In the sultry heart of New Orleans, a city haunted by the legacy of Jack the Ripper’s reign of terror in London, a new menace emerges. The year is 1918, and the Axman of New Orleans prowls the cobblestone streets, targeting the city’s large population of Sicilian immigrants.

Retired detective Giancarlo Rabito is reluctantly drawn into the shadows, entangled in the pursuit of the Axman, challenging the wide-spread belief that the Mafia is responsible. Hysteria grips New Orleans with each gruesome crime as the axe swings across the city, with no leads and hazy recollections from surviving victims.

This is a fictional account of a true crime serial killer in the early years of the twentieth century. While the writing is very good, and the author paints a very clear picture of New Orleans in the early ages of Jazz, he fails to catch my full attention.
I so wanted to love this, The Axman has always facinated me. But for me, this just did not hit the mark. While it is above so many books out there, Mr. LoCoco missed the target with me because the story felt disjointed and uneven. My mind kept wandering as I read, and it shouldn't have.

This may be perfect for others who don't mind if the story is slightly unengaging.

Thanks to @netgalley and Cefalutana Press for the opportunity to read this eArc in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.

The Devil's Jazz: The Haunted Chronicles of the Axman of New Orleans is a beautifully written piece of historical fiction. LoCoco has a poetic way with prose, and is able to really give you a feel for the world of New Orleans.

The author blends the story of a retired detective with that of the gruesome murders that took place. The story itself though is so much more - it is a story of love and life and resilience, in addition to a story of murder and the underworld (both literally and figuratively). The rich cast of characters he brings to life adds to the story, making you feel as though you know them.

This is a story that anyone who enjoys historical fiction, the occult, or true crime would enjoy. Although there are some gory scenes, it is so much more than gore.

This was everything that I was looking for and enjoyed about historical fiction books with the true crime element. The characters were everything that I was looking for and enjoyed the overall feel that I was hoping for. Vincent B. "Chip" LoCoco wrote this well and left me wanting more from the author.

I realised too late that this was not a non-fiction account of the day true events but instead a fiction piece. This unfortunately coloured how I viewed the story and I was a little disappointed.

Book Review: The Devil's Jazz: The Haunted Chronicles of the Axman of New Orleans by Vincent B. "Chip" LoCoco

Rating: 3 Stars

When I picked up The Devil's Jazz, I was drawn in by the promise of a gripping tale steeped in suspense and horror, set against the sultry backdrop of New Orleans. The premise seemed thrilling: a mysterious killer known as the Axman is on the loose in 1918, targeting Sicilian grocers. The tension is palpable as the retired detective Giancarlo Rabito, grappling with his own demons, is pulled back into the fray to uncover the truth behind this shadowy figure.

To summarize what I gathered from the book, the Axman is not just a cold-blooded killer; he claims to be more than that—almost a supernatural entity. He sends chilling letters to the local newspaper, asserting his identity as a devilish spirit and threatening to spare those who indulge in jazz on his chosen night of terror. With each murder, fear grips the city like a vice, and as the jazz pulses through the air, it feels as if New Orleans itself is held captive by this phantom menace.

However, as I delved deeper into the narrative, I found myself feeling a bit let down. While the initial chapters had me eagerly flipping pages, hoping for a spine-tingling adventure, I eventually realized that the storylines felt somewhat disjointed. The idea of exploring the spirit world for answers was intriguing, particularly given that some survivors suspected the Axman might be more ghost than man. Still, this angle didn’t quite gel with me as much as I had hoped.

The pacing varied dramatically throughout the book. Some sections were well-crafted and engaging, while others dragged on or felt rushed. As a reader, I craved more consistency in flow and connection between the storylines. It didn't help that the epilogue revealed that this was a fictionalized take on true events; it left me wanting to know more about the actual historical context rather than just the fictional dramatization.

In conclusion, The Devil's Jazz has its moments of brilliance and intrigue that showcase the rich and haunted history of New Orleans. Vincent B. "Chip" LoCoco certainly paints a vivid picture of a city gripped by fear and superstition. However, for me, it missed the mark on delivering a consistently engaging experience. I'd give it a solid three stars—there's potential here, but it just didn’t hit all the right notes for my taste. If you’re fascinated by tales of historical horror and are willing to wade through some uneven storytelling, it might still be worth your time.

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

Early 1900's New Orleans comes to life, with the Black Hand in the near past, but prejudices still lingering and police biases coloring investigations. Rich in atmosphere, we feel like we are there, fearing a brutal killer that seemingly disappears into the night. Great historical context and a feel for the city.