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Fiona Davis
Fiona Davis was born in Canada and raised in New Jersey, Utah, and Texas. She began her career in New York City as an actress, where she worked on Broadway, off-Broadway and in regional theater. After 10 years, she changed careers, working as an editor and writer and specializing in health, fitness, nutrition, dance and theater.
Shes a graduate of the College of William and Mary and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, and is based in in New York City. She loves nothing better than hitting farmers markets on weekends in search of the perfect tomato, and traveling to foreign cities steeped in history, like London and Cartagena. The Dollhouse is her first novel.
Shes a graduate of the College of William and Mary and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, and is based in in New York City. She loves nothing better than hitting farmers markets on weekends in search of the perfect tomato, and traveling to foreign cities steeped in history, like London and Cartagena. The Dollhouse is her first novel.
Genres: Historical, Historical Mystery
New and upcoming books
Novels
The Dollhouse (2016)
The Address (2017)
The Masterpiece (2018)
The Chelsea Girls (2019)
The Lions of Fifth Avenue (2020)
The Magnolia Palace (2022)
The Spectacular (2023)
The Stolen Queen (2025)
The Address (2017)
The Masterpiece (2018)
The Chelsea Girls (2019)
The Lions of Fifth Avenue (2020)
The Magnolia Palace (2022)
The Spectacular (2023)
The Stolen Queen (2025)
Anthologies edited
Fiona Davis recommends
The Glassmaker (2024)
Tracy Chevalier
"A richly-drawn tale about loyalty and heartbreak, as well as a love letter to the craftsmen--and women--who created exquisite treasures that endure through the ages. A stunning achievement. I couldn't put it down."
The Girl from the Grand Hotel (2024)
Camille Aubray
"Huge congrats to Camille Aubray for a terrific read! The Girl from the Grand Hotel is a delicious romp through the south of France, filled with a cast of Hollywood legends and wrapped in a tense spy thriller. I loved her dead-on depictions of bold-faced names of the day, like F. Scott Fitzgerald and Charles Laughton, and was swept away by the fast-paced story and canny twists. An exhilarating ride."
The Evolution of Annabel Craig (2024)
Lisa Grunwald
"Lisa Grunwald has created a luminous heroine in Annabel Craig, a woman finding her way in a fast-changing world, forced to question everything she loves and stands for, from her choice of a husband to her spiritual beliefs. Eerily resonant in today's troubled times, this is a magnificent, page-turning story full of heart and bursting with empathy."
Becoming Madam Secretary (2024)
Stephanie Dray
"An inspiring tribute to an audacious, brilliant woman who fought ferociously against the mistreatment of the poor and working class in the last century and in doing so transformed American democracy. Dray's three-dimensional portrayal of Perkins's life and times is both astonishing and infuriating in the best of ways, a gripping tale of a woman who refused to back down. Powerful and timely."
What Wild Women Do (2023)
Karma Brown
"Brown's latest is a remarkable story of two complicated women, almost fifty years apart, trying to make a mark in a world that often demeans and trivializes their dreams. Set in the lush Adirondack forest, the story addresses feminism, friendship, and the creative spirit, and is guaranteed to keep readers guessing until the very end. A terrific read."
Nineteen Steps (2023)
Millie Bobby Brown
"In this remarkable debut, Brown brings to life an unfamiliar - and shocking - tragedy that took place during World War II in London's East End. Supported by a rich cast of characters, her tale of first love, poignant regrets, and the search for truth makes for a spellbinding read. Enthralling."
Bessie (2023)
Linda Kass
"Kass has written a detailed, fascinating profile of the early years of the former Miss America that explores the themes of prejudice, beauty, and self-worth. Insightful and eye-opening."
The St. Ambrose School for Girls (2023)
Jessica Ward
"Ward tells the story of a vulnerable teen struggling to fit in at a tony boarding school with deep compassion and a lyrical ferocity. A riveting, twisty read."
