Tinseltown Confidential: A Novel of Golden-Era Hollywood

Hollywood's Garden of Allah #7

by Martin Turnbull

Have you ever wanted to climb into a time machine and visit Hollywood during its heyday? As America embraces the 1950s, that brash upstart called television is poaching Hollywood’s turf, inch by inch. If the studios don’t do something drastic, they may lose the battle. When screenwriter Marcus Adler fell afoul of the blacklist, Europe offered sanctuary. Hollywood lures him back, but the specter of Joseph McCarthy forces Marcus to fight for a final chance to clear his name. A charismatic figure rises to intimidate the entire film industry, and Hollywood Reporter Kathryn Massey realizes that she knows a secret that just might topple this self-appointed savior. If Kathryn fails, will her neck land on the chopping block instead? A new kiss-and-tell magazine splashes onto the scene—but it isn’t playing by the rules. Gwendolyn Brick figures she doesn’t need to worry about a scandal rag until she spots someone lurking around the Garden of Allah during Marilyn Monroe’s birthday party. Suddenly, Confidential threatens to expose everything. Tinseltown Confidential is the seventh installment in the Hollywood’s Garden of Allah saga. If you like richly woven details, the Golden Age of Hollywood, and characters who come to life, then you’ll love Martin Turnbull’s captivating historical fiction series. Hollywood’s Garden of Allah Book 1 – “The Garden on Sunset” Book 2 – “The Trouble with Scarlett” Book 3 – “Citizen Hollywood” Book 4 – “Searchlights and Shadows” Book 5 – “Reds in the Beds” Book 6 – “Twisted Boulevard” Book 7 – “Tinseltown Confidential” Martin Turnbull's Garden of Allah novels have been optioned for the screen by film & television producer, Tabrez Noorani. INTERVIEW WITH THE AUTHOR Your Garden of Allah novels are rich in the history and lore of classic era Hollywood. What was your original inspiration? I came across an online article about the Garden of Allah Hotel, which opened as “The Jazz Singer” ushered in the talkies. The Garden’s residents witnessed the unfolding evolution of Hollywood and actively participated in it. How has writing these novels changed your view of this golden age that we perceive as the greatest era of film production? L.A. was a much less densely populated city. Consequently, all movie industry workers were far more likely to know each other. People moved from MGM to Paramount to Twentieth Century-Fox to RKO to Warner Bros. Two or three degrees of separation were usually enough! Why did you not go the safe route and change the names of the major players to suit your story? The whole point of recounting the history of Hollywood through the eyes of the Garden’s residents was because so many celebrities lived there. Harpo Marx and Sergei Rachmaninoff were neighbors, F. Scott Fitzgerald played charades with Dorothy Parker, Errol Flynn got drunk, Ginger Rogers was always looking for a tennis partner, and Bogart courted Bacall. I Why tell it if I’m going to change the names?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical

370 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 30, 2017

About the author

Martin 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.

Reviews

[Leila Kern · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another homerun from Martin Turnbull! I, absolutely, loved Tinseltown Confidential! I am hoping Mr. Turnbull continues the series! Otherwise, I am afraid I will go through withdrawals! Surely there is more to the saga! Please?

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been a hot minute since I'd last read the adventures of Kathryn, Gwendolyn, and Marcus. But delving into this, the 7th novel in the Garden of Allah series, it was like I'd never left them. It's the birth of the 1950s, and the film industry is changing thanks to the popularity of television. Marcus is struggling to free himself from the infamous blacklist during the Communist witch-hunt; Kathryn is eyebrows deep in bringing down a crooked evangelist who just happens to be a blood relation; and Gwendolyn is standing her ground when racism comes too close to home. I won’t divulge any more plot points, but once again Martin Turnbull effortlessly weaves Hollywood icons into his plot as though they were old friends. Plus, another hum-dinger of an ending. Pure indulgence!

[Helen Robare · Rating 5 out of 5]

I tore through all these books! I read Laini Giles book "The Forgotten Flapper" and to google to find more like it.What I found was the first 3 books of the Garden of Allah series. As soon as I opened the first chapter, I was hooked. The characters were well defined (even in the beginning of the first book) and the plot was good. What intrigued me was the author setting 3 fictional characters into a history of Hollywood that really happened!

I do have to say that the author is getting better and better (if that is possible) because this book was the BEST of all of them! Maybe it's because the characters are now getting nearer to my age? :)

The one I liked least...though I still enjoyed it was "Reds in the Beds" and I think that's because we still have that prejudice today...and it seems to be getting worse now days. But don't let me dissuade anyone from reading that book because it was very well written and I did enjoy reading it!

[Dani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't put it down!

