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City Blues Quartet #2
Dead Mans Blues
Dead Man's Blues is the gripping historical crime novel from Ray Celestin, the author of The Axeman's Jazz, winner of the CWA John Creasey (New Blood) Dagger for Best First Novel.
Chicago, 1928. In the stifling summer heat three investigations begin...
Pinkerton detectives Michael Talbot and Ida Davis are hired to locate a missing heiress. But it proves harder than expected to find a woman known across the city.
After being called to a gruesome murder in Chicago's violent Black Belt, crime-scene photographer Jacob Russo can't get the dead man's image out of his head, and decides to track down the culprit himself.
And with a group of city leaders poisoned at the Ritz, Dante Sanfelippo - rum-runner and fixer - is called in by Al Capone to discover whether someone is trying to bring down his empire.
As the three parties edge closer to the truth, their paths will cross and their lives will be threatened. But will any of them find the answers they need in the city of blues, booze and brutality?
Chicago, 1928. In the stifling summer heat three investigations begin...
Pinkerton detectives Michael Talbot and Ida Davis are hired to locate a missing heiress. But it proves harder than expected to find a woman known across the city.
After being called to a gruesome murder in Chicago's violent Black Belt, crime-scene photographer Jacob Russo can't get the dead man's image out of his head, and decides to track down the culprit himself.
And with a group of city leaders poisoned at the Ritz, Dante Sanfelippo - rum-runner and fixer - is called in by Al Capone to discover whether someone is trying to bring down his empire.
As the three parties edge closer to the truth, their paths will cross and their lives will be threatened. But will any of them find the answers they need in the city of blues, booze and brutality?
496 pages, Paperback
First published August 11, 2016
162 people are currently reading
2975 people want to read
About the author
Ray Celestin
10 books555 followersHello. I write novels and screenplays and very occasionally, short stories and comic-books.
My new latest novel, Sunset Swing, was published in paperback in August. It’s the final instalment in the multi-award-winning ‘City Blues Quartet’ -- a series of novels plotting the intertwined history of Jazz and the Mob through six decades in the 20th century.
Sunset Swing won two daggers at this year’s CWA (Crime Writer Association) awards:
The Golden Dagger for best crime novel of the year
The Historical Dagger for best historical novel of the year
It’s also had a great response from reviewers:
The Times ‘Books of the Year’
The Financial Times ‘Books of the Year’
Five Star review in The Sunday Telegraph
The Sunday Times ‘Historical Novel of the Month’
The Times ‘Thriller of the Month’
Discover more at raycelestin.com
My new latest novel, Sunset Swing, was published in paperback in August. It’s the final instalment in the multi-award-winning ‘City Blues Quartet’ -- a series of novels plotting the intertwined history of Jazz and the Mob through six decades in the 20th century.
Sunset Swing won two daggers at this year’s CWA (Crime Writer Association) awards:
The Golden Dagger for best crime novel of the year
The Historical Dagger for best historical novel of the year
It’s also had a great response from reviewers:
The Times ‘Books of the Year’
The Financial Times ‘Books of the Year’
Five Star review in The Sunday Telegraph
The Sunday Times ‘Historical Novel of the Month’
The Times ‘Thriller of the Month’
Discover more at raycelestin.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 322 reviews
July 31, 2016
Ray Celestin's last book won a CWA dagger, and on the basis of this novel, I am not surprised. This is part of a series of Jazz and Mobsters, and it is a brilliant read. It is a historical crime thriller set in 1920s Chicago and you feel as if you are right there in the city. It begins with Louis Armstrong boarding a train in New Orleans to Chicago where he will join a jazz band. The structure of the story follows almost entirely the innovative Louis Armstrong album, West End Blues. This was released in 1927, but the author moves it to 1928 to fit the story, as he does with the Dempsey vs Tunney fight which features at the end of the book.
Jacob Russo, is a police photographer of crime scenes who has always wanted to be a cop. He is at a gruesome crime scene where Benjamin Roebuck has been brutally murdered. He cannot help but begin investigating, helped by a police officer and an old newspaper man, Lowenthal. Ida and Michael are Pinkerton detectives who have been hired by the wealthy Mrs Van Haren to find her daughter, Gwendolyn. Despite numerous attempts to dissuade them, Ida and Michael are determined. Dante, a heroin user with a tragic family history, has returned to Chicago from New York where he is a fixer. He has been summoned by Al Capone to find a traitor in his ranks who is behind the poisoned champagne at a party hosted by Al.
All three investigations turn out to be connected. Jacob ends up working with Ida and Michael. Ida and Michael meet Dante in the most tragic of circumstances. This is the most harrowing and blood drenched trails with an ever rising body count. It takes in corruption, betrayal, conspiracies, mobsters, prohibition, drugs, bone deep racism and the jazz scene. We have encounters with Louis, Cab Calloway and Bix Beiderbecke. The descriptions of Chicago bring alive the city, the social strata, the politics, and the era magnificently, not to mention sport with Babe Ruth and the Dempsey vs Tunney fight.
The author has certainly done his research, although he does take the liberty of moving the occasional event. The plotting is impeccable and the writing style immediately captivates the reader. The characters are wonderful, make an impression and are of the era. The racism of the time is captured so well. I loved this book and was so sorry when it ended. Highly recommended and a superb read. Thanks to PanMacmillan for an ARC.
Jacob Russo, is a police photographer of crime scenes who has always wanted to be a cop. He is at a gruesome crime scene where Benjamin Roebuck has been brutally murdered. He cannot help but begin investigating, helped by a police officer and an old newspaper man, Lowenthal. Ida and Michael are Pinkerton detectives who have been hired by the wealthy Mrs Van Haren to find her daughter, Gwendolyn. Despite numerous attempts to dissuade them, Ida and Michael are determined. Dante, a heroin user with a tragic family history, has returned to Chicago from New York where he is a fixer. He has been summoned by Al Capone to find a traitor in his ranks who is behind the poisoned champagne at a party hosted by Al.
All three investigations turn out to be connected. Jacob ends up working with Ida and Michael. Ida and Michael meet Dante in the most tragic of circumstances. This is the most harrowing and blood drenched trails with an ever rising body count. It takes in corruption, betrayal, conspiracies, mobsters, prohibition, drugs, bone deep racism and the jazz scene. We have encounters with Louis, Cab Calloway and Bix Beiderbecke. The descriptions of Chicago bring alive the city, the social strata, the politics, and the era magnificently, not to mention sport with Babe Ruth and the Dempsey vs Tunney fight.
The author has certainly done his research, although he does take the liberty of moving the occasional event. The plotting is impeccable and the writing style immediately captivates the reader. The characters are wonderful, make an impression and are of the era. The racism of the time is captured so well. I loved this book and was so sorry when it ended. Highly recommended and a superb read. Thanks to PanMacmillan for an ARC.
August 7, 2016
I loved “The Axeman’s Jazz,” and so was delighted to read this sequel. In fact, this is the second in a proposed four book quartet and will, hopefully, feature many of the characters that we have come to know and care for. This book opens in 1922 with Louis Armstrong leaving New Orleans for Chicago. Fast forward a little to 1928 and we meet up with Michael Talbot and Ida Davis, now working for the Pinkerton National Detective Agency. They are visited by Mrs Van Haren, from one of Chicago’s most distinguished families. Her daughter, the heiress Gwendolyn Van Haren, has gone missing – as has the fiancé she was to marry shortly, Charles Coulton Junior. With a very generous financial incentive from Mrs Van Haren, the two set off to see how the young woman could have seemingly vanished on an innocent shopping trip..
Along with this storyline, others intersect. There is Dante Sanfelippo, who has been asked by Al Capone to investigate a poisoning at a political party he gave, and the death of a gangster in an alleyway, which sees crime scene photographer Jacob Russo joining up with Michael and Ida. The author effortlessly weaves both stories and characters, giving us a wonderful portrait of prohibition era Chicago along the way. This is a city of speakeasies, rent parties, jazz, industry, the fledgling recording industry, police corruption, movies, drugs, violence and – above all – gangsters. I also love the way the author introduces new characters effortlessly; always carrying the reader along with him. Although I would suggest you read, “The Axeman’s Jazz,” first, this could easily be read as a stand alone novel.
As in the previous novel, this is alive with cameo appearances. Louis Armstrong, of course, appears again and so do others, such as Clara Bow. However, the greatest cameo in this book, in my opinion, is that of Al Capone. A man aware that he is under attack from enemies; who constantly tries to stay one step ahead, while all too aware of his own shortcomings and of what causes them. His easy violence, and the fear he causes those who interact with him, is brilliantly written. Perfectly plotted, wonderfully realised, brilliantly researched and an absolute triumph, I cannot wait to read on. I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review.
Along with this storyline, others intersect. There is Dante Sanfelippo, who has been asked by Al Capone to investigate a poisoning at a political party he gave, and the death of a gangster in an alleyway, which sees crime scene photographer Jacob Russo joining up with Michael and Ida. The author effortlessly weaves both stories and characters, giving us a wonderful portrait of prohibition era Chicago along the way. This is a city of speakeasies, rent parties, jazz, industry, the fledgling recording industry, police corruption, movies, drugs, violence and – above all – gangsters. I also love the way the author introduces new characters effortlessly; always carrying the reader along with him. Although I would suggest you read, “The Axeman’s Jazz,” first, this could easily be read as a stand alone novel.
