Ellen Mansoor Collier

Jazz Cross is a society reporter with Pulitzer dreams working for the Galveston Gazette. She seems to have a knack for landing in the middle of mysteries. As this story starts out her job is to review the new vaudeville act that just came into town. Little does she know that an ex-boyfriend is part of the troop or that what is going on backstage is far more interesting than the show itself.

She and her current boyfriend, federal agent James Burton, are called to deal with a murder at her brother’s speakeasy club only to find out the man isn’t dead. However, before they can question him at the hospital the next day they discover he has disappeared only to turn up later at the same club, this time very much dead. It is soon revealed that he has ties to the Vaudeville troop and not long after, the death of a second person involved with the show adds to the deepening mystery. Meanwhile Jazz and Burton have discovered a possible jewel theft ring involving members of the troop that has landed Jazz’s brother in some serious hot water with the local gangs that already want him dead.

I don’t often review to a soundtrack, however this review called for an old favorite to be dusted off, several actually. When I was in high school I was in a Madrigal group which officially speaking specializes in music from the Renaissance, however our music director had a serious thing for jazz and the music mentioned throughout this book set me off down memory lane.

This was, for me, the first book in this series that I have read. Though there is obviously a history with the characters, it is a fine stand alone story that encourages, but doesn’t require further reading to keep up.

This particular era in American history, although quite brutal, lends itself beautifully to the cozy mystery genre with its fierce heroines and brave and brash heroes. Ms. Collier’s exquisite attention to details such as speech and clothing, just added to the enjoyment of a well written story. I appreciated the inclusion of a glossary of terms from the era and the information from the preface. Both provided a solid base for the story.

This was the golden era of feminism. Newly independent women were venturing into male dominated arenas sparking an over-reaction of condescension and sexism on the part of men not quite sure how deal with the changing world. There is always the tendency to make male characters in this time a cliche of stupid lugs, especially when dealing with journalists or law enforcement, but I have to say that in this story the author managed a fine balance. Jasmine is feisty and independent, but not crass or aggressive and the men she deals with earn an eye roll, but aren’t over the top. It was great to see she quite is capable of getting herself into and out of trouble, but isn’t afraid to allow her men to rescue her as need be.

I also adored how the seemingly straightforward story line was anything but simple. Jazz, in trying to help, makes things worse and then when that seems like it will be too much to overcome, the story twists again. Even her simple investigation to find Derek has unseen complications. All in all it was an enjoyable single sitting read, with a cast of characters I would like to spend more time with.

5 stars

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.… (mer)

4 STARS

It took me a few chapters to like some of the characters, but by the end of the book I really did like them. It was during prohibition and the times were wild. I learned some new things and was shocked by some events are government did.

Jasmine Cross is 21 year old society reporter who goes hangs out it a speakeasy. She is familiar with most of the workers there.
She wants to be a real reporter but no one takes her seriously. She is around a few crime scenes first so she starts to dig in. The speakeasy is owned by her black-sheep half-brother Sammy Cook. Which is a secret.

Prohibition Agent James Burton raids Oasis a few times. He looks like a creep at first. He is interested in getting to know Jasmine. He also wants to know she is at the Oasis a lot and so interested in what happens to Sammy.

Sammy Cook owns the Oasis. A speakeasy. He is arrested for murder that happened right in front of the Oasis. He does not want it known that Jasmine is his half-sister to protect her.

The setting is Galveston, Texas during prohibition. There are two gangs that are trying to claim territory. Someone is passing bad moonshine around that is causing deaths.

This is the first book in the series and the first part of story has a slow set up letting us learn about the characters and what the time was like. After that the story moves along at a good pace. Full of drama, action, crime and letting us see what that time period was like.

I was given this ebook to read for purpose of reviewing it and give my honest opinion of the story.… (mer)

Gold-Diggers, Gamblers and Guns: A Jazz Age Mystery #3

4 STARS

This is a wild time during Prohibition when the mobs are gaining power. A lot of policeman were on the take because they liked the money or did not believe in Prohibition. Their were two main gangs who were fighting for power on Galveston Island, TX.

In some ways I agree with Prohibition and other ways I don't. I personally don't drink, for religion reasons also my family has a history of abusing it.

The characters I like. They seem real to me. I never knew who to trust and who you could not trust.

Jasmine (Jazz) Cross is a young society reporter who wants to do hard news. She is also a half-sister to Sammy Cook, a owner of a speakeasy. She is dating Prohibition Agent James Burton. She is torn between the two sides.

Sammy Cook owns Oasis. He tries to stay on both mobs good side. He does not want it known that Jazz is his half sister. They only found out the last couple of years. Downtown Gang leader Johnny Jack Nounes is causing him to run dangerous errands for him.

James Burton is the only fed on Galveston Island. The police resent him. Someone wants to kill him. He is also framed for murder.

Jazz tries to help Burton and Sammy. Only a few people know why she is always concerned about her friend Sammy. How she always can get into his club the Oasis. Jazz really wants Burton to ask her to the policeman ball.

Lots of drama, choosing sides, action, and romance as they try to figure out who is trying to kill Burton and frame him for murder.
Which cops he can count on. Who killed other bar owner. Why are their betting chips found at all the crime scenes.

It holds your attention. I did not realize how many people had lost their lives on Galveston during the hurricane in the 1900's.

I have read two of the three books of the series now and like them both.

I was given Gold-Diggers, Gamblers and Guns so I could read and give them honest review and be part of its blog tour. All opinions are mine.… (mer)