The Dollhouse A Novel

Fiona Davis — 2016

When she arrives at the famed Barbizon Hotel in 1952, Darby McLaughlin is everything her hall mates aren't: plain, self-conscious, homesick and convinced she doesn't belong. Yet when she befriends Esme, a Barbizon maid, she's introduced to an entirely new, colourful yet seedy side of New York City. Over half a century later, journalist Rose Lewin hears rumours of Darby's involvement in a deadly skirmish with a hotel maid. A perfect distraction from her own imploding personal life, Rose becomes obsessed with finding the truth about what really happened at the hotel.

Reviews

sab ☻@aegaeon

Feb 13, 2024

darby wasn't angry enough at a woman who went all goldilocks at her place imo lmfao but thoroughly enjoyed it overall!

This review contains a spoiler

Ceej Manaloto@sage_a_saga

Jan 16, 2024

3.5 stars

Heather Harrington@nerdybynatureblog

Jul 19, 2023

Davis has become a new author for me, and I'm trying to make my way through her backlist. Once I read the synopsis and saw it had a bit of a murder mystery aspect, I knew I had to pick it up. I did enjoy it, but it was slow to unfold. It's told in two separate timelines, and Davis does a great job balancing them. It didn't feel like either one overshadowed the other. Whenever a book does this, I usually find myself favoring one over the other, but I thought both timelines were super interesting. I also liked the characters. Darby and Rose were both strong characters to follow and while they seemed so different on the outside, they had some of the same insecurities. The mystery at the core of the story was intriguing. I thought I knew how it would wrap up, but I was wrong, which made for a more satisfying ending. Despite a sluggish beginning, I'd still recommend it if you enjoy historical fiction.

Liz@elfabs

Jan 28, 2022

Wow! Not my usual genre but thought I jump out of my comfort zone. Glad I did! This book pulled me in and never let me go. I couldn't put it down and did a reading marathon of 6 straight hours just so I could finish. Characters and story line sucked me in. My favorite part was the building and old New York. The history involved in writing this book was amazing! Cannot believe this is a first novel! Great job Ms. Davis!!!

Karen Shimek@karenreads

Jan 7, 2022

3.5 stars

Summer Stanley@sgs

Jan 3, 2022

Cute and fun historical fiction. A bit predictable, but overall enjoyable. Although they spent the whole book downplaying it, I really wanna read The Bell Jar now.

Jacklyn O’Brien @judge_a_book_by_this_blog

Oct 13, 2021

Per recommendation - This book was a pleasant surprise. I would not have chosen this book on the premise alone, but it read like a breeze. The alternative 2016/1952 chapters were short enough that you didn't lose track of each storyline. Throughout the book I really didn't like Esme, as I thought she was a selfish and pushy "friend". But I felt the book ended beautifully and left me satisfied.

Michael Hessling@cherrypj