Fast Copy [Paperback]

Dan Jenkins (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1989

Betsy Throckmorton is the armadillo-tough daughter of the richest man in Claybelle, Texas. She traded the fast lane of New York journalism for Daddy's newspaper, the Claybelle Times-Standard, and intends to whip it into more than a garden club newsletter. But she'll have to whip a lot more than that to do it! Martin's.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The central character in this energetic tale set in the Depression era is a brainy, resourceful beauty who "has it all," including, at the start of the story, a brand-new husband and her father's small-town Texas newspaper to run. But Betsy Throckmorton also has courage, which proves a dangerous commodity as she uses her paper to expose a "Texas Murder Machine," a scheme masterminded by a Texas Ranger that lures unsuspecting hobos into masquerading as bank robbers so they will be shot for the bounty money, and that is also responsible for the murder of Betsy's husband. The writing is fast and punchy, and the story, which is full of spicy characters, has much to say about the day-to-day routine of a small newspaper, the Texas passion for football and the Depression's rough times. Jenkins probably has another bestseller to join Semi-Tough and Life Its Ownself. Major ad/promo; author tour.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

Beautiful, brainy, brassy Betsy Throckmorton, journalist and daughter of Ben, media magnate of Claybelle, Texas, has it all, until her "perfect" mate is mysteriously killed. His death spurs Betsy to a first Pulitzer, but not before she's experienced lots of football, lots of drinking, lots of living. Setting his novel in Depression America, Jenkins attempts a raucous, at times poignant, picture of the period. But what he delivers is a jumble of enticing themes that don't come together. Part of the problem is the interjection of news reports, game stats (great for football sillies), and letters, which interrupt the flow. The book does have its moments: the scathing, yet funny, look at Time magazine; the sympathetic view of hobos, the era's homeless; and the rambunctious portrait of post-Prohibition New York. Overall, though, this is not fast copy. Michelle Lodge, New York
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback
• Publisher: St Martins Mass Market Paper (November 1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312917678
• ISBN-13: 978-0312917678
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.1 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,394,006 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars And that's the way it was, is, and shall be...., April 3, 2002

By 

Anthony N. Emmel (Overton, TX United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Fast Copy (Texas Tradition Series) (Paperback)

A native Texan myself, I found myself laughing all through this book. I caught continual glimpses of friends and relatives (and, yes, even myself!) in this wonderful little novel that explores Texas, football, and Texans.

However, it is not just a comedy that pokes fun at Texans. Nosiree! It deals specifically with Depression-Era Texas and makes us take a disturbing look at ourselves. How can someone callously believe that other humans are "just hobos"? Do we truly believe that appearances are more important than reality? What will one do for Love; is it ok to hurt others to pursue one's own pleasure?

This is a most thought-provoking work and well worth the time to read.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I'm not a Texan, and I don't play one on TV but . . ., February 24, 2007

By 

Martha K. Guthrie "constant reader" (Englewood, OH USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Fast Copy (Texas Tradition Series) (Paperback)

I'm a journalist, a sports fan, amateur historian and the fourth great-granddaughter of the amazing Peter Sides, a Revolutionary War Veteran who was killed at the bloodiest battle on Texas soil, the Battle of Medina in 1813.

You don't believe me? Look it up!

I first read this book years ago and loved it. I've recommended it to others who have loved it. It's a fabulous read and rollicking adventure. It's the kind of book I keep re-reading and buying any copy I can find and passing it on to people I love.

Please excuse the passive voice in the previous paragraph. I know better ; )

Fast Copy is a lot of lively fun!