The Masterpiece by Fiona Davis

 

What would an art school teacher and an information booth attendee have in common besides Grand Central since the women lived 50 years apart? You would be surprised.
 
Clara taught illustration at the art school when it was in its hey day, and Virginia needed to work since she had been recently divorced.  Since Virginia had no skills, the information booth was the best the temp agency could do for her.

The connection Virginia had to Clara was a drawing she found in the abandoned art school on the seventh floor of Grand Central.  We, the reader, move back and forth from both time periods and learn about both women’s lives, their secrets, and Grand Central.

Virginia found drawings all over the school’s rooms and found one drawing in particular that was of interest and signed by Clyde. This particular drawing had some odd characteristics, and someone didn’t want Virginia to have it. 

THE MASTERPIECE was focused on the artists of New York and the history of Grand Central.  Ms. Davis did impeccable research about Grand Central’s history as well as characters based on real people and others fictitiously portrayed.

Both the history of Grand Central and the characters wove a pull-you-in story line.  Did you know that Grand Central had been in jeopardy of being torn down at one point in history?
 
New York is a fascinating place historically, and I always enjoy going back in time to learn of bits and pieces of its hidden history.  

I also enjoyed the descriptions of the life styles, the parties, and the clothing.  I am a nostalgic at heart.

Ms. Davis has created another beautiful “masterpiece” that historical fiction fans, New York City fans, mystery fans, and artists will love.  

Make it part of your "required" summer reading. 5/5

This book was given to me as an ARC by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.   All opinions are my own.