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Hollywood's Garden of Allah #3
Citizen Hollywood
Hollywood, 1939: When Tinseltown begins to woo wunderkind Orson Welles, he stashes himself at the Chateau Marmont until he’s ready to make his splashy entrance. But gossip columnist Kathryn Massey knows he’s there.
Kathryn has been on the outs with Hollywood since her ill-fated move to Life, but now that she’s back at the Hollywood Reporter, she’s desperate to find the Next Big Thing. Scooping Welles’ secret retreat would put her back on the map, but by the time she hears rumors about his dangerous new movie, she’s fallen prey to his charms. She needs to repair her reputation, find out if Welles will take on the tycoon, and extricate herself from an affair with a man whose kisses make her melt like milk chocolate.
Hollywood writers are only as good as their last screen credit, but Marcus Adler is still scrambling for his first. His "Strange Cargo" will star Clark Gable after "Gone with the Wind" wraps, but Machiavellian studio politics mean Marcus’ name might not make it to the screen. It’s time to play No More Mr. Nice Guy. Opportunity knocks when his boss challenges the writing department to outdo "The Adventures of Robin Hood," and Marcus is confident—until the love of his life bursts back onto the scene. How can he write another word until he knows for once and for all whether he and Ramon Navarro will be together? And to make matters worse, it seems like someone in town is trying to sabotage him.
Everyone knows if you haven’t made it in Hollywood by the time you’re thirty, it’s curtains . . . and Gwendolyn Brick is starting to panic. She’s considering moving to a naval base in the Philippines with her baby brother, but she wants to give Hollywood one last go before she gives up. When she saves Twentieth Century Fox honcho Daryl F. Zanuck from an appalling fate at a poker game that goes awry, he rewards her with a chance at a role in a major movie. Gwendolyn needs to win before her ship sets sail.
When William Randolph Hearst realizes "Citizen Kane" is based on him, he won’t be happy—and when Hearst isn’t happy, nobody’s safe. Marcus, Kathryn, and Gwendolyn need to go for broke, and the clock is ticking.
Kathryn has been on the outs with Hollywood since her ill-fated move to Life, but now that she’s back at the Hollywood Reporter, she’s desperate to find the Next Big Thing. Scooping Welles’ secret retreat would put her back on the map, but by the time she hears rumors about his dangerous new movie, she’s fallen prey to his charms. She needs to repair her reputation, find out if Welles will take on the tycoon, and extricate herself from an affair with a man whose kisses make her melt like milk chocolate.
Hollywood writers are only as good as their last screen credit, but Marcus Adler is still scrambling for his first. His "Strange Cargo" will star Clark Gable after "Gone with the Wind" wraps, but Machiavellian studio politics mean Marcus’ name might not make it to the screen. It’s time to play No More Mr. Nice Guy. Opportunity knocks when his boss challenges the writing department to outdo "The Adventures of Robin Hood," and Marcus is confident—until the love of his life bursts back onto the scene. How can he write another word until he knows for once and for all whether he and Ramon Navarro will be together? And to make matters worse, it seems like someone in town is trying to sabotage him.
Everyone knows if you haven’t made it in Hollywood by the time you’re thirty, it’s curtains . . . and Gwendolyn Brick is starting to panic. She’s considering moving to a naval base in the Philippines with her baby brother, but she wants to give Hollywood one last go before she gives up. When she saves Twentieth Century Fox honcho Daryl F. Zanuck from an appalling fate at a poker game that goes awry, he rewards her with a chance at a role in a major movie. Gwendolyn needs to win before her ship sets sail.
When William Randolph Hearst realizes "Citizen Kane" is based on him, he won’t be happy—and when Hearst isn’t happy, nobody’s safe. Marcus, Kathryn, and Gwendolyn need to go for broke, and the clock is ticking.
