Jazz Age Series

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A year or so ago, I was having lunch at Gaido’s with a girlfriend and, after a terrific meal there and before leaving the property, we walked into the restaurant’s ever-popular gift shop. On more than a few occasions, I’ve gone in to browse the shelves and left with an unplanned purchase in my hand.

On this particular day, a paperback book by Ellen Monsoor Collier caught my eye. It was entitled, Bathing Beauties, Booze and Bullets. I picked it up and scanned the first few pages. Soon, I realized the book was a mystery novel, set in Galveston, during the Prohibition era of the 1920s. Of course, I was highly interested and, on impulse, I bought the book.

That night, I started reading and quickly became enamored by the main characters: Jazz Cross, a young society (and wanna-be crime) reporter for the island’s daily newspaper, and her handsome beau, James Burton, a Prohibition agent. Before long, I was hooked on the story and fascinated by the bits of Galveston history, local places and legendary residents inserted throughout.

By the time I finished the book, I realized it was Book Two (of four) of the author’s Jazz Age Series. Ah…so much the better!

I found the other three books on Amazon and ordered them immediately. Within days, I was well into Book One…and even more attached to Jazz and James and all of the other reappearing characters!

Ellen Monsoor Collier

Ellen Monsoor Collier

Then, yesterday, while attending ARToberFEST on Postoffice Street, a table displaying books caught my eye, much like Book Two of the series had so many months ago. Immediately, I realized the person autographing the books was the author, Ellen Monsoor Collier. Delighted, I walked over to meet her and let her know I’d read all of her books and how much I enjoyed them.

Ellen’s smile grew as I went on and on about my affection for her books, the setting in Galveston in the 1920s and the endearing characters. I also encouraged her to write a Book Five and continue the story. I explained I wanted to read more about Jazz and James and find out what the next chapters of their lives might hold.

Sadly, she indicated she was not planning to add to the series. But, I was not deterred. With sincere enthusiasm and encouragement, I urged her to re-think that plan.

Who knows? Perhaps she will.