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.

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.

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.

I went into this expecting a normal non-fiction book about the murders. I started out upset at getting a novel, but as I kept going I was surprised at how good this was.

The Devil's Jazz: The Haunted Chronicles of the Axman of New Orleans, A Novel by Vincent B. "Chip" LoCoco was received directly from the publisher and I chose to review it. I had never read the author but I have been to New Orleans many times, for what that is worth. The fiction book based on true events. The book is, at times, a crime procedural book that is interesting, mostly never boring and has a nice history of New Orleans, jazz, some voodoo and of course New Orleans spirits, of both the ghostly and alcohol kind. If you, or someone you buy gifts for enjoys New Orleans or ghosts, serial killers, this book could be a nice holiday gift.

4 Stars

I am grateful to have received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This was a very smooth, engaging, fast, and intriguing mystery. The historical details are a phenomenal and added bonus to the mystery of the Axman murders. Readers not only get to experience the chilling mystery of the murders, and fears and conspiracies of the residents, but also get to enjoy additional details about the history of New Orleans and the Voodoo and Jazz culture during the time period. I even watched a documentary about this time period while reading the book because these additional details were so intriguing. I also very quickly connected with the main character and secondary characters, and maintained that connection, empathizing with and rooting for him and them throughout the book, which also helps pull you into the story. This is a great, entertaining, and quick read that is full of information and mystery to keep you hooked!

This book was beautifully written, and I enjoyed every page. The writing style was very artistic and poetic. The author had a way of making you feel like you were in New Orleans. The characters were well written, and the plot was planned very well. I enjoyed the weaving of historical fiction, supernatural and true crime all in one book. It was interesting and fascinating at the same time. I was hooked from the first page. I can't wait for more from this author.

Thank you Net Galley ARC and Cefalutana Press

This was such a wonderful read!
New Orleans is my favorite city so the wonderful descriptions of the city were fantastic. It painted New Orleans in a way I could truly envision.
The overall narrative with the retired detective was fantastic and well done.
The true crime aspect of the story was so well researched that it really grabbed you, but didn't take away from all the other aspects of the story.

As a fan of historical fiction, murder mysteries, and New Orleans, this book checked a LOT of boxes. The historical aspects of this book were incorporated in a way that a reader could explore a topic further on their own while the details stayed relevant to the story. (Sometimes historical bits are forced into a storyline, I didn't feel that with this book.) I loved how the author told the stories of beautiful New Orleans and included things which aren't general knowledge, including the Sicilian history.
At the end did I want more? Yes! There are facets of this book that leave me unsettled, as a good mystery should. Did the author do it justice, absolutely.

I wasn’t familiar with the Axman of New Orleans and was drawn to this book to learn more about him. This was an interesting telling of the story. I felt it embraced the essence of New Orleans. I didn’t realize there was a Sicilian population in New Orleans. What the Axeman did to his victims was horrific and the author did a good job of describing the details. The ending wrapped it up well.

Thank you to the author, Cefalutana Press, and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

As someone from the New Orleans area, I am very familiar with this story. In fact, I know several people who still play Jazz on the anniversary of the crime(s). A fabulous read. Definitely recommend.

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.

My Take:
I was not familiar with this history of New Orleans. This book felt evocative-I could feel the swampiness and apparitions. I would recommend this book to people who like historical mysteries, intrigued by New Orleans, and don't mind their genre bending to include horror.

The Devil’s Jazz: The Haunted Chronicles of the Axman of New Orleans" is a gripping blend of historical horror and supernatural mystery that brings the infamous legend to life. The atmospheric writing immerses you in the eerie, jazz-soaked streets of early 20th-century New Orleans, making the story feel both haunting and cinematic. With compelling characters and a chilling, suspenseful plot, this book is a must-read for fans of true crime-inspired horror.

