Poster Girl: A Jane Benjamin Novel

by Shelley Blanton-Stroud

Cynical young gossip columnist Jane Benjamin joins FDR’s Office of War Information, a propaganda unit, to find a Wendy-the-Welder poster girl to urge more women to the shipyard work essential to America’s winning World War II—and, incidentally, to make herself into the new Hedda Hopper. But somebody doesn’t want those women at work.

During a five-day contest to beat the world speed record for building a liberty ship, Jane investigates the lives of the first women welders and learns more about her flyboy former lover’s secret post–Pearl Harbor mission—and her cynicism begins to melt. But when inspectors find and publicize a series of flaws in the contest-week welding, the women welders are blamed. Worse, two poster girl candidates are killed.

Are they being sabotaged by a belligerent male shipyard supervisor? The industrialist shipyard owner with a history of controlling women? Or someone else trying to diminish the success of the US liberty ship program? To find out, Jane must choose between her professional ambition and service to the women welders—before the murderer harms another girl and America’s best chance of winning the war.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Fiction

256 pages, Paperback

Published November 14, 2023

Reviews

[Bren fall in love with the sea. · Rating 3 out of 5]

"It seemed like I might blow off in a gust of other people's patriotism."
Shelley Blanton-Stroud, Poster Girl: A Jane Benjamin Novel

After finishing this fun and sassy book, my main question is, where is Jane? And will she be my friend?

Seriously what a plucky and sassy protagonist! So let me tell you the story of how I came to read this extremely well written, and fun book.

Sometimes to find new literature, I’ll plug a word into the search engine or Goodreads or wherever I am. And see what books come up.


So I don’t know what led me to plug the word poster into the Books search but I did it and guess what came up? This book.


And it combines two of my favorite genres. Historical fiction and mystery. Who could resist? Not this reader.


So, apparently, Jane is a recurring character only I didn’t know that because I’ve never read this author before. Of course I have now, and I have nothing but good things to say.


It is the time of World War II and Jane is working as a reporter for a newspaper as a gossip columnist. But she wants more! Although she’s grateful and deeply appreciated to have her job, she would like to move up and write about more important things than gossip.


You also have to remember the back then women were not given the same opportunities as men. Every time I think to myself that I’d like to live in a different time., Maybe around that time, I remember all the crap that people had to put up with then . I guess no generation gets out of here for free.

So Jane loves her boss, Sandy, and she’s grateful for the opportunity, but there is a part of her soul that is a restless bird, wanting to climb higher.

Meanwhile, the welders in the shipyard are
working hard. Most, but not all of them on men. But there are women welders too, and the shipyard needs more of them. That’s when Jane hits on the poster girl idea.


Run a contest to find the perfect poster girl featuring one of the lady welders. This woman will be a shining example of an independent woman who serves her country by working hard. She will be classy and substantial and attractive – at least attractive enough to Grace a poster – and she will be inspiring, hopefully influencing other young ladies to turn out and sign up to work and train as welders in the shipyard.

Sounds like a great idea right? But Jane doesn’t realize quite what she’s stepping into.

There’s the more esteemed female journalist out to steal her idea.


There are also a bunch of male chauvinist pigs among the male welders, not all of whom , are all that enthusiastic about this idea or about welcoming new welders of the female type to the training program


And then there’s another itsy-bitsy teeny-weeny problem. Women in the shipyard are having accidents. They are having accidents that – ahem- they don’t survive.

Are these accidents truly accidents? Or is there a murderer running around the shipyard Oh Jane. . Dear Jane, such messes you find yourself in!

I really enjoyed this fun little book. I had absolutely no idea who was behind the murders, but looking back on it there were breadcrumbs thrown out, which I missed entirely.


I know you may wonder about the three stars. You shouldn’t. There’s absolutely nothing negative about this book I can even think of. The only reason I gave it three is because if you follow my reviews you know I’m really not that big a fan of the cozy mystery. Although this is historical fiction the mystery part is not creepy in the slightest. I occasionally read that type of story, mysteries that I would classify as cozy but that’s just not my number One or number two genre.