As in the previous novel, this is alive with cameo appearances. Louis Armstrong, of course, appears again and so do others, such as Clara Bow. However, the greatest cameo in this book, in my opinion, is that of Al Capone. A man aware that he is under attack from enemies; who constantly tries to stay one step ahead, while all too aware of his own shortcomings and of what causes them. His easy violence, and the fear he causes those who interact with him, is brilliantly written. Perfectly plotted, wonderfully realised, brilliantly researched and an absolute triumph, I cannot wait to read on. I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review.
March 3, 2017
Very enjoyable historical fiction, based on 1920s Chicago. This is the second in the series, the third and fourth still to be written. Intertwined with this is the story of Louis Armstrong. Although his part is fairly minor in terms of moving the plot along, the author has cleverly structured the story in line with one of Armstrong's pieces.
I really like Ida and Michael our two protagonist detectives who work in this book for the Pinkerton Detective Agency. The novel is set 10 years on from the first and so Ida has had time to develop and hone her skills.
I really like the exploration of segregation and colour in line with the birth and development of jazz. For example, white musicians taking the newly developing jazz scene and playing it in areas of town where black musicians weren't welcome, thereby taking all the credit for this new style of music.
Or, as we see in the first book and again here, the dismissal of a white detective for having a black wife..
I'm really looking forward to the next in the series. I don't even like jazz particularly but these are great stories. The first I was drawn to because it was set in New Orleans. This was in Chicago and had a gangster / Capone theme and the next to be set in 1940s New York.
Recommended.
I really like Ida and Michael our two protagonist detectives who work in this book for the Pinkerton Detective Agency. The novel is set 10 years on from the first and so Ida has had time to develop and hone her skills.
I really like the exploration of segregation and colour in line with the birth and development of jazz. For example, white musicians taking the newly developing jazz scene and playing it in areas of town where black musicians weren't welcome, thereby taking all the credit for this new style of music.
Or, as we see in the first book and again here, the dismissal of a white detective for having a black wife..
I'm really looking forward to the next in the series. I don't even like jazz particularly but these are great stories. The first I was drawn to because it was set in New Orleans. This was in Chicago and had a gangster / Capone theme and the next to be set in 1940s New York.
Recommended.
November 30, 2017
It's Chicago in the 1920's complete with the King of prohibition-era Chicago, Al Capone, and jazz great Louis Armstrong. Dead man's Blues is the second of four planned jazz- inspired mobster stories each set in a different U.S. city. The author, Ray Celestin, does an incredibly great job of catching the era and offering dense multi-layered characters from the pair of Pinkertons relocated from New Orleans, to mob fixer Dante who served his family poisoned alcohol - a common problem in backyard brewing prohibition time - and carried his guilt with him every step he takes, to the syphilis infected madman Capone. The story is told from several different points of view - that of the Pinkertons investigating a missing heiress, that of Dante the fixer ordered back to Chicago to find out who poisoned a political banquet, to that of Jacob police and news photographer hobbled by a bum foot. The Chicago illustrated here is complex and runs the gamet. This book is far more than just another gangster novel - although those are fun too. There is just so much here - so well researched - and so much depth and color too. Terrific work! Many thanks to Pegasus Books for providing a copy of the book for review.
October 18, 2017
Με την πρώτη του συγγραφική απόπειρα, "Η τζαζ του δολοφόνου", ο Ray Celestin προκάλεσε μεγάλη αίσθηση και όχι άδικα. Φέτος, επιστρέφει μ' ένα ακόμα δυνατό μυθιστόρημα που καθηλώνει, γοητεύει και συναρπάζει, μ' ένα ιστορικό θρίλερ εγκλήματος που τοποθετείται στη δεκαετία του '20, και που μεγάλη ρεαλιστικότητα και αληθοφάνεια ζωντανεύει μπροστά στα, όχι και τόσο έκπληκτα, μάτια μας. Μάλιστα, καταφέρνει να μας παρουσιάσει όχι μόνο μία, αλλά τρεις διαφορετικές ιστορίες, που αν και φαινομενικά είναι εντελώς ασύνδετες μεταξύ τους, δένουν μ' έναν τρόπο μαγικό, ταξιδεύοντάς μας πίσω στο χρόνο, παντρεύοντας την Ιστορία με τη μυθοπλασία με μεγάλη μαεστρία και λογοτεχνική δεξιοτεχνία, τόσο σε αφηγηματικό όσο και σε αισθητικό επίπεδο.
Ο Τζέικομπ Ρούσο, φωτογράφος εγκλημάτων που πάντα ήθελε να γίνει αστυνομικός, γίνεται μάρτυρας ενός αποτρόπαιου θεάματος, όταν ένας γκάνγκστερ βρίσκεται ακρωτηριασμένος, και ευθύς αμέσως αποφασίζει να ερευνήσει την υπόθεση, καταφεύγοντας στη βοήθεια ενός παλιού δημοσιογράφου. Η Άιντα και ο Μάικλ έχουν προσληφθεί από μία κυρία της καλής κοινωνίας, προκειμένου να την βοηθήσουν να βρει την κόρη της που έχει εξαφανιστεί κάτω από αδιευκρίνιστες συνθήκες. Την ίδια στιγμή, ο Ντάντε, ηρωινομανής με τραγικό οικογενειακό ιστορικό, καλείται από τον Αλ Καπόνε να ερευνήσει και ν' ανακαλύψει ποιος είναι ο προδότης στις τάξεις του, όταν σ' ένα πάρτι που παρευρίσκεται ο Αλ βρίσκεται μια δηλητηριασμένη σαμπάνια που, όπως όλα δείχνουν, προοριζόταν για εκείνον.
Μία συγκεκριμένη χρονική περίοδος, τρεις εντελώς διαφορετικές υποθέσεις, στο κέντρο των οποίων βρίσκονται άνθρωποι εκ διαμέτρου αντίθετοι μεταξύ τους. Άραγε, ποια θα μπορούσε να είναι η σύνδεση ανάμεσά τους; Φαινομενικά, καμία! Κι όμως, ο Celestin, σ' έναν κόσμο όπου κυριαρχεί η διαφθορά και η προδοσία, όπου σκοτεινές συνωμοσίες λαμβάνουν χώρα και τα μαφιόζικα γκέτα αποτελούν την καθημερινότητα των ηρώων, έχει καταφέρει να τις συνδέσει λογικά, άρτια, αψεγάδιαστα. Τοποθετημένες στη δύσκολη κι αιματηρή εποχή της ποτοαπαγόρευσης, όπου η ασυδοσία και η βία κυριαρχούν στα σκοτεινά σοκάκια του Σικάγο, η έννοια του ρατσισμού και η έκφραση αυτού, σε όλες της τις διαστάσεις, αποκτά άλλη δυναμική και νόημα, δίνοντας μια γερή γροθιά στο στομάχι του αναγνώστη, αλλά και στις ηθικές αξίες που τυχόν αυτός φέρει.
Με τις ζωντανές περιγραφές του, ο Celestin ζωντανεύει την πόλη του Σικάγο, που όσο απειλητική κι αν είναι, τόσο καταφέρνει να μας γοητεύει την ίδια στιγμή, συστήνοντάς μας μια κοινωνική πυραμίδα όπου το ν' ανήκεις σ' ένα τμήμα αυτής σημαίνει πολύ περισσότερα απ' όσο ίσως να φαντάζεται κανείς. Και μπορεί στο βιβλίο αυτό, ένας έμπειρος αναγνώστης, όσον αφορά τα ιστορικά ζητήματα που αυτό πραγματεύεται, μπορεί να παρατηρήσει κάποιες μικρές "επεμβάσεις", όμως αυτές διόλου δεν ενοχλούν, όχι μόνο επειδή δεν είναι πολύ μεγάλες, αλλά επειδή εξυπηρετούν έναν απώτερο σκοπό, χωρίς αυτό να γίνεται με τρόπο κυνικό ή επιτηδευμένο. Συνδυασμένα, μάλιστα, καθώς είναι, με πολιτικά στοιχεία, και όχι μόνο, της εποχής, δίνουν στο μυθιστόρημα αυτό μια άλλη διάσταση, πολύ πιο ουσιώδη και γιατί όχι, πολύ πιο τρομακτική απ' όσο μπορούμε να υποθέσουμε. Κι όμως, μέσα σε αυτή την κόλαση, κάπου αχνοφαίνεται η ελπίδα και η τρυφερότητα παλεύει να βγει στην επιφάνεια.
