The Magnolia Palace

A Novel

By: Fiona Davis

Narrated by: Karissa Vacker

Length: 11 hrs and 9 mins

Publisher's summary

Instant New York Times Best Seller!

Fiona Davis, New York Times best-selling author of The Lions of Fifth Avenue, returns with a tantalizing novel about the secrets, betrayal, and murder within one of New York City's most impressive Gilded Age mansions.

Eight months since losing her mother in the Spanish flu outbreak of 1919, 21-year-old Lillian Carter's life has completely fallen apart. For the past six years, under the moniker Angelica, Lillian was one of the most sought-after artists' models in New York City, with statues based on her figure gracing landmarks from the Plaza Hotel to the Brooklyn Bridge. But with her mother gone, a grieving Lillian is rudderless and desperate - the work has dried up and a looming scandal has left her entirely without a safe haven. So when she stumbles upon an employment opportunity at the Frick mansion - a building that, ironically, bears her own visage - Lillian jumps at the chance. But the longer she works as a private secretary to the imperious and demanding Helen Frick, the daughter and heiress of industrialist and art patron Henry Clay Frick, the more deeply her life gets intertwined with that of the family - pulling her into a tangled web of romantic trysts, stolen jewels, and family drama that runs so deep, the stakes just may be life or death.

Nearly 50 years later, mod English model Veronica Weber has her own chance to make her career - and with it, earn the money she needs to support her family back home - within the walls of the former Frick residence, now converted into one of New York City's most impressive museums. But when she - along with a charming intern/budding art curator named Joshua - is dismissed from the Vogue shoot taking place at the Frick Collection, she chances upon a series of hidden messages in the museum: messages that will lead her and Joshua on a hunt that could not only solve Veronica's financial woes, but could finally reveal the truth behind a decades-old murder in the infamous Frick family.

©2022 Fiona Davis (P)2022 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“Combining a mansion turned museum, a missing diamond, a mystery, and the lives of two young women separated by half a century, Fiona Davis stirs up a beguiling story that unfolds like a clever game of Clue. Suspicions abound, and an iconic New York City landmark stands poised to reveal a page-turning tale of wealth, family dynamics, and long-held secrets.”—Lisa Wingate, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Before We Were Yours

“Fiona Davis is at the top of her game in this intriguing, high-stakes novel about an iconic New York City landmark, the Frick mansion, and two women, fifty years apart, whose stories intersect within it. A family saga and historical thriller in one, The Magnolia Palace is a fast-paced, immersive delight.”—Christina Baker Kline, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Orphan Train and The Exiles

“Rich with family drama, tangled romance, cryptic clues, and long-buried secrets, The Magnolia Palace is sure to be loved by Fiona Davis's devoted and new readers alike. A can't-miss for anyone who has sauntered through an art museum and found themselves tempted to peek behind a painting or two.”—Sarah Penner, New York Times bestselling author of The Lost Apothecary

Absolutely fantastic!

This story is wonderfully constructed and performed. It's a story told from the inside out.
completely engaging and memorable.

Lovely story

I enjoyed this book. The 2 stories were both interesting and they came together well for the conclusion.

Exquisite, as always!

Fiona Davis never disappoints. Her novels are well researched and her characters are wonderful. Her attention to detail and ability to weave different story lines are beyond compare. I’m always giddy with delight when one of Ms. Davis’ books debut. Listening to the stories is an added bonus because the narrators are exceptional. A must read and an incentive to visit The Frick!

I could not put it down!

I have read many books by Fiona Davis and love them all. The Magnolia Palace is my favorite.

It is set in the New York Frick Museum which I have visited several times. When each chapter ended, I could not wait to see what would happen next. As the story unfolded, a mystery developed but there was never gore, blood or murder.
I was sad when the book came to an end and have recommended it to several friends.

A masterpiece

Two eras with so much connections bring the uniqueness of a masterpiece. Just dig in!

Interesting story lines brought together

Really enjoyed how did two different time periods were brought together at the end. The thing that bothered me was there was so much character interior chatter

Very good!

I really enjoyed listening to this book. The narrator was fantastic. The history was fascinating.

Not my favorite by this author

I love visiting The Frick, so I thoroughly enjoyed the setting. The plot, however,often seemed contrived.

I absolutely LOVED it!

This was such an enjoyable book. i loved the storyline and the character development. it was totally entertaining and I was swept away every time I listened.

Great story!

I very much enjoyed this historical mystery (of sorts). I found myself looking up the characters and art history. The reader will find this a great read/narration!