'Paperback Jack' deftly captures controversial time in American cultural history
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"Paperback Jack" by Michigan author Loren D. Estleman (Forge Books, $26.99) is a great homage to the world of paperback and pulp publishing.
It opens with a few smashing chapters, introducing Jacob Heppleman, a World War II veteran who has written for the pulp magazines. It's 1946: the world has changed — those publications aren't selling like they had in the past.
Paperback original novels with lurid covers, at 25 cents each, are taking over the market.
Jacob is writing under a pseudonym, Jack Holly, but not making much money. In desperation, he steals a typewriter from the window of a local pawnshop.
He's surprised to learn that his agent sold one of his serials — it's come out as a cheaply priced paperback. Blue Devil Books, a business owned by Robin Elk, an Englishman, has issued it as a new release.
It's jumping off of the shelves at drugstores and book shops. Jack is amazed that it has become a bestseller.
While he's not fond of the cover art, he meets Phil Scarpetti, the cover illustrator, and a friendship develops.
Hollywood expresses an interest; Jacob's life is changed in many different ways.
Estleman's well-researched book focuses on noir fiction — dark, two-fisted, exciting stories that appeal to a wide variety of readers.
It was controversial stuff in the 1950s, leading to a congressional inquest on the publishing industry's influence on public morality.
"Paperback Jack" is a carefully-crafted, atmospheric tale that features a strong cast of characters, strained relationships and an unexpected ending.
It is a highly enjoyable hard-boiled tale that deftly captures differing attitudes and influences in an important time in American cultural history.
Estleman is the Shamus Award winning author of more than 80 books, including the Amos Walker P.I. novels and the Valentino film mysteries.
His latest release includes a bibliography and recommended reading list, praising the works of Leigh Brackett, Harlan Ellison, Richard Matheson, Chester Hines, Jim Thompson, John D. MacDonald and others.
Ray Walsh, owner of East Lansing's Curious Book Shop, has reviewed crime novels and Michigan books regularly since 1987. He has published 8 books relating to the pulp magazine era. His email address is raywalsh@voyager.net
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: 'Paperback Jack' by Loren Estleman, Michigan author, about publishing
