What do you think?
Rate this book
Hollywood's Garden of Allah #8
City of Myths: A Novel of Golden-Era Hollywood
When you live in a city built on shifting sands of myth, it can be hard to know which way is up.
Kathryn Massey spends her days spreading rumors and keeping secrets. Losing herself one headline at a time has left Kathryn’s personal identity scattered—and dumps her at the narrow end of the bargaining table with the man she trusts the least.
Gwendolyn Brick has simpler aspirations. As a costume designer, her sights are set on glamour, not heights of fame. But her friendship with Marilyn Monroe puts her directly into the crosshairs of studio head, Darryl Zanuck—and he’s someone you don’t say no to.
Marcus Adler is stuck in a much more precarious situation. Exiled in Rome but under the spell of an unexpected romance, he’ll have to learn to say goodbye to everything he’s accomplished in order to give love a chance.
In City of Myths, the road through Hollywood bears sharply to the right as those who dare to play its game can easily become lost in its intoxicating glow.
Kathryn Massey spends her days spreading rumors and keeping secrets. Losing herself one headline at a time has left Kathryn’s personal identity scattered—and dumps her at the narrow end of the bargaining table with the man she trusts the least.
Gwendolyn Brick has simpler aspirations. As a costume designer, her sights are set on glamour, not heights of fame. But her friendship with Marilyn Monroe puts her directly into the crosshairs of studio head, Darryl Zanuck—and he’s someone you don’t say no to.
Marcus Adler is stuck in a much more precarious situation. Exiled in Rome but under the spell of an unexpected romance, he’ll have to learn to say goodbye to everything he’s accomplished in order to give love a chance.
In City of Myths, the road through Hollywood bears sharply to the right as those who dare to play its game can easily become lost in its intoxicating glow.
366 pages, Paperback
Published February 21, 2018
95 people are currently reading
120 people want to read
About the author
Martin Turnbull
24 books244 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
March 11, 2018
I don't know how Mr. Turnbull does it. Each book just keeps getting better than the ones before (and the ones before were great!). I bought this book one night and started reading it and could not put it down until I got to the end. Even though my eyes slammed shut a few times, I jerked awake and just had to read more! That's how good this book was. The entire series is fabulous and well worth the price asked (IMO). About the only thing I didn't like about this book, in particular, is that it's plain we are coming to the end of the series. Everything is being wrapped up quite nicely and the characters are aging as time is passing. Pretty soon "my friends" Kathryn, Gwendolyn, and Marcus will be no more unless I reread the series over and over and over again (which I probably will do). Mr. Turnbull has also managed to capture a side of the classic film stars that I have never seen before. His portrayal of Marilyn Monroe and Ava Gardner is extraordinary. I wish this series could go on and on and on ad infinitum but (as my mom would say) "If wishes were horses then beggars would ride". So I will enjoy, however (if any) many books are still to come and cherish each and every one of them.
December 25, 2018
In this next to last Garden of Allah novel, Marcus, Gwendolyn, and Kathryn struggle to keep their careers afloat while tackling issues surrounding their personal lives. Marcus comes to terms with a lost love amidst the travails of figuring out a way to leave Italy and return to America; Gwendolyn discovers she can't have it all, even when it comes to the King of Hollywood; and Kathryn balances her ever-changing career as a gossip columnist between losing one relative and gaining another. My only reason for slimming back to a four-star rating has nothing to do with Turnbull's writing style (which is always spot-on), but rather Marcus's separation from his best buds, Kathryn and Gwendolyn. For a hefty portion of the 7th novel and the entirety of City of Myths he is stuck in Italy (there are reasons for it, but I won't reveal any plot points). Because of his extended departure, I felt there was a slight shift in the magic between these characters. That's not to say I didn't think this was another fantastic entry in the Allah series, but it will be nice to see my favorite characters together again for their final moments in the 9th novel.
September 22, 2020
'City of Myths' is book #8 in Martin Turnbull's 'Garden of Allah' series and it is my favorite so far. Gwendolyn Brick, Kathryn Massey, and Marcus Adler are the three main characters who hobnob with Hollywood elite. While Kathryn tries desperately to help her father, Marcus is trapped in Rome without a passport. But this time, it is Gwendolyn who has lived my dream! As she works in the garden planting tulips on her hands and knees, a man approaches. She looks up and it is Clark Gable. OMG! And it only gets better from there. As always, Martin Turnbull does an excellent job blending the stories of his three characters with real people and places. In addition to Clark Gable, Marilyn Monroe turns up along with Bette Davis, Frank Sinatra, and even Humphrey Bogart. Set in the early fifties, Hollywood is in an uproar and going through some major changes. Television has become an issue for filmmakers and Louis B. Mayer has been deposed at MGM. With just one book left in the series, I will take a pause--just to make it last a little longer!
June 16, 2018
City of Myths
Another great job Mr. Turnbull! If you are an old movie buff, then this is the series for you! "HOLLYWOOD'S GARDEN OF ALLAH," takes you on a trip that is not only reminiscent of the old town but incorporates 3 young people trying to make it "big" there. That starts with the first book. By the time we get to the eighth in this series, they have already made their mark, (and continuing to do so.) All the while, remaining close and supportive friends with each other. Katherine, Marcus, and Gwendolyn are constantly having their ups and downs, but the thing I love most about these books are the naming of the stars of this age. Now if you have a problem with fantasy mixed in with this type of book. Then this isn't for you. Me, I love it! Let's go Mr. Turnbull, I'm waiting for Book ! 😉
Another great job Mr. Turnbull! If you are an old movie buff, then this is the series for you! "HOLLYWOOD'S GARDEN OF ALLAH," takes you on a trip that is not only reminiscent of the old town but incorporates 3 young people trying to make it "big" there. That starts with the first book. By the time we get to the eighth in this series, they have already made their mark, (and continuing to do so.) All the while, remaining close and supportive friends with each other. Katherine, Marcus, and Gwendolyn are constantly having their ups and downs, but the thing I love most about these books are the naming of the stars of this age. Now if you have a problem with fantasy mixed in with this type of book. Then this isn't for you. Me, I love it! Let's go Mr. Turnbull, I'm waiting for Book ! 😉
June 29, 2020
Another great book in the Garden of Allah series. I'm sorry to see that the next book is the last one. Marcus spends the book in Italy, where he makes tremendous strides in his career and some setbacks as well. He finally confronts his ex-lover turned monk, and moves on into a new relationship.
Kathryn finds her missing uncle, loses her mother, sees her father freed from prison, moves up in her career (with some setbacks), gets engaged, finally finds her ex-love Nelson, and ends her engagement. Gwendolyn not only continues her work as a costume designer, but also becomes someone who does special projects for studio head Zanuck, including trying to keep Marilyn Monroe under control. This leads her to an affair with Clark Gable.
This is a terrible summary for such a great book. I finished it a few weeks ago and it's blending together with the next book, so I'm not sure where one story ended and another began.
Kathryn finds her missing uncle, loses her mother, sees her father freed from prison, moves up in her career (with some setbacks), gets engaged, finally finds her ex-love Nelson, and ends her engagement. Gwendolyn not only continues her work as a costume designer, but also becomes someone who does special projects for studio head Zanuck, including trying to keep Marilyn Monroe under control. This leads her to an affair with Clark Gable.
This is a terrible summary for such a great book. I finished it a few weeks ago and it's blending together with the next book, so I'm not sure where one story ended and another began.
July 25, 2018
I’m sorry it took me so long to get to this book, but life happens. Of course, as with the previous 7 books in the series, I loved City of Myths! Martin Turnbull knows exactly how to lure a reader in with colorful descriptions of Hollywood in all its glamour. Getting back into the lives of Kathryn, Gwendolyn, Marcus, and their Garden of Allah friends was like coming home. With seven books worth of investment in these characters, City of Myths became another page-turner to uncover mysteries and love affairs and learn the fate of characters I’ve come to love. Throw in names like Gable, Bergman, Bogart and Bacall, and this Old Hollywoodphile was in all her glory. I definitely won’t wait so long to read #9!
May 10, 2020
I am an unabashed fan of Martin Turnbull's Hollywood novels. And what better reading to escape into as we all shelter in place. His work is meticulously researched and features many Hollywood legends we all know and love, as well as some we don't love so much, but his storytelling talent transports you, and his trio of major characters -- they recur throughout the Garden of Allah novels -- are bewitching. There are laugh out loud moments, as well as romance, heartbreak, and every other emotion under the sun. Guaranteed catharsis. I can't recommend Martin Turnbull enough, especially now.. I always want to read just one more chapter... or just one more novel.
November 7, 2021
I love all of the books in the Garden of Allah's series! The books bring to life the 1920's through the 1950's. the three main characters, Kathryn, Gwendolyn and Marcus all have their issues and Mr. Turnbull works them in to the historical era in time. The books are wonderful for a person like me, who loves to read about the movie stars from that time period. You literally feel like you are there at the Garden of Allah hotel talking to Bette Davis and Marilyn Monroe.
I will hate it when I am done with this series!
I will hate it when I am done with this series!
April 12, 2018
A great read into the past, captivating, and well written.
The author has succeeded once again at an amazing novel. The series has been well researched and the characters have an amazing story to tell and the author does a phenomenal job at conveying this through each chapter in the series.
The City of Myths is a page turner and I found myself finishing this book with such an emotional high and impatiently waiting for the authors next novel in the series.
The author has succeeded once again at an amazing novel. The series has been well researched and the characters have an amazing story to tell and the author does a phenomenal job at conveying this through each chapter in the series.
The City of Myths is a page turner and I found myself finishing this book with such an emotional high and impatiently waiting for the authors next novel in the series.
July 7, 2018
With each one of these novels I am dreading more and more novel #9 and the end of this fantastic series. Martin is such a great storyteller and he does an amazing job of capturing the Golden Age of Hollywood and the stars of the day. We all know the Garden of Allah came to an end in the 50s - but I am secretly hoping that Kathryn, Marcus and Gwennie will have more stories in their lives and Martin will feel compelled to tell them. I want my three friends to be around forever!
April 25, 2018
Hollywood at its best
From the First paragraph in the first installment of books , I was hooked. Martin Is a very gifted story teller. I have watched all the movies mentioned as I read these enlightening words that take you back to a Hollywood at it’s beginning. The characters are so real, you want to know them and share in their lives.
From the First paragraph in the first installment of books , I was hooked. Martin Is a very gifted story teller. I have watched all the movies mentioned as I read these enlightening words that take you back to a Hollywood at it’s beginning. The characters are so real, you want to know them and share in their lives.
December 27, 2018
Loved this installment in the Garden of Allah series. It's always interesting to see where life takes our three main characters, Kathryn, Marcus, and Gwennie, along with the various Hollywood celebs that populate the periphery. ***Spoiler Alert*** There were more happy outcomes than in some of the previous novels and it was great to see the characters have some positive things happen--finally!
April 19, 2019
Again Martin has made me laugh and cry while reading! I seriously love these characters and feel like I know they now! This next to last book in this series is another homerun for me! I loved it, just like the previous one’s. I’m sad to start reading the next one knowing it’s the last in the series. I’m not ready to say goodbye to Katherine, Gwennie, Marcus and the rest!
September 2, 2025
"City of Myths" pulled me in from the very first page. The twists and turns kept me turning pages, and I never lost interest. Martin Turnbull once again proves his talent for blending rich Hollywood history with compelling fictional storytelling. This series is a gem for anyone who loves classic Hollywood and wants to escape into its glamour, grit, and intrigue.
March 2, 2018
Another GREAT "Garden" Book
I was hoping for another wonderful book in the series, and I wasn't disappointed!
I know I'll be sitting down and reading them all start to finish.
P.S. I had a hunch there would be a #9!!!
I was hoping for another wonderful book in the series, and I wasn't disappointed!
I know I'll be sitting down and reading them all start to finish.
P.S. I had a hunch there would be a #9!!!
March 3, 2018
Turnbull just keeps getting better and better. He weaves real people with his interesting character
creations in a believable manner. I feel this book is his best yet....can't wait for his next creation.
creations in a believable manner. I feel this book is his best yet....can't wait for his next creation.
March 5, 2018
I have truly enjoyed this series. The transition from movie to TV Hollywood hasn't diminished my interest. This book features one of the better fictional portrayals of Marilyn as well (and I've read several Marilyn stories).
March 6, 2018
Best one yet
Couldn't wait for this next chapter, such fun. All of these real and fictional characters are meshed together so well. Was shocked when I turned the page and saw "The End". Anxiously awaiting #9, this one went by too fast.
Couldn't wait for this next chapter, such fun. All of these real and fictional characters are meshed together so well. Was shocked when I turned the page and saw "The End". Anxiously awaiting #9, this one went by too fast.
March 12, 2018
Good read. Interesting history of film amd early television. Not as good as the previous books, but still rates at least a 4.5. I have been looking forward to this what i thought was a final book in a wonderful series. I am excited to see there will be a new one in the future!
April 1, 2018
As always, Martin Turnbull does not disappoint! I love the way the author portrays Hollywood and other parts of the world in the 1950s. Transports me back to the era! I feel like I am in the room with the characters. I can’t wait for book #9 although I am sad the series is almost over!
August 4, 2018
Really have been enjoying this series. Martin has such an eye for detail and really gives insight on what it was like to be in Hollywood. The characters feel like a family , so with each book I look forward to finding out what has been happening in their lives.
October 13, 2020
I love this series. I still have one more to finish the 9 in it. I love Hollywood and stories of the entertainment industry. This series and has carried me along 30 years of that story line. The characters have become my friends and I enjoy our visits.
March 1, 2018
Martin has done it again. A wild confectionary concoction of romance, Hollywood, name dropping, scandal, movie stars and sex: WHATS NOT TO LOVE????
March 4, 2018
Another great book in Hollywood's Garden of Allah series! I look forward to book 9!!
March 30, 2018
Love this series!
I've read them all and now looking forward to the next. The characters feel like friends of mine! Keep it going, Martin.
I've read them all and now looking forward to the next. The characters feel like friends of mine! Keep it going, Martin.
May 3, 2018
Another cracking read from Martin. Only "bad thing" is that the series is coming to an end with the next book.
May 25, 2018
Loved it! Lots of cleaning up for characters story lines. This is a good place to stop!
October 18, 2018
Great book. I am sad there is no more of them in the series.
January 1, 2019
This series is coming to TV!
You are on a time machine and it is the 1950s. Marcus is stuck in Italy. Kathryn and Gwendolyn are going through changes. Only one more book to go.
You are on a time machine and it is the 1950s. Marcus is stuck in Italy. Kathryn and Gwendolyn are going through changes. Only one more book to go.
February 18, 2019
Not as good as the past books in the series.....it kind of dragged on. Hoping the last book in the series is better.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews