“The rich think they’re protected, that they have magical powers, when in fact they’re only mortals, like the rest of us. Bodies break down, betray you. People you love die.”

Lillian Carter is an artist’s muse in 1919 New York City. As “Angelica,” she has modeled for some of the most famous artists in the city. When her mother passes from the Spanish Flu, she struggles to pay her rent. Her landlord suggests favors in lieu of rent, but she says no. Then her landlord murders his wife and the name Angelica is brought up as someone the police want to speak to. She flees and finds herself at the Frick Mansion interviewing for a position as personal secretary to Helen Frick. Can she stay hidden long enough to earn money to go to Hollywood and become a silent film actress?

In 1966, Veronica, an English model for Vogue, arrives at the Frick Museum for a photo shoot. She is new to modeling, but needs the money to help her mother and sister. When a blizzard arrives, she is locked in the museum with Joshua, an archival intern. The two spend days exploring the Frick Museum and learning about its art and its secrets.

I love the way Fiona Davis selects an iconic New York City building and develops dual timelines to explore its history. This may have been my favorite of hers so far though because learning about the Frick family was fascinating. I also had never thought much about the models who posed for artists and what they experienced, so Lillian/Angelica’s story was interesting. The afterward by the author also talks about the historical artists’ model she based the character upon; what a tragic life she led. I thought both of the storylines were strong in this latest novel by Fiona Davis and highly recommend it to historical fiction readers as well as those interested in art history or architecture.

Check out The Magnolia Palace by Fiona Davis at the Library (https://catalog.lclibs.org/polaris/search/title.aspx…) or through the eLibrary at https://lclibs.overdrive.com/media/6224441.