Selznick's Spotlight

The Hollywood's Greatest Year Trilogy, Book 2

By: Martin Turnbull

Narrated by: Lara Terco

In the summer of 1939, Amelia Hartley is slinging hash and dishing sass at Schwab’s Pharmacy, but a girl can’t live on soda fountain shtick forever. When she learns of the planned revival of a long-forgotten film gem, Amelia seizes her chance for stardom—if she can convince the right people to believe in her.

At Selznick International, opportunity comes knocking when she’s offered the role of stand-in for a fast-rising redhead. But as Amelia works to make her mark, she uncovers an unexpected web of corruption stretching from Sunset Boulevard to Palm Springs. At its center stands a woman Hollywood cast aside—one whose secrets could upend Tinseltown.

As Gone with the Wind nears completion, Amelia must navigate studio politics while piecing together a mystery that threatens to ruin everything Selznick has built. In a town where facades mask hidden truths, Amelia’s about to learn what it takes to succeed in pictures.

From the author of the Garden of Allah novels comes a tale of ambition, love, and betrayal set against Hollywood’s greatest year. This captivating adventure will transport you to a time when movies were larger than life, and dreams were made and shattered under the glare of the spotlight.

©2025 Martin Turnbull (P)2025 Martin Turnbull

Hollywood History and Clever Women

I had a fantastic time listening to Selznick's Spotlight!
Firstly - even though it is book 2 you do not have to listen to book 1 to know everything that goes on. It stands fully on its own.

We follow our main character through a diner, to famous movie sets, a bordello, a burlesque show, and a high stakes poker game to mention just a few! This story drops history facts everywhere about the Hollywood scene and I gobbled each and every one. Some you may have heard before and some you may not! The first half of the book certainly is all about gossip and then as the story goes on you are shown how everyone and everything is connected. With every turn of the plot I was engaged and wanting to know what was going to happen next.

Lara Terco is an amazing narrator and so engaging. You can always tell who is speaking and her audio is clear and crisp.

I recommend this book!