The Devil's Jazz: The Haunted Chronicles of the Axman of New Orleans

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Pub Date 1 Sep 2024 | Archive Date 30 Apr 2025

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Description

"Captivating...a compelling true-crime-style horror novel about taking down...the serial killer that only the Crescent City could spawn." - Independent Book Review

They have never caught me and they never will . . . I have been, am, and will be the worst spirit that ever existed either in fact or the realm of fancy.” – The Axman

A masterfully crafted, deeply researched, and gripping tale of suspense and horror, The Devil’s Jazz brings the colorful and sordid characters of the Big Easy to life.

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.

His reputation more devil than man, The Axman mocks the citizens of New Orleans through a chilling letter to the newspaper, actually claiming to be a hellish demon. His ominous taunt: he will spare those who revel in the devil’s music, jazz, during his chosen night of killing.

New Orleans residents play jazz all night long, the rhythmic pulse of a city held captive by fear.

Venture deep into the soul of New Orleans where secrets thicken the humid air, and mingle with the spirits, in this thrilling can’t-miss homage to one of the most vibrant and culturally rich American cities.

"Captivating...a compelling true-crime-style horror novel about taking down...the serial killer that only the Crescent City could spawn." - Independent Book Review

They have never caught me and they...


A Note From the Publisher

A fictional account of the true story of the Axman of New Orleans, one of America's earliest serial killers. Between 1910-1919, the Axman terrorized the citizens of the Crescent City, and in particular the large Sicilian immigrant community, as most of his attacks were committed against grocery store owners of Sicilian heritage.

A fictional account of the true story of the Axman of New Orleans, one of America's earliest serial killers. Between 1910-1919, the Axman terrorized the citizens of the Crescent City, and in...


Advance Praise

"A tense and compelling story that kept me turning pages well past my bedtime. LoCoco paints a vivid picture of New Orleans during a dark and turbulent era. The city's sometimes forgotten Sicilian past takes center stage, along with unforgettable characters, unsettling spirits, and thrilling plot twists." — Elisa M. Speranza, author of The Italian Prisoner

"A tense and compelling story that kept me turning pages well past my bedtime. LoCoco paints a vivid picture of New Orleans during a dark and turbulent era. The city's sometimes forgotten Sicilian...


Marketing Plan

11/5 Book Club Discussion of The Devil's Jazz, Private

11/7 Book Club Private Talk, New Orleans

12/23 NetGalley Category Spotlight

11/5 Book Club Discussion of The Devil's Jazz, Private

11/7 Book Club Private Talk, New Orleans

12/23 NetGalley Category Spotlight


Available Editions

EDITION Ebook
ISBN 9798986896335
PRICE US$9.99 (USD)

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Average rating from 6 members


Featured Reviews

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.

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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.

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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.

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