Queen of Exiles (2023)
Vanessa Riley
"A sweeping look at the political, social, and romantic intrigue surrounding Haiti's first and only queen. Riley's depiction is richly imagined and wholly original."
Hotel Laguna (2023)
Nicola Harrison
"Harrison perfectly captures the breezy, sun-soaked landscape of Southern California in her latest, and approaches WWII fiction in an utterly unique way: from the point of view of a woman who found her bliss building planes while the men were off fighting, and then must reconfigure her identity when the jobs disappear. With its eccentric cast of characters and a beautifully layered plot, this is one unforgettable read."
Hedge (2023)
Jane Delury
"A beautiful exploration of the inherent tension between motherhood and desire. Transfixing and utterly rewarding."
The Secret Book of Flora Lea (2023)
Patti Callahan Henry
"At the heart of this novel is a shattering loss that irrevocably changes the lives of a cast of complex, delightful characters. Henry is a born storyteller, keeping the reader on tenterhooks as she expertly unveils the truths and lies that drive this gripping, magical tale."
The House is on Fire (2023)
Rachel Beanland
"A riveting story that places the reader at the very heart of a devastating, true-life tragedy. Beanland has clearly done her research, and the effect is both heart wrenching and eye-opening, as unlikely heroes and unforgivable cowards add to the rich mosaic of a community torn apart in a single night. Enthralling."
Two Wars and a Wedding (2023)
Lauren Willig
"Filled with vivid details, shocking truths, and two sly, strong women who bring panache and humor to every scene. I'm simply in awe of the masterful, magical way Lauren Willig makes history come alive."
The London Seance Society (2023)
Sarah Penner
"Penner has conjured up another winner. Bristling with tension and featuring strong women who aren't afraid to defy conventions, this gothic mystery is both smart and seductive. Haunting in the best of ways, I swear I could feel the London fog on my cheek (or was that a spirit...) as I flew through the pages."
A Likely Story (2023)
Leigh McMullan Abramson
"A standout debut about family, secrets, and the costs of protecting a precious legacy. Abramson skillfully captures the idiosyncrasies of the New York artistic elite and then rips the veil away, revealing characters who are raw, complex, and utterly unforgettable."
Time's Undoing (2023)
Cheryl A Head
"Head's novel provides not only an in-depth, fascinating portrait of a journalist in pursuit of a story, but also stands as a searing indictment of America's racist legacy, from today's BLM movement to the struggles of Black men and women a hundred years earlier. A suspenseful, immersive read that you won't be able to put down."
When We Had Wings (2022)
Ariel Lawhon, Kristina McMorris and Susan Meissner
"A riveting novel by a trio of powerhouse authors that offers a fresh take on World War II fiction, one that is uncannily resonant today. Set in the lush tropics, When We Had Wings is an utterly original tale about courage, duty, and endurance."
Hester (2022)
Laurie Lico Albanese
"Albanese has written a masterpiece that should be required reading alongside Hawthorne's classic tale of adultery. Rich in detail and hauntingly lyrical, she examines the myriad ways that extraordinary women are judged harshly and forced to downplay their gifts in order to conform to society's demands. Enthralling, ambitious, and a total knock-out."
The Matchmaker's Gift (2022)
Lynda Cohen Loigman
"Loigman brilliantly illuminates the struggle of two women, generations apart, torn between society's traditions and expectations and their own personal fulfillment. The novel bubbles with romance and love matches, yet the joys of early infatuation are deftly layered over an exquisite exploration of grief. Glorious and powerful."
The Thread Collectors (2022)
Shaunna J Edwards and Alyson Richman
"In their transfixing novel, Edwards and Richman offer a vibrant tapestry of characters whose lives have been shattered by slavery and Civil War, yet find a tenuous connection in scraps of fabric that symbolize hope, love, even escape. Both heartbreaking and thrilling, I dare you to put this novel down as it hurtles toward its riveting conclusion."
