How to Read Ellen Mansoor Collier’s Books
For readers looking to dive into Ellen Mansoor Collier's historical mysteries, the path is straightforward but highly rewarding. Collier is best known for her Jazz Age Mystery series, which transports readers to the Prohibition-era underworld of Galveston, Texas—a city famously dubbed the 'Sin City of the Southwest' or the 'Free State of Galveston' during the 1920s.
Because the main character's life, career, and romantic entanglements progress sequentially, the recommended reading order is the publication order, which matches the chronological sequence of the story. Reading the books in this sequence allows you to watch protagonist Jasmine 'Jazz' Cross evolve from an aspiring society reporter into a seasoned crime writer navigating dangerous turf wars.
The Jazz Age Mystery Series in Recommended Reading Order
- Flappers, Flasks and Foul Play (2012)
- Bathing Beauties, Booze and Bullets (2013)
- Gold Diggers, Gamblers and Guns (2014)
- Vamps, Villains and Vaudeville (2015)
- Deco Dames, Demon Rum and Death (2018)
The Jazz Age Mystery Series: Book-by-Book Breakdown
1. Flappers, Flasks and Foul Play (2012)
The series opens in 1920s Galveston. Jasmine 'Jazz' Cross is a feisty society reporter who wants to break away from writing about tea parties and wedding announcements to report on hard crime. When a prominent local banker is found dead at the Velvet Dice, a speakeasy co-owned by her half-brother, Jazz jumps at the opportunity to investigate. Her search for the truth quickly drags her into the crosshairs of Galveston’s rival factions: the Beach Gang and the Downtown Gang. In addition to establishing the series' historical setting, this book introduces the core cast of characters, including Jazz's protective brother, local bootleggers, and the lawmen trying to keep the peace.
2. Bathing Beauties, Booze and Bullets (2013)
The second installment is set against the backdrop of Galveston’s famous annual Bathing Girl Revue, a massive beauty pageant that drew thousands of tourists during the 1920s. Jazz is tasked with covering the glitzy event, but the festive atmosphere is shattered when a pageant contestant is found murdered. As Jazz digs into the victim's past, she uncovers a web of liquor smuggling, blackmail, and bootlegging operations. The novel highlights the cultural shift of the era, contrasting the public spectacle of the beauty pageant with the dark reality of coastal smuggling rings.
3. Gold Diggers, Gamblers and Guns (2014)
In the third book, Jazz finds herself investigating the high-stakes world of underground casinos and gambling halls. The plot revolves around fortune hunters, wealthy socialites, and professional gamblers who frequent Galveston's legendary clubs. When a high-rolling gambler is killed and a shootout erupts, Jazz must untangle a web of greed and hidden identities. This entry dives deeper into the financial operations of the island's gangs and the allure of easy money during the height of the Roaring Twenties.
4. Vamps, Villains and Vaudeville (2015)
Moving from casinos to the stage, the fourth novel takes place in a bustling Galveston vaudeville theater. When a performer is killed backstage under mysterious circumstances, Jazz is called in to investigate. The mystery features a colorful cast of characters, including silent film starlets, stage managers, illusionists, and jealous rivals. Collier uses this backdrop to explore the entertainment industry of the 1920s and the theatrical subculture of the era, while keeping the tension high as the killer remains hidden among the cast.
5. Deco Dames, Demon Rum and Death (2018)
The fifth book finds Jazz navigating the later years of the 1920s as Art Deco design begins to reshape the city's architecture. The plot centers on illicit rum-running along the Texas coast and a suspicious death linked to a spiritualist séance. As Jazz tries to determine if the death was caused by natural forces, clever trickery, or cold-blooded murder, she must confront the escalating stakes of the rum-running trade and the rising influence of modern organized crime syndicates.
What to Know Before You Start
A Soft-Boiled Historical Setting
Collier describes her books as 'soft-boiled' mysteries. This means that while the setting includes real gangsters, bootlegging, speakeasies, and murders, the tone remains light, fun, and PG-rated. It avoids the graphic violence and grit of hard-boiled noir, making it a perfect fit for fans of cozy mysteries who enjoy historical detail, vintage fashion, and lively 1920s slang.
Galveston as a Character
A major draw of the series is its setting. Collier grew up in Houston and spent her summers in Galveston, using her personal familiarity and extensive historical research to bring the island's unique Prohibition-era atmosphere to life. Real-life historical elements, such as the Maceo brothers (who controlled much of the local gambling and bootlegging), local landmarks, and historical events like the recovery from the 1900 Storm, are woven seamlessly into the fictional narrative.
Standalone vs. Series Continuity
Each book features a self-contained murder mystery that is fully resolved by the final chapter, meaning you can technically read them as standalones. However, the overarching character development—including Jazz’s career progression from society page writer to investigative reporter, and her evolving relationships with her family and suitors—spans the entire series. To fully appreciate these character arcs, it is highly recommended to start with Flappers, Flasks and Foul Play.