What a great read! Collier's smart and classy writing style keeps the familiar cadence of a "whodunnit" novel or film noir. With all the moxie of Lois Lane, Jazz Cross is the kind of strong female character you find yourself rooting for. Full of rich historical detail and colorful 1920s slang true to the era, Galveston--the "Ellis Island of the West"--jumps off the pages. A fun and entertaining mystery drives the plot along, but it was the story world that really won me over. Every aspect--from the cultural climate to the perfume and cosmetic cases--is fully realized and I couldn't have asked for better world-building. It was a special treat to learn so much about Prohibition-era Galveston while having the pleasure of enjoying the story. Hardcore history and mystery lovers alike will fall head over heels for this series, and general readers will be enlightened and entertained. -Regina Vitola Mader, ME ReadALOT Blog (August 2015)
An elegant and hugely entertaining mystery set during Prohibition times in Galveston. Great style and a fantastic sense of authenticity....Well-written, cleverly plotted and very enjoyable. Clever, authentic, and such a good read! It's hard to write in a time period other than your own, but Ms. Collier does it effortlessly. The dialogue was spot-on and the author's attention to detail was so perfect, I felt like I'd stepped into the 1920s. The characters and setting are genuine and intertwined so well into the story, the movie in my head was vivid and real. The combination of authenticity, mystery, and bit of romance make this book a winner. -Amy Metz, A Blue Million Books Blog (January 2014), Author of the Goose Pimple Junction mystery series Christoph Fischer, Top 500 Amazon Reviewer (June 2014)
Ellen Collier's novel is set in one of my favorite locations, Galveston, Texas, during an era when the town was one of the wildest on the Texas Gulf Coast. Spunky society reporter Jasmine (Jazz) Cross gets involved with murder right off the bat, and her breezy voice carries the narrative along at a bright clip. Great Galveston period setting and atmosphere. -Bill Crider, Author of the Sheriff Rhodes mystery series, etc. (October 2012)
Ellen Collier's new series, set in 1927 Galveston, Texas, hit the spot for me, and is an entertaining bit of snappy summertime escapism. I was completely charmed by Jazz Cross, the spunky, intrepid flapper-reporter. Collier combines historical trivia with a cozy mystery beautifully, and I'm falling in love with her 1920s Galveston. -Audra Friend, Unabridged Chick Blog (June 2013)
A wonderful mystery set in Prohibition-era Texas. This is fast becoming one of my favourite new series of mysteries. -Rachel Cotterill (Book Reviews Blog, U.K ) (May 2013)
What a sparkling gem FLAPPERS is. I was sucked right into the mystery and it captivated me. I loved Jazz's flapper-like attitude and her down-to-earth personality. She is a force to be reckoned with and no one, even gangsters, society madams or federal agents, can get her down. I promise this one will wow you and have you begging for more. I cannot wait to read Bathing Beauties, Booze and Bullets to see what Jazz and her friends are up to now. -Kimberlee, "Girl Lost in a Book" Blog (July 2013)
I personally loved the historical setting, then-contemporary lingo and the lovely descriptions used to depict the atmosphere of the era. It kind of reminded me of a very modern Great Gatsby...with a proper balance of historical tidbits and adventure. Definitely recommendable. I loved it. -Summer Lane, Writing Belle Blog, (October 2012) Author of State of Emergency and State of Chaos series