsical touch to the story.
I found these characters to be fully formed and empathetic. The settings will inspire you to Google the Frick Mansion and its extensive art collection. Having grown up in Northern New Jersey, I frequently heard the name Frick but never visited the building. It's a beautiful place, and Davis describes it simply but in a way that stirs up interest.
Although the Spanish flu is mentioned, you may briefly think of the impact of COVID-19 in our world today, but there's no heavy-handedness about any relationship between the two. It's merely a plot point that pushes the story forward.
I've read all of Davis's novels, and some of them work out better than others. This one wasn't slow or rushed with a satisfying ending and enough intrigue and mystery to keep you engaged. If you like historical mysteries, this should definitely be on your list. The only thing that's missing? Pictures of the Frick mansion!