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. All opinions are my own.

3.5...maybe a four
you can read the book summary for yourself.
I did enjoy this book. I thought Clara's story was better than Virginias and while clara was a character that grated more on your nerves I think, I liked her better than Virginia. I had to keep reminding myself that Virginia lived in the 70's so how she reacted to her divorce would be different than in today's times. But i didn't find some her actions all that believable -- i.e.. her liaison with Dennis , especially when she did it for a reason.
however the ending was excellent and I did like reading about the attempt to save the terminal Maybe because I lived in the state at the time and it was always big news, especially when Jackie O got involved.
If you like this author you will not be disappointed by this book