Είναι εμφανές, πέραν του δέοντος, πως ο συγγραφέας έχει μελετήσει πολύ καλά την εποχή στην οποία τοποθετεί την δραματουργική του αφήγηση, και σε όποιες επεμβάσεις κι αν έχει τελικά προβεί, σε κάνει να αισθάνεσαι πως είχε το δικαίωμα να το κάνει, αφού ήξερε πολύ καλά για ποιο πράγμα μιλούσε και για ποιους σκοπούς μπορεί να το μετακίνησε. Αυτό φανερώνει σεβασμό και ποιότητα, όχι μόνο σε συγγραφικό, αλλά και σε ανθρώπινο επίπεδο, και αυτό είναι κάτι που προσωπικά εκτιμώ πολύ. Όπως στο πρώτο του βιβλίο, μας προσφέρει πολύ σωστά δομημένα και ανεπτυγμένα ψυχογραφήματα, χαρακτήρες ολοκληρω��ένους και διαφορετικούς μεταξύ τους, που ο καθένας έχει τη δικιά του ταυτότητα, μα και τον δικό του σημαντικό ρόλο να παίξει στις εξελίξεις αυτές που οδηγούν σ' ένα φινάλε ανατρεπτικό και γεμάτο ευφυΐα κι ένταση, που σε αφήνει με το στόμα ανοιχτό. Και σε μια εποχή που τα αστυνομικά μυθιστορήματα έχουν πάψει να μας εκπλήσσουν, αυτό είναι επίτευγμα. Συστήνεται με κλειστά μάτια και με κομμένη ανάσα!
Ο Τζέικομπ Ρούσο, φωτογράφος εγκλημάτων που πάντα ήθελε να γίνει αστυνομικός, γίνεται μάρτυρας ενός αποτρόπαιου θεάματος, όταν ένας γκάνγκστερ βρίσκεται ακρωτηριασμένος, και ευθύς αμέσως αποφασίζει να ερευνήσει την υπόθεση, καταφεύγοντας στη βοήθεια ενός παλιού δημοσιογράφου. Η Άιντα και ο Μάικλ έχουν προσληφθεί από μία κυρία της καλής κοινωνίας, προκειμένου να την βοηθήσουν να βρει την κόρη της που έχει εξαφανιστεί κάτω από αδιευκρίνιστες συνθήκες. Την ίδια στιγμή, ο Ντάντε, ηρωινομανής με τραγικό οικογενειακό ιστορικό, καλείται από τον Αλ Καπόνε να ερευνήσει και ν' ανακαλύψει ποιος είναι ο προδότης στις τάξεις του, όταν σ' ένα πάρτι που παρευρίσκεται ο Αλ βρίσκεται μια δηλητηριασμένη σαμπάνια που, όπως όλα δείχνουν, προοριζόταν για εκείνον.
Μία συγκεκριμένη χρονική περίοδος, τρεις εντελώς διαφορετικές υποθέσεις, στο κέντρο των οποίων βρίσκονται άνθρωποι εκ διαμέτρου αντίθετοι μεταξύ τους. Άραγε, ποια θα μπορούσε να είναι η σύνδεση ανάμεσά τους; Φαινομενικά, καμία! Κι όμως, ο Celestin, σ' έναν κόσμο όπου κυριαρχεί η διαφθορά και η προδοσία, όπου σκοτεινές συνωμοσίες λαμβάνουν χώρα και τα μαφιόζικα γκέτα αποτελούν την καθημερινότητα των ηρώων, έχει καταφέρει να τις συνδέσει λογικά, άρτια, αψεγάδιαστα. Τοποθετημένες στη δύσκολη κι αιματηρή εποχή της ποτοαπαγόρευσης, όπου η ασυδοσία και η βία κυριαρχούν στα σκοτεινά σοκάκια του Σικάγο, η έννοια του ρατσισμού και η έκφραση αυτού, σε όλες της τις διαστάσεις, αποκτά άλλη δυναμική και νόημα, δίνοντας μια γερή γροθιά στο στομάχι του αναγνώστη, αλλά και στις ηθικές αξίες που τυχόν αυτός φέρει.
Με τις ζωντανές περιγραφές του, ο Celestin ζωντανεύει την πόλη του Σικάγο, που όσο απειλητική κι αν είναι, τόσο καταφέρνει να μας γοητεύει την ίδια στιγμή, συστήνοντάς μας μια κοινωνική πυραμίδα όπου το ν' ανήκεις σ' ένα τμήμα αυτής σημαίνει πολύ περισσότερα απ' όσο ίσως να φαντάζεται κανείς. Και μπορεί στο βιβλίο αυτό, ένας έμπειρος αναγνώστης, όσον αφορά τα ιστορικά ζητήματα που αυτό πραγματεύεται, μπορεί να παρατηρήσει κάποιες μικρές "επεμβάσεις", όμως αυτές διόλου δεν ενοχλούν, όχι μόνο επειδή δεν είναι πολύ μεγάλες, αλλά επειδή εξυπηρετούν έναν απώτερο σκοπό, χωρίς αυτό να γίνεται με τρόπο κυνικό ή επιτηδευμένο. Συνδυασμένα, μάλιστα, καθώς είναι, με πολιτικά στοιχεία, και όχι μόνο, της εποχής, δίνουν στο μυθιστόρημα αυτό μια άλλη διάσταση, πολύ πιο ουσιώδη και γιατί όχι, πολύ πιο τρομακτική απ' όσο μπορούμε να υποθέσουμε. Κι όμως, μέσα σε αυτή την κόλαση, κάπου αχνοφαίνεται η ελπίδα και η τρυφερότητα παλεύει να βγει στην επιφάνεια.
Είναι εμφανές, πέραν του δέοντος, πως ο συγγραφέας έχει μελετήσει πολύ καλά την εποχή στην οποία τοποθετεί την δραματουργική του αφήγηση, και σε όποιες επεμβάσεις κι αν έχει τελικά προβεί, σε κάνει να αισθάνεσαι πως είχε το δικαίωμα να το κάνει, αφού ήξερε πολύ καλά για ποιο πράγμα μιλούσε και για ποιους σκοπούς μπορεί να το μετακίνησε. Αυτό φανερώνει σεβασμό και ποιότητα, όχι μόνο σε συγγραφικό, αλλά και σε ανθρώπινο επίπεδο, και αυτό είναι κάτι που προσωπικά εκτιμώ πολύ. Όπως στο πρώτο του βιβλίο, μας προσφέρει πολύ σωστά δομημένα και ανεπτυγμένα ψυχογραφήματα, χαρακτήρες ολοκληρω��ένους και διαφορετικούς μεταξύ τους, που ο καθένας έχει τη δικιά του ταυτότητα, μα και τον δικό του σημαντικό ρόλο να παίξει στις εξελίξεις αυτές που οδηγούν σ' ένα φινάλε ανατρεπτικό και γεμάτο ευφυΐα κι ένταση, που σε αφήνει με το στόμα ανοιχτό. Και σε μια εποχή που τα αστυνομικά μυθιστορήματα έχουν πάψει να μας εκπλήσσουν, αυτό είναι επίτευγμα. Συστήνεται με κλειστά μάτια και με κομμένη ανάσα!
August 6, 2024
През горещото чикагско лято на 1928 г. финансовият крах от 1929 г. все още предстои, предстоят и Новият курс, и новата световна война. Но джазът, мафията, политическата корупция и едрият бизнес задвижват всяко колелце на денонощния живот в Чикаго. Расовата сегрегация се нарушава за миг единствено в нощните клубове, където свири Луис Армстронг и се лее контрабанден алкохол. На този фон двама детективи от прочутата агенция “Пинкертън”, един криминален фотограф и един сладкодумен гангстер с прякор Кавалера се впускат в разследване на няколко престъпления, чиято обща пресечна точка води до кулминацията в сюжета.
Липсваше ми добрият стар ноар. Рей Селестин е направил мащабен портрет на самия Чикаго с различните му слоеве, често уж съществуващи разделно, но всъщност дълбоко свързани и неотделими. Стари и нови милионери, гангстери, политици, полицаи, музиканти, репортери, емигранти населяват пъстрия свят, който обаче съвсем не е безобидна развлекателна фикция за плажа. Проблемите и престъпленията са си там, стари като света, просто навлекли одеждите на съответното време. Мрак, ирония и чаровна старомодна наивност се преплитат в неочаквани сладкодумни комбинации.
Страшно ми харесаха героите - освен живия град с хилядите му малки движещи се миниатюри, именно те са дишащият магнит, привлякъл ме от началото до самия край. Рядко се привързвам към герои в трилър, но това тук си е кръстоска с исторически роман, та вероятно е заради това.
Това е втора книга от тетралогията, а аз я подхванах като първа, но тя е напълно самостоятелна, и спокойно ще си прочета първата книга като втора. Дано и останалите две части излязат скоро на български - преводът е чудесен!
Липсваше ми добрият стар ноар. Рей Селестин е направил мащабен портрет на самия Чикаго с различните му слоеве, често уж съществуващи разделно, но всъщност дълбоко свързани и неотделими. Стари и нови милионери, гангстери, политици, полицаи, музиканти, репортери, емигранти населяват пъстрия свят, който обаче съвсем не е безобидна развлекателна фикция за плажа. Проблемите и престъпленията са си там, стари като света, просто навлекли одеждите на съответното време. Мрак, ирония и чаровна старомодна наивност се преплитат в неочаквани сладкодумни комбинации.
Страшно ми харесаха героите - освен живия град с хилядите му малки движещи се миниатюри, именно те са дишащият магнит, привлякъл ме от началото до самия край. Рядко се привързвам към герои в трилър, но това тук си е кръстоска с исторически роман, та вероятно е заради това.
Това е втора книга от тетралогията, а аз я подхванах като първа, но тя е напълно самостоятелна, и спокойно ще си прочета първата книга като втора. Дано и останалите две части излязат скоро на български - преводът е чудесен!