Other Birds (2022)
Sarah Addison Allen
"For her latest treasure of a tale, Allen has concocted a mesmerizing cast of characters, all with mysterious pasts and quiet secrets, and placed them in a dreamy Southern resort town famous for its marshmallow candy. It's a story of community, forgiveness, and the myriad ways the past haunts the present. Absolutely luscious and a true page-tuner."
Joan (2022)
Katherine J Chen
"This Joan is of the earth - scrappy and strong, resilient and curious. An ambitious, thrilling novel."
The Last Dress from Paris (2022)
Jade Beer
"After finishing Beer's latest, it was all I could do to not book the next plane to France and head straight for the House of Dior. Offering a whirlwind tour through Paris, both past and present, the novel is a rich exploration of the power of female friendships and the true meaning of family. Moving and utterly enjoyable."
Gilt (2022)
Jamie Brenner
"I completely lost myself in Brenner's blissful, heartfelt novel, centered around a family curse and a luscious pink diamond. A joyous story about shifting family dynamics, self-discovery and the power of forgiveness. The perfect summer read."
Ashton Hall (2022)
Lauren Belfer
"Belfer's latest is a brilliant, immersive story about one woman searching for answers after a terrible discovery from centuries earlier. The captivating threads of the plot--an English manor house with secret rooms and a dark past, a mother struggling with her atypical son--are rounded out by a lively cast of locals who had me laughing out loud. The novel is rich with intrigue and historical detail, and a stunning achievement."
Our Last Days in Barcelona (2022)
(Cuba Saga, book 5)
Chanel Cleeton
"A profoundly moving story about sacrifices made in the name of family and legacy, and the lasting repercussions of losing one's homeland. Utterly captivating."
On Gin Lane (2022)
Brooke Lea Foster
"Set on the tony East End of Long Island where the beautiful people play, On Gin Lane encapsulates the very best of historical fiction, delving into timeless questions about the traditional expectations of women versus the challenges and rewards of pursuing a creative career. An exciting, fast-paced, enchanting read."
The Foundling (2022)
Ann Leary
"Leary's latest is a stunning tale of corruption, compassion, and hope, and includes one of the best endings I've read in ages. She's reached back in history and uncovered a shockingly true story, one that resonates strongly today. Full of jaw-dropping twists and intriguing characters - you won't be able to put it down."
Crazy To Leave You (2022)
Marilyn Simon Rothstein
"Poignant and funny, Crazy To Leave You is chock full of Rothstein's signature fast-paced, smart dialogue and brimming with wit. A heartfelt, delicious story."
Take My Hand (2022)
Dolen Perkins-Valdez
"Perkins-Valdez's latest is a piercing look into a shameful moment in America's history, and it could not be more timely. Her electrifying, masterful novel brims with fierce compassion and deserves attention and accolades galore. I will be recommending it to everyone I know."
Miss Aldridge Regrets (2022)
(Canary Club Mystery, book 1)
Louise Hare
"In Lena Aldridge, Hare has created a heroine who practically leaps off the page with her sharp wit and incandescence. Throw in a Jazz Age ocean crossing on the Queen Mary and series of diabolical murders that would make Agatha Christie proud, and I was done for, turning the pages late into the night. Irresistible and smart."
Lacie's Secrets (2022)
Tullan Holmqvist and Teresa Sorkin
"Sorkin and Holmquvist have done it again - concocted a thrilling story, full of secrets, intrigue, and twists that kept me guessing to the very end. Throw in a sprawling house on the Maine coast and I'm done for. A wild ride of a read."
Woman on Fire (2022)
Lisa Barr
"Barr's riveting dive into the dark side of the international art world, led by an intrepid young journalist, had me on the edge of my seat. A deliciously addictive page turner filled with twists and an unforgettable villain."
The Wedding Veil (2022)
Kristy Woodson Harvey
"Woodson Harvey's latest is a knockout--a perfect blend of historical fiction (two generations of Vanderbilts and their iconic North Carolina mansion) and modern love (a runaway bride and her grieving grandmother). Her masterful intertwining of the storylines makes for a read that's both sweeping yet incredibly intimate, with perfect pacing and characters who surprised at every turn. I didn't want it to end."