. I mean even cozies by Agatha Christie I rate at three stars. So my rating of three has
absolutely zilch to do with the quality of the book, which is in fact five stars.

I love the atmosphere at the shipyard, and I could almost see it before me and see all the busy people running about. I do love novels that can transport me back in time. I loved Jane’s bonds and relationships with the other ladies as well.

I also love the fact that there really wasn’t any Insta love. It was pretty much what I thought it would be, though simply because of my taste, I enjoy the atmosphere and historical element more than the mystery itself.

So yes, my friends this is a good book! I would offer a warm and wholehearted recommendation. Now that I’m done with the book I kind of miss Jane. She was really a fun character. I mean you know an author has succeeded when the reader wants to be friends with the main character in the book!

So I write this review on Christmas Eve and I hope that wherever Jane is in book land , She’s having herself a wonderful holiday.

And I hope all of you have a wonderful holiday season and find your own holiday books with their own special magic. Happy holidays, everyone!

[Linda Zagon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shelley Blanton-Stroud, the Author of “Poster Girl” has written an intriguing and captivating novel that takes place during World War Two. The genres for this novel are Historical Fiction, Mystery, and Suspense. The timeline for this well-written and extensively researched novel is 1942. I love how the author vividly describes the imagery and the dramatic characters. The author concentrates focusing on the women during this time, and how there is inequality and discrimination.

This book is part of the Jane Benjamin series and can be read alone. The female protagonist, Jane Benjamin is attempting to get news gossip of the time-period that is similar to Hedda Hopper. Jane becomes part of FDR’s Office of War Information to find a Poster Girl that represents the women that weld and build for shipyards, to help win the war for the United States. Unfortunately there is discrimination, harassment, and possible sabotage, so that the women can’t complete their jobs. After the tragic accident of one the women welders, it appears that this was murder. Jane is now involved in looking for a Poster Girl, and solving the murder and accidents that are occurring. This is becoming mysterious, dangerous and suspicious. What are the political motives involved, and who would do this? I highly recommend this thought-provoking novel.

[Manon (mysterymanon) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed my first introduction to the intrepid Jane Benjamin, whose nose for reporting serves her well as an amateur sleuth. The mystery in this one is great, and even though it’s book three in a series, there is plenty of recapping so I didn’t feel lost. (Side note, book one is free on Shelley’s website with newsletter sign up, so I may take her up on that offer!)

Poster Girl is a snappy, quick read with immersive historical detail. Fans of the era and of strong, resilient, nuanced characters will find something to love here.

Thank you to my friends at Wildbound PR for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Chelsie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy watching Jane grow in each novel! Always putting herself in situations, this time Jane may just be putting her life on the line! It's 1942 and the US is entering the war and women are now needed in the workforce so the US can continue to produce and that includes producing ships, airplanes and other war necessities. But not everyone is keen on women taking the jobs of men so when a women welder is found dead during a publicity event, Jane knows there is more than it just being an accident of a woman being dumb and not heeding her training. No one is interesting in this woman's death, it's the war that is selling the papers. So when Jane comes up with a brilliant idea, it puts her in the center of the shipyard and while she looks for the next Wendy the Welder, she also does some side investigation as well. So when a second body turns up, she knows for sure she is onto something other than figuring out who will be picture perfect for the war poster to get women into the workforce and the husbands and fathers to be ok with it. But someone isn't too happy with Jane asking questions and she just could become a victim if the culprit cannot be found. I really enjoyed this adventure of Jane's and it was interesting to learn about this campaign part of the war. Thank you to the author for the complementary novel and to Suzy Approved Book Tours for the invite! This review is of my own opinion and accord.

