"they 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 fantasy." The Axman 1918
in a city haunted by Londons own Jack the Ripper, new orleans sicillian population are targeted by a man who kills at night, sift and unseen, leaving bloody axe marks in skulls
retired detective giancarlo rabito is in pursuit of the axman, doubtful of the wide spread belief the mafia is responsible for the deaths
with no leads, hazy victims and uncertain facts the reputation the axman is mire devil then man starts to terrorize the citizens
going over the mocking letters, threats and claims to be a hellish demon, the author walks us through the crime scenes, the detectives last days and the final suspects, secrets, research and the events leading up to a city wide panic causing curfews and event cancelations
leaving behind no true arrest we are left with the taunt " I will spare those who revel in the devils music, Jazz"

Fiction, but so well researched it is like non-fiction. I’ve always been fascinated by this portion of New Orleans history, so I loved this book.

The Devil's Jazz* is a spooky, atmospheric blend of historical fiction and supernatural mystery. The setting of New Orleans is rich and immersive, and the Axman legend adds a chilling edge. Fast-paced and fun, this one’s perfect for fans of true crime with a paranormal twist. I had fun reading this!

Thanks to NetGalley and Cefalutana Press for the Advanced Reader Copy!

I received an ARC from Cefalutana Press and NetGalley, and I couldn't put it down. The chilling true tale of the Axman of New Orleans has always both horrified and fascinated me. Just imagining the eerie atmosphere of jazz music drifting through the deserted streets, all while a serial killer lurks in the shadows sent chills up my spine. "The Devil’s Jazz" offers a captivating glimpse into the vibrant culture and unsettling events of early 1900s New Orleans. From the very first page, I was hooked and couldn't stop reading

This was not what I expected it to be and it took a little while for me to re-orientate myself into this charming story of 'Little Palermo', the mysterious Axman and New Orleans in 1918.
I followed the life of our main character Giancarlo, a retired police detective, with a mixture of interest and remove - I kept feeling that the love and passion that the author obviously has for the city and history of New Orleans would be better done as a non-fiction book. When you read the afterword it confirms all the crimes mentioned are based on real life in fact.
I'm not sure I could follow the author into the paranormal completely, although I did adore all the writing about the famous French Opera House and it's ghost.
The special dream-like feel of New Orleans comes across, I just wish the author had framed the events of the novel a bit differently, or gone all into a non-fiction book which I sure would be fascinating!
3.5 stars

Vincent B. ‘Chip’ Lococo’s The Devil’s Jazz is a masterfully woven historical thriller that plunges readers into the dark, jazz-filled streets of 1918 New Orleans. With a meticulous blend of history, suspense, and atmospheric horror, Lococo brings the legend of the Axman to life in a way that is both chilling and utterly captivating.

At the center of the novel is retired detective Giancarlo Rabito, a man reluctantly pulled back into the shadows to hunt a murderer terrorizing the city’s Sicilian immigrant population. As hysteria spreads and the killer taunts New Orleans with his eerie demand—that jazz must play to stave off death—Rabito must navigate the city’s underbelly, confronting both real and imagined demons. Lococo paints a vivid portrait of a city pulsating with danger, superstition, and the intoxicating sounds of early jazz.

The novel’s strength lies in its immersive storytelling. Lococo expertly balances historical accuracy with gripping fiction, making the reader feel the oppressive heat, the smoky clubs, and the ever-present sense of dread. The Axman himself is a terrifying figure, his menace amplified by the eerie historical fact that his identity was never discovered.

For fans of true crime, historical thrillers, and gothic noir, The Devil’s Jazz is a must-read. With its evocative prose, unforgettable setting, and relentless suspense, it stands as a haunting tribute to one of America’s most mysterious serial killers and the city forever shaped by his legend.

This had an interesting premise but didn’t fully deliver for me. The story follows the infamous Axman of New Orleans, blending history, mystery, and the supernatural. While the setting and historical details were well done, the plot felt uneven, and the supernatural elements didn’t always feel convincing. Some parts were engaging, but overall, it lacked the tension and excitement I was hoping for. An okay read, but not very memorable.

New Orleans came to life in this book. Even though we're following an axman for gruesome murders and attempted murders, the cultural aspect of the vibrant city took center stage.
The Jazz vs. Opera narrative was really interesting to read about, as was the different sections of the society pointing fingers at each other.
The idea that the spirits lived on in the spaces they had internalized with their identity was a nice touch to the story.
This has the spooky vibes from the get go. Giancarlo's character had the gravity and melancholy just right. It fit in perfectly with the vintage setting of the plot. Even though it was a medium-paced book, a little unusual for mysteries, I enjoyed reading it.

Well done! a twisty, dark mix of horror and thriller set in New Orleans. Loved it
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

I love historical crime books, and when I read the blurb for The Devil's Jazz, I looked forward to reading it, as it sounded like a fascinating combination of historical crime and detective fiction. Alas, my expectations were not met; I could not get past the writing style which gave the vibe of a Wikipedia article or an essay about New Orleans at the time of the case written by a high school student for a history or English literature class.

It was filled with information about the city and its past, which is interesting, but when written in a textbook manner in a work of detective fiction, the readers ask themselves what the purpose of such chunks of text is. It didn't increase my interest in the book, nor did it add to the plot building or character work.

I gave the book as much time and chance as I could, but this was simply not the kind of historical detective fiction that I like reading, nor would I in the end recommend people to pick up this book. A shame really, because the subject matter sounds interesting, but the writing (for me) is a snoozefest.

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.

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.

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.

|:: 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. ::|

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.

Setting was good and the Axman is interesting, overall, not for me. I was never pulled in really. 100% a me problem

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.

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.

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.

First of all, I love this case! It is one of my all time favorites to teach about, and my high school students love trying to solve it. I’m also madly in love with NOLA. The research for this book is meticulous and well done. However, the transitions between the fact sections of the book and the fiction sections are clunky and really need an editor to smooth them out. Also, the fantastical elements of the story were a little surprising. I like the way the author wove the Axman into the burning of the opera house, but the resolution of the book was a bit cliched. With some reworking, this could be wonderful, but it’s not there yet.