Paperback Jack, Loren D. Estleman
Paperback Jack, Loren D. Estleman
List: $19.99 | Sale: $13.99
Club: $9.99

Paperback Jack

Author: Loren D. Estleman

Narrator: Patrick Lawlor

Unabridged: 6 hr 48 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 11/15/2022


Synopsis

1946. Fresh from the War in Europe, hack writer Jacob Heppleman discovers a changed world back home. The pulp magazines he used to write for are dying, replaced by a revolutionary new publishing racket: paperback novels, offering cheap excitement for the common man and woman. Although scorned by the critics, the tawdry drugstore novels sell like hotcakes—or so Jacob is assured by the enterprising head of Blue Devil Books, a pioneer in paperback publishing, known for its two-fisted heroes and underclad cover girls.

As "Jack Holly," Jacob finds success as the author of scandalously bestselling crime novels. He prides himself on the authenticity of his work, however, which means picking the brains of some less than reputable characters, including an Irish gangster who wants a cut of the profits—or else. Meanwhile, as Hollywood comes calling, the entire industry also comes under fire from censorious politicians out to tame the paperback jungle in the name of public morality.

Targeted by both Congress and the Mob, Jay may end up the victim of his own success—unless he can write his way to a happier ending.

About Loren D. Estleman

Loren D. Estleman is the author of more than eighty novels, including the Amos Walker, Page Murdock, and Peter Macklin series. The winner of four Shamus Awards, five Spur Awards, and three Western Heritage Awards, he lives in Central Michigan with his wife, author Deborah Morgan.


Reviews

What an interesting story this is, about the early days of pulp paperbacks and the struggle for authors and the cover artists. Paperback Jack by Loren D. Estleman is a fantastic well written historical ficton about a struggling author in the post second world war time. The attention to detail and th......more

Okay, there’s something so fun about reading a pulp novel which is ABOUT a pulp novelist. Paperback Jack has a wonderfully vintage feel to it. And Jacob is so much fun to read! Readers of historical novels and readers of crime novels should both love this one – the elements are woven together seamless......more

3 stars A well written book about the life of a writer, but I never really figured out what the point of this book was. Every time I thought I had figured out where it was going, it changed. I still enjoyed reading it though. [What I liked:] •This book is interesting, & for the most part well writte......more

The publisher marketing this as a thriller strains considerably. Folks, it's straight-up historical fiction. It's interesting historical fiction, but sure it ain't no thriller. It was a little tell-y in parts, but I liked the story and loved the little publishing history tidbits. American GIs may ha......more

Goodreads review by LAPL

The year is 1946. WWII has ended and Jacob Heppleman is one of the many veterans returning home from the European conflict. For Jacob, home is New York City. Before the war, he wrote detective, western, and war stories for the pulp magazines. He even published a novel that was released just prior to......more