Picture a Houston-born storyteller who resurrected the glitz and grit of 1920s Galveston—meet Ellen Mansoor Collier! A flapper at heart, Collier spins tales of speakeasies, gangsters, and high society in her Jazz Age mystery series, captivating readers with her sharp-witted heroine, Jazz Cross. Her vivid historical crime fiction transports you to the 'Sin City of the Southwest,' where prohibition-era intrigue reigns supreme.
Collier’s love for Galveston’s colorful past fuels her stories, blending real-life rival gangs and local landmarks with fictional flair. Her five-part series, starting with Flappers, Flasks and Foul Play, has earned praise for its rich world-building and sassy, Lois Lane-esque protagonist. Ready to dive into her world? Let’s explore the life and legacy of this master of historical mysteries.
The Making of Ellen Mansoor Collier
Born and raised in Houston, Ellen Mansoor Collier grew up with Galveston as her second home, spending summers soaking up its beachy charm. A graduate of the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in Magazine Journalism, she honed her storytelling skills as a freelance writer, penning articles for national magazines like Family Circle, Glamour, and Cosmopolitan. Her brief stint as a cocktail waitress—self-described as the 'world’s worst'—gave her a taste of the nightlife that later inspired her speakeasy settings.
Collier’s fascination with Galveston’s prohibition-era history sparked during a Chicago tour of Al Capone’s haunts, revealing her hometown’s own wild past. This discovery ignited her writing career, leading her to craft a series that marries meticulous research with cozy mystery charm. Her background in journalism and knack for uncovering hidden stories set the stage for her literary journey.
Ellen Mansoor Collier’s Unforgettable Stories
Collier’s Jazz Age mystery series, set in 1920s Galveston, follows Jasmine 'Jazz' Cross, a feisty society reporter yearning to break into crime journalism. The series kicks off with Flappers, Flasks and Foul Play (2012), where Jazz investigates a banker’s suspicious death at her half-brother’s speakeasy, navigating turf wars between the Beach and Downtown gangs. Critics laud its 'Boardwalk Empire meets The Great Gatsby' vibe, blending historical detail with cozy mystery fun.
Subsequent novels—Bathing Beauties, Booze and Bullets (2013), Gold Diggers, Gamblers and Guns (2014), Vamps, Villains and Vaudeville (2015), and Deco Dames, Demon Rum and Death (2018)—delve deeper into Galveston’s underbelly. From bathing beauty pageants to vaudeville murders and supernatural séances, each book weaves real events, like the Maceo brothers’ Hollywood Dinner Club, into thrilling plots. Collier’s style shines with 1920s slang, vivid settings, and Jazz’s moxie, making every page a time-traveling delight.
Her short stories, published in Woman’s World, showcase her versatility, blending mystery and romance. Collier’s Etsy shop, MODERNEMILLIE, reflects her passion for Deco-era aesthetics, offering vintage treasures that echo her novels’ flair. Her ability to merge fact and fiction creates a world where readers feel the pulse of prohibition-era Galveston.
Why Ellen Mansoor Collier Matters
Ellen Mansoor Collier’s work breathes life into a lesser-known chapter of American history, spotlighting Galveston’s reign as a prohibition-era hotspot. Her series not only entertains but educates, revealing the city’s resilience after the 1900 Storm and its vibrant, if scandalous, recovery. By centering a bold female protagonist, Collier challenges the male-dominated norms of 1920s journalism, resonating with readers who crave strong, independent heroines.
Her meticulous research and love for Galveston have earned her a dedicated following, with fans praising her ability to make history feel alive. As a niche voice in historical crime fiction, Collier’s legacy lies in preserving the spirit of a bygone era while crafting stories that feel timelessly thrilling. Her work invites readers to explore a world where flappers, gangsters, and secrets collide.
- Key Works: Flappers, Flasks and Foul Play, Bathing Beauties, Booze and Bullets, Deco Dames, Demon Rum and Death
- Hometown: Houston, Texas
- Fun Fact: Collier’s Etsy shop, MODERNEMILLIE, sells Deco-era vintage items.
Ready for a jazzy adventure? Snag Flappers, Flasks and Foul Play and step into Ellen Mansoor Collier’s dazzling world of historical crime fiction!