An Acquired Taste

by Mark Griswold

Golden Age Hollywood. 1948. The Sunset Strip. When small-town girl Mabs Ericksson runs into a childhood friend from their hometown of Prairie River, Saskatchewan, Mabs’s mundane world of steno pools, Nancy Drew books, and tomato soup dinners is quickly, and somewhat reluctantly, traded in for the false allure of fancy soirees with film stars, poolside afternoons at The Bel-Air, and casting calls at MGM. To save her friend from the darkness, she may have to sacrifice herself, for, lurking in the proverbial shadows, is a secret from her past and a Silent Film Era star guiding her present that, together, may just end up destroying her future.

368 pages, Paperback

Published February 28, 2025

About the author

Catholic husband and father of three boys living in North Idaho. I enjoy reading classics, religion, philosophy, history, historical fiction, travel memoirs, and espionage fiction. I like also like outdoor adventure, and international travel.

I write poetry, essays, short stories, and have one published novel, historical fiction entitled An Acquired Taste; and more in the works.

When I'm not focusing on those passions, I counsel people in the purchase and sale of residential real estate.

Reviews

[Rondah Curry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a lovely read. The cover of the novel is as beautiful as are the relationships the author has created. Mark Griswold's writing pulls you into the story with his descriptive details, backstories and solid characters. At one point I felt as if I was sitting across from the characters, seeing their gestures and listening intently to their stories. I could feel these relationships and visualize and feel the places the characters visited along the way.

The pacing and the quotes from Hollywood stars at the start of each chapter gave a glimpse of what the pages may hold. I could feel the core writing in the psychology, trigger acting method, politics, humor and advertising... I related to being a young girl and experiencing some of the dragons in the story. I enjoyed the book so much, I sent one to my daughter who called to tell me how much she enjoyed it too.