Martin's Garden of Allah series just keeps getting better and better. I look forward to his books like a kid looks forward to Christmas. Marcus, Kathryn, Gwendolyn, and the old Hollywood crowd are all back in this latest offering, which clues us in as to how the trio is dealing with the the latest wave of trouble brought on by the likes of a burgeoning ultra-conservative movement, phony evangelists, and the tabloid Confidential. We meet some new characters, welcome back many returning ones, and get the chance to hang out with plenty of stars from the Tinseltown of yore. Will Marcus get off the blacklist? Will Kathryn's popularity with her fans survive this newest onslaught from the right wing? Will Gwendolyn's progressive business practices end her entrepreneurial dreams? Martin's writing gets stronger and more compelling with every new book, and his vivid descriptions of the Golden Age give his readers the chance to prowl the streets, studios, clubs, and mansions of an era long-vanished but always cherished in the hearts of those of us that will never forget it. Bravo, Mr. Turnbull. Keep them coming!

[Erica]

I’m really enjoying this series. I love the characters

[Zachary · Rating 2 out of 5]

TINSELTOWN CONFIDENTIAL

Well this was the last of the ALLAH series and quite frankly I'm going to miss Gwendolyn, Katherine, and Marcus. The author did a wonderful job creating these characters and keeping them going throughout the series. As for the the series all I have to say is, "If you are an old movie lover, read this series!!!" 😀😀😀
Saw that Martin, make that WHISPERSYNC PLEASE!!!!!! I'LL BE WAITING, LET ME KNOW!

[Stacy Spoonster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tinseltown Confidential

You always see those memes going around asking "if you could like in one fandom/book What would it be?" I think I would have to choose this series. I have been mulling over my review for this book for a couple of days now. This book has really made me stop and think about how things were and how they are. One of the main characters loses everything over something that the children and grandchildren of this generation will think nothing of doing. It's amazing how we, as a society, have come so far yet in many ways have barely moved an inch. To me, that is the mark of an excellent book. Not only is Tinseltown Confidential a joy to read but it makes you stop and think. It shows the reader that many of the issues facing the characters in 1953 are still so relevant today and it makes you wonder why. Maybe it's time we took a closer look at ourselves. It's definitely time that we learn from the mistakes of the past to make the future that much brighter. The book also makes you take a serious pause when someone tries to tell you how wonderful the past was. Maybe it was for some but not for everyone. I loved this book as much as I love this series. I was sad when I read the last line, knowing that I had to wait for the next installment. This series is truly a must read for me. And believe me, a lot of people are probably sick to death of hearing me talk about it. LOL (not that it stops me!)

[Debra Pawlak · Rating 5 out of 5]

For some strange reason that I have absolutely no explanation for, I did not read book #7 of this delightful Hollywood series until now. I thoroughly enjoyed the first six books and the adventures of designer Gwendolyn Brick, gossip columnist Kathryn Massey, and screenwriter Marcus Adler. 'Tinseltown Confidential' continues their saga and it was like having a reunion with old friends. Gwendolyn had her own prestigious dress shop until she didn't; Kathryn learned more details about her incarcerated father and a wayward uncle; Marcus returned from Rome along, but no longer on the black list, doing his best to remove himself from the gray list. As their stories unfold, they hobnob with such famous folks as L.B. Mayer, Judy Garland, Ella Fitzgerald, Marilyn Monroe, and many more. The fun never stops and the three characters are as likeable as ever. You can't help rooting for them. My only regret is that I didn't have a place at the Garden of Allah Hotel so I could have enjoyed all of the fun and met all of the superstars that they encountered along the way. Author Martin Turnbull has created wonderful characters and spins a fabulous tale. I can't recommend the series enough! As for me--I am on to #8--'City of Myths'!!!

[Kara Prem · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book in this series, we see Marcus travel between Italy and the Garden of Allah. He's found a way to get off the blacklist and onto the grey list, but wants to get himself off all lists. His lovelife has taken a turn for the worse, but he's found work of a different sort in Hollywood, and the novel ends with him hopefully making a trip that will get him back to writing.

Kathryn's radio show has been a success, and she's working towards a television career when her show's sponsors decide to use her show to promote a traveling evangelist who is out to villainize all homosexuals in Hollywood. To make maters worse, this evangelist is her uncle who is a terrible con-man. She has to walk a balancing act between doing what her sponsors want and working to stop Sheldon Voss from destroying those who she loves.

Gwendolyn starts the novel out doing very well with her boutique. Unfortunately, her open mindedness towards people causes trouble when a tabloid exposes that she *gasp* doesn't discriminate towards race.

There was a decent conclusion for Kathryn and Gwendolyn with Marcus's fate a bit more up in the air. I'm looking forward to reading book 8.

[Annie Howe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Hollywood smash!

The momentum has certainly not been lost in Martin Turnbull's Garden of Allah series. Tinseltown Confidential, the 7th book in the amazing series, is just as fresh and exciting as the first, The Garden on Sunset. Kathryn, Marcus, and Gwendolyn, this reader's old friends now, continue to fight the good Hollywood fight, this time on behalf of the blacks and homosexuals under attack by Joseph Breen and his ilk. Turnbull once again paints a glorious portrait of Hollywood even in its decline. I know I'm not alone in hoping to see The Garden of Allah books turned into a TV series very soon! And I look forward to book #8!

[Sally Edsall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another rollicking page-turner in this most enjoyable series. You just love Gwennie, Kathryn and Marcus more with each passing year.