401 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 12, 2014
115 people are currently reading
425 people want to read
About the author
Martin Turnbull
24 books242 followersMartin Turnbull has worked as a private tour guide showing both locals and out-of-towners the movie studios, Beverly Hills mansions, Hollywood hills vistas and where all the bodies are buried. For nine years, he has also volunteered as an historical walking tour docent with the Los Angeles Conservancy. He worked for a summer as a guide at the Warner Bros. movie studios in Burbank showing movie fans through the sound stages where Bogie and Bacall, Bette Davis, Errol Flynn, and James Cagney created some of Hollywood’s classic motion pictures.
From an early age, Martin was enchanted with old movies from Hollywood’s golden era–from the dawn of the talkies in the late 1920s to the dusk of the studio system in the late 1950s–and has spent many, many a happy hour watching the likes of Garland, Gable, Crawford, Garbo, Grant, Miller, Kelly, Astaire, Rogers, Turner, Welles go through their paces.
When he discovered the wonderful world of biographies, autobiographies, and memoirs, his love of reading merged with his love of movies and his love of history to produce a three-headed hydra gobbling up everything in his path. Ever since then, he’s been on a mission to learn and share as much as he can about this unique time.
Originally from Melbourne, Australia, Martin moved to Los Angeles in the mid-90s.
From an early age, Martin was enchanted with old movies from Hollywood’s golden era–from the dawn of the talkies in the late 1920s to the dusk of the studio system in the late 1950s–and has spent many, many a happy hour watching the likes of Garland, Gable, Crawford, Garbo, Grant, Miller, Kelly, Astaire, Rogers, Turner, Welles go through their paces.
When he discovered the wonderful world of biographies, autobiographies, and memoirs, his love of reading merged with his love of movies and his love of history to produce a three-headed hydra gobbling up everything in his path. Ever since then, he’s been on a mission to learn and share as much as he can about this unique time.
Originally from Melbourne, Australia, Martin moved to Los Angeles in the mid-90s.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
January 7, 2017
The third in Martin Turnbull's Garden of Allah series is a culmination of events leading up to the start of WWII. Things are getting serious, folks. For the first time I feel like the characters of Marcus, Kathryn, and Gwendolyn are beginning to evolve from the naive hopefuls who arrived in Hollywood during the decline of silent pictures. Taking center-stage is the development of Orson Welles's magnum opus "Citizen Kane" and the backlash he received from studios and gossip mongers like Louella Parsons. No doubt that the author has fictionalized certain events to enhance the plot, but many points ring true, and the scenes between Kathryn and Louella drip with just as much harsh venom as those that previously involved Joan Crawford. Gwendolyn, the anxious wanna-be starlet, is coming to grips with a career that seems sabotaged at every turn. Then we have Marcus who finally grows a pair and stands up for himself when it comes to his career as a screenwriter. I'll be interested to see where book 4 leads since WWII is promising great changes for this dynamic trio.
July 29, 2014
Wow! If you love to read about the golden age of Hollywood this is a must read. It is the third of a series and certainly begs another sequel. There's no star that isn't mentioned and many are part of the main plot. The book kept me captivated. I highly recommend it!
January 21, 2017
This is the 3rd book in The Garden Of Allah" series. In this book we find are trio of friends struggling with their chosen careers. Kathryn is back at the Hollywood Reporter ( she did a stint at Life Magazine) looking for the next big scoop. She finds it in the handsome and mysterious Orson Welles. Kathryn becomes involved personally with the charming Mr Welles, and tries to find the truth of the rumors about his new film. Also, we have Gwendolyn, who is
soon to be 30 and still hasn't got her big break.She has become disillusioned and even considering moving from Hollywood to wherever her Navy brother is stationed. Also, we have Marcus, still looking to have his first screen credit. Sick of playing nice he tries anything he can to actually get his name on the big screen. The three are still following their dreams, with laughter and heartbreak in some instances. What a wonderful book and series. A wonderful read on a cold winter's day. Highly recommended and a good series of the olden golden days of Hollywood!
soon to be 30 and still hasn't got her big break.She has become disillusioned and even considering moving from Hollywood to wherever her Navy brother is stationed. Also, we have Marcus, still looking to have his first screen credit. Sick of playing nice he tries anything he can to actually get his name on the big screen. The three are still following their dreams, with laughter and heartbreak in some instances. What a wonderful book and series. A wonderful read on a cold winter's day. Highly recommended and a good series of the olden golden days of Hollywood!
