The Axeman

July 27, 2015
The eponymous killer of Celestin’s strong debut has thrown the people of 1919 New Orleans into a panic as he slaughters one family after another. Three tormented investigators with very different agendas are in pursuit. Det. Lt. Michael Talbot, a white man, heads the official manhunt while hiding his illegal marriage to an African-American woman. Luca D’Andrea, a corrupt white ex-cop just released from prison, has been assigned to the case by the local Mafia boss, who’s disturbed that the murders are heightening police alertness. And 19-year-old African-American Ida Davis, assisted by her musician friend known as Lil’ Lewis Armstrong, is trying to demonstrate that she can be more than a secretary at the local Pinkerton office. Celestin deftly weaves the rich history of New Orleans into the multiple plot lines while highlighting racial prejudice and political corruption that are more appalling than the Axeman’s crimes. In sum, this is a tasty bowl of gumbo with a side of dirty rice.