The Messenger — David C. Edney

Just months before the 1929 Women's Air Derby, misnamed the 'Powder Puff Derby' by Will Rogers, 17 year old Elinor Jones, who some are calling 'The World's Greatest Female Aviator,' is without a ride. This is a disadvantage, since Miss Jones would like to win the cross-country air race to prove that her title is deserved. Besides, she has a greater objective: to keep alive a more famous, but far less skillful aviatrix whose promoter-husband wants her to win at all costs. The husband, publisher George Palmer Putnam, has furthermore promised to ruin Miss Jones, and anyone else who gets in the way of Amelia Earhart. Just when all seems lost, a mysterious Texan named David R. Smith appears and offers Miss Jones a cup of coffee, a sympathetic ear, and an idea. The Golden Age of Air Racing, and Ellie Jones' love life are off to a rip-roaring start. The Messenger is based, in part, on a true story.