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The Bolden Cylinder: A Bruneau Abellard Novel
A potentially momentous discovery. A suspicious fire. A 50-year-old missing person’s case. Are they connected?
When Buddy Bolden died in a Louisiana insane asylum in 1931, a quarter century after his reign as the undisputed first “king” of jazz, he left behind no known recordings. But when quirky New Orleans antiques dealer Bruneau Abellard listens to a vintage phonograph cylinder he found in the secret compartment of a sideboard, he wonders if he has stumbled upon an important piece of musical history. In researching his discovery, Bruneau runs headlong into an arson investigation led by his childhood friend, NOPD Detective Bo Duplessis, which in turn may hold the key to a 50-year-old unsolved missing person’s case.
To untangle their present-day mysteries, Bruneau and Bo must first piece together a perplexing string of puzzles from the distant past. Their parallel investigations immerse them in the rhythm-and-blues subculture of 1960s New Orleans, and transport them to the dawn of the 20th Century, when a brash young musician introduced a new sound to the city, forever changing the course of music history.
Fast-paced and vividly drawn, The Bolden Cylinder introduces a memorable cast of eccentric characters, including a malodorous collector of early R&B memorabilia, a sultry nightclub singer, a reputed mob boss, a 12-year-old tap dancer, and an inscrutable peddler of voodoo paraphernalia. Together, they serve up a savory gumbo of suspenseful intrigue set against the seductive backdrop of a city in which past and present are forever interwoven.
When Buddy Bolden died in a Louisiana insane asylum in 1931, a quarter century after his reign as the undisputed first “king” of jazz, he left behind no known recordings. But when quirky New Orleans antiques dealer Bruneau Abellard listens to a vintage phonograph cylinder he found in the secret compartment of a sideboard, he wonders if he has stumbled upon an important piece of musical history. In researching his discovery, Bruneau runs headlong into an arson investigation led by his childhood friend, NOPD Detective Bo Duplessis, which in turn may hold the key to a 50-year-old unsolved missing person’s case.
To untangle their present-day mysteries, Bruneau and Bo must first piece together a perplexing string of puzzles from the distant past. Their parallel investigations immerse them in the rhythm-and-blues subculture of 1960s New Orleans, and transport them to the dawn of the 20th Century, when a brash young musician introduced a new sound to the city, forever changing the course of music history.
Fast-paced and vividly drawn, The Bolden Cylinder introduces a memorable cast of eccentric characters, including a malodorous collector of early R&B memorabilia, a sultry nightclub singer, a reputed mob boss, a 12-year-old tap dancer, and an inscrutable peddler of voodoo paraphernalia. Together, they serve up a savory gumbo of suspenseful intrigue set against the seductive backdrop of a city in which past and present are forever interwoven.
292 pages, Paperback
Published October 21, 2025
About the author
Norman Woolworth
2 books49 followersThe Bolden Cylinder is the second novel in author Norman Woolworth’s Bruneau Abellard series. His first book, The Lafitte Affair, was a Kirkus Reviews 2024 “Best of Indie” selection. Woolworth is a retired corporate executive who lives in Charlottesville, Virginia, with his wife Lori and their dog Nola. A father of three grown children and now a grandfather, Woolworth is a graduate of Tulane University and holds a M.A. in English Literature from the University of Virginia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
October 5, 2025
A multiple time line mystery surrounding the first "Jazz King" Buddy Bolton was not something I thought I needed in my life, but the last few days I became completely engrossed in this book by Norman Wollworth.
When antiques dealer Bruneau Abellard listens to a vintage phonograph cylinder he found in the secret compartment of a sideboard, he wonders if he has stumbled upon an important piece of musical history. Together with Bruneau and his detective pal Bo, we fall down the rabbit hole of the 1920s New Orleans jazz scene.
The way this story unfold is a masterpiece. The city is practically a main character as much as Buddy, Bruneau and Bo, but there are several colorful side characters that keep us on our toes including a sultry nightclub singer, a reputed mob boss, a 12-year-old tap dancer, and an inscrutable peddler of voodoo paraphernalia.
Something about this book reminded me of when I read "Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe" with it's mystery aspects and peculiar characters. Both are five star reads for me, and I thank GetRedPR and the author for a chance to read prior to the October 21st release.
