Magnolia Palace, The: A Novel

Product Information

If you enjoy atmospheric historical fiction resplendent with art, interesting characters, and a beguiling mystery, The Magnolia Palace is an intriguing addition to you winter reading lineup. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. The work has dried up though and after a chain of events she gains employment as the private secretary of Helen Frick.

Henry Clay Frick launched the Frick Collection in the Frick Art Reference Library and still considered "one of the most hated men in America", which led to an attempted assassination on him. Her belly full but her change purse nearly empty, Lillian dawdled in the stairwell of her apartment building, trying to get a glimpse inside Mr. Once the pacing changed and it entered the thriller genre, it was a more engaging and fast read, although it felt like a young adult caper.Even though her very resemblance is found in many of the statues from the time period, including some at the Frick household, she is trying to be incognito as Helen's secretary. As the Publication information is for the USA, and (unless stated otherwise) represents the first print edition. Once you read this book, you’ll want to visit The Frick, but note that the mansion is undergoing a major renovation so check for info on its reopening.

Things don't go as planned though and she ends up sulking at the museum and consequently finds some hidden old papers. And the three women at the heart of the tale, models from two different eras and Helen Frick, are brought to life with precision and care. Not long after, as she left for work, Lillian had passed the police as they tramped up the front steps. Fiona Davis is the New York Times bestselling author of six historical fiction novels set in iconic New York City buildings, including The Magnolia Palace, The Dollhouse, The Address, and The Lions of Fifth Avenue, which was a Good Morning America book club pick. Author Fiona Davis has selected some of New York City’s most iconic landmarks as the locations for her books combining its history with an engaging fictional story which takes place in two time periods.Whether 1919 or 1966, both women have precarious social standings, but the pair ultimately demonstrate integrity when faced with the opportunity to be dishonest and deceitful. The colliding narratives and comprehensive descriptions of the historic mansion make for Davis's best work to date. A family saga and historical thriller in one, The Magnolia Palace is a fast-paced, immersive delight. This capture by the author is so rich in history offering a magnetic draw to the past without disrupting their true events.

I thought the 1966 story line was boring AF and I didn't care for some of the overly forced narratives. Davis mentions many of the more notable art works in this novel, also providing interesting information on the pieces. Most of the characters and relationships felt rather one dimensional so I never got too into the story. Set in 1919 and 1966, the novel revolves around the Frick collection at the NYC museum Helen Frick founded after her father passed away.The super of her apartment building was making inappropriate advances toward her that she had was trying to ignore. She is on the run from the police when she disguises herself and finds an opportunity to work in the Frick mansion. Veronica, inexperienced, a bit stubborn and intimidated by the other models and the photographer, would not acquiesce to the demands and whims of the temperamental photographer. When she is dismissed from one of her shoots, she happens to come across some hidden messages that will help solve an age old mystery of murder and mayhem. She backed away, bracing herself on the banister for support, and dashed up the two flights to her landing.