Step into the sultry, spellbinding world of the Roaring Twenties series by Jenn Bennett, where 1920s San Francisco pulses with bootleggers, spirits, and forbidden romance! This trilogy weaves paranormal mystery with historical flair, following the Magnusson family as they navigate a foggy Bay Area brimming with black magic and sizzling passion. Perfect for fans of paranormal romance and historical fiction, it’s a dazzling escape into a world where love and the supernatural collide.
Bennett’s masterful storytelling brings the Prohibition era to life, blending flapper dresses, speakeasies, and ghostly hauntings into a vibrant tapestry. With richly drawn characters and heart-pounding plots, the series has charmed readers and critics alike, earning praise for its unique blend of genres and steamy chemistry.
How Roaring Twenties Began
Jenn Bennett, an award-winning author known for her Arcadia Bell urban fantasy series, launched the Roaring Twenties trilogy in 2014 with Bitter Spirits. Inspired by the vibrant energy of the 1920s and her love for paranormal romance, Bennett crafted a world where supernatural elements enhance the grit and glamour of Prohibition-era San Francisco. Her goal was to merge historical accuracy with magical intrigue, creating standalone romances centered on the Magnusson family, Swedish immigrants turned bootleggers.
Bennett’s research into the era’s culture, fashion, and social dynamics shines through, grounding the series’ fantastical elements in a vivid historical context. The result is a trilogy that feels both fresh and authentic, capturing the rebellious spirit of the Jazz Age.
The Heart of Roaring Twenties
The trilogy kicks off with Bitter Spirits (2014), where spirit medium Aida Palmer teams up with bootlegger Winter Magnusson to break a malevolent hex. Their fiery chemistry and hunt for a curseworker set the tone for a fast-paced, passionate tale. Grim Shadows (2014) follows archaeologist Lowe Magnusson and curator Hadley Bacall as they chase a powerful Egyptian artifact, blending treasure-hunting adventure with dark magic. Grave Phantoms (2015) wraps up the series with Astrid Magnusson and Bo Yeung, whose forbidden romance unfolds amid a mysterious ghost yacht and ancient idols.
Themes of love, identity, and resilience thread through the series, with each book exploring personal ghosts—literal and metaphorical. The 1920s setting amplifies the stakes, reflecting the era’s social tensions, from racial prejudice to class divides, while the paranormal elements add a thrilling layer of mystery. Bennett’s writing is vivid and immersive, painting a San Francisco where speakeasies hum with jazz and spirits linger in the fog.
Each novel stands alone, focusing on a different Magnusson sibling, but the trilogy’s cohesive world-building and recurring characters create a satisfying arc. Fans adore the balance of steamy romance, historical detail, and supernatural suspense, often praising Bennett’s ability to craft chemistry that ‘sizzles on the page.’
Why Roaring Twenties Resonates
The Roaring Twenties series has carved a niche in paranormal romance, blending genres in a way that feels both nostalgic and innovative. Its vivid portrayal of the 1920s, coupled with diverse characters and taboo-defying romances, resonates with readers seeking inclusive, escapist stories. The series’ critical acclaim, including a 2014 RT Reviewers’ Choice Award for Bitter Spirits, underscores its impact, while fan reviews highlight its addictive mix of mystery and passion.
Bennett’s ability to humanize complex characters, like the haunted Winter or the fearless Astrid, ensures the series lingers with readers long after the final page. Its blend of historical and supernatural elements has inspired comparisons to ‘Boardwalk Empire meets Ghost Hunters,’ making it a standout in a crowded genre.
- Publication Years: 2014–2015
- Number of Books: 3 (Bitter Spirits, Grim Shadows, Grave Phantoms)
- Awards: 2014 RT Reviewers’ Choice Award for Bitter Spirits
- Genres: Paranormal Romance, Historical Fiction, Fantasy
Grab Bitter Spirits and dive into the Roaring Twenties’ intoxicating world of magic, romance, and 1920s glamour!