July 10, 2015
I fully enjoyed this romp through early 40s Hollywood, as the story picked up right where "The Trouble with Scarlett" left off. As in the previous two books of this series, the author weaves memorable characters, the glamorous yet back-stabbing world of Hollywood, and ever-increasing tension perfectly.
The backdrop for the story is the making of "Citizen Kane." The movie itself is today considered a historical masterpiece, but I personally didn't like the film. Nor am I particularly a fan of Orson Welles. Yet this author builds such a vivid world and his fictional leading characters are so real, that I found myself rooting for Orson and wanting to defend his movie, simply because the main characters were doing so with such passion. That's a mark of a great author - building such a believable world filled with such believable people, that the reader's mind can truly be changed. Well done!
There were a few instances where events seemed a little too convenient or over-the-top. In most any other book, that might cause me to mark my review down one star, but in this case, the "over-the-top" events fit right in with the world. Everything in Hollywood - especially the way this Golden Age of Hollywood is portrayed in this series - is bigger and bolder than real life, and over-the-top in every way. To have bizarre, movie-like twists and turns in the main characters' lives didn't feel contrived in this setting. The author's world building is beautifully consistent.
The backdrop for the story is the making of "Citizen Kane." The movie itself is today considered a historical masterpiece, but I personally didn't like the film. Nor am I particularly a fan of Orson Welles. Yet this author builds such a vivid world and his fictional leading characters are so real, that I found myself rooting for Orson and wanting to defend his movie, simply because the main characters were doing so with such passion. That's a mark of a great author - building such a believable world filled with such believable people, that the reader's mind can truly be changed. Well done!
There were a few instances where events seemed a little too convenient or over-the-top. In most any other book, that might cause me to mark my review down one star, but in this case, the "over-the-top" events fit right in with the world. Everything in Hollywood - especially the way this Golden Age of Hollywood is portrayed in this series - is bigger and bolder than real life, and over-the-top in every way. To have bizarre, movie-like twists and turns in the main characters' lives didn't feel contrived in this setting. The author's world building is beautifully consistent.
June 29, 2024
I enjoy this series for its very well done look at the Golden Age of Hollowood.
This author does a really wonderful job of bringing this era to life for a reader. He tells the story of what it was like to be part of the studio system at the time both inside it and outside for those trying to break in.
These books are filled with cameos (or more) of the stars of the time and they are woven into and around the plot for the three main characters - Gwendolyn the wannabe star, Marcus the wannabe writer, and Kathryn the celebrity columns.
The three main characters are ideal to help tell many stories from many viewpoints within the Hollywood world of the time and the three of them are likable and interesting.
With this third book I did find some of the bad choices each of our main characters make - and which they have been making over and over in both earlier books - to become a bit tiring. I wish they all could be moving on from things that obviously are neither good for them nor delivering good outcomes for them by this point. To be fair the ending of the book ( which I won't spoil) does suggest each of them will have no choice but to move on so hopefully that is the plan for future books.
The personal dramas for the main characters was not very interesting for me, but the way the author brings Golden Age Hollywood to life and makes the reader feel like they are right there will all the famous people we know makes this series well-worth reading for anyone who is a fan of the era and movies of it.
This author does a really wonderful job of bringing this era to life for a reader. He tells the story of what it was like to be part of the studio system at the time both inside it and outside for those trying to break in.
