As a Columbia School of Journalism graduate, Davis is celebrated for her historical mystery novels that revolve around New York City’s iconic structures. The summary for The Magnolia Palace delves into the plot, characters, and themes of the novel, providing a comprehensive understanding of the book’s nuances.

Control means a lot to me. My family moved around a lot when I was young, and not knowing what was going to happen the next day or the next month turned me into an anxious kid. I laid out my school outfits the night before and was a straight-A student who never missed an assignment. As an adult, I created a life that suited my nature perfectly. I became an author, setting my own hours and writing novels in my home office. I held a delicious control over every character: I decided if they were happy or sad, whether they lived or died. Glorious. Yes, just a little tired. My landlords got into a rousing fight early this morning. I didn't get much sleep."

Ratings and reviews

This Magnolia Palace is loosely based off of actual events. I really enjoyed the beginning of the story, but it started to drag in the middle. I almost didn't finish the book, but in the end the two stories merged together and it turned out fine.

Davis smoothly combines fact with fiction and offers beautiful descriptions of the family’s art collection. The colliding narratives and comprehensive descriptions of the historic mansion make for Davis’s best work to date.” Mr. Rossi waited, holding a boxwood shaper in one hand and a rag in the other. Even after six years of posing, Lillian had never quite gotten used to being called by her stage name, chosen by her mother, Kitty, to protect her family’s reputation, which was a real laugh. As if they were the Astors or something. Lillian pulled the silk up over her shoulder so only one breast was exposed. The material was slippery and refused toI savor every glorious new Fiona Davis novel and The Magnolia Palace has it all—two intriguing heroines, two fabulous time periods to get swept up in, and a delicious mystery that keeps you on tenterhooks. I loved every minute of it!” A police officer emerged from the Watkinses' apartment, leaving the door open behind him. At first, Lillian wondered when the Watkinses had gotten such a deep-red rug, almost scarlet, before realizing it was some kind of dried liquid, not a new runner. Many thanks to Dutton / Penguin Group, NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to read this engaging book prior to its January 25, 2022 publication date. During one trip, the traffic merged into a single lane due to roadwork. I was convinced Greg was speeding up instead of slowing down, preventing the car ahead from switching into our lane and surely ending in a fiery accident. I screeched something along the lines of "You always do this! Let him move over!" Perhaps not the best way to communicate my concern.

Or to be sitting in a car as it careens down the Saw Mill River Parkway, knowing that sometimes it's okay to be the passenger, instead of the driver. I loved trying to capture how New York has changed over time and how women’s voices and agency have changed over time, and how they haven’t.”Mr. Rossi waited, holding a boxwood shaper in one hand and a rag in the other. After six years of posing, Lillian had never quite gotten used to being called by her stage name, chosen by her mother, Kitty, to protect her family's reputation, which was a real laugh. As if they were the Astors or something. Lillian pulled the silk up over her shoulder so only one breast was exposed. The material was slippery and refused to stay in place. I dove into researching the disease just as I do for my books and learned a lot. Turns out it's caused by nerve damage in the brain that lowers dopamine levels and over time, the four major symptoms -- tremor, stiffness, slow movement and balance problems -- only get worse. However, I also discovered that everyone's journey on the Parkinson's roller coaster is different. That tremors can be controlled with medication and that high-intensity exercise appears to slow the progression. I spoke several women who'd been diagnosed at my age and ten years later were still going strong. Lillian, known as Angelica in the art world, was beside herself after her mother died and was running out of jobs and money. I have never been disappointed by anything I've ready by Fiona Davis and her newest novel stands up to my expectations. It is a dual timeline (1919 and 1966) with a strong, independent women in each period, plus a variety of memorable characters and a mystery. The storylines come together at the end of the novel in a very satisfying conclusion. Goodreads Librarians are volunteers who help ensure the accuracy of information about books and authors in the Goodreads' catalog. The Goodreads Libra Goodreads Librarians are volunteers who help ensure the accuracy of information about books and authors in the Goodreads' catalog. The Goodreads Librarians Group is the official group for requesting additions or updates to the catalog, including:

Oh, now, I've been working steadily for years, and trust me, you can always ask for more time. Artists are often accommodated by their patrons that way." Another brilliant historical thriller from Davis, this time set in a Gilded Age mansion in New York City. You will fall in love with Lillian, the penniless young artist's model surviving the Spanish Flu of 1919, and Veronica, the young mod model of the 1960s, and Davis's deftly written and beautifully woven feminist storytelling." - Tara Moss What do you see as the the difference between being looked at looked and being seen? When have you been looked at? How did that make you feel? When have you been seen? How did that make you feel?Local newspapers on display "The star witness in the West Side murder has disappeared! Angelica, the most beautiful woman in the world." Hiding among the wealthiest people in NY Royalty and they are clueless or are they?