When antiques dealer Bruneau Abellard listens to a vintage phonograph cylinder he found in the secret compartment of a sideboard, he wonders if he has stumbled upon an important piece of musical history. Together with Bruneau and his detective pal Bo, we fall down the rabbit hole of the 1920s New Orleans jazz scene.
The way this story unfold is a masterpiece. The city is practically a main character as much as Buddy, Bruneau and Bo, but there are several colorful side characters that keep us on our toes including a sultry nightclub singer, a reputed mob boss, a 12-year-old tap dancer, and an inscrutable peddler of voodoo paraphernalia.
Something about this book reminded me of when I read "Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe" with it's mystery aspects and peculiar characters. Both are five star reads for me, and I thank GetRedPR and the author for a chance to read prior to the October 21st release.
September 20, 2025
This is a well written, fascinating story.
I did not want it to end. The Cylinder is
fun to follow, the locales and people are
great. I’m saying little about the Cylinder
due to it being the entire point of the
story, and it’s waiting for readers to
drop by! My goodness I enjoyed the
conclusion.
My thanks to Little Brown & Co
via NetGalley for the download
copy used for review purposes.
I did not want it to end. The Cylinder is
fun to follow, the locales and people are
great. I’m saying little about the Cylinder
due to it being the entire point of the
story, and it’s waiting for readers to
drop by! My goodness I enjoyed the
conclusion.
My thanks to Little Brown & Co
via NetGalley for the download
copy used for review purposes.
November 13, 2025
The Bolden Cylinder was a goodreads giveaway book that I was fortunate enough to win a while back. I will say that this read has a significant amount of interesting history that goes on during the course of the novel. I had to do a little research on Buddy Bolden as I had never heard of him and of course I found out that he was one of the first musicians to perform Jazz.
Now Buddy Bolden suffered from severe mental ilness for the last several years of his life and he later died at an Asylum. This book follows the story of an Antique dealer who becomes drawn to the story. From there this novel will explore the adventures of a interesting age in our history.
I will say that this book had me intrigued. I learned some important details about the early days of Jazz and I will say that I was saddened that Mr. Bolden had such a sad end to his life. Overall this is a good book you should check out!
Now Buddy Bolden suffered from severe mental ilness for the last several years of his life and he later died at an Asylum. This book follows the story of an Antique dealer who becomes drawn to the story. From there this novel will explore the adventures of a interesting age in our history.
I will say that this book had me intrigued. I learned some important details about the early days of Jazz and I will say that I was saddened that Mr. Bolden had such a sad end to his life. Overall this is a good book you should check out!
October 18, 2025
When Buddy Bolden died in a Louisiana insane asylum in 1931, a quarter century after his reign as the undisputed first “king” of jazz, he left behind no known recordings. But when quirky New Orleans antiques dealer Bruneau Abellard listens to a vintage phonograph cylinder he found in the secret compartment of a sideboard, he wonders if he has stumbled upon an important piece of musical history.
I expected more from this book. I wanted more from the asylum and more history. Plus, it is not as fast paced as I like. It is enjoyable but it is a bit wordy. That is not to say it is not a good read. I think I went into this tale with different expectations than the author.
That being said, I loved the setting of New Orleans. The author took you all over this area and did a fabulous job. I have not been to N.O. in quite a while. But I could just picture it. AND THE FOOD!
The mystery is also different with a wonderful myriad of characters. And the way it is woven together definitely keeps the reader guessing to what is going to happen next.
Need a unique mystery set in New Orleans…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.
I received this novel from the publisher for an honest review.
I expected more from this book. I wanted more from the asylum and more history. Plus, it is not as fast paced as I like. It is enjoyable but it is a bit wordy. That is not to say it is not a good read. I think I went into this tale with different expectations than the author.
That being said, I loved the setting of New Orleans. The author took you all over this area and did a fabulous job. I have not been to N.O. in quite a while. But I could just picture it. AND THE FOOD!
The mystery is also different with a wonderful myriad of characters. And the way it is woven together definitely keeps the reader guessing to what is going to happen next.
Need a unique mystery set in New Orleans…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.
I received this novel from the publisher for an honest review.
October 23, 2025
As much as this ended up not really being about Buddy Bolden, or even a cylinder, I quite enjoyed it! With some fascinating New Orleans history, a decades-old mystery, and a diverse cast of interesting characters, I was invested throughout the whole story. This was a nice, quick historical mystery that makes me want to go back and read the author's first novel, to be honest.
Thanks so much to Get Red PR Books for the gifted copy!
Website | Bookstagram | BookTok
Thanks so much to Get Red PR Books for the gifted copy!
Website | Bookstagram | BookTok
October 15, 2025
I loved the historical backdrop of early jazz… it drew me in and even made me want to dig into that era a bit more. The mystery plot was intriguing, and I kept turning the pages wanting to see how everything connected. “Old” Izzy was probably my favorite character..he had me cackling with some of his lines. Overall, the suspense and historical aspect kept me engaged.
October 13, 2025
Thank you to @GetRedPR and @LevelBestBooks for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
truly surprised me. I went to it completely blind and really enjoyed it. It’s got mystery, music history, and that New Orleans charm all rolled into one. The story starts with a lost phonograph cylinder that might hold the only known recording of jazz legend Buddy Bolden, and from there, it spirals into a mix of secrets involving an old fire, a missing person case, and a city full of colorful characters.
I really liked Bruneau Abellard, the antiques dealer who stumbles across the cylinder. He’s quirky, a little offbeat, and the kind of character who just fits perfectly in a story like this. His friendship with Bo Duplessis, the detective investigating the fire, adds an easy humor and grounded feel to the more mysterious parts of the book. Their investigations run parallel but eventually connect in such a satisfying way.
The book paints New Orleans so vividly that you can practically feel you are part of the story. The city feels alive, messy, and magical all at once, and the mix of timelines and characters gives it that rich, layered feel I love in a good mystery.
If you like mysteries with atmosphere, heart, and a strong sense of place, The Bolden Cylinder is definitely the book for you. It’s clever, soulful, and just the right mix of intrigue and nostalgia.
4.25 Stars!
#TheBoldenCylinder, #NormanWoolworth, #GetRedPR, #NewOrleans, #LevelBestBooks
truly surprised me. I went to it completely blind and really enjoyed it. It’s got mystery, music history, and that New Orleans charm all rolled into one. The story starts with a lost phonograph cylinder that might hold the only known recording of jazz legend Buddy Bolden, and from there, it spirals into a mix of secrets involving an old fire, a missing person case, and a city full of colorful characters.
I really liked Bruneau Abellard, the antiques dealer who stumbles across the cylinder. He’s quirky, a little offbeat, and the kind of character who just fits perfectly in a story like this. His friendship with Bo Duplessis, the detective investigating the fire, adds an easy humor and grounded feel to the more mysterious parts of the book. Their investigations run parallel but eventually connect in such a satisfying way.
The book paints New Orleans so vividly that you can practically feel you are part of the story. The city feels alive, messy, and magical all at once, and the mix of timelines and characters gives it that rich, layered feel I love in a good mystery.
If you like mysteries with atmosphere, heart, and a strong sense of place, The Bolden Cylinder is definitely the book for you. It’s clever, soulful, and just the right mix of intrigue and nostalgia.
4.25 Stars!
#TheBoldenCylinder, #NormanWoolworth, #GetRedPR, #NewOrleans, #LevelBestBooks
October 22, 2025
I just read the next book in the Bruneau Abellard series and I really enjoyed it. It immersed me in Bruneau’s New Orleans, refined, gentile, and full of jazz, good food, and good friends. It is the second in the series but can be read as a standalone.A piece of furniture Bruneau acquired for his store that led to an unexpected treasure, a vintage phonograph cylinder that might be a recording of the early “King of Jazz”. Bruneau calls on friends to help with the treasure and ends up stumbling onto a crime from the past.This is a story of friendship, trust, and secrets from the past being revealed. Together the friends need to figure it out before everything is destroyed. The story moves seamlessly between timelines revealing information and secrets from the past. Bruneau and his friends are interesting and quirky and bring different personalities and skills to the mix. Plus I adore the descriptions of the meals, it gets my mouth watering. The inclusion of historical research and puzzles in the solving of the mysteries sets this series apart for me and makes it a must read. I recommend this book to readers that enjoy mysteries that immerse them in the setting and incorporate history.
Thanks to the author and Get Red PR for the gifted copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thanks to the author and Get Red PR for the gifted copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 23, 2025
Thank you to @norman.woolworth @levelbestbook and @getredprbooks for this #gifted book!
Discover the captivating second installment of the Bruneau Abellard series, where intrigue and the rich tapestry of New Orleans come to life.
In this enthralling tale, Bruneau stumbles upon a lost phonograph cylinder that may hold the only surviving recording of jazz icon Buddy Bolden. As the plot unfolds, a web of secrets interweaves an old fire's mystery, a gripping missing person case, and a vibrant cast of characters that fills the city with charm.
Bruneau Abellard himself is a standout, blending a delightful mix of stuffiness, intellect, and a fervent passion for history. His love for food and his engaging demeanor makes him compelling.
Alongside him is Bo Duplessis, the detective tackling the fire investigation. Their friendship injects a refreshing humor and a sense of grounding amidst the story’s mysterious elements. As their paths intersect, the ending is both satisfying and unexpected.
If you have a taste for historical mysteries that resonate with depth and character, this book is a must-read and is available now.
Discover the captivating second installment of the Bruneau Abellard series, where intrigue and the rich tapestry of New Orleans come to life.
In this enthralling tale, Bruneau stumbles upon a lost phonograph cylinder that may hold the only surviving recording of jazz icon Buddy Bolden. As the plot unfolds, a web of secrets interweaves an old fire's mystery, a gripping missing person case, and a vibrant cast of characters that fills the city with charm.
Bruneau Abellard himself is a standout, blending a delightful mix of stuffiness, intellect, and a fervent passion for history. His love for food and his engaging demeanor makes him compelling.
Alongside him is Bo Duplessis, the detective tackling the fire investigation. Their friendship injects a refreshing humor and a sense of grounding amidst the story’s mysterious elements. As their paths intersect, the ending is both satisfying and unexpected.
If you have a taste for historical mysteries that resonate with depth and character, this book is a must-read and is available now.
February 13, 2026
Honestly, I just want to step inside Bruneau’s antique shop and bend his ear—he’s the kind of character you could listen to all day.
In The Bolden Cylinder, Norman Woolworth once again drops readers into the fascinating world of antiques dealer Bruneau Abellard—this time in the heart of New Orleans. When a hidden phonograph cylinder turns up inside an old piece of furniture, it sparks a mystery that winds through decades of jazz, missing persons, and a haunting arson investigation. The premise is fresh and inventive, blending historical intrigue with modern-day tension in a way that feels utterly original.
I love this series, and having just been to New Orleans myself, the setting felt so real I could practically hear the music drifting from Frenchmen Street. The writing is atmospheric and almost lyrical, capturing the city’s rhythm, decay, and magic without losing sight of the mystery at its core. Woolworth ties the past to the present perfectly, weaving the echoes of Buddy Bolden’s lost jazz legacy into a well-researched and deeply human story that lingers long after the last page.
In The Bolden Cylinder, Norman Woolworth once again drops readers into the fascinating world of antiques dealer Bruneau Abellard—this time in the heart of New Orleans. When a hidden phonograph cylinder turns up inside an old piece of furniture, it sparks a mystery that winds through decades of jazz, missing persons, and a haunting arson investigation. The premise is fresh and inventive, blending historical intrigue with modern-day tension in a way that feels utterly original.
I love this series, and having just been to New Orleans myself, the setting felt so real I could practically hear the music drifting from Frenchmen Street. The writing is atmospheric and almost lyrical, capturing the city’s rhythm, decay, and magic without losing sight of the mystery at its core. Woolworth ties the past to the present perfectly, weaving the echoes of Buddy Bolden’s lost jazz legacy into a well-researched and deeply human story that lingers long after the last page.
September 20, 2025
In THE BOLDEN CYLINDER, written by Norman Woolworth, Bruneau Abellard owns a shop named Abellard Antiques. In a sideboard delivered to his shop, he finds an Edison cylinder. He brings it to someone who plays it and hears the sounds of a cornet. I want to know more about the person who is recorded and read on.
I like that this book delves into the life of the real person, Buddy Bolden. I think the name of the point-of-view character should be known right away at the beginning of a chapter or, at least, not implied every time. I am attracted to all the information about jazz but want more written about New Orleans. I want to know more about Bruneau Abellard and his relationship with Sallie Maguire and look forward to reading future books in the Bruneau Abellard series. Thank you, Level Best Books and NetGalley, for the chance to read and review an advance reader copy of THE BOLDEN CYLINDER.
I like that this book delves into the life of the real person, Buddy Bolden. I think the name of the point-of-view character should be known right away at the beginning of a chapter or, at least, not implied every time. I am attracted to all the information about jazz but want more written about New Orleans. I want to know more about Bruneau Abellard and his relationship with Sallie Maguire and look forward to reading future books in the Bruneau Abellard series. Thank you, Level Best Books and NetGalley, for the chance to read and review an advance reader copy of THE BOLDEN CYLINDER.
December 9, 2025
New Orleans is a city that is simultaneously trapped in time while also ever changing, largely due to its resilience. It’s constantly attacked, but rebuilds itself, and there’s no other place like it. Even if you move, it will always be a part of you.
I can feel that in this work, which has me zooming to streets of my city as I investigate this case alongside the main characters. You get right back into the thick of it with the characters from the first book, and solve both a modern and past mystery that are linked by this cylinder, believed to have been recorded by jazz musician Bolden.
The POVs switch back and forth and it's interesting to see when one character finds something out before the other, and when they all bring their knowledge to the table, what all gets unveiled. Justice is served, history is uncovered, and you get a heck of a story from it.
Thank you Get Red PR for the title for review!
I can feel that in this work, which has me zooming to streets of my city as I investigate this case alongside the main characters. You get right back into the thick of it with the characters from the first book, and solve both a modern and past mystery that are linked by this cylinder, believed to have been recorded by jazz musician Bolden.
The POVs switch back and forth and it's interesting to see when one character finds something out before the other, and when they all bring their knowledge to the table, what all gets unveiled. Justice is served, history is uncovered, and you get a heck of a story from it.
Thank you Get Red PR for the title for review!
December 14, 2025
THE BOLDEN CYLINDER is the second book in the Bruneau Abellard Series but can be read as a standalone. Thank you @norman.woolworth @levelbestbooks and @getredprbooks for the #gifted copy.
The thing about historical mysteries I like the most is that I always learn something new. In BOLDEN CYLINDER I learned that before vinyl records music was recorded and played on cylinders put on phonographs. I love that New Orleans and jazz music are characters along with all the eccentric and quirky characters in this story.
Bruneau finds a lost phonograph cylinder in a piece of furniture that might be the only recording of jazz king Buddy Bolden. This leads to a mystery of who recorded it and how it got into the piece of furniture. They stumble upon a crime of the past. The story moves seamlessly from the past to the present revealing secrets. Izzy was my favorite character and I enjoyed the unexpected ending.
The thing about historical mysteries I like the most is that I always learn something new. In BOLDEN CYLINDER I learned that before vinyl records music was recorded and played on cylinders put on phonographs. I love that New Orleans and jazz music are characters along with all the eccentric and quirky characters in this story.
Bruneau finds a lost phonograph cylinder in a piece of furniture that might be the only recording of jazz king Buddy Bolden. This leads to a mystery of who recorded it and how it got into the piece of furniture. They stumble upon a crime of the past. The story moves seamlessly from the past to the present revealing secrets. Izzy was my favorite character and I enjoyed the unexpected ending.
November 10, 2025
This was a fun historical mystery read. An antiques dealer Bo, finds a phonograph cylinder in a piece of furniture, and tracks down someone who can play this mysterious piece of music. After hearing what is on the tube, they can hardly believe it. Is this a recording of the king of jazz, Buddy Bolden? This would be an astonishing piece of history, but as they continue to figure out if this really is Buddy's recording, it seems that there is quite a mystery that needs untangling. What happened to Buddy after he went into the asylum, who recorded this, why and how did it end up in a piece of furniture? I enjoyed the various quirky characters that were written through out this story, Izzy was probably my favorite of them all. Thank you to the author, publisher and Get Red PR for the complementary novel. This review is of my own opinion and accord.
