Inspired by a true story set against the heady backdrop of jazz-filled mob-ruled New Orleans
The Axeman'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 Year Recommended on the Radio 2 Arts Show with Claudia Winkleman Shortlisted for
Theakston's Crime Novel of the Year Award New Orleans 1919. As a dark serial killer - the
Axeman - stalks the city three individuals set out to unmask him: Detective Lieutenant
Michael Talbot - heading up the official investigation but struggling to find leads and
harbouring a grave secret of his own. Former detective Luca d'Andrea - 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 - 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 - and into terrible danger . . . As Michael
Luca and Ida each draw closer to discovering the killer'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' - The Guardian
The 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 .