These books are filled with cameos (or more) of the stars of the time and they are woven into and around the plot for the three main characters - Gwendolyn the wannabe star, Marcus the wannabe writer, and Kathryn the celebrity columns.
The three main characters are ideal to help tell many stories from many viewpoints within the Hollywood world of the time and the three of them are likable and interesting.
With this third book I did find some of the bad choices each of our main characters make - and which they have been making over and over in both earlier books - to become a bit tiring. I wish they all could be moving on from things that obviously are neither good for them nor delivering good outcomes for them by this point. To be fair the ending of the book ( which I won't spoil) does suggest each of them will have no choice but to move on so hopefully that is the plan for future books.
The personal dramas for the main characters was not very interesting for me, but the way the author brings Golden Age Hollywood to life and makes the reader feel like they are right there will all the famous people we know makes this series well-worth reading for anyone who is a fan of the era and movies of it.
September 3, 2022
I wish that we could do half stars, because this is a solid 3.5 for me. Do I think it’s a near perfect novel that’s written extremely well to warrant 4 stars? No, but as a fan of old Hollywood, I absolutely love this series, and I’m enjoying each book I’m the series more than the last.
Without spoiling TOO much, I love that it’s the third installment, the characters are now in their 30’s, and they haven’t all quite achieved the dreams that they set to in the beginning of the series. When I began reading this series, I thought it was going to be corny, and although it certainly can be at some points, I love it for capturing that old Hollywood studio “magic.” I’ve grown so attached to these characters, and although I knew exactly how this book would end, for once I welcomed it because I knew I already had the next on deck. I love this sweeties so much that I am almost sad about how quickly I’ve been reading them, because I don’t want it to end.
Without spoiling TOO much, I love that it’s the third installment, the characters are now in their 30’s, and they haven’t all quite achieved the dreams that they set to in the beginning of the series. When I began reading this series, I thought it was going to be corny, and although it certainly can be at some points, I love it for capturing that old Hollywood studio “magic.” I’ve grown so attached to these characters, and although I knew exactly how this book would end, for once I welcomed it because I knew I already had the next on deck. I love this sweeties so much that I am almost sad about how quickly I’ve been reading them, because I don’t want it to end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 13, 2024
Book #3 in the series Hollywood’s Garden of Allah, as I slowly - purchased all 9; make my way through this series, was comfortable.
These are a slow stroll through the Hollywood of pre-code, when the director’s couch, homosexuality, debauchery, star’s contractual chains, were par for the course.
Think Paper Dolls and Tales of the City, for people of strength, weakness, image, wealth, careers and location likeness for safe seclusion for all incomes, jobs, pasts with freedom of expression.
This is a series for the hammock on my sunny porch with a tall glass of a beautiful bottomless beverage.
Thank you for your words Martin Turnbull and John C. Zak your eloquence, as always very much appreciated gentlemen. (-:
These are a slow stroll through the Hollywood of pre-code, when the director’s couch, homosexuality, debauchery, star’s contractual chains, were par for the course.
Think Paper Dolls and Tales of the City, for people of strength, weakness, image, wealth, careers and location likeness for safe seclusion for all incomes, jobs, pasts with freedom of expression.
This is a series for the hammock on my sunny porch with a tall glass of a beautiful bottomless beverage.
Thank you for your words Martin Turnbull and John C. Zak your eloquence, as always very much appreciated gentlemen. (-:
June 18, 2020
Third in the series rich in cameo appearances by celebrities during the Golden Age of Hollywood. This installment features the time period when Orson Welles came to town, the enfant terrible with his secret project bio pic on Hearst called Citizen Kane.. Kathryn gets involved with him as a professional and personal romantic interest, while Marcus keeps slugging away in the B HIve at MGM, trying to break through as a screenwriter. Meanwhile, Gwendolyn has caught the eye of Bugsy Siegel, in town with his actor pal George Raft. Things come to a head with the attack on Pearl Harbor at the end of the book.
