The Ghost of the Cuban Queen Bordello: A Story of a 1920's Jerome Arizona Madam

by Peggy Hicks

Does the Cuban Queen's spirit now haunt her abandoned bordello? Follow the twists and turns as the writer reveals what became of this shrewd, calculating madam known as the "Cuban Queen" and the widespread path of destruction she left in her wake. This voluptuous madam began her career in the early 1900's in the red-light district of Storyville, in New Orleans, Louisiana. It was there, where she met and eventually married the famous (self-proclaimed inventor of jazz), Jelly Roll Morton. Together they traveled the country setting trends in both music and fashion. After a stormy relationship and eventual break-up, this harlot was determined to make it on her own. She packed up and headed for the wild west mining town of Jerome, Arizona where for a decade, during the "Roaring 20's, she ran a "house of pleasure" called the Cuban Queen Bordello. Much went on behind her closed doors, where prostitution, gambling, bootlegged whiskey and even murder was on the menu.

270 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 28, 2011

Reviews

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down. I had a book hangover from staying up to read it. I definitely will be reading her other 2 books. I visited Jerome Arizona a few years ago while visiting my cousin Terry. We went through the museum but I knew nothing of this or the town of Jerome. If you love history I recommend this book.

[Pamela Mettler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recommended by our Jerome, AZ guide, after touring the city, I picked this book up and couldn't put it down. Tours of this mining town reveal where the opium dens, bordellos, saloons, hotels and old mercantile shops were back in the day. The book complements what we saw and learned on tour.

[Pete Brand · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible account of a fascinating story!

An incredible story, constantly evolving. Extremely well researched and told in an easy to follow way. I’m not much of a reader, but Peggy Hick’s books keep you hooked from beginning to end! This was thoroughly interesting and fascinating to read. Whats more, is that when I visited Jerome last year, I stopped in her store, then after reading her books this week after wanting to read more about Jerome, I made the connection and pretty sure I remember her serving me! This is well worth a read!

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got this at a bookstore in Sedona while visiting Arizona for the first time. The history is incredible. Its mind blowing to learn about prostitution, its acceptance, the jazz music, and the connections to such seemingly glamorous things.

The book isn’t particularly well written and it seems to go back and forth with hard facts and creative liberties in varying voices, and it makes it hard to read sometimes.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, I visited Jerome not knowing its’ dark side of history. The museum there provides a lot of information about the mines there but this book included more information than I had hoped for. I’m thankful for the time and interest that the author invested in the book. I hope to visit the town again some day with the added benefit of what I learned from this intriguing book.

[Lynda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book tells some fascinating history of some unique characters in 1920s Jerome, Arizona. It's an intriguing read, especially if you are interested in the Jerome or Clarkdale areas - or what life was like in mining towns with bars and bordellos.

[Michele Findley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn’t Put It Down!!

This book was written so well; couldn’t put it down (and I’m not an avid reader). I love tragic history and the paranormal - no disappointment here. Read it.

[Jere Oakley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Historically good information. Photographs add to the interesting facts and story.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was fasinating on how the author was so drawn to find out about this apparition she saw. Although I purchased this book while on vacation in Jerome, Arizona. I went to see the Bordello and saw the card under a stone. I didn't dare touch after I had read the first chapter. Now that I had finished the book I relized that my room had eerily smelled like fried chicken and rise petals in the Grand Hotel. Even at home I have an eery feeling that I'm not alone.

Peggy perhaps its my turn to write a bookon my encounter with the Cuban queen.

[Carol Bates · Rating 3 out of 5]

Picked this up on the book bargain rack at the library. It will never win a Pulitzer, but found it entertaining. The "Cuban Queen" who had many aliases during her life, was a lady (not in the true sense) of many talents - not virtues. I have been to Jerome, which was piqued my interest in her. Not great writing, but an interesting read nonetheless. Made for good airplane reading.