January 3, 2021
Ida and Michael, our protagonists from the first volume in this series, moved from New Orleans to Chicago and have been working as detectives at Pinkerton’s for 10 years. One of the reasons they left New Orleans was the pervasive racism. Now they are in the north, but they still encounter racism every day.
As part of their job, they are supposed to investigate the disappearance of a young woman from a very good family who is engaged to a young man from a less good but all the richer family. The young man is also nowhere to be found and, strangely enough, no one has the slightest interest in finding the young Gwendolyn, except for her mother, whom the rest of the family urgently tries to isolate and prohibit contact to the detectives.
It is the time of prohibition and at a meeting of Republican politicians (who have apparently proven to be particularly corruptible), the participants fall victim to an attack with poisoned alcohol.
This prompts Al Capone to have the troubleshooter Dante come in from New York, as the attack is attributed to Capone.
We also meet Louis Armstrong here again, which is not surprising, since this book series is also an homage to jazz.
What really shook me is how tough it was almost 100 years ago. Ida and Michael have to fear for their lives several times and for Dante the going even gets tougher.
Like Volume 1, the book is very well researched and explains the actual historical facts in the afterword.
As with the first volume, volume 2 turned out very successful and I rate with 5 stars, because it conveys tension, history and a convincing atmosphere at the same time.
-----------------------------------------
Ida und Michael, unsere Protagonisten aus dem ersten Band dieser Serie, sind von New Orleans nach Chicago gezogen und arbeiten seit 10 Jahren als Detektive bei Pinkerton’s. Einer der Gründe, warum sie New Orleans verlassen hatten, war der allgegenwärtige Rassismus. Jetzt sind sie zwar im Norden, aber auf Rassismus treffen sie dennoch tagtäglich.
In diesem Rahmen ihres Berufs sollen sie das Verschwinden einer jungen Frau aus sehr gutem Hause untersuchen, die mit einem jungen Mann aus weniger gutem, aber dafür umso reicheren Hause verlobt ist. Der junge Mann ist ebenfalls nicht auffindbar und merkwürdigerweise hat niemand auch nur das geringste Interesse daran die junge Gwendolyn zu finden, außer ihrer Mutter, die der Rest der Familie dringend davon abzuhalten versucht.
Es ist die Zeit der Prohibition und auf einem Treffen republikanischer Politiker (die sich offenbar als besonders bestechlich erwiesen haben) fallen die Teilnehmer einem Anschlag mit vergiftetem Alkohol zum Opfer.
Dies veranlasst Al Capone den Troubleshooter Dante aus New York kommen zu lassen, da der Anschlag Capone zugeschrieben wird.
Auch Louis Armstrong begegnet uns hier wieder, was nicht verwunderlich ist, da diese Buch-Reihe auch eine Hommage an den Jazz ist.
Was mich wirklich erschüttert hat ist, wie knallhart es bereits vor fast 100 Jahren zugegangen ist. Ida und Michael müssen mehrfach um ihr Leben bangen und bei Dante werden noch viel weniger die Samthandschuhe angezogen.
Das Buch ist wie Band 1 sehr gut recherchiert und erläutert im Nachwort die tatsächlichen historischen Fakten.
Wie schon beim ersten Band ist auch Band 2 wieder sehr gut gelungen und erhält von mir 5 Sterne, da er gleichzeitig Spannung, Geschichte und überzeugende Atmosphäre vermittelt.
As part of their job, they are supposed to investigate the disappearance of a young woman from a very good family who is engaged to a young man from a less good but all the richer family. The young man is also nowhere to be found and, strangely enough, no one has the slightest interest in finding the young Gwendolyn, except for her mother, whom the rest of the family urgently tries to isolate and prohibit contact to the detectives.
It is the time of prohibition and at a meeting of Republican politicians (who have apparently proven to be particularly corruptible), the participants fall victim to an attack with poisoned alcohol.
This prompts Al Capone to have the troubleshooter Dante come in from New York, as the attack is attributed to Capone.
We also meet Louis Armstrong here again, which is not surprising, since this book series is also an homage to jazz.
What really shook me is how tough it was almost 100 years ago. Ida and Michael have to fear for their lives several times and for Dante the going even gets tougher.
Like Volume 1, the book is very well researched and explains the actual historical facts in the afterword.
As with the first volume, volume 2 turned out very successful and I rate with 5 stars, because it conveys tension, history and a convincing atmosphere at the same time.
-----------------------------------------
Ida und Michael, unsere Protagonisten aus dem ersten Band dieser Serie, sind von New Orleans nach Chicago gezogen und arbeiten seit 10 Jahren als Detektive bei Pinkerton’s. Einer der Gründe, warum sie New Orleans verlassen hatten, war der allgegenwärtige Rassismus. Jetzt sind sie zwar im Norden, aber auf Rassismus treffen sie dennoch tagtäglich.
In diesem Rahmen ihres Berufs sollen sie das Verschwinden einer jungen Frau aus sehr gutem Hause untersuchen, die mit einem jungen Mann aus weniger gutem, aber dafür umso reicheren Hause verlobt ist. Der junge Mann ist ebenfalls nicht auffindbar und merkwürdigerweise hat niemand auch nur das geringste Interesse daran die junge Gwendolyn zu finden, außer ihrer Mutter, die der Rest der Familie dringend davon abzuhalten versucht.
Es ist die Zeit der Prohibition und auf einem Treffen republikanischer Politiker (die sich offenbar als besonders bestechlich erwiesen haben) fallen die Teilnehmer einem Anschlag mit vergiftetem Alkohol zum Opfer.
Dies veranlasst Al Capone den Troubleshooter Dante aus New York kommen zu lassen, da der Anschlag Capone zugeschrieben wird.
Auch Louis Armstrong begegnet uns hier wieder, was nicht verwunderlich ist, da diese Buch-Reihe auch eine Hommage an den Jazz ist.
Was mich wirklich erschüttert hat ist, wie knallhart es bereits vor fast 100 Jahren zugegangen ist. Ida und Michael müssen mehrfach um ihr Leben bangen und bei Dante werden noch viel weniger die Samthandschuhe angezogen.
Das Buch ist wie Band 1 sehr gut recherchiert und erläutert im Nachwort die tatsächlichen historischen Fakten.
Wie schon beim ersten Band ist auch Band 2 wieder sehr gut gelungen und erhält von mir 5 Sterne, da er gleichzeitig Spannung, Geschichte und überzeugende Atmosphäre vermittelt.
November 11, 2025
Second in a four-part series, Dead Man's Blues follows The Axeman's Jazz (published in the USA as The Axeman) in its exploration of early jazz culture—particularly through the career of Louis Armstrong, who again appears as a character—while Pinkerton detectives Michael and Ida investigate a string of grisly murders loosely inspired by real events and historical figures. Like its predecessor, the novel struggles to find a strong identity: it wants to be a historical epic, a tribute to jazz, and a murder mystery all at once, yet never fully succeeds in any of those aims. The pacing falters, characters disappear for long stretches, and the narrative eventually collapses into familiar tropes, leaving too little emotional resonance for the reader to care when a major character meets their fate near the end of the second act.
March 12, 2018
DEAD MAN'S BLUES stunning cover and intriguing blurb made me eager to read the book. I have not read THE AXEMAN, the first book in this series, but that didn't concern me much since I'm used to reading books out of order. And I am pleased to say that it didn't matter that I hadn't read the first book since the story was very easy to get into.
READ THE REST OF THE REVIEW OVER AT FRESH FICTION!
READ THE REST OF THE REVIEW OVER AT FRESH FICTION!
March 21, 2017
An excellent follow-up to The Axeman's Jazz. A great mixture of history and fiction. Well-written. Ida and Louis and Michael are back ten years later and in a new city. Loved how it combined and explored jazz, Capone/gangsters, and Chicago. Would recommend.
June 17, 2022
A superb series.An extraordinary book.
October 9, 2018
Η αλήθεια είναι πως, προσωπικά, το προηγούμενο βιβλίο του Celestin μού άρεσε περισσότερο. Το βρήκα πιο συναρπαστικό και ανατρεπτικό.
Όμως, δεν μπορώ να μην αναγνωρίσω την ΤΕΡΑΣΤΙΑ δουλειά που έχει γίνει (και) εδώ. Η έρευνα του συγγραφέα φανερώνεται σε κάθε σελίδα σχεδόν, τα γεγονότα τρέχουν, οι εξελίξεις κι οι ανατροπές το ίδιο. Διαφέρει από το πρώτο, και καλά κάνει. Και καταφέρνει να αποδώσει άριστα την εποχή που περιγράφεται, το Σικάγο του Αλ Καπόνε και των συμμοριών, στα τέλη της δεκαετίας του '20.
Στις σελίδες του βιβλίου ξανασυναντούμε τους ήρωες του προηγούμενου, Μάικλ Τάλμποτ και Άιντα Ντέιβις, που πλέον εργάζονται ως ντετέκτιβ στο Σικάγο για το Πρακτορείο Πίνκερτον. Όπως και τον Λούις Άρμστρονγκ, 'αστέρι' πλέον της τζαζ. Όπως και πολλές θρυλικές υπαρκτές μορφές της εποχής εκείνης.
