Short Synopsis
Soar back to the fearless 1920s with #1 New York Times bestselling writer Laurie Notaro—beloved author of The Idiot Girls' Action Adventure Club—in a stunning historical novel that tells the true, little-known story of three aviatrixes in a race to be the first woman to fly across the Atlantic.

Full Synopsis
Ten thousand feet in the sky, aviatrixes from London to Paris to New York—fueled by determination and courage—have their eyes on the century's biggest prize. The year is 1927, and Amelia Earhart has not yet made her record-breaking cross-Atlantic flight. Who will follow in Charles Lindbergh’s footsteps and make her own history?

Three women’s names are splashed daily across the front page: Elsie Mackay, daughter of an Earl, is the first Englishwoman to get her pilot's license. Mabel Boll, a glamorous society darling and former cigar girl, is ardent to make the historic flight. Beauty pageant contestant Ruth Elder uses her winnings for flying lessons and becomes the preeminent American girl of the sky.

Inspired by true events and real people, Notaro vividly evokes this exciting time as her determined heroines vie for the record. With meticulous research and atmospheric prose, Notaro brings Elsie, Mabel, and Ruth to life, pulling us back in time as the pilots collide, struggle, and literally crash in the chase for fame and a place in aviation history.

"Notaro portrays this exciting sliver of time with historical accuracy, providing an authentic glimpse of the era (including photographs), and then adds a pump of adrenaline by including dialogue and drama of her own imagination, creating a captivating historical fiction." ---Kirkus

"This action-packed, character-rich romp through the 1920s’ transatlantic race captures the era’s excitement and sense of possibility. . . . a page-turning, stomach-churning, hilarious, and heartbreaking adventure." ---Publishers Weekly

"Narrator Huber distinctly characterizes each woman: Mabel, the seemingly helpless society widow, has a grating Boston accent and isn’t shy about expressing her dream; Ruth, the beauty-pageant winner, speaks in soft, even tones, but her willingness to do anything for fame is portrayed cunningly; Elsie, the English socialite, speaks in haughty, edgy tones that evoke a woman who knows her own mind." ---Booklist Audio Review