McCarthyism, holy roller preachers and civil rights provide the historical backdrop to this outing, with Marilyn Monroe, Louis B Mayer, Bogie & Bacall, Lucille Ball and the divine Misses Ella Fitzgerald, Lena Horne, Hattie McDaniel, Dorothy Dandridge & Eartha Kitt (I wish it came with a soundtrack!) as supporting cast. Otto Preminger appears in a cameo role.

Can't wait to find out what happens next as we head into the mid 1950s.

[Jeffrey Tinker · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great wrap up, or is it?

The lives of Katherine, Gwendolyn, and Marcus have had many changes over the years. Through twists and turns, plots and schemes, adventures and misadventures, our friends have persevered. Everything comes to a head here in the early '50s, desegregation, McCarthyism, and something called the lavender scare. Two of the three land on their feet, but what of the third? If this is the last GOA novel, it is a fine finale. If not, I'll snatch up the next one as soon as it comes out.

[Irma Fahy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I binge read all seven of these books and will now probably go through withdraw. Not only did the 3 main fictional characters feel like my friends, they gave what felt like confidential insight to the nonfictional characters and the times they lived in. Martin Turnbull's very thorough research for his historical fiction novels has resulted in sparking my interest to do some of my own research during this Hollywood era. Looking forward to Mr Turnbull's next novel!

[Gene · Rating 5 out of 5]

These books get better and better. I have come to love Kathryn, Marcus and Gwendolyn and I enjoy watching them grow and change as they go through all that happens in their lives. Martin Turnbull is very adept at keeping their stories moving, yet conveying the politics and drama of the entertainment industry in a very real and involving way.

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another strong book in a fabulous series

Martin Turnbull has written yet another classic in his Garden of Allah series. Spirited, fun, and well written, this book could stand alone for someone who hasn't read the entire series, but it would be better enjoyed by someone who knows the backstories of the characters.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I enjoyed this book more than previous installment. The Garden of Allah story is moving slowly from the studio era into the dawn of television, a time that's always interested me. Not to spoil the story, either, but it's amazing to see parallels to current events - issues with racism and the rise of a conservative movement.

Can't wait for the next book.

[Jeri · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has been awhile since I read. Book six, it the characters came right back to me! An easy read, one that kept my interest. “Fake News” tabloids, regions revivals, and the life of “entertainers of color”, all abound in this book. Funny how things change, but are really the same. Only thing here is that there were consequences in the fifties and there don’t seem to be any now.

[Lee Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, this book is relevant right now. Questions of inclusion, evangelical stirrers creating a new narrative. Hollywood in the eArly 50’s as well as America in the 50’s. Privilege and power and shifting in those things.

Another fun segment in three lives of Hollywood dreamers as their lives continue.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tinseltown Confidential ...book 7 is a joyous continuation of books 1 to 6!

I'm hooked. I've spent entirely too much time following the lives if Kathryn, Gwendolyn and Marcus! And way too much time watching the movies I missed that are integral to the plot twists in this book.

As Bette would say..."fasten your seat belts. It's gonna be a bumpy ride".

[Holley Snaith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Martin Turnbull does such a wonderful job of capturing this era! His research is spot on, and the characters feel so vivid and real. I’ve always found this time in American history fascinating, and his storytelling makes it leap off the page. Every book in the Hollywood’s Garden of Allah series pulls me in deeper, and I always look forward to seeing what happens next.

[Jan Bridges · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful

Another great read, sad when it ended. You blend the real stars and your characters so well. I have imdb on my kindle fire so I can go back and forth learning about people I'd never heard of or didn't know much about them. Patiently waiting for #8

[Bonnie Keilbach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Look forward to each book. Really detailed, gives you a feel for old Hollywood as well as the film and TV industry. Fabulous author and love the characters he has created. Can’t wait to read the next one

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been enjoying this series. Mr. Turnbull has made the fictional trio of Marcus, Katheryn, and Gwendolyn believable. You care for them and then want to see what happens in their lives.....all against the backdrop of the history of Hollywood, movies, and TV. On to book #8 in the #9 book series.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t get enough. These are the most addicting books I’ve ever read. I’m dreading the day when I close the cover on the last novel of the series I may have to find a support group. Loved this book.

[Theresa Nardi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just like boxed chocolate: ate the whole thing in one sitting! Just plain juicy trashy Hollywood. Why do a beach read when you can do seven of these books!!!

[JoLene Mason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good series!

I read each of these as they are published. Great characters, really developed. Too bad there isn't an award for pleasant reading!

[Gayla Larson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read every book in this series and found each one as entertaining as the last. Hopefully, there will be another to come. Great reads!

[K.F. · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good segue

Satisfying but yet...not as plot filled as some of the earlier books. Feels like a set up, but I really want some books from a younger POV too.

[Howard Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love these books!Addictively written and beautifully researched, one feels like they are living in the true golden age of Hollywood.

[Paula Pendolino · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this Series! I get more drawn in as I read each one. Gwendolyn, Marcus and Katharine get more real with every plot twist and Adventure!