Αρχικά, τρεις διαφορετικές ιστορίες εκτυλίσσονται παράλληλα. Εκείνη του Ντάντε Σανφελίπε, που τον καλεί ο Αλ Καπόνε από τη Νέα Υόρκη στο Σικάγο για να διαλευκάνει μια υπόθεση προδοσίας του Συνδικάτου, εκείνη του Τζέικομπ Ρούσο, φωτογράφου που δουλεύει για την αστυνομία και ασχολείται ερασιτεχνικά με την επίλυση περίπλοκων υποθέσεων, βοηθώντας έτσι πολλές φορές τους αστυνομικούς, κι εκείνη των Μάικλ και Άιντα, που αναλαμβάνουν την υπόθεση μιας κοπέλας που εξαφανίστηκε ξαφνικά από το σπίτι της.
Ο αναγνώστης θα πρέπει να διαβάσει κάθε σελίδα με προσοχή (αφού τα διάφορα στοιχεία είναι διάσπαρτα στο κείμενο) και να κάνει αρκετή υπομονή, ώσπου να φτάσει στο σημείο εκείνο όπου τα κομμάτια του παζλ αρχίζουν να ενώνονται. Τότε θα καταλάβει γιατί έπρεπε να δώσει προσοχή στα προαναφερθέντα στοιχεία και θα θυμηθεί τις λεπτομέρειες που οδηγούσαν τελικά στη λύση. Και είναι εξαιρετικά εμπνευσμένος ο τρόπος που καταφέρνει ο συγγραφέας να ενώσει αυτές τις ιστορίες, να αποκαλύψει τους δεσμούς που ενώνουν τους ήρωες και να δημιουργήσει τελικά μια εντυπωσιακή τελική εικόνα. Και να επιβεβαιώσει το ρητό τού "πόσο μικρός είναι τελικά ο κόσμος".
Εξαιρετική η αποτύπωση και η απεικόνιση του Σικάγου στην πιο "περιβόητη" εποχή του, εκείνη της Ποτοαπαγόρευσης, της δεκαετίας του '20, όπου η πόλη κατατασσόταν πρώτη στην εγκληματικότητα και τα θανατικά που προέρχονταν από τους πολέμους μεταξύ των συμμοριών. Από τα υπαρκτά πρόσωπα, όπως τον Αλ Καπόνε, μέχρι τον τελευταίο φανταστικό χαρακτήρα του ανώνυμου μπράβου, όλοι οι ήρωες του βιβλίου είναι αληθινοί, πολύπλοκοι, καλοκαμωμένοι, πιστοί στον ρόλο που καλούνται να υπηρετήσουν. Γενικά, μιλάμε για ένα βιβλίο που αποδίδει πιστά και ολοκληρωμένα αυτό που είχε οραματιστεί ο συγγραφέας του και για μια ιστορία που ίσως ψιλοκουράσει σε κάποια σημεία, ίσως μπερδέψει, όμως τελικά αποδεικνύεται πως τίποτα δεν είναι περιττό ή υποδεέστερο του άλλου. Διαβάστε το με προσοχή και αμείωτο ενδιαφέρον και θα ανταμειφθείτε!
Όμως, δεν μπορώ να μην αναγνωρίσω την ΤΕΡΑΣΤΙΑ δουλειά που έχει γίνει (και) εδώ. Η έρευνα του συγγραφέα φανερώνεται σε κάθε σελίδα σχεδόν, τα γεγονότα τρέχουν, οι εξελίξεις κι οι ανατροπές το ίδιο. Διαφέρει από το πρώτο, και καλά κάνει. Και καταφέρνει να αποδώσει άριστα την εποχή που περιγράφεται, το Σικάγο του Αλ Καπόνε και των συμμοριών, στα τέλη της δεκαετίας του '20.
Στις σελίδες του βιβλίου ξανασυναντούμε τους ήρωες του προηγούμενου, Μάικλ Τάλμποτ και Άιντα Ντέιβις, που πλέον εργάζονται ως ντετέκτιβ στο Σικάγο για το Πρακτορείο Πίνκερτον. Όπως και τον Λούις Άρμστρονγκ, 'αστέρι' πλέον της τζαζ. Όπως και πολλές θρυλικές υπαρκτές μορφές της εποχής εκείνης.
Αρχικά, τρεις διαφορετικές ιστορίες εκτυλίσσονται παράλληλα. Εκείνη του Ντάντε Σανφελίπε, που τον καλεί ο Αλ Καπόνε από τη Νέα Υόρκη στο Σικάγο για να διαλευκάνει μια υπόθεση προδοσίας του Συνδικάτου, εκείνη του Τζέικομπ Ρούσο, φωτογράφου που δουλεύει για την αστυνομία και ασχολείται ερασιτεχνικά με την επίλυση περίπλοκων υποθέσεων, βοηθώντας έτσι πολλές φορές τους αστυνομικούς, κι εκείνη των Μάικλ και Άιντα, που αναλαμβάνουν την υπόθεση μιας κοπέλας που εξαφανίστηκε ξαφνικά από το σπίτι της.
Ο αναγνώστης θα πρέπει να διαβάσει κάθε σελίδα με προσοχή (αφού τα διάφορα στοιχεία είναι διάσπαρτα στο κείμενο) και να κάνει αρκετή υπομονή, ώσπου να φτάσει στο σημείο εκείνο όπου τα κομμάτια του παζλ αρχίζουν να ενώνονται. Τότε θα καταλάβει γιατί έπρεπε να δώσει προσοχή στα προαναφερθέντα στοιχεία και θα θυμηθεί τις λεπτομέρειες που οδηγούσαν τελικά στη λύση. Και είναι εξαιρετικά εμπνευσμένος ο τρόπος που καταφέρνει ο συγγραφέας να ενώσει αυτές τις ιστορίες, να αποκαλύψει τους δεσμούς που ενώνουν τους ήρωες και να δημιουργήσει τελικά μια εντυπωσιακή τελική εικόνα. Και να επιβεβαιώσει το ρητό τού "πόσο μικρός είναι τελικά ο κόσμος".
Εξαιρετική η αποτύπωση και η απεικόνιση του Σικάγου στην πιο "περιβόητη" εποχή του, εκείνη της Ποτοαπαγόρευσης, της δεκαετίας του '20, όπου η πόλη κατατασσόταν πρώτη στην εγκληματικότητα και τα θανατικά που προέρχονταν από τους πολέμους μεταξύ των συμμοριών. Από τα υπαρκτά πρόσωπα, όπως τον Αλ Καπόνε, μέχρι τον τελευταίο φανταστικό χαρακτήρα του ανώνυμου μπράβου, όλοι οι ήρωες του βιβλίου είναι αληθινοί, πολύπλοκοι, καλοκαμωμένοι, πιστοί στον ρόλο που καλούνται να υπηρετήσουν. Γενικά, μιλάμε για ένα βιβλίο που αποδίδει πιστά και ολοκληρωμένα αυτό που είχε οραματιστεί ο συγγραφέας του και για μια ιστορία που ίσως ψιλοκουράσει σε κάποια σημεία, ίσως μπερδέψει, όμως τελικά αποδεικνύεται πως τίποτα δεν είναι περιττό ή υποδεέστερο του άλλου. Διαβάστε το με προσοχή και αμείωτο ενδιαφέρον και θα ανταμειφθείτε!
October 4, 2016
Dead Man’s Blues – A Brilliant Follow-up
Dead Man’s Blues is the follow-up to Ray Celestin’s stunning debut book The Axeman’s Jazz, and had delivered a truly brilliant novel. Once again jazz and the music of the deep south resonates throughout the book while no longer set in New Orleans the action has moved to Chicago.
The year is 1928, the Chicago has both Al Capone and Louis Armstrong in the city, while the city kneels under the heal of Capone it is mesmerised by Armstrong’s trumpet play. Both on top of their worlds and leading the way both blowing people away in this excellent crime thriller, in which has three different strands which slowly come together.
Ida Davis and Michael Talbot have once again joined together this time moving from New Orleans to Chicago, in what is the most corrupt and violent city in America, and have joined together working for the Pinkerton National Detective Agency. When they are approached to find the famous but rather troubled heiress Gwendolyn Van Haren by her mother begins a search in which at every direction they are being encouraged not to continue in their search.
Jacob Russo is the police’s crime scene photographer and has been called out to the crime ridden area known as Black Belt, and taking pictures of the dead body. He notices that the murder is similar to an earlier one, a case that was now cold. Often regarded as the best detective in Chicago PD even if they will not employ him due to a war injury, decides to dig and see where it takes him.
Dante ‘The Gent’ Sanfelippo a known fixer and supplier of bootleg booze to New York City has been called back to the city of his birth by Al Capone. Capone gives him the job of investigating how a recent dinner that he held and attended by the powerful movers and shakers had been served with tampered with champagne. Capone wants Dante to find out who and why they targeted his monthly dinner, and whether he was the target.
Gradually, during the heatwave, an upcoming boxing title bout, mixed with lots of guns, blood and drugs the three stories start to show themselves to the reader. The reader is drawn in by Celestin’s prose and his descriptions of an edgy city, dripping in blood and drugs, swimming in prohibited booze, a city where savage violence exists alongside a music scene that is way in front of the rest of the country.
Dead Man’s Blues is a truly absorbing crime thriller with wonderful cameo appearances by Al Capone and Louis Armstrong, grips the reader from the beginning. This truly is a fitting follow-up to The Axeman’s Jazz.
