Perry signs a copy of And Introducing Dexter Gaines for a guest, following a talk hosted by local novelist and filmmaker Patricia V. Davis at the What Not Shop in Marysville on Aug. 16. Photo by Shamaya Sutton

MARYSVILLE, CA (MPG) - Inside a dimly lit speakeasy tucked away in Marysville’s historic Chinatown, guests leaned in as Mark B. Perry, the Emmy and Golden Globe Award–winning writer-producer behind some of television’s most beloved dramas, shared the story of a novel that had been decades in the making. Known for hit shows like The Wonder Years, Picket Fences, Party of Five, Ghost Whisperer and Revenge, Perry was in town to celebrate the re-release of And Introducing Dexter Gaines, a sweeping tale of ambition and betrayal in Old Hollywood.

“This is really the biggest event I’ve had for the book, and I give all the credit to Patricia for organizing it,” Perry said. “We've had a nice time here, Marysville seems quite charming.”

Patricia V. Davis, the woman Perry credits, is a well-established local novelist and filmmaker perhaps best known for her literary works such as Harlot’s Sauce, The Diva Doctrine, and the Secret Spice Café trilogy. Perry’s connection to Davis began in 2016 aboard the RMS Queen Mary in Long Beach - a haunted ship that inspired Davis’s most recent works. Already a bestselling author, Davis was there promoting her books when she came across the “ship geek” Perry. Naturally, a conversation was struck that would evolve into years of mutual creative support.

Guests fill the dimly lit speakeasy inside the What Not Shop in Marysville’s historic Chinatown on Aug. 16 to hear Mark B. Perry share stories from his television career and the decades-long journey of his novel And Introducing Dexter Gaines. Photo courtesy of Jared Albano

“He’s really just one of the nicest guys,” said Davis. “I’ve truly valued our friendship and am so happy to have had the privilege of introducing him to our community.”

Soon after their encounter Davis began dabbling in screenwriting while Perry continued in his novel projects. He had originally self-published a book called City of Whores, more than 20 years ago. Despite positive reviews, the book quietly faded without marketing. Davis’s candid feedback, however, inspired him to rewrite and relaunch.

“Patricia read what I had written, and she said, ‘You mind if I give you a few thoughts?’ and I welcomed them,” Perry said. “She gave me like three thoughts, and I did a rewrite and contacted a publisher, and now it’s been on and off the Amazon best-seller list for historical fiction.”

Mark Perry pauses at the refreshment table, where themed treats and displays accompanied the evening’s celebration of his re-released novel. Photo courtesy of Jared Albano

Conversely, Davis shared with Perry her draft for Lyvia’s House, an independent screenplay that broke local headlines. His encouragement affirmed Davis’s drive to produce the film which has since gone on to win film festival awards across the globe.

 “I’m having so much fun with this screenwriting stuff, and he’s enjoying the fact that now he can just sit at a desk and he doesn’t have to listen to anybody and do his own thing,” said Davis reflecting on their creative cross-pollination.

“And Introducing Dexter Gaines: A Novel of Old Hollywood” was re-released in May 2025 and classified as historical fiction. The story follows Dan Root, a 21-year-old from Texas who reinvents himself as Dexter Gaines under the influence of a manipulative producer and his starlet wife in 1950s Hollywood. Four decades later, a devastating event draws him back, weaving a story of ambition, love, and survival across two timelines.

Local novelist and filmmaker Patricia V. Davis, who hosted the evening’s event at the What Not shop’s speakeasy in Marysville, listens as longtime friend Mark B. Perry discusses his career and the re-release of his novel And Introducing Dexter Gaines. Photo courtesy of Jared Albano

“I’ve always been fascinated by old Hollywood," said Perry. “While the book is fiction, I have certainly drawn inspiration from my own life experiences and observations.”

At the Marysville event, hosted at the What Not Shop, Perry shared stories from his career in TV and writing, took audience questions from Davis, and mingled with guests while signing books. It was a rare glimpse into the inner workings of professional show business and a unique networking opportunity for aspiring writers. For more on Mark B. Perry and “And Introducing Dexter Gaines,” visit markbperry.com.