Thanks to Fiona Davis, Dutton, and Netgalley for the chance to read this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. This book will be released on Jan. 25, 2022, and can be pre-ordered by clicking the cover to the left.

1919: Lillian Carter has lost her mother to Spanish Influenza and her world has been turned upside down. Formerly known as the artists' muse, Angelica, she is at a loss as to how to make a living. She is then drawn into the murder of her landlady when it is believed that she and her landlord were romantically involved. Lillian runs away so as not to be brought in for questioning. She finds herself hired as a personal secretary for the famous Frick family under pretenses but sees that this may be her way out. She finds herself embroiled in family drama, theft, and a possible murder. She escapes again despite being under the cloak of suspicion.

1966: Veronica is new to the modeling world but quickly finds herself on the outs when she stands up for herself with the photographer. To allow herself to avoid others, she hides in the organ room. When she comes out hours later, she is locked in the Frick mansion and must find a way to keep herself safe. She later discovers that she is not alone, a museum intern named Joshua. As they explore the building together, they find clues for a decades-old scavenger hunt. When they meet the owner of the building they start to unravel the mysteries of the past. When the past meets the future, old suspicions are laid to rest, and old friendships are repaired.

Fiona Davis is a genius when it comes to the retelling of the history of New York landmarks. While I had heard of the Frick family, I was unaware of their history and how deep their commitment to the city went. That being said, I had never heard of Audrey Munson, the basis for Lillian Carter. I had seen the statues of Munson when working in New York City and never realized they were the same person. I loved learning this information and can't wait to see what other NYC landmark historical fiction Davis rights next.