The Tobacco Wives (2022)
Adele Myers
"Myers brilliantly seduces us with her setting - a North Carolina town of beautiful socialites, opulent dresses, and elegant soirees - before revealing a terrible secret that threatens the entire community. This is a story of courage, of women willing to take a stand in the face of corporate greed, and most definitely a tale for our times."
The Diamond Eye (2022)
Kate Quinn
"A knockout of a story, written by the reigning queen of historical fiction. Quinn's trio of heroines practically leap off the page in this stunning novel, which melds spy-hunting with love stories that will stir your soul. A book for the ages."
The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post (2022)
Allison Pataki
"Allison Pataki takes the reader on a luxurious ride filled with jet-setting locales and opulent mansions, while deftly revealing how Marjorie Post's humble beginnings fed her desire to become a new kind of heiress, forging her own way through the world and keenly aware of her legacy."
The Paris Bookseller (2022)
Kerri Maher
"If you ever dreamed you could transport yourself to Paris in the twenties, to Sylvia Beach's famous bookstore, Shakespeare and Company, where Joyce, Hemingway, and Pound wandered the aisles, this story's for you. Maher's magical touch brings to life a woman whose struggles resonate in today's world, while also examining the intricacies of friendship, fortitude, and the love of the written word."
The Christie Affair (2022)
Nina de Gramont
"Nina de Gramont's novel shines on so many levels, it's hard to keep count: as an ode to Agatha Christie's legacy, as a dashing love story, and as a tribute to complicated, determined women. Magnificent."
Beautiful Little Fools (2022)
Jillian Cantor
"Jillian Cantor's shifting kaleidoscope of female perspectives makes F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic tale of Jazz Age longing and lust feel utterly modern. A breathtaking accomplishment."
The Pilot's Daughter (2021)
Meredith Jaeger
"Jaeger's latest is a beautifully rendered ode to New York City, as well as an engrossing family drama. In Ellie and Iris, she's created two compassionate, conflicted heroines whose search for the truth resonates in all the best ways. Stirring and powerful."
The Family (2021)
Naomi Krupitsky
"Krupitsky has constructed a work of exquisite tension.... A tremendous debut."
Anticipation (2021)
Melodie Winawer
"A sweeping saga spanning multiple centuries, Anticipation enthralled me with its scope. Yet Winawer's gift as a writer also shines brightly in the small moments, like the shared joy between a mother and a child, or the meditations on loss of a grieving widow. Truly magical."
The Bookseller's Secret (2021)
Michelle Gable
"Gable’s ingenious story connects two struggling authors, eighty years apart, and is an ode to fans of Nancy Mitford and book lovers everywhere. Filled with crisp dialogue and populated with delightful, intriguing characters, the novel sings with wit and wisdom."
The Personal Librarian (2021)
Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray
"A marvel of a story. This unflinching look at one woman’s meteoric rise through New York’s high society is enthralling, lyrical, and rife with danger. Belle’s painful secret and her inspiring courage will capture – and break – your heart. Serious kudos to Benedict and Murray for bringing this true story to life."
Daughters of Sparta (2021)
Claire Heywood
"Heywood’s wondrous retelling of the lives of two ancient princesses struggling for independence and agency in a patriarchal society resonates deeply in today’s imperfect world. Required reading for fans of Circe, and a remarkable, thrilling debut."
Last Summer at the Golden Hotel (2021)
Elyssa Friedland
"You will laugh out loud at the antics of two delightfully dysfunctional families as they fight, share secrets, and fall in love in the once-prosperous Catskills hotel that they own. Once again, Friedland brilliantly wields her rapier wit – if Dorothy Parker and Joan Rivers wrote a book, this would be it!"
It Had to Be You (2021)
Georgia Clark
"Clark has concocted a heady kaleidoscope of romance, heartbreak, and healing that’s both rich in insight and enchantingly funny. A magical set of intertwined stories that speaks to our times."
