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rosieclaverton's review
3.0
The Axeman's Jazz is based on the true story of a serial killer in 1919, weaving together an intricate and fascinating picture of post-war, pre-prohibition, Mafia-influenced and Jazz-soaked New Orleans.
The multiple protagonists are all unlikely detectives, even the actual police officer with his taboo personal life, the ex-cop Mafioso, and the first black female Pinkerton (who's mates with one Lewis Armstrong).
I enjoyed the characters a great deal and loved getting to know them. Unfortunately, I was forced to take a break between several big reveals and the final pages, and the tension dropped off for me - however, I think that was a personal mistake rather than a reflection of the book.
I am very much looking forward to the Chicago-set sequel featuring Mister Alphonse Capone.
The multiple protagonists are all unlikely detectives, even the actual police officer with his taboo personal life, the ex-cop Mafioso, and the first black female Pinkerton (who's mates with one Lewis Armstrong).
I enjoyed the characters a great deal and loved getting to know them. Unfortunately, I was forced to take a break between several big reveals and the final pages, and the tension dropped off for me - however, I think that was a personal mistake rather than a reflection of the book.
I am very much looking forward to the Chicago-set sequel featuring Mister Alphonse Capone.
mikecarter161's review
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
abbslemmen's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
nicjohnston's review
4.0
A hugely enjoyable thriller which has been sitting in my TBR pipe since I saw the author at a debut author event when the book was released. Deeply atmospheric and rich in both setting and characterisations. My only slight irk is that it is a little flabby and unnecessarily complex in the final third. Overall a 4.5*.
juliehunt77's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
samjack's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
bookjac's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
pakebrokenshire's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25