Fiona Davis has established herself as a master of historical fiction, with her novels often weaving together the rich histories of iconic landmarks and intriguing characters. Her latest book, The Stolen Queen, is no exception. Set against the backdrop of New York City, the novel takes readers on a journey through time, blending the past with the present, all while showcasing several iconic locations in the city. Each setting in the novel plays a crucial role in the story, helping to bring the narrative to life and immerse readers in the vibrant world of 1950s New York.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the key locations in The Stolen Queen and how they enhance the story’s depth and atmosphere.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Metropolitan Museum of Art serves as a key location, anchoring the story’s exploration of art, history, and the secrets that lie within them. The museum, with its grand architecture and vast collection of priceless artifacts, plays a central role in the novel’s unraveling mystery. In particular, the Met’s renowned galleries and its quiet, stately corridors become places of revelation, where characters seek both answers and personal redemption. The museum’s ability to house treasures from civilizations across the globe creates a perfect backdrop for the novel’s themes of preservation and theft—whether of art, history, or identity. The setting also represents the intersection of culture and power, as the museum is a symbol of New York’s elite intellectual and artistic circles, where the stakes are high, and the pursuit of knowledge can come at a great cost. Through the Met, Davis not only immerses readers in the world of fine art but also weaves a rich tapestry of intrigue, connecting the characters’ personal quests with the grandeur and mystery of one of the world’s most famous museums.

The New York Public Library

One of the most iconic settings in The Stolen Queen is the New York Public Library (NYPL). The novel takes place in the 1950s, and the grand, Beaux-Arts design of the library, with its towering columns and expansive interiors, serves as the perfect backdrop for the drama that unfolds. Known for its impressive architecture and its status as one of the largest libraries in the world, the NYPL is not just a symbol of knowledge but also a symbol of power and mystery within the novel.

In The Stolen Queen, the library is a key location where secrets are uncovered and pivotal moments in the plot occur. It’s more than just a place for research—it’s where characters confront their personal histories and navigate the complexities of their identities. The vastness of the library’s halls mirrors the sprawling narrative, where multiple storylines converge.

Metropolitan Museum of Art

In The Stolen Queen by Fiona Davis, the Metropolitan Museum of Art serves as a key location, anchoring the story’s exploration of art, history, and the secrets that lie within them. The museum, with its grand architecture and vast collection of priceless artifacts, plays a central role in the novel’s unraveling mystery. In particular, the Met’s renowned galleries and its quiet, stately corridors become places of revelation, where characters seek both answers and personal redemption. The museum’s ability to house treasures from civilizations across the globe creates a perfect backdrop for the novel’s themes of preservation and theft—whether of art, history, or identity. The setting also represents the intersection of culture and power, as the museum is a symbol of New York’s elite intellectual and artistic circles, where the stakes are high, and the pursuit of knowledge can come at a great cost. Through the Met, Davis not only immerses readers in the world of fine art but also weaves a rich tapestry of intrigue, connecting the characters’ personal quests with the grandeur and mystery of one of the world’s most famous museums.

The Museum of Natural History

Another crucial location in the novel is the American Museum of Natural History. This museum is a treasure trove of historical artifacts, and it’s where much of the book’s mystery begins to unravel. The grandeur of the museum—especially its exhibits of dinosaurs, ancient civilizations, and precious relics—acts as a perfect metaphor for the theme of hidden truths and the preservation of history.

The museum’s exhibits also serve as a reminder of the passage of time, and the ways in which history can be both preserved and stolen. The museum’s halls are a battleground for the characters as they wrestle with their own personal histories and the secrets of the past. Davis uses the museum’s larger-than-life exhibits to create a sense of awe and discovery, heightening the novel’s sense of wonder.

The Plaza Hotel

The Plaza Hotel, another icon of New York City, plays a prominent role in The Stolen Queen. Located on Fifth Avenue, this luxury hotel has been a symbol of wealth and sophistication since it opened in 1907. In the novel, the Plaza serves as a meeting place for high-profile figures and an arena for high-stakes negotiations. The glamorous setting provides a stark contrast to the mystery and intrigue of the story’s central plot.

The Plaza is also a symbol of the high society that many of the characters are trying to break into, or escape from. As one of the most prestigious locations in the city, it is a place where power, secrets, and deception intermingle. The allure of wealth and status at the Plaza serves to highlight the tension between personal ambitions and the cost of pursuing them.

Central Park

No New York City novel would be complete without a mention of Central Park, and The Stolen Queen is no exception. The novel uses the park’s winding paths and tranquil lakes to create a setting of reflection and revelation. Central Park, with its vast green spaces and scenic views, serves as a place of escape and contemplation for the characters. It provides a sharp contrast to the chaos and noise of the city, offering moments of calm where characters can come to terms with their emotions.

Central Park also acts as a visual metaphor for the hidden facets of New York City itself—the park may seem serene on the surface, but beneath its peaceful exterior lies a city full of intrigue, secrets, and history. As the characters navigate their personal journeys, Central Park becomes a quiet place for introspection and change.

The Chelsea Hotel

Another notable location in The Stolen Queen is the legendary Chelsea Hotel, an artistic haven for writers, musicians, and creatives in the 20th century. Known for its eclectic residents and its reputation as a place for the unconventional, the Chelsea Hotel represents the rebellious spirit of New York’s art scene during the mid-1900s.

In the novel, the hotel serves as a gathering spot for characters who are outsiders, searching for a place to belong or find their voice. The bohemian atmosphere of the Chelsea Hotel adds an air of mystery and creativity, enriching the novel’s narrative with a sense of artistic flair. The hotel itself becomes a symbol of freedom and self-expression, as well as a place where both personal and historical stories are intertwined. The Empire State Building

No discussion of New York City landmarks would be complete without mentioning the Empire State Building. In The Stolen Queen, the Empire State Building is a symbol of ambition, progress, and the unstoppable force of time. Rising high above the city, it represents the heights to which the characters aspire—or the dizzying depths to which they may fall.

The Empire State Building also provides a stunning visual element to the novel. Its towering presence in the skyline serves as a constant reminder of the power dynamics at play within the story. It is both a symbol of success and a challenge to overcome, depending on the perspective of the characters. In many ways, the building mirrors the inner struggles of the protagonists, as they try to rise above the constraints of their own circumstances.

In The Stolen Queen, New York City is more than just a setting; it becomes a character in its own right. Through its iconic locations—from the hallowed halls of the New York Public Library to the glitzy glamour of the Plaza Hotel—Fiona Davis brings the city’s history, power, and mystery to life. The city’s landmarks are not merely backdrops for the action but integral parts of the story’s unfolding drama.

Through these locations, Davis invites readers into a world where the past and present collide, and where the secrets of one era can shape the future. Whether wandering the quiet paths of Central Park or exploring the grandeur of the Museum of Natural History, readers are transported to a time when New York was a place of limitless possibilities—and endless intrigue.

For anyone looking to explore the intersections of history, mystery, and iconic landmarks, The Stolen Queen is a thrilling journey through a timeless city, rich in both stories and locations that captivate the imagination.