Something Unbelievable (2021)
Maria Kuznetsova
"From the very first page, Kuznetsova had me laughing out loud at eighty-something Larissa’s acerbic, delicious wit, which rendered the retelling of her family’s suffering during World War II even more devastating."
The Social Graces (2021)
Renée Rosen
"Rosen's novel opens with a sly wink to that grande dame of the Gilded Age, Edith Wharton, before she deftly spins a captivating tale of her own, based upon the legendary rivalry between Caroline Astor and Alva Vanderbilt. And what a rich story it is, full of opulent balls and monstrous mansions, yet firmly rooted in the parallel struggles of two very different heroines as they fight for their dignity and rights as wives, as mothers, and as women."
The Bohemians (2021)
Jasmin Darznik
"You'll never look at a Dorothea Lange photograph the same way after reading Darznik's compelling portrait of the trailblazer who carved a glorious path through 1920s San Francisco. Darznik doesn't flinch when confronting the parallels to today, whether racism or anti-immigrant sentiment, yet her impeccable research grounds the story firmly in the heyday of the Jazz Age. A superb read."
Surviving Savannah (2021)
Patti Callahan
"The astonishing story of the 'Titanic of the South' is brought to vivid life....This tale of survival, love, and loss, as well as Callahan's epic portrayals of a trio of strong, passionate women, gripped me from the very first page. Simply masterful."
The Paris Library (2021)
Janet Skeslien Charles
"A fresh take on WWII France that will appeal to bibliophiles everywhere. I fell in love with Odile and Lily, with their struggles and triumphs, from the very first page. Meticulously researched, The Paris Library is an irresistible, compelling read."
A Splendid Ruin (2021)
Megan Chance
"An impeccably researched, brilliantly plotted novel set in Gilded Age San Francisco, a city dripping with wealth yet rife with corruption. Enter May Kimble, a poor relation to the flashy Sullivan clan, who is at first overwhelmed by the generosity of her long-lost family, but must ultimately draw on her deepest strengths to solve the devious mystery at the heart of the book. A Splendid Ruin is twisty in the best of ways, with a story that you will devour."
The Last Garden in England (2021)
Julia Kelly
"Kelly’s novel encompasses everything I love in historical fiction: a dramatic setting depicted so vividly I could’ve sworn I was strolling through the gardens of Highbury House as I turned the pages, and a series of stories that intertwine each other effortlessly, echoing the theme of love lost and found. A delight."
Under a Gilded Moon (2020)
Joy Jordan-Lake
"Crawdads meets the Crawleys…Threaded through with a meticulously researched, well-crafted mystery, this is historical fiction at its best."
Fifty Words for Rain (2020)
Asha Lemmie
"This virtuosic debut enthralled me from the very first page. Lemmie's compelling and compassionate portrait of a young girl in post-WWII Japan is meticulously researched and beautifully crafted. What a heartbreaking, exceptional story by a sublime talent--I can't wait to see what she does next!"
One to Watch (2020)
Kate Stayman-London
"A fast, furious read, one that is brimming with wit but also packs a serious punch. The compelling narrator—Bea Schumacher—won my heart immediately, and Stayman-London’s storytelling sizzles."
The Book of Lost Names (2020)
Kristin Harmel
"Not since 'The Nightingale' have I finished a book and been so choked with emotion. Harmel was inspired by the true story of French citizens who fought against evil during WWII with courage and conviction. She shines a brilliant light on those who had their identities erased and lives destroyed, on a country and its people torn apart, and young women like Eva, who risked their lives with everyday acts of epic heroism. Sweeping and magnificent."
We Came Here to Shine (2020)
Susie Orman Schnall
"Set at the wondrous 1939 World's Fair, Schnall's latest bursts like a technicolor movie right off the page."
Happy and You Know It (2020)
Laura Hankin
"Hankin has concocted a delicious, rollicking story that features a captivating ensemble of cosmopolitan moms and a down-on-her-luck musician who's paid to entertain their kids. Packed with laughs and unexpected twists, think Liane Moriarty meets Sex and the City--simply irresistible."
