The Axeman's Jazz

Inspired by a true story, set against the heady backdrop of jazz-filled, mob-ruled New Orleans, The AxemanâEUR(TM)s Jazz by Ray Celestin is a gripping thriller announcing a major talent in historical crime fiction.Winner of the CWA New Blood Dagger for Best Debut Crime Novel of the YearRecommended on the Radio 2 Arts Show with Claudia WinklemanShortlisted for Theakston's Crime Novel of the Year AwardNew Orleans, 1919. As a dark serial killer âEUR" the Axeman âEUR" stalks the city, three individuals set out to unmask him:Detective Lieutenant Michael Talbot âEUR" heading up the official investigation, but struggling to find leads, and harbouring a grave secret of his own.Former detective Luca dâEUR(TM)Andrea âEUR" now working for the mafia, his need to solve the mystery of the Axeman is every bit as urgent as that of the authorities.And Ida âEUR" a secretary at the Pinkerton Detective Agency. Obsessed with Sherlock Holmes and dreaming of a better life, she stumbles across a clue which lures her and her musician friend, Louis Armstrong, into the case âEUR" and into terrible danger . . .As Michael, Luca and Ida each draw closer to discovering the killerâEUR(TM)s identity, the Axeman himself will issue a challenge to the people of New Orleans: play jazz, or risk becoming the next victim.'A fascinating portrait of a vibrant and volatile city and a riveting read' âEUR" The GuardianThe Axeman's Jazz is the first book in Ray Celestin's prize-winning City Blues quartet. It is followed by the second installment, Dead Man's Blues.