Dead Man’s Blues is the follow-up to Ray Celestin’s stunning debut book The Axeman’s Jazz, and had delivered a truly brilliant novel. Once again jazz and the music of the deep south resonates throughout the book while no longer set in New Orleans the action has moved to Chicago.
The year is 1928, the Chicago has both Al Capone and Louis Armstrong in the city, while the city kneels under the heal of Capone it is mesmerised by Armstrong’s trumpet play. Both on top of their worlds and leading the way both blowing people away in this excellent crime thriller, in which has three different strands which slowly come together.
Ida Davis and Michael Talbot have once again joined together this time moving from New Orleans to Chicago, in what is the most corrupt and violent city in America, and have joined together working for the Pinkerton National Detective Agency. When they are approached to find the famous but rather troubled heiress Gwendolyn Van Haren by her mother begins a search in which at every direction they are being encouraged not to continue in their search.
Jacob Russo is the police’s crime scene photographer and has been called out to the crime ridden area known as Black Belt, and taking pictures of the dead body. He notices that the murder is similar to an earlier one, a case that was now cold. Often regarded as the best detective in Chicago PD even if they will not employ him due to a war injury, decides to dig and see where it takes him.
Dante ‘The Gent’ Sanfelippo a known fixer and supplier of bootleg booze to New York City has been called back to the city of his birth by Al Capone. Capone gives him the job of investigating how a recent dinner that he held and attended by the powerful movers and shakers had been served with tampered with champagne. Capone wants Dante to find out who and why they targeted his monthly dinner, and whether he was the target.
Gradually, during the heatwave, an upcoming boxing title bout, mixed with lots of guns, blood and drugs the three stories start to show themselves to the reader. The reader is drawn in by Celestin’s prose and his descriptions of an edgy city, dripping in blood and drugs, swimming in prohibited booze, a city where savage violence exists alongside a music scene that is way in front of the rest of the country.
Dead Man’s Blues is a truly absorbing crime thriller with wonderful cameo appearances by Al Capone and Louis Armstrong, grips the reader from the beginning. This truly is a fitting follow-up to The Axeman’s Jazz.
February 14, 2024
DEAD MAN’S BLUES is the second instalment in the City Blues Quartet by Ray Celestin, but it is the final novel that I read in the set of four. I took my time on this one because the interweaving stories are complex. Also, it isn’t until I’d read all four that I saw the predominant themes that tied together the set within its historical context.
Narrative
DEAD MAN’S BLUES begins with a short prologue of Louis Armstrong leaving New Orleans in 1922 and taking a trip to Chicago where he has a new job with Joe Oliver’s band, Chicago being the “new home of jazz”. The story then jumps to 1928, and Dante Sanfelippo, who has arrived in Chicago from New York (Chapter 1). Dante is a gangster, a “fixer”, who had grown up in Chicago, and was back in town at the request of gangster leader Al Capone. The narrative then switches to the Pinkerton Detective Agency (Chapter 2), where Ida Davis works with Michael Talbot. (Both Ida and Michael were in the first book in the series, and both were originally from New Orleans.) They are hired by Mrs. Van Haren, a member of a distinguished (but debt-ridden) Chicago family, to find her missing daughter, Gwendolyn, who was engaged to marry the heir of a less distinguished but wealthier family, one with a ‘murky’ past. This heir has also disappeared. Finally, in Chapter 3, we follow Jacob Russo, a crime-scene photographer who is taking pictures of a dead white man—’dressed like a gangster … Not the type of man you’d expect to find dead in an alleyway in the most crime-addled part of the crime-addled Black Belt.’ The dead man’s eyes had been gouged out.
These four threads will eventually come together—(1) jazz as personified by Armstrong; (2) the gangsters Dante and Capone, who are searching for a traitor among their ranks; (3) the detectives Ida and Michael who are searching for a missing heiress; and (4) Jacob’s investigation of the first murder, which leads to his meeting Ida.
Several murders are finally solved, after some good characters are killed and some bad characters are killed. Thus, the novel could be read as a standalone. An excellent portrait of Al Capone emerges, and I knew from having read the last book in the series, that Ida and Dante, at least, survive—they meet again in Los Angeles in 1967 in the final book.
Overriding Themes
What first hit me when I started this novel was the difference between Louis Armstrong’s trip between New Orleans and Chicago in the ‘Colored’ carriage and the plane trip ‘Mr. Armstrong’ takes sitting in the first class section in book four. Between 1922 and 1967, there was a large difference within America in terms of segregation. It was still present in 1967 (as it is still present today), but it was completely accepted in 1922, not even questioned, whereas by 1967, there were subtle, but important, differences. So one major theme throughout this quartet was the changes taking place in terms of segregation patterns. It is no coincidence that Ida, a main character throughout the entire series, is a light-skinned negro, one who could pass for white.
In the first book in the series, we are introduced to Michael Talbot, a white man who is married to a black woman, a secret he has to hide. In this, the second in the series, we find more intermingling of the races, dancing at the same jazz nightclubs, and a few additional black/white couplings.
Another major theme is the corruption that occurred within city politics at almost every level, usually facilitated by gangsters. And how a few white men grew rich by facilitating a collaboration between corrupt politicians and gangster activities.
Also, in every book, it seems that there is disunity among different groups of gangsters. A group, or faction, always seems to be fighting with another group to become ‘top dog’. In each book there are different infighting groups, and a different ‘top dog’, and the author provides support in his notes to support these tales of gangster discord.
Finally, the ‘quartet’ documents the interactions between jazz musicians and gangsters in the first part of the twentieth century, links that actually occurred.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
My reviews for other books in this series:
The Axeman’s Jazz (City Blues Quartet, #1)
The Mobsters Lament (City Blues Quartet, #3)
Sunset Swing (City Blues Quartet, #4)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Narrative
DEAD MAN’S BLUES begins with a short prologue of Louis Armstrong leaving New Orleans in 1922 and taking a trip to Chicago where he has a new job with Joe Oliver’s band, Chicago being the “new home of jazz”. The story then jumps to 1928, and Dante Sanfelippo, who has arrived in Chicago from New York (Chapter 1). Dante is a gangster, a “fixer”, who had grown up in Chicago, and was back in town at the request of gangster leader Al Capone. The narrative then switches to the Pinkerton Detective Agency (Chapter 2), where Ida Davis works with Michael Talbot. (Both Ida and Michael were in the first book in the series, and both were originally from New Orleans.) They are hired by Mrs. Van Haren, a member of a distinguished (but debt-ridden) Chicago family, to find her missing daughter, Gwendolyn, who was engaged to marry the heir of a less distinguished but wealthier family, one with a ‘murky’ past. This heir has also disappeared. Finally, in Chapter 3, we follow Jacob Russo, a crime-scene photographer who is taking pictures of a dead white man—’dressed like a gangster … Not the type of man you’d expect to find dead in an alleyway in the most crime-addled part of the crime-addled Black Belt.’ The dead man’s eyes had been gouged out.
These four threads will eventually come together—(1) jazz as personified by Armstrong; (2) the gangsters Dante and Capone, who are searching for a traitor among their ranks; (3) the detectives Ida and Michael who are searching for a missing heiress; and (4) Jacob’s investigation of the first murder, which leads to his meeting Ida.
Several murders are finally solved, after some good characters are killed and some bad characters are killed. Thus, the novel could be read as a standalone. An excellent portrait of Al Capone emerges, and I knew from having read the last book in the series, that Ida and Dante, at least, survive—they meet again in Los Angeles in 1967 in the final book.
Overriding Themes
What first hit me when I started this novel was the difference between Louis Armstrong’s trip between New Orleans and Chicago in the ‘Colored’ carriage and the plane trip ‘Mr. Armstrong’ takes sitting in the first class section in book four. Between 1922 and 1967, there was a large difference within America in terms of segregation. It was still present in 1967 (as it is still present today), but it was completely accepted in 1922, not even questioned, whereas by 1967, there were subtle, but important, differences. So one major theme throughout this quartet was the changes taking place in terms of segregation patterns. It is no coincidence that Ida, a main character throughout the entire series, is a light-skinned negro, one who could pass for white.
In the first book in the series, we are introduced to Michael Talbot, a white man who is married to a black woman, a secret he has to hide. In this, the second in the series, we find more intermingling of the races, dancing at the same jazz nightclubs, and a few additional black/white couplings.
Another major theme is the corruption that occurred within city politics at almost every level, usually facilitated by gangsters. And how a few white men grew rich by facilitating a collaboration between corrupt politicians and gangster activities.
Also, in every book, it seems that there is disunity among different groups of gangsters. A group, or faction, always seems to be fighting with another group to become ‘top dog’. In each book there are different infighting groups, and a different ‘top dog’, and the author provides support in his notes to support these tales of gangster discord.
Finally, the ‘quartet’ documents the interactions between jazz musicians and gangsters in the first part of the twentieth century, links that actually occurred.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
My reviews for other books in this series:
The Axeman’s Jazz (City Blues Quartet, #1)
The Mobsters Lament (City Blues Quartet, #3)
Sunset Swing (City Blues Quartet, #4)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
April 13, 2017
Ma chronique : http://bit.ly/2pbvRlS
Ce second volet de la quadrilogie est un véritable succès, encore meilleur que le premier tome Carnaval si cela était possible.
Savant mélange de mafia, de prohibition, de jeunesse dorée brûlant la vie par les deux bouts et de jazz bien évidemment, on est happé par plusieurs enquêtes menées parallèlement par les différents personnages, pour mieux se recouper vers la fin.
Al Capone rencontre Gatsby le magnifique, cela donne Mascarade.
Coup de coeur absolu pour ce chef d'oeuvre du thriller historique. Allez-y les yeux fermés !
Ce second volet de la quadrilogie est un véritable succès, encore meilleur que le premier tome Carnaval si cela était possible.
Savant mélange de mafia, de prohibition, de jeunesse dorée brûlant la vie par les deux bouts et de jazz bien évidemment, on est happé par plusieurs enquêtes menées parallèlement par les différents personnages, pour mieux se recouper vers la fin.
Al Capone rencontre Gatsby le magnifique, cela donne Mascarade.
Coup de coeur absolu pour ce chef d'oeuvre du thriller historique. Allez-y les yeux fermés !
October 23, 2016
Visit the locations via the Literary Travel Agency Dead man's blues booktrail
WOW! This isn’t just a novel, it’s an experience – a jazz and blues and booze fuelled chase through the Chicago of Al Capone. It was action from page one and it grabs you from the scruff of your neck and never lets you go. Apart from when the hand shoves you down a back alley, leaves you to wonder how the hell you’re going to work out what’s going on before picking you up and ramming you into the next chapter.
Brilliant stuff. The world of Al Capone and the wonderful Louis Armstrong is brought to life and then some. Music filters through the pages – there’s a playlist to really bring the book to live but I love jazz and blues so much I was singing in my head. It was a real honour to meet these people -especially Louis as he plays a major role in this novel.
It’s more of an immersive experience than a novel – it has everything and fully recreates the world of 1920s Chicago and the time where gangsters controlled cities and blues music was infused in every single Chicago day. This is the city of speakeasies, jazz, the fledgling recording industry, police corruption, drugs, violence, gangsters and blues.
Highly recommended. Buy it now. Live it. You won’t regret it
WOW! This isn’t just a novel, it’s an experience – a jazz and blues and booze fuelled chase through the Chicago of Al Capone. It was action from page one and it grabs you from the scruff of your neck and never lets you go. Apart from when the hand shoves you down a back alley, leaves you to wonder how the hell you’re going to work out what’s going on before picking you up and ramming you into the next chapter.
Brilliant stuff. The world of Al Capone and the wonderful Louis Armstrong is brought to life and then some. Music filters through the pages – there’s a playlist to really bring the book to live but I love jazz and blues so much I was singing in my head. It was a real honour to meet these people -especially Louis as he plays a major role in this novel.
It’s more of an immersive experience than a novel – it has everything and fully recreates the world of 1920s Chicago and the time where gangsters controlled cities and blues music was infused in every single Chicago day. This is the city of speakeasies, jazz, the fledgling recording industry, police corruption, drugs, violence, gangsters and blues.
Highly recommended. Buy it now. Live it. You won’t regret it
March 23, 2019
Καταπληκτική ατμόσφαιρα (δεκαετία '20 στο Σικάγο των γκάνγκστερ, του Αλ και της τζαζ) ενδιαφέροντες και πολύπλοκοι χαρακτήρες και καλοδομημένη πλοκή σε ένα πραγματικά υπέροχο βιβλίο!
Από τα καλύτερα των τελευταίων ετών!!!
Μόλις μπήκαν στη λίστα και τα υπόλοιπα του συγγραφέα!
Από τα καλύτερα των τελευταίων ετών!!!
Μόλις μπήκαν στη λίστα και τα υπόλοιπα του συγγραφέα!
December 25, 2023
Una ambientación excepcional. El protagonista es el contexto: el Cinturón negro, el jazz, la cultura, los clubes, la ley seca, la mafia, el doble rasero de sus protagonistas (de todo Chicago), los sureños poblando el norte, y todo lo que fue Chicago sociológica y económicamente para USA en los años 20. No hay que buscar un caso -policial- rocambolesco; no lo necesista, tenemos suficiente con todo lo demás.
Al poco uno queda sumergido, contemplando lo que sucede sin sacar mucho la cabeza, en las orillas del Lago Michigan, con sombrero y gabardina en la repisa, con un corto de bourbon y una cerveza de Capone, siempre observado por Moran y deleitándose con todo lo que el autor nos ofrece.
Me ha recordado a las novelas de Ellroy y su LA, o las de Winslow y los alrededores de México y California.
Solo le ha bastado una novela a Ray Celestin para que lo ponga, en negrita y subrayado, en mi lista de pendientes. Y felicitarlo por el currazo, si me permiten.
Una sugerencia: pongan de fondo, de vez en cuando (como nos "recomienda" el autor) West End Blues y cualquiera de las creaciones de Amstrong con los Hot Five.
Y una petición: que Alianza Negra sigue traduciendo a Celestin.
Al poco uno queda sumergido, contemplando lo que sucede sin sacar mucho la cabeza, en las orillas del Lago Michigan, con sombrero y gabardina en la repisa, con un corto de bourbon y una cerveza de Capone, siempre observado por Moran y deleitándose con todo lo que el autor nos ofrece.
Me ha recordado a las novelas de Ellroy y su LA, o las de Winslow y los alrededores de México y California.
Solo le ha bastado una novela a Ray Celestin para que lo ponga, en negrita y subrayado, en mi lista de pendientes. Y felicitarlo por el currazo, si me permiten.
Una sugerencia: pongan de fondo, de vez en cuando (como nos "recomienda" el autor) West End Blues y cualquiera de las creaciones de Amstrong con los Hot Five.
Y una petición: que Alianza Negra sigue traduciendo a Celestin.
October 2, 2016
I was a HUGE fan of The Axemans Jazz so to say I was a little excited to read this would be putting it mildly.
And my word if Ray Celestin hasnt gone and done it again. The mix of historical fact and fiction is utterly compelling (Louis Armstrong!) and I was so happy to be reading about Michael and Ida again, two characters I fell in love with in the first novel. The same evocative writing style, with perhaps an even more compelling plot made Dead Mans Blues a really top notch read.
The author weaves real life events into the narrative seamlessly making the fictional parts all the more authentic feeling – yes he takes some liberties with the actual timing but any fan of the era or of Mr Armstrong will see the progression and the inspirations here. That aside though, this tale of murder and mayhem is beautifully plotted and very compelling, the sense of the time is evoked in dramatic and gorgeous fashion throughout the telling.
Really really REALLY excellent.
Highly Recommended once more. And luckily for me there will BE more.
And my word if Ray Celestin hasnt gone and done it again. The mix of historical fact and fiction is utterly compelling (Louis Armstrong!) and I was so happy to be reading about Michael and Ida again, two characters I fell in love with in the first novel. The same evocative writing style, with perhaps an even more compelling plot made Dead Mans Blues a really top notch read.
The author weaves real life events into the narrative seamlessly making the fictional parts all the more authentic feeling – yes he takes some liberties with the actual timing but any fan of the era or of Mr Armstrong will see the progression and the inspirations here. That aside though, this tale of murder and mayhem is beautifully plotted and very compelling, the sense of the time is evoked in dramatic and gorgeous fashion throughout the telling.
Really really REALLY excellent.
Highly Recommended once more. And luckily for me there will BE more.
May 5, 2025
The second novel in Celestin's series about mobsters and jazz bands; this one is based in Chicago and features real-life characters including Al Capone and Louis Armstrong. This is a fabulously fast-paced story full of intrigue and violence following Pinkerton detectives, Michael Talbot and Ida Davis, as they come up against seemingly impossible odds to solve the case of a missing heiress.
Following a plea from the mother of Gwendolyn Van Haren, the two follow the daughter's last known movements and a trail that takes them into the seedy back streets of the city and has them rubbing shoulders with murky organised crime syndicates and corrupt cops.
They are not the only people looking for Gwendolyn, however. Jacob Russo, a police photographer and Dante Sanfelippo, a bootlegger with links to both Capone and the New York families, also have reasons for wanting to find out what has happened to her.
The searchers find themselves joining forces on occasion and working independently of one another whilst trying to stay one step ahead of the mobs, police and others who would stop at nothing to cause them serious harm. This is a savage story in parts. Everyone has to endure some pain and anguish and the triumph of the spirit over these is a theme running throughout the book.
The author does a terrific job of describing the intense atmosphere of the city in the1920s where those people wanting to make a name for themselves have to tread a dangerous path if they are going to succeed. Great writing and fabulous storytelling. This is a winner of a series.
Following a plea from the mother of Gwendolyn Van Haren, the two follow the daughter's last known movements and a trail that takes them into the seedy back streets of the city and has them rubbing shoulders with murky organised crime syndicates and corrupt cops.
They are not the only people looking for Gwendolyn, however. Jacob Russo, a police photographer and Dante Sanfelippo, a bootlegger with links to both Capone and the New York families, also have reasons for wanting to find out what has happened to her.
The searchers find themselves joining forces on occasion and working independently of one another whilst trying to stay one step ahead of the mobs, police and others who would stop at nothing to cause them serious harm. This is a savage story in parts. Everyone has to endure some pain and anguish and the triumph of the spirit over these is a theme running throughout the book.
