Step into the dazzling world of the A Jazz Age Mystery series, where flappers, speakeasies, and Prohibition-era intrigue await! Penned by Ellen Mansoor Collier, this delightful historical mystery series whisks readers to 1920s Galveston, Texas, following the sharp-witted society reporter Jasmine 'Jazz' Cross as she unravels murders and mob schemes. With its vibrant characters and authentic Jazz Age atmosphere, it’s a must-read for fans of cozy mysteries and Roaring Twenties glamour.
Picture yourself sipping illicit cocktails in a hidden Galveston speakeasy, the air thick with jazz and secrets. That’s the magic of A Jazz Age Mystery, blending historical detail with clever whodunits. Let’s dive into the series’ origins, stories, and why it continues to charm readers.
How A Jazz Age Mystery Began
Ellen Mansoor Collier, a Houston-based writer with a flair for the 1920s, crafted the A Jazz Age Mystery series inspired by Galveston’s wild Prohibition-era history. A former journalist and magazine editor, Collier’s love for Art Deco and flapper culture—sparked by running an antiques shop—infused her storytelling. Drawing from real-life rival gangs like the Beach and Downtown Gangs, she spun fictional tales around Galveston’s 'Sin City of the Southwest' reputation, launching the series in 2012 with Flappers, Flasks and Foul Play.
Collier’s background as a cocktail waitress and reporter lent authenticity to Jazz Cross’s adventures. Her meticulous research into Galveston’s landmarks, slang, and gang turf wars brought the era to life, making the series a love letter to the Roaring Twenties.
The Heart of A Jazz Age Mystery
The series kicks off with Flappers, Flasks and Foul Play, where Jazz investigates a banker’s suspicious death at her brother Sammy’s speakeasy, navigating gang rivalries and a dashing Prohibition agent, James Burton. Bathing Beauties, Booze and Bullets follows Jazz covering a beauty pageant tied to mob schemes, uncovering darker truths behind the glamour. Gold Diggers, Gamblers and Guns sees Jazz clearing Burton and Sammy’s names in a murder frame-up, diving into Galveston’s gambling underworld. Vamps, Villains and Vaudeville brings vaudeville intrigue, with Jazz solving murders tied to jewel thefts and mob debts. The fifth book, Deco Dames, Demon Rum and Death, explores occult themes like fortune tellers and ghostly brides.
Each book weaves cozy mystery with historical fiction, emphasizing themes of independence, loyalty, and uncovering hidden truths. Jazz, a feisty flapper with Lois Lane’s moxie, embodies the era’s liberated spirit, challenging societal norms while solving crimes. The vivid Galveston setting—complete with speakeasies, seawalls, and historic haunts like the Hollywood Dinner Club—grounds the stories in a tangible, immersive world. Collier’s snappy dialogue and era-appropriate slang, like 'the cat’s meow,' add playful authenticity.
The series’ strength lies in its balance of lighthearted capers and gritty underworld intrigue. Readers are drawn to Jazz’s pluck, the romantic tension with Burton, and the colorful cast, from Sammy to Jazz’s loyal friend Nathan. It’s a world where danger and dazzle coexist, perfect for fans of Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries or Boardwalk Empire.
Why A Jazz Age Mystery Resonates
A Jazz Age Mystery has carved a niche in the historical mystery genre, captivating readers with its blend of nostalgia and suspense. Fans praise its vivid world-building and Jazz’s relatable grit, with reviews likening it to 'The Great Gatsby meets a whodunit.' Its focus on Galveston’s lesser-known history sets it apart, offering a fresh lens on the Jazz Age beyond New York or Chicago.
The series’ enduring appeal lies in its celebration of strong women and forgotten histories. Jazz’s determination to break into hard news as a female reporter in the 1920s resonates with modern readers, while Collier’s nod to real events adds depth. It’s a testament to the allure of the Roaring Twenties, where rebellion and revelry fueled unforgettable stories.
- First book published: 2012
- Number of books: 5
- Setting: 1920s Galveston, Texas
- Genre: Historical cozy mystery
Grab Flappers, Flasks and Foul Play and dive into A Jazz Age Mystery’s world of speakeasies, scandals, and sleuthing! Whether you’re a history buff or a mystery lover, Jazz Cross’s adventures will keep you hooked.