December 19, 2021
Photographs From My Childhood Memories
Having been born and raised near Hollywood , I’m very familiar with the local and the demeanor of the people there. These books though not actual events with the involved named character celebrities, they nevertheless serve as as close to an accurate glimpse of events as they took place during these periods of time. I recall as a child meeting people like Ward Bond or John Wayne at my uncles home. I remember Mickey Cohen teaching my cousin how to play poker pool side at her home in Sherman Oaks.
I turn to the next book in hope to capture a glimpse of perhaps a long since departed family member.
Having been born and raised near Hollywood , I’m very familiar with the local and the demeanor of the people there. These books though not actual events with the involved named character celebrities, they nevertheless serve as as close to an accurate glimpse of events as they took place during these periods of time. I recall as a child meeting people like Ward Bond or John Wayne at my uncles home. I remember Mickey Cohen teaching my cousin how to play poker pool side at her home in Sherman Oaks.
I turn to the next book in hope to capture a glimpse of perhaps a long since departed family member.
June 15, 2025
In the third book of his "Garden of Allah" series, Martin Turnbull vividly captures the glamour and grit of early 1940s Hollywood, just before America enters World War II. As always, his storytelling is immersive—I felt like a fly on the wall, caught up in the characters’ personal struggles and Hollywood ambitions. This installment dives deep into the creation of "Citizen Kane," the brilliance of Orson Welles, and the shadow cast by William Randolph Hearst. A compelling mix of fact and fiction, it’s a treat for classic film lovers. I’m eager to see how the characters face the changes wartime will bring.
May 5, 2017
This book takes us from 1939 and Orson Wells' arrival in Hollywood and the making of Citizen Kane through to Pearl Harbour.
Wells plays a major role, both in factual sense and fictional interactions with our friends.
One of the thibgs I find most intriguing is the contracts the studios had included everyone involved in the making of the movies, and the insights into the writing and production process.
Martin Turnbull gets right into the nitty-gritty of industry politics, as well as Big Picture national politics.
Wells plays a major role, both in factual sense and fictional interactions with our friends.
One of the thibgs I find most intriguing is the contracts the studios had included everyone involved in the making of the movies, and the insights into the writing and production process.
Martin Turnbull gets right into the nitty-gritty of industry politics, as well as Big Picture national politics.
July 30, 2017
A bit more contrived than previous novels
Definitely felt like a final act, and I was hoping for new characters. And mentioning Pearl Harbor in a book like this is like mentioning Norma jean -- you know the bombshells are gonna drop in somewhere. ( pun intended). I'm a bit dissatisfied by how little plot there was since it felt like loose ends being tied up more than anything else. And poor Gwennie! But I suppose I'll read the next novel just to see what happens...
Definitely felt like a final act, and I was hoping for new characters. And mentioning Pearl Harbor in a book like this is like mentioning Norma jean -- you know the bombshells are gonna drop in somewhere. ( pun intended). I'm a bit dissatisfied by how little plot there was since it felt like loose ends being tied up more than anything else. And poor Gwennie! But I suppose I'll read the next novel just to see what happens...
April 5, 2019
3rd book in the Garden of Allah series is loosely set around the controversies around Citizen Kane. Both Marcus and Gwendolyn make progress in realizing who their true friends are and who is trying to sabotage them. Kathryn does not make as much progress and ends up back with dirty loser Roy, the married stuntman who continuously puts down Kathryn's career. Very disappointed in her decision making process.