[Carolyn Lee Arnold · Rating 5 out of 5]

Smart, scrappy, satisfying women’s history!
Poster Girl is the smartest, most absorbing mystery/historical fiction story I’ve read in a long time. The plot, based on the introduction of women workers into the WWII California shipyards, is ingenious, nuanced, and true to the times. Jane Benjamin, the main character, is irreverent, scrappy, reflective, and not ladylike. In this third novel about her, Jane has learned to play the mainstream game as an aspiring newspaper gossip columnist, but she is still pushing the edge to get the info she needs as a reporter and as a detective. Full of surprises, and women acting as themselves, not as they are expected to act, Poster Girl gives us a well-researched glimpse at the world of women in the shipyards and newspapers of the time. A fascinating and satisfying read! And the first two books in the Jane Benjamin series are just as good! Highly recommended!

[KATIE MEYERS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poster Girl is a compelling blend of historical fiction and mystery set against the high-pressure backdrop of World War II America. Shelley Blanton-Stroud introduces Jane Benjamin, a sharp but cynical gossip columnist who becomes entangled in wartime propaganda efforts and a dangerous investigation involving women welders working on liberty ships.

One of the novel’s strongest elements is its setting. The shipyard environment is vividly drawn, capturing both the urgency of wartime production and the social tensions surrounding women entering industrial work. The story does an excellent job of highlighting the political messaging of the era while also revealing the human cost behind it.

Jane Benjamin is a layered protagonist—ambitious, observant, and morally conflicted. Her journey from detached observer to someone personally invested in the fate of the women she’s profiling adds emotional depth and narrative tension. The mystery element is well integrated, with sabotage, corporate interests, and gender politics all woven into the central plot.

The book also stands out for its focus on women’s labor during WWII, giving voice to historical experiences that are often underrepresented in fiction. The pacing is steady, and the stakes gradually escalate as personal and political dangers converge.

While some readers may find Jane’s initial cynicism slow to shift, her character arc ultimately strengthens the story’s emotional impact.

Overall, Poster Girl is a thoughtful and engaging historical mystery that combines strong character development with a meaningful exploration of gender, propaganda, and wartime America.

[Dorothy Rice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poster Girl is the perfect antidote to the cold weather, holiday-shopping doldrums. it's a fast-paced, twisty page-turner with enough surprises to keep you guessing and intrigued until the very end. The plucky heroine—up-and-coming columnist Jane Benjamin—is a girl to root for. She isn't afraid to take big risks to get her story, but along the way, she has a keen eye for the "real" stories behind the stories—the human sagas of these women struggling to earn a fair wage and stay out of harm's way in the misogynistic and often hostile and dangerous environment of the shipyards during WWII.

In this third Jane Benjamin novel, Blanton-Stroud is at her best, bringing us strong, albeit often flawed characters (just the way we like them), settings, a well-plotted story, and just enough historical detail and deftly inserted social commentary that we know where she stands on social issues that remain relevant today. Historical fiction like Poster Girl, with its WWII backdrop, reminds those of us whose parents fought in the war of the importance of not forgetting the lessons of wars past; more importantly, it serves to inform those without that context that the frightening issues that cross their flashing screens today are not new and must be paid close attention to.

I highly recommend Poster Girl.

[Pat Fayo Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Jane Benjamin series. Having not read the previous two books, this excellent and well written storyline was not hard to follow and it was hard to put down. The author does a wonderful job of epitomizing the previous two books. Reading this book is a reminder of such a critical and important time period in our history.

Jane becomes an amateur detective sleuth while trying to write a story about a shipyard that is looking for a poster girl that would encourage women to work in the shipyard. Jane sees this as an opportunity to get a fantastic story and get her the recognition she needs to further her career. Only things turn out quite different.

Poster Girl shows the real stories of women who went to work during the war to support their families. It also show how sexual discrimination and disrespect against women was so prevalent during this time period. Reading this book can help you to understand a women’s’ perspectives on a job typically held by man. Would recommend to read.

