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A review by rosieclaverton
The Axeman's Jazz by Ray Celestin
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.