September 1, 2017
CITIZEN HOLLYWOOD
Ahhh..... another book of Allah! However, this time it deals with (who?) ORSEN WELLS OF COURSE, AND HIS PICTURE "Citizen Kane." The trio is back with their ups and downs trying to make a go of it in the " BIG TOWN." All the while there's a lot of name dropping and details of that era, (which I love!) Easy, FUN ,reading 😀
Ahhh..... another book of Allah! However, this time it deals with (who?) ORSEN WELLS OF COURSE, AND HIS PICTURE "Citizen Kane." The trio is back with their ups and downs trying to make a go of it in the " BIG TOWN." All the while there's a lot of name dropping and details of that era, (which I love!) Easy, FUN ,reading 😀
January 21, 2019
This is the 3rd book in the series and the character development is improving with each book. Before this book, I wasn’t really sure that I should continue with the series; but with this installment; I know I want to continue! Got each of the 3 main characters there is at least one major question that needs to be answered!
July 16, 2019
Another entertaining book in this series. At times, I feel the stories are a bit contrived, such as Katherine's run-ins with Louella Parsons, but overall these are entertaining stories of Hollywood in the 30s and 40s. I will continue reading to see how the stories move forward. And, if you are a fan of vintage Hollywood, these are highly recommended!
August 15, 2020
This series has quickly turned into one of my favorites. And this, the third book in it, does not disappoint. The characters have grown so much since the first book. As they battle and fumble their ways through the golden age of Hollywood I find I enjoy them more and more. I can’t wait to start the next in this series.
March 13, 2023
Another Hit Out of the Park
Citizen Hollywood is another "can't put it down" novel with characters you feel Ike you really know.
Interwoven with real history, lines between characters and real people are so blurred you feel as though you really experienced Old Hollywood.
So glad there's more books left in the series
Citizen Hollywood is another "can't put it down" novel with characters you feel Ike you really know.
Interwoven with real history, lines between characters and real people are so blurred you feel as though you really experienced Old Hollywood.
So glad there's more books left in the series
August 11, 2017
I love historical fiction. Especially when it's this good. This third book in the series set in old Hollywood has reached 1939 and the arrival of the infamous Orson Welles. Drama, intrigue, and Hollywood gossip mix with moments of levity for a grand romp though classic Tinseltown.
November 2, 2019
Keep going...
Book #3 of the Garden of Allah series does not disappoint. The continuing story of Hollywood hopefuls Marcus, Kathryn, and Gwendolyn combined with the backstory of Citizen Kane is delightful. Looking forward to the next installment as WWII begins. Bravo Mr. Turnbull!
Book #3 of the Garden of Allah series does not disappoint. The continuing story of Hollywood hopefuls Marcus, Kathryn, and Gwendolyn combined with the backstory of Citizen Kane is delightful. Looking forward to the next installment as WWII begins. Bravo Mr. Turnbull!
November 10, 2019
Slice of history (4.1 stars)
I enjoy the well researched nature of these books. But, I wish there were more love scenes for the 2 female leads. It seems like only Marcus gets the action.
I enjoy the well researched nature of these books. But, I wish there were more love scenes for the 2 female leads. It seems like only Marcus gets the action.
April 5, 2022
Book 3 of 9 books about the people who lived at the Garden of Allah in Hollywood off Sunset Ave. during the Golden age of Movie Stars. The parties they had the gossip, like the time was all brought back in a book. Incredible series.
September 9, 2018
Loving this series, just bought the next three on Kindle.
March 26, 2019
I cannot get enough of these books! The story lines are addicting, but they also pique my interest in old Hollywood, and I find myself researching characters as I read about them.
April 9, 2019
The Garden of Allah novels are fabulous, this one included!
April 12, 2019
A very entertaining tale of a great Hollywood era, filled with a wonderful mix of fictional characters and real life stars. Wonderful fun!
October 14, 2019
Such a great series
February 20, 2020
Very enjoyable series so far. Looking forward to the next book. Can't wait to find out what is in store for the 3 friends.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 3, 2020
A good solid read about Hollywood in the early 40’s. Good characters. Good historical research into time period. Really like this series.
December 5, 2020
This is the third installment of the Garden of Allah Series and I am addicted. Great fun and an easy read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews