The Big Apple in Fiction: Four Novels That Bring NYC to Life

Few cities inspire the imagination like New York—and few authors capture it with as much elegance and emotion as Fiona Davis. Whether you’re drawn to hidden histories, sweeping romances, or women seeking purpose against dynamic backdrops, Davis’s novels offer richly layered stories where the city becomes a character all its own.

The Lions of Fifth Avenue

Set in 1913 and 1993, this dual-timeline novel explores the lives of Laura Lyons and her granddaughter Sadie, both deeply connected to the New York Public Library. Laura's journey into feminist activism and Sadie's quest to solve a literary mystery collide across time. From bohemian Greenwich Village to the marble halls of the NYPL, this book is a love letter to literature, legacy, and the power of women’s voices.

The Chelsea Girls

Set during the Cold War era of the 1950s, this story centers on two women trying to navigate the dazzling theater world while facing the dark cloud of McCarthyism. With the Chelsea Hotel’s rich artistic history as the backdrop, Davis explores themes of ambition, friendship, and political fear. The glamour of Broadway meets the grit of paranoia in a novel that’s both captivating and thought-provoking.

The Address

This time, Davis pulls readers into the famed Dakota building, switching between 1884 and 1985. When Sara Smythe accepts a job managing the luxurious apartment house, her world changes forever. A century later, Bailey Camden uncovers secrets buried in the Dakota’s storied walls. This dual-timeline mystery is steeped in opulence, scandal, and the whispers of those long gone.

The Dollhouse

In 1952, Darby McLaughlin arrives at the Barbizon Hotel—an iconic residence for aspiring models and secretaries alike. Half a century later, journalist Rose Lewin becomes intrigued by a long-buried incident involving Darby and a hotel maid. Jazz clubs, heartbreak, and hard truths make this an atmospheric tale of ambition and reinvention.

Fiona Davis’s books transport readers into the beating heart of New York City, era by era. Each novel unwraps a different layer of the city’s identity, from its literary treasures to its theatrical lights and glamorous facades hiding untold secrets.

So go ahead—pack your bags and open a Fiona Davis novel. The Big Apple awaits.