Thank you to #suzyapprovedbooktours and #blantonstroud for an ARC copy to read and review. All opinions are my own

[David Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A WWII story centered around women entering the wartime workforce and the roadblocks set up to discourage them.
In this, the third book of the Jane Benjamin series, we find our determined journalist/gossip columnist diving head first into the world of shipyards and the welders who work there. What she finds is more than just a story though and it may not end well for her.
I've loved this series from the beginning and this is a great addition to it. The writing is masterful in its simple yet descriptive storytelling that flows from one chapter to the next. Some of the characters are based on real people that the author has researched and put in this fictional, historical novel to great effect. The mystery is to die for. If you're new to this series don't worry, this can easily be read as a standalone but I guarantee after reading this one you'll want to spend more time with Jane and Co. by reading the previous two books in the series.

Thank you to the author, She Writes Press and Suzy Approved Book Tours for the gifted copy and including me on this tour.

[Susan Ballard (subakkabookstuff) · Rating 4 out of 5]

POSTER GIRL brings us back together with Jane Benjamin, a spunky, pushy gossip columnist who’s working hard to get her own syndicated column. It’s 1942, so she joins FDR’s Office of War Information propaganda unit.

She jumps on a story about the Liberty Ship Productions and their female welders building a ship in less than a week. To boost excitement, she decides to hunt for the perfect female welder for a “poster girl” nicknamed Wendy the Welder. But when two of her top picks die in strange accidents, things get very personal for Jane.


Many of us are familiar with Rosey the Riveter and her famous poster, but did you realize there were actual Wendy the Welders? This fast-paced mystery is riddled with fascinating historical information. It has a great atmosphere and a sassy-smart heroine in Jane.

Although this is book three in the series, it can easily be read on its own. But once you meet Jane, you may want to see what she’s been up to before.

Thank you @suzyapprovedbooktours and @blantonstroud for a spot on tour and a gifted book.

[Amanda Wagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay I literally just finished this incredible book. I randomly came across this book at A Seat at the Table Books and wanted to support a local author. But I had no idea how awesome it would be. This is a fresh take on a WW2 historical fiction. It's about a young woman who's a gossip columnist trying to find a poster girl to bring women into the warfront. It quickly turns into a mystery that keeps you going back for more. It immediately grabbed my attention. It was a fantastic quick read. So well written with such a great plot and mystery layout. I also love all of the woman centric storyline as well as the strong well thought out female characters. I loved it so much I sent the author a fan letter lol. If you can't tell by this review post this is a huge 10 out of 10 for me 5 out of 5 stars. I truly think this goes on my list of recommendations for anyone that just wants a great book to read. If you can pick it up please do you won't regret it.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love when I learn something new. And I love a strong woman. Especially in a time period when women weren’t seen as strong. I got both with this one.

I knew about Rosie the Riveter but had never heard of Wendy the Welder. Such an interesting read about this lesser known counterpart. That women were able to step up and be productive during the war always amazes me.

I enjoyed the search for the perfect poster girl and the mystery surrounding the women welders. Jane was likable and relatable and a great way to bring this issue to life. About not only the women welders but a strong woman working to lift up other women.

Make sure and read the author’s note at the end to learn which historical figures the characters were based upon. The research the author did to honor these real life strong women.

[Linda Rorex · Rating 5 out of 5]

In 1942 Jane Benjamin is a young gossip columnist for the San Francisco Prospect. Adam Lowe of Lowe’s Shipyard is promoting a contest to select a poster girl for the Wendy the Welder program to encourage women to help build ships for the war. A young female welder Jeannie Lyonss is found dead in a shipyard accident and Jane suspects foul play. As Jane investigates into Jeannie’s death she faces prejudice and racial discrimination and other political indifferences women endure. I really enjoyed this wonderful historical mystery novel.

[Dawnny · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Jane Benjamin series. This was a really good read that I learned a lot from. Being a history buff I love books like this. I've never heard of the women welders during World War II. The women welders who worked in the shipyards. As usual our sleuth Jane is always on the hunt for a story and she's always right in the middle of something happening and this one is no different. Are the women being sabotaged in the shipyard? I loved every book in this series. Check it out you won't be disappointed.


Dawnny Ruby
Novels N Latte
Hudson Valley NY

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love historical fiction, and this author never disappoints!!