The author does a terrific job of describing the intense atmosphere of the city in the1920s where those people wanting to make a name for themselves have to tread a dangerous path if they are going to succeed. Great writing and fabulous storytelling. This is a winner of a series.
November 13, 2022
I really loved it. Gangsters, alcohol prohibition, corruption, shootings, adventures, love, friendships, treasons, music, subtle feminism and anti-racism. This book has it all. And what an atmosphere!
March 11, 2019
Le premier tome était très bon, le deuxième est encore meilleur ! Vivement la sortie du troisième !
February 27, 2021
Loved this even more than the first. A wonderful and historical romp through Americas darkest days (well until Trump happened).
Give this series a go, you’ll enjoy it!
Give this series a go, you’ll enjoy it!
September 2, 2018
A decade odd after the events taking place in the Axeman’s jazz Michael and Ida are working for the Pinkerton Agency in Chicago. While on the trail of a disappeared heiress their path crosses shadowy characters. With Tommy guns. Hey, it’s Chicago, 1928...
Celestin pursues his history of Jazz and Crime (2 out of 4 books planned). Another city, another season. If Axeman was centered on Michael and Ida, Dead man make them share the page with new players (Jacob, Dante), each on his own trail before they all connect (the same basic construction than Axeman actually).
The plot is not exactly mind blowing- we actually have a good idea of who if not why early on- and again very TV show-oriented but goes smoothly and fares well for a period crime novel.
Celestin maintains a very nice writing style, pleasant and easy to read. His depiction of late 20’s Chicago is good and seems plausible, even if not showing the city on its best light. The city of Al Capone, remember? He also manages to subtly include a bit of social comments throughout. The jazz aspect is of no actual use for the plot itself but it adds a cool feeling and anchors the whole in the reality of the time.
The best aspect the book resides in the characters. The four main (Michaell, Ida, Jacob, Dante) are multi-layered, with depth and credible motivations and reactions and you easily root for them all. Special mention to Ida. Her personality, hopes, fears, shames are very well rendered and make her a great character.
There are some weak points though. Everybody spill his guts rather easily and some situations are quite conveniently resolved (off-page or not). The coal trace on Ida’s hand (didn’t she take a shower or something?) is the perfect example. Louis Armstrong’s presence, if logical, tends to make the plot digress from its goal.
But all considered these are quite minor. On the whole I took great pleasure reading this book and that’s what counts, right?
Celestin pursues his history of Jazz and Crime (2 out of 4 books planned). Another city, another season. If Axeman was centered on Michael and Ida, Dead man make them share the page with new players (Jacob, Dante), each on his own trail before they all connect (the same basic construction than Axeman actually).
The plot is not exactly mind blowing- we actually have a good idea of who if not why early on- and again very TV show-oriented but goes smoothly and fares well for a period crime novel.
Celestin maintains a very nice writing style, pleasant and easy to read. His depiction of late 20’s Chicago is good and seems plausible, even if not showing the city on its best light. The city of Al Capone, remember? He also manages to subtly include a bit of social comments throughout. The jazz aspect is of no actual use for the plot itself but it adds a cool feeling and anchors the whole in the reality of the time.
The best aspect the book resides in the characters. The four main (Michaell, Ida, Jacob, Dante) are multi-layered, with depth and credible motivations and reactions and you easily root for them all. Special mention to Ida. Her personality, hopes, fears, shames are very well rendered and make her a great character.
There are some weak points though. Everybody spill his guts rather easily and some situations are quite conveniently resolved (off-page or not). The coal trace on Ida’s hand (didn’t she take a shower or something?) is the perfect example. Louis Armstrong’s presence, if logical, tends to make the plot digress from its goal.
But all considered these are quite minor. On the whole I took great pleasure reading this book and that’s what counts, right?
July 16, 2022
A convoluted tale sees the characters from the previous books in the series Ida and Michael trying to find a young woman in 1920s Chicago. Louis Armstrong makes another appearance along with a rich cast of historical figures. Even Babe Ruth gets a brief cameo.
I found the story a little too similar to the other books I read in the series but thoroughly enjoyed the thrills at the end and the historical richness throughout.
I found the story a little too similar to the other books I read in the series but thoroughly enjoyed the thrills at the end and the historical richness throughout.
February 4, 2018
I won this book from the publisher through a Goodreads giveaway. Thank you to both.
This book was very similar to the first, in that there are three ongoing investigations that end up intertwined and connecting to form "the big picture." As with The Axeman's Jazz, I really enjoyed the characters and the mysteries were compelling enough to keep me reading. However, also like the first book, there was just SO MUCH excess detail and a lot of things I just felt bogged down the book. Honestly, if Mr. Celestin's characters weren't so vividly drawn with his words and his crimes so interesting that you want to know the outcome, I don't know if I would have finished this book.
The author's note at the end of the book states that this is a planned four book series. Unless the next two books are edited for a tighter storyline, I can't see myself continuing with them -- and that IS a shame, because I really do enjoy these characters.
This book was very similar to the first, in that there are three ongoing investigations that end up intertwined and connecting to form "the big picture." As with The Axeman's Jazz, I really enjoyed the characters and the mysteries were compelling enough to keep me reading. However, also like the first book, there was just SO MUCH excess detail and a lot of things I just felt bogged down the book. Honestly, if Mr. Celestin's characters weren't so vividly drawn with his words and his crimes so interesting that you want to know the outcome, I don't know if I would have finished this book.
The author's note at the end of the book states that this is a planned four book series. Unless the next two books are edited for a tighter storyline, I can't see myself continuing with them -- and that IS a shame, because I really do enjoy these characters.
July 31, 2023
Hay que reconocer que, en mi caso, se necesitan pocas excusas para ponerme a escuchar jazz y este libro, además de sus virtudes dentro del género policiaco, gansteril o de detectives, ha hecho que recupere algunos discos o algunas canciones y, en esta sociedad tan atropellada, que nos paremos a escuchar una pieza de jazz (o de lo que sea) ya es un logro.
Si a esto añadimos un Chicago que se huele y se masca (también he recuperado My kind of town y Chicago de Sinatra, uno tiene sus debilidades) y unos personajes sólidos e interesantes pues que más se puede pedir.
Ahora les dejo que tengo que seguir escuchando a Duke que, espero me perdone el autor, sigue siendo mi favorito incluso por encima de Armstrong.
Si a esto añadimos un Chicago que se huele y se masca (también he recuperado My kind of town y Chicago de Sinatra, uno tiene sus debilidades) y unos personajes sólidos e interesantes pues que más se puede pedir.
Ahora les dejo que tengo que seguir escuchando a Duke que, espero me perdone el autor, sigue siendo mi favorito incluso por encima de Armstrong.
September 1, 2022
'Dead Man's Blues' captures the music, the corruption, the gangsters, prostitution and the prohibition that were endemic in late 1920s' Chicago in such a way that you feel you are there as Al Capone rules the city. Historical events are interwoven with the storyline, some, as the author points out in a fine afterword, slightly out of their chronological sequence so as to fit in with and make the storyline more exciting. Whatever, it all works very well to provide a thrilling work of fiction.
The action moves seamlessly from one set of characters to another as Michael Talbot and Ida Davis, Pinkerton detectives, set out to investigate the case of a missing heiress with crime-scene photographer, Jacob Russo, a would-be detective, starts his own investigations into the crime. In addition Dante Sanfillipo, heroin addict, rum-runner and general all round fixer is called into Chicago by Al Capone who believes there is a traitor in his underworld camp.
They all have their own agendas but their paths cross and between them they get into more danger and deadly situations that threaten their lives than can be imagined. And alongside it all musician Louis Armstrong comes to town to further his musical career and, alongside developing his musical talent, meets up with Al Capone, who also has his influence in the music industry.
Along with the author's afterword that gives the reasons for the use of incidents used out of chronological sequence, such as the Jack Dempsey/Gene Tunney fight at Soldier Field, which, incidentally provides a vivid picture of that old stadium, the whole makes an entertaining and atmospheric read.
The action moves seamlessly from one set of characters to another as Michael Talbot and Ida Davis, Pinkerton detectives, set out to investigate the case of a missing heiress with crime-scene photographer, Jacob Russo, a would-be detective, starts his own investigations into the crime. In addition Dante Sanfillipo, heroin addict, rum-runner and general all round fixer is called into Chicago by Al Capone who believes there is a traitor in his underworld camp.
They all have their own agendas but their paths cross and between them they get into more danger and deadly situations that threaten their lives than can be imagined. And alongside it all musician Louis Armstrong comes to town to further his musical career and, alongside developing his musical talent, meets up with Al Capone, who also has his influence in the music industry.
Along with the author's afterword that gives the reasons for the use of incidents used out of chronological sequence, such as the Jack Dempsey/Gene Tunney fight at Soldier Field, which, incidentally provides a vivid picture of that old stadium, the whole makes an entertaining and atmospheric read.
July 19, 2017
Exhilarating, I thoroughly enjoyed The Axeman's Jazz but this was somehow even better
January 27, 2022
The previous book 'The Axeman's Jazz', was good, this follow up was a step up - excellent. An engrossing tale in 1920s Chicago circling around prohibition, Al Capone, jazz, Louis Armstrong and more. A series that is getting better as it goes along, looking forward to the next book.
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