Description (from cover):'In 1920's Galveston, society reporter Jazz Cross is in for a surprise when she attends a traveling vaudeville show with her beau, Prohibition Agent James Burton, and discovers that an old flame acts in the production. That night, they find a stabbing victim behind the Oasis--her half-brother Sammy's speakeasy--who's identified as an actor in the troupe. When the victim disappears and later turns up dead, Jazz must help prove that Sammy wasn't the killer. After a second vaudeville actor is found dead, Jazz discovers that the events behind the scenes are much more interesting than the outdated acts onstage.
To make matters worse, Sammy's old nemesis demands that he settle a score and forces him into yet another illegal scheme involving the troupe's money-making ventures. Can Jazz help solve the murders and prove her brother's innocence--so he can escape the Downtown Gang for good?
A historical Jazz Age mystery inspired by real-life Galveston gangs and local landmarks.'
My thoughts:
Ellen Mansoor Collier is back with her latest Jazz Age Mystery featuring Jasmine Cross and Prohibition Agent James Burton..and it was superb. A fantastic and delightful read from page one until the very last page. I couldn't put this one down, which is not surprising as I have loved the other books in this series. There is something about this series that continues to draw me in and have me wanting more. I love the characters and the trouble that they seem to get themselves into. Nothing is ever simple for Jazz Cross and her friends and well that is what makes this series so great. Set in the 1920's in Galveston, Texas, this book is rich in historical detail and humor. I always find myself laughing at Jazz's antics and admire her gumption and determination to put wrongdoers to task.
Jasmine's half-brother Sammy is in town from Houston and he soon finds himself in the middle of gang rivalries and murder investigations. Of course, Sammy wanted to make a quick visit to Galveston and then go back to Houston before anyone knew he was back in town. Well, of course, that doesn't happen and Sammy is soon the prime suspect in several murders. Is someone framing him or is he really responsible. Jazz is determined to clear her brother's name at any cost and she enlists several of her friends to help her along the way. Another fantastic addition to an already wonderful series.
I love this series because it is unique and different from other historical mysteries. This series is fun and sassy and always has me on my toes. If you haven't discovered this brilliant series, then you are missing out on a fun read. I simply cannot get enough and hope that more are to follow. If you want a heroine who is smart, funny, and sassy, well Jazz Cross is the one for you. I loved the ending to this book and it bodes well for the future of the series. Cannot wait to see what is next from this emerging author!
Overall Rating: 5
Title: Vamps, Villains and Vaudeville
Author: Ellen Mansoor Collier
Series: Jazz Age Mystery #4
Publisher: Decodame
Publication Date: July 5, 2015
Pages: 213
Genre: Historical Mystery
Get It: Amazon
Disclaimer: This book was given to me, by the author, in exchange for my honest review. I reviewed this book without compensation of any kind. All thoughts and opinions are solely mine.