Reading a bit more like a history of New Orleans, this book with supernatural undertones tells the story of a retired detective's search for the Axman, a serial killer who terrorized New Orleans in the earlier part of the 20th century. Filled with interesting historical tidbits of New Orleans, Giancarlo Ribito investigates the murders of Sicilian storeowners in the immigrant sections of New Orleans. Interesting blend of history and police investigation, I enjoyed this book.

|:: The Devil's Jazz: The Haunted Chronicles Of The Axman Of New Orleans.
By Vincent B. “Chip” LoCoco
Chapter 12 Page 94
The Strange Case of the Besumers
4.5 🌟🌟🌟🌟💫

[ The afternoon edition of the Daily States printed a very interesting interview. Unnamed detectives within the police had sat down with Mark Gilson, a reporter. They proceeded to ridicule and call into question the belief that these latest attacks were all the actions of one individual. Each attack was separate and distinct, they opined.
Chief Mooney was incensed that these unnamed men would go behind his back and assure the public that the attacks were unrelated, when his belief was tending toward the fact that they were in fact connected. He stood in the kitchen inside his home early that evening, drinking an Old Fashioned to relieve the sting of betrayal. ]

In this dark and intense account of the Axman that terrorised New Orleans from Detective Giancarlo Rabito, we are invited on a crash course of death, magic, and beyond.
The beloved and well-respected detective was finally listening to his doctors and slowing down. He was going to retire and live out the rest of his days in peace and tranquility if he had earned that, while his heart allowed him to.

His journey through his retirement is fraught with sorrows and trepidation leading him down paths that earlier in his career, he would never have dared to walk. But there is an evil nemesis who has shared his intent with the world just as Detective Rabito dared to bow out of it in peace.

Will this ailing adversary be caught? Will GianCarlo have enough time to avenge the thorn embedded in his side for years?

I loved this story. It was written with so much care and detailed creativity I could hear the jazz playing and the soft laughter and chatter from residents of Little Palermo as they went about the day to day business. I had never heard of the Axman of New Orleans, and I didn't know much about New Orleans or American History before reading this book. Being born in the UK, I thought I would be at a disadvantage, but with the care and passion flowing from this book, I was able to fully immerse myself in 19th Century Sicilian life in the French Quarter. I thoroughly enjoyed this new arrangement of storytelling and the presence of history and communicational intent the author shared with his readers. It's a book I would gladly pass on to others.


A huge thank you to Vincent B. “Chip” LoCoco, Cefalutana Press, and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and relay my honest feedback. ::|

I want to thank NetGalley for the ARC of The Devil’s Jazz: The Haunted Chronicles of the Axman of New Orleans by Vincent B. LoCoco in exchange for an honest review.

Vincent LoCoco explores the story of one of America’s first Serial killers in an engaging poetic way. Not only does he highlight a dark time in America, particularly New Orleans but he also adds knowledge of the fact that at one time Sicilians were a large part of the fabric of New Orleans. Vincent LoCoco writes with vivid imagery that transports the reader back to the early 1900’s where you can see and hear the hustle and bustle of a vibrant city filled with life… and fear of the Axman.

Readers who enjoy Historical fiction with an unsolved crime/ serial killer will love this book. Vincent LoCoco describes the crime scenes in detail, but the descriptions are not overly gory. Fans of New Orleans will also enjoy this book. Vincent LoCoco weaves in historical places, jazz, supernatural elements and Voodoo into the story to give the reader a full experience of what life was like in New Orleans in the early 1900's.

A historical fiction set in early 1900s New Orleans. That got my attention, but add in a detective, an infamous serial killer, and a little Voodoo on the side, now I'm intrigued. I found myself immediately drawn into the story from the very first page. It's well written with its rich detail and well rounded characters that I stayed up all night reading it from cover to cover. I think this would also make a great audio book too.

ARC provided by the publisher-Cefalutana Press and received through NetGalley-in exchange for an honest review. This was a thoroughly enjoyable mystery. I live only about two hours away from New Orleans and many of the places and going ons of the city were pretty spot on in the book. The supernatural aspect of the city is still prevalent today and Giancarlo was an amazing detective. I received a digital copy of The Devil’s Jazz but I will be buying a physical copy for my library. Definitely worth the read.