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asourceoffiction's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Loved the atmospheric setting, loved all the jazz, loved the characters (particularly Louis Armstrong and Ida). I thought the killings would be the thing that drew me into this book, but it was so much more about the people.
The narrative structure was fun because each group would uncover a different piece of the puzzle, and there was plenty for them each to unravel. But the puzzle itself was a little convoluted, and so many names were thrown about that I struggled to keep them all straight even by the end.
I really enjoyed it the more I got to know everyone, but the little pockets of plot confusion just kept it from being more memorable for me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Racial slurs, Violence, Murder, and Rape
char1otte's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Very nice plot and storyline, interesting characters and it really paints a lively picture of New Orleans in 1919 (obviously, I can't comment on the accuracy thereof...). I haven't read a good 'murder mystery' in a while and thought it was really intriguing and paced just right. Definitely a book I would recommend, and I will try to pick up the sequel soon!
(Taking away one star because, sometimes, I had a hard time keeping track of the many background characters and their motivations and stories - this was made especially hard since chapters were written from so many different narrators' perspectives. Also: I missed more setting in the music scene from a novel titled 'The Axeman's Jazz'.)
(Taking away one star because, sometimes, I had a hard time keeping track of the many background characters and their motivations and stories - this was made especially hard since chapters were written from so many different narrators' perspectives. Also: I missed more setting in the music scene from a novel titled 'The Axeman's Jazz'.)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs and Racism
Minor: Gun violence, Hate crime, Misogyny, Sexual assault, Slavery, and Violence
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