April 13, 2026
The Bolden Cylinder A Bruneau Abellard Novel by Norman Woolworth is a richly layered mystery that blends music history with suspense in a compelling way. Set against the vibrant backdrop of New Orleans, the story weaves together past and present through a fascinating discovery that may reshape jazz history.
What stands out is the atmosphere. The author brings the setting to life with vivid detail, while the intertwining investigations keep the narrative engaging and unpredictable.
The mix of historical elements, eccentric characters, and mystery creates a unique reading experience. Overall, it’s an enjoyable and well crafted novel for readers who appreciate intrigue, cultural depth, and a story that connects history with present-day discovery.
What stands out is the atmosphere. The author brings the setting to life with vivid detail, while the intertwining investigations keep the narrative engaging and unpredictable.
The mix of historical elements, eccentric characters, and mystery creates a unique reading experience. Overall, it’s an enjoyable and well crafted novel for readers who appreciate intrigue, cultural depth, and a story that connects history with present-day discovery.
October 22, 2025
I love a story that spans multiple time periods. I also love a story with a good mystery at the heart of it. This book definitely satisfied that area for me. I felt that the story had an amazing plot. I also felt like the main characters as well as the side characters were very well developed.
At the heart of this book is an amazing mystery that really kind of pulls you in. I've been reading fantasy books for so long and this reminded me what I loved about books like this. This is the style of book that really got me into reading.
So if you love a story that spans across time and contains a great mystery then you definitely want to read this one.
At the heart of this book is an amazing mystery that really kind of pulls you in. I've been reading fantasy books for so long and this reminded me what I loved about books like this. This is the style of book that really got me into reading.
So if you love a story that spans across time and contains a great mystery then you definitely want to read this one.
March 30, 2026
I received this book as a ✨Giveaway✨. I enjoyed learning some of the history of jazz and New Orleans as it tells a story based on Buddy Bolden. The book flowed well and held my attention. Thank you @bestlevelbooks and @normanwoolworth for the opportunity to read this book.
Buddy Bolden was known as King Bolden for his cornet skills but alcohol resulted in his mental deterioration and he ended up in an asylum. The story tells the tale of a cylinder recording found in an old hidden compartment of a cabinet and the journey to determine if it is a recording of Buddy Bolden during his time at the asylum.
Buddy Bolden was known as King Bolden for his cornet skills but alcohol resulted in his mental deterioration and he ended up in an asylum. The story tells the tale of a cylinder recording found in an old hidden compartment of a cabinet and the journey to determine if it is a recording of Buddy Bolden during his time at the asylum.
April 14, 2026
📖 Book Review 📖 New Orleans has a rich and storied history that Norman Woolworth beautifully taps into through his Bruneau Abellard series. Am I biased because his antique store is set on quite possibly my favorite street in the Big Easy? Perhaps…but it really just goes to show that The Bolden Cylinder perfectly encapsulates the vibes of this city, where past and present collide in beautiful cohesion daily. Woolworth masterfully crafts a tale evoking the senses - from sight to sound- that brings this colorful city to life through the mystery that lies in these pages.
April 14, 2026
This book surprised me in the best way possible. It’s a mystery that will suck you right in and take you along for the journey of solving the case. I absolutely loved how we had a present day time line that weaved in with a historical timeline with two different mysteries that wove together. I didn’t want to put this book down. The writing was beautiful and I could picture everything so vividly in my mind. If you enjoy mysteries, definitely add this one to your tbr. Thank you Get Red Pr for a gifted copy of this book
December 5, 2025
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC: I hadn't read the first book in the series but this stands alone quite well. The two protagonists are an antique dealer and jazz aficionado and his friend, a police detective. The former is the main protagonist. I found this a well crafted mystery involving jazz musicians and collectors, an arson, a cold case. The characters are fully formed and interesting. I enjoyed it more and more as it progressed. Recommended.
October 21, 2025
A mesmerizing mystery that hums with the heartbeat of New Orleans. The Bolden Cylinder mixes jazz history, suspense, and city folklore into a perfectly tuned story. The atmosphere is intoxicating, the characters unforgettable, and the rhythm of Woolworth’s writing lingers like a song you can’t stop replaying.
