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The Magnolia Palace is another dual timeline masterpiece by Fiona Davis. One timeline takes us back to 1919 when Lillian, a model of the female form for sculptors of the time, loses her mother to the Spanish flu and also becomes a person of interest in the death of her landlord's wife. She stumbles into a job as the private secretary to Helen Frick whose father owns the mansion which eventually becomes the Frick Museum. The second timeline occurs in 1966 when aspiring model Veronica Weber gets left behind after a photo shoot at the Frick Museum and is trapped inside during a raging blizzard.

Both stories held me spellbound and I was totally immersed in both timelines. I don't really know a lot about art but the descriptions in this book really brought the pictures and statuary to life for me. I got so curious about the locale that I watched a couple of YouTube videos detailing the Frick Collection. The characters were very realistic and the ending was extremely satisfying. I think this might be my favourite Fiona Davis novel although I still need to read The Lions of Fifth Avenue. Highly recommended.

UPDATE: I forgot to include my favourite quote! "I rather enjoy being an eccentric old lady. The power that comes with not caring what others think is invigorating." (the fictional Helen Frick!). That's my new aspiration. Also, be sure to read the author's note at the end. It'll bring tears to your eyes.

I borrowed a copy of The Magnolia Palace from the London Public Library.