At the heart of Poster Girl is Jane Benjamin, an amateur detective and gossip columnist. A shipyard is looking for a poster girl to entice women welders to build ships for the war. A young girl is found dead, and Jane sets out to prove it was not accidental.

I loved the pace of the book, and of course the writing style. Shelley Blanton-Stroud is an automatic read author for me. Highly recommend this series!!

[Debbie Rozier · Rating 5 out of 5]

This historical mystery fiction has not only a strong female main character, but also other tenacious women in all parts of this book.

I thought the mystery was really interesting and it tied into various real parts of history. I also appreciated the author’s notes at the end of the book which clarifies the fiction vs nonfiction of the who, what, and where of the story.

There are discussion questions that are good and have a lot of then vs now questions to ponder.

[Booksandcoffeemx · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so happy to read another Jane Benjamin adventure. Another fantastic story with lots of interesting historical facts, a bit of mystery and of course our strong female heroine. Fast-paced, immersive and delightful. Poster Girl is part of a series but can be read as a standalone.

Thank you Suzy Approved Book Tours for this tour invite.

𝗣𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗚𝗶𝗿𝗹 by Shelley Blanton Stroud released November 14, 2023.

[Mary Camarillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read an advanced reader copy of Poster Girl and loved it. This is the third in the delightful Jane Benjamin series. Poster Girl casts an observant eye on the misogyny, racism and classism of the time and allows the reader to witness that not much has changed. Jane is a compellingly conflicted character, a woman of her time and our time. Wonderfully researched and beautifully written.

[Laurie Buchanan · Rating 5 out of 5]

"POSTER GIRL is a can't-put-it-down kind of book! And I didn't. The unsung heroines and high-octane drama held me captive out of the gate. Chock full of raw emotion, every moment is perfectly crafted to keep the reader turning pages to the gripping end." —Laurie Buchanan, author of the Sean McPherson novels

[Christy Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jane Benjamin is such an awesome character - - smart, a bit scrappy, determined to succeed and so much more. I thoroughly enjoyed her sleuthing in both Tom Boy and Poster Girl. The mix of mystery, historical fiction plus unique characters made this a page turner and it was interesting to learn more about the effort to recruit women to weld during the war. Enjoyable and informative!

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jane is a gossip columnist on the west coast in 1942. She sets out on a story of ship builders hiring and licensing women as welders. Jane stumbles into the death of one os six women working for one firm. Urged on by the ghost of her twin brother, Jame stumbles her way into a deeper story.

[Aileen · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was an easy read Jane was ahead of her time. The story was easy to follow and understand. It gives us a woman's perspective during WWII which I feel its rare to find. Overall good book.

[Annmbray · Rating 3 out of 5]

Found the level of writing uninspired and just generally thought the story would be more historical than mystery!

[Christina McComiskie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic book. This is my favorite Jane Benjamin novel so far. I devoured it in one sitting. Loved it.

[Nora Brazil · Rating 5 out of 5]

On page 34 I thought what a great movie this would be! Blanton-Stroud’s best yet! Looking forward to August 2025!❤️

[Sarah W · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved being back with Jane as she went above and beyond to investigate her story and move up in the business. She is just pushy enough with people to get the information she wants but she also respects boundaries when needed. I liked the mystery involved and how Jane seemed to really care for the girls and their story. I was happy that Jane got to see the welding and ship building in action, I thought the whole process was interesting. It was fast paced and the authors note at the end was great to learn even more about that time in history.

Thank you @blantonstroud @suzyapprovedbooktours for the gifted copy.

[Marveen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really appreciated receiving an advance reader copy. It illuminates the lives of women during WWII. The author thoroughly researched history and her writing brought the characters alive. The colloquilisms used in the working woman's language amused me but struck me as a little off. That is the reason for the lowered rating because the cadence of the narratives didn't seem quite right, almost dumbed down for a juvenile audience. Young women would be inspired by the lives of these women in history. The acts of bravery are adult; the writing should make the reader want to emulate the characters in word and action.