Axeman of New Orleans

by Perry Zenon

In "Axeman of New Orleans," a contemporary serial killer surfaces, mirroring the notorious Axeman from the early 1900s and plunging the lively city into a chilling atmosphere of dread. FBI agent Arthur Delaunay teams up with NOPD Detective Sinclair to investigate the sinister depths of New Orleans. As the number of victims climbs, they unravel a complex tapestry of secrets and motivations, racing against the clock to capture the elusive murderer. With the city gripped by terror and shadows of the past looming over them, Delaunay and Sinclair must confront their personal demons to halt a killer who thrives on chaos and fear.

Kindle Edition

Published November 28, 2025

Reviews

[Angela French · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Axeman of New Orleans” is a gripping crime thriller that takes the reader through the city’s haunted past and the chilling premise that a modern-day serial killer, Axeman, who echoes the old one, is now on the loose. The plot is fast-paced and full of twists, with FBI agent Arthur Delaunay and NOPD Detective Sinclair teaming up to track down the new serial killer who seems to be a copycat of the original Axeman that terrorized the city in the early 1900s. Delaunay and Sinclair must follow multiple leads to find the killer before he strikes again. The story takes place in the mysterious and wonderful city of New Orleans. I won’t reveal the killer, but overall, the story kept me reading and eager to see how it all ends. There are a few formatting issues with the book, but I recommend it as a great short, dark psychological crime thriller.

[Jithendra Jithu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Axeman of New Orleans by Perry Zenon

Rating:5/5

Review:

👉This book takes a chilling piece of American crime history and breathes new life into it through a modern thriller lens. Inspired by the real Axeman murders that haunted New Orleans in the early twentieth century, the novel immediately establishes an atmosphere of unease. The decision to open the story from the killer’s point of view is striking and effective, immersing the reader in a sense of dread from the very first pages. New Orleans is not merely a backdrop here; its culture, mood, and shadowy streets are woven directly into the tension of the narrative.

👉The plot follows FBI agent Arthur Delaunay as he partners with a local detective to hunt down a killer who appears to be deliberately echoing the methods of the original Axeman. The investigation unfolds through layered clues and unsettling crime scenes, encouraging the reader to piece together the mystery alongside the investigators. Zenon shifts between perspectives, including glimpses into the mind of the murderer, which keeps the suspense high and the pacing sharp. While some secondary characters could have been more fully developed, the central investigative duo provides enough emotional and intellectual weight to carry the story.

👉What makes the novel particularly engaging is how it explores the psychological impact of fear on an entire city. As the murders continue, panic spreads through New Orleans, reviving old legends and unresolved trauma. The historical connection adds a disturbing realism, especially given that the original Axeman was never identified. This unresolved past hangs over the story like a curse, reinforcing the idea that history can resurface in dangerous and unexpected ways.

👉Zenon’s writing style is direct and efficient, avoiding unnecessary filler while maintaining a strong sense of atmosphere. The pacing is steady and relentless, mirroring the urgency of the investigation and the growing body count. Themes of obsession, identity, and the thin line between myth and reality are subtly woven into the narrative.

Happy reading 😁

#bookreview

[Zoe Tasia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Axeman of New Orleans by Perry E. Zenon Sr. is a short thriller involving a serial killer whose weapon of choice is an ax; often one owned by the victim. It is interesting to note that there really was an axeman of New Orleans. Their axe-wielding killing spree took place in May 1818 through October 1919 and some of those attacked survived. The real axeman was never found.
This story is set in contemporary times and begins with the first murder told from the killer’s point of view in chapter 1. The contrast between his kindness to a dog and the later violence humanizes the man. The book takes place in New Orleans, Louisiana. This first chapter caught my imagination immediately and many questions jostled in my head demanding attention.
What follows is the discovery of the crime, and the investigation led by Detective Sinclair. There are several clues to follow like the murder weapon on the porch and poker chips inside the victim’s bowl. Agent Arthur Delaunay is requested to help Sinclair find the culprit.
The descriptions are vivid and include details like the occurrence of the 2023 hurricane and the Harvey Canal where casinos are moored. Numerous scenes take place on the water in an imaginary casino. The tale is told from multiple points of view. There are several clever red herrings.
I enjoyed the mystery and liked the main characters. I’m curious to see if this will be book one of a series.
I have few qualms. The novella was formatted in a way that spaced out letters which was distracting. I question the inclusion of a prologue and found it unnecessary. The story truly begins with chapter 1, and the prologue didn’t flow well into the following chapter. The transition between chapters 1 and 2 was much better. Although, I was confused when Manhattan was mentioned.
Overall, I found the book well-written and a rewarding read. It was a delightful change reading a hard-