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sofia_the_scholar's review against another edition
5.0
New Orleans, 1919, with a serial killer on the loose, who apparently likes jazz. Who wouldn't want to read a book with a setting like that?
This book, even though it had three different POVs, didn't tire me at all. It was great for a lot of reasons, the first one being the era. Celestin had the talent to describe both sides of New Orleans. It was interesting to learn about how multi-cultural this town actually was: Creoles, Cajuns, Italians, African American. But obviously it had a darker side: the mafias and their vendettas, how a mix-coloured couple was frowned upon, how mixed-race kids were not accepted by either of their races because theu were either too black or too white for them.
The story was also really good. I had a brief knowledge of the Axeman case, but I liked how Celestin wrote a version of his that may as well have actually been true. The investigations of Talbot were thrilling, Luca's findings all the more interesting and let us not forget the powerful duo of Ida and Lewis. I also really liked Simone as a secondary character.
As the story progresses and we come close to find the Axeman, I kinda got an idea oh who was related to the murder but not the actual one, and then I found out and it all came together. But again, it wasn't exactly that obvious.
The vocabulary of the story was amazing, obviously it was well-researched and I definitely recommend it. Even if you don't like crime thrillers, you'll love this one for sure!
This book, even though it had three different POVs, didn't tire me at all. It was great for a lot of reasons, the first one being the era. Celestin had the talent to describe both sides of New Orleans. It was interesting to learn about how multi-cultural this town actually was: Creoles, Cajuns, Italians, African American. But obviously it had a darker side: the mafias and their vendettas, how a mix-coloured couple was frowned upon, how mixed-race kids were not accepted by either of their races because theu were either too black or too white for them.
The story was also really good. I had a brief knowledge of the Axeman case, but I liked how Celestin wrote a version of his that may as well have actually been true. The investigations of Talbot were thrilling, Luca's findings all the more interesting and let us not forget the powerful duo of Ida and Lewis. I also really liked Simone as a secondary character.
As the story progresses and we come close to find the Axeman, I kinda got an idea oh who was related to the murder but not the actual one, and then I found out and it all came together. But again, it wasn't exactly that obvious.
The vocabulary of the story was amazing, obviously it was well-researched and I definitely recommend it. Even if you don't like crime thrillers, you'll love this one for sure!
amo111's review against another edition
1.0
Had too many POV making it a bit janky and confusing all for a mediocre plot. It could've been cool if there were 2 POVs that it switched between but having this many main characters made parts seem forgettable and boring.
coffee_books_breathe's review against another edition
5.0
This book was so good! I actually loved everything about this book and enjoyed every single page.
I loved the story, the characters, the setting, the writing, the cover. Everything.
I've always wanted to go to New Orleans, so I loved how this book painted the city and made me feel like, and wish, I was there.
I found all the characters lovable, flaws and all. My heart broke for them all on many occasions, but they all had the strength to carry on. I didn't expect this book to play with my heart, but it realy did. I was invested in all the characters, their personal stories as well as their investigations of the Axeman's Murders.
Set in 1918-1919, it really opens your eyes to how different the world was back then. You see the kindness of strangers, and hardships for people who are different. I find it heartbreaking knowing how badly people were treated just because of there race or colour, but that is often the truth of the world.
This book was excellent and made me feel a lot more than I expected from a murder mystery. I most definitely will be reading the next two books in this series, and the third when it is out in September. I have discovered a new author to add to my favourites list.
I loved the story, the characters, the setting, the writing, the cover. Everything.
I've always wanted to go to New Orleans, so I loved how this book painted the city and made me feel like, and wish, I was there.
I found all the characters lovable, flaws and all. My heart broke for them all on many occasions, but they all had the strength to carry on. I didn't expect this book to play with my heart, but it realy did. I was invested in all the characters, their personal stories as well as their investigations of the Axeman's Murders.
Set in 1918-1919, it really opens your eyes to how different the world was back then. You see the kindness of strangers, and hardships for people who are different. I find it heartbreaking knowing how badly people were treated just because of there race or colour, but that is often the truth of the world.
This book was excellent and made me feel a lot more than I expected from a murder mystery. I most definitely will be reading the next two books in this series, and the third when it is out in September. I have discovered a new author to add to my favourites list.
emjayvee's review against another edition
3.0
Not bad, but not nearly as good as a 'Best crime novel of the year' should be. Should have made more of the setting. Rattling plot but lacks depth.
_t3gz_'s review against another edition
challenging
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
jessgrace88's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture, Police brutality, Sexual violence, and Murder
Moderate: Pedophilia and War
Minor: Blood, Domestic abuse, Alcohol, Addiction, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, and Abortion
beytwice's review against another edition
5.0
A beautifully written thriller; all expectations were exceeded as I did not anticipate Celestin’s first novel to be a five-star read for me. The storylines are not so separate as to feel disjointed, only intertwining in very subtle instances, but correlated enough to let the story flow and tell itself perfectly.
The atmosphere is drenched in musical tones and conveys the spirit of New Orleans to a T. Locations in general are depicted with great imagery, from the claustrophobic scene of a party to the watery half-world of the bayou. Nothing but praise and excitement to read the next.
The atmosphere is drenched in musical tones and conveys the spirit of New Orleans to a T. Locations in general are depicted with great imagery, from the claustrophobic scene of a party to the watery half-world of the bayou. Nothing but praise and excitement to read the next.
whatthefawkes's review against another edition
DNF @ 33% - I honestly wish I could have loved this more but I am super bored
fros86's review against another edition
5.0
Totally hooked on this from the beginning. Suitably grisly for a crime/thriller, it also has a well-researched musical side. A great read, but maybe not just before bedtime!!
lukebrown414's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5