The Glass House (2020)
The Daughters of Foxcote Manor
Eve Chase
"Eve Chase is right up there with Tana French and Sarah Waters as an author who writes page-turning masterpieces that meld a vibrant sense of place with a heartbreaking cast of characters. I devoured her latest, and will be recommending it to everyone I know. Her plot twists floored me, and this haunting story will stay with me for a very long time."
A Hundred Suns (2020)
Karin Tanabe
"A haunting, evocative tale that left me both richly satisfied and deeply unsettled - yet another Tanabe triumph. Captivating, suspenseful, and full of surprises."
The Grace Kelly Dress (2020)
Brenda Janowitz
"Janowitz's latest is just like the multi-generational wedding dress of the title: elegant, layered, and utterly original. She once again delivers a powerful story brimming with love."
Red Letter Days (2020)
Sarah Jane Stratford
"Stratford’s novel effortlessly walks the line between hilarious and harrowing in her account of the tribulations of the victims of the blacklist – all told from a perspective that is unique and refreshing. And I simply adored the heroines Phoebe and Hannah, crafted from Stratford’s meticulous research and fabulous imagination."
Cartier's Hope (2020)
M J Rose
"MJ Rose’s latest encapsulates everything I love about historical fiction: a heroine whose journey is as timely today as it is in the 1910s, a glamorous setting that perfectly melds fact and fiction into an unputdownable tale, and at the sparkling center of it all: New York City. A true gem by an author at the top of her game."
Dreamland (2019)
Nancy Bilyeau
"Beautifully written and impeccably researched, Dreamland is a rollicking ride."
The War Widow (2019)
(Billie Walker Mystery, book 1)
Tara Moss
"In Billie Walker, Moss has conjured up one kick-ass 1940s heroine: a tough-talking, glamorous feminist who’s as adept with a pistol as she is on the dance floor, haunted by a tragic past, and unafraid to take on the darkest of foes. An artful, original take on noir suspense that resonates in today’s times."
The Orphan's Song (2019)
Lauren Kate
"A tangled knot of betrayal and love, lies and redemption. Marvelous."
Woman 99 (2019)
Greer Macallister
"A gripping story that exposes the Gilded Age's tarnished veneer, when women who didn't acquiesce to the standards of the day were locked away. Powerful and electrifying, Macallister is at the top of her game."
The Secret of Clouds (2019)
Alyson Richman
"Exquisite and haunting. Richman writes with the soul of a poet, and her captivating new novel enchants while tugging ever so gently at the heart. Her story stands as a reminder to never take any day for granted."
The Paragon Hotel (2019)
Lyndsay Faye
"From the opening scene, this novel had me in its grip. Faye delivers a riveting story filled with unforgettable characters and stunning prose, while never flinching from the painful truths surrounding America’s legacy of racial injustice. A remarkable, significant novel."
Eagle & Crane (2018)
Suzanne Rindell
"In this blazing saga about a flying circus, Rindell performs death-defying plot twists that race toward the shocking conclusion. Eagle & Crane is a majestic historical novel that is profoundly relevant in today’s world."
Lady Be Good (2018)
Amber Brock
"Kitty Tessler, a headstrong glamour girl determined to move up in the world, steals the spotlight in Amber Brock's latest, a tour-de-force filled with intrigue and surprises."
As Bright as Heaven (2018)
Susan Meissner
"Meissner brings a ravaged Philadelphia dramatically to life amidst a terrible virus. Her masterful portrayal of the Bright family makes her novel sing: with hope, love, and gentle forgiveness."
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo (2017)
Taylor Jenkins Reid
"A glamorous romp through Hollywood in its heyday, Taylor Jenkins Reid’s latest offers up several unexpected twists and a dazzling, ambitious movie star who will break your heart."
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© 1999 - Fantastic Fiction
Questions? Comments? Corrections? Please email webmaster@fantasticfiction.com
© 1999 - Fantastic Fiction