September 28, 2025
(2 1/2). This is a fund little read. As a music guy, I found it especially entertaining. All the New Orleans history works well and so does the cast of characters here. We have a nice mystery with some good twists and turns, a reasonable dose of sap, and some decent writing. Pretty good stuff.
October 19, 2025
I thought this book had a cool vibe. I enjoyed the mystery as well as the his historical jazzy feel it had! I can assure you there is one character that most who read this one will probably enjoy and that is our guy Izzy! I feel some parts were more exciting than others depending on where we were in the book, but overall I enjoyed reading it! Would read more by this author! Definitely enjoyed the writing style!
November 2, 2025
The Bolden Cylinder is a fast-paced historical mystery that interweaves past and present day New Orleans. It begins with an antiques dealer named Bruneau, who discovers a mysterious phonograph cylinder in a secret compartment of a sideboard that he purchased from an auction. He becomes curious about this cylinder and plays the recording to a few people in order to discover the origin of the recording. One of the people he shows it to is Izzy, a collector of New Orleans music memorabilia. After further research, Bruneau comes to the realization that he may have stumbled upon a legendary discovery of Buddy Bolden, who played a huge role in jazz but did not leave behind any known recordings. As Bruneau continues to get further into figuring this out, Izzy’s house goes up into flames alone with the cylinder that Bruneau lent him. He gets caught up in an arson case led by his best friend Bo. The arson case soon turns into a homicide/missing person’s case when they discover a corpse hidden inside Izzy’s house. Bruneau and Bo work together to piece all the information to solve this case and find out how the cylinder is involved in it.
I normally do not read historical books, but found myself devouring this book! I can tell the author did so much research, and he incorporated the history so seamlessly into his novel, so it didn’t feel like a history lesson in school. I felt like I learned so much about New Orleans and the history of jazz. I also enjoyed the characters and their banter with one another as they all work together to solve this mystery. Thank you to Get Red PR for an arc of The Bolden Cylinder ✨
I normally do not read historical books, but found myself devouring this book! I can tell the author did so much research, and he incorporated the history so seamlessly into his novel, so it didn’t feel like a history lesson in school. I felt like I learned so much about New Orleans and the history of jazz. I also enjoyed the characters and their banter with one another as they all work together to solve this mystery. Thank you to Get Red PR for an arc of The Bolden Cylinder ✨
November 3, 2025
I had no idea who Buddy Bolden was. I'm so glad that I won this on a Goodreads giveaway because I learned a little bit about jazz! it was quite a good story as well.
November 28, 2025
What a fantastic book. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. So many twists and turns I didn't expect. Great writing and fantastic characters made this such a fun read. I highly recommend.
December 14, 2025
This was a Goodreads giveaway book that I won. So much jazz history had me excited to dive into the book. I loved the storyline and all the jazz history was interesting. However I found the writing very formal and the book slow. This is why I gave it only two stars.
November 20, 2025
I enjoyed how much history is involved in the mystery. Bruneau has a way of learning facts and uncovering details in an interesting way. I liked how much food and the cuisine of the south was woven in. The connection that Bo’s family, Bruneau and Sallie have are some of my favorite parts. Bo’s wife gives out the best advice and she is very kind. There are a handful of characters to keep straight but I found the investigation of not only the cylinder but the crime interesting. I was not able to put everything together but I loved how everything was explained in the end. This group makes for a good investigation team. The reader gets both the police and personal investigation and I like how they mix together.
October 20, 2025
The Bolden Cylinder by Norman Woolworth is a real treat for anyone who loves a good story told with care. Woolworth gives you just enough pieces at a time to keep you guessing and imagining what’s coming next. It never feels rushed, he lets the story unfold naturally.
It’s got that old-school charm, the kind you’d find in classic books and shows where the storytelling had grit and heart. An enjoyable, well-paced read that reminds you what great storytelling really feels like.
It’s got that old-school charm, the kind you’d find in classic books and shows where the storytelling had grit and heart. An enjoyable, well-paced read that reminds you what great storytelling really feels like.
November 26, 2025
What even was this?
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