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swfountaine's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
christina_34's review against another edition
3.0
This book took me awhile to finish even though I wouldn't say it was bad or that it wasn't interesting. My main problem was that it wasn't that captivating.
The author achieved to transfer me in 1927 Chicago and his writing made me want to know more about Capone, Armstrong and the gangsters.
I don't think I will reread it any time soon but I recommend it.
The author achieved to transfer me in 1927 Chicago and his writing made me want to know more about Capone, Armstrong and the gangsters.
I don't think I will reread it any time soon but I recommend it.
thebooktrail88's review against another edition
5.0
Visit the locations via the Literary Travel Agency Dead man's blues booktrail
WOW! This isn’t just a novel, it’s an experience – a jazz and blues and booze fuelled chase through the Chicago of Al Capone. It was action from page one and it grabs you from the scruff of your neck and never lets you go. Apart from when the hand shoves you down a back alley, leaves you to wonder how the hell you’re going to work out what’s going on before picking you up and ramming you into the next chapter.
Brilliant stuff. The world of Al Capone and the wonderful Louis Armstrong is brought to life and then some. Music filters through the pages – there’s a playlist to really bring the book to live but I love jazz and blues so much I was singing in my head. It was a real honour to meet these people -especially Louis as he plays a major role in this novel.
It’s more of an immersive experience than a novel – it has everything and fully recreates the world of 1920s Chicago and the time where gangsters controlled cities and blues music was infused in every single Chicago day. This is the city of speakeasies, jazz, the fledgling recording industry, police corruption, drugs, violence, gangsters and blues.
Highly recommended. Buy it now. Live it. You won’t regret it
WOW! This isn’t just a novel, it’s an experience – a jazz and blues and booze fuelled chase through the Chicago of Al Capone. It was action from page one and it grabs you from the scruff of your neck and never lets you go. Apart from when the hand shoves you down a back alley, leaves you to wonder how the hell you’re going to work out what’s going on before picking you up and ramming you into the next chapter.
Brilliant stuff. The world of Al Capone and the wonderful Louis Armstrong is brought to life and then some. Music filters through the pages – there’s a playlist to really bring the book to live but I love jazz and blues so much I was singing in my head. It was a real honour to meet these people -especially Louis as he plays a major role in this novel.
It’s more of an immersive experience than a novel – it has everything and fully recreates the world of 1920s Chicago and the time where gangsters controlled cities and blues music was infused in every single Chicago day. This is the city of speakeasies, jazz, the fledgling recording industry, police corruption, drugs, violence, gangsters and blues.
Highly recommended. Buy it now. Live it. You won’t regret it
crazytourists_books's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I really loved it. Gangsters, prohibition, shootings, adventures, love, friendships, treasons, music, subtle feminism and anti-racism. This book has it all. And what an atmosphere!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Alcohol, Mental illness, Addiction, Homophobia, Gun violence, Murder, Sexism, Racism, Injury/Injury detail, Grief, Drug use, Death, and Blood
iainkelly_writing's review against another edition
5.0
The previous book 'The Axeman's Jazz', was good, this follow up was a step up - excellent. An engrossing tale in 1920s Chicago circling around prohibition, Al Capone, jazz, Louis Armstrong and more. A series that is getting better as it goes along, looking forward to the next book.
bibliophilecats's review against another edition
challenging
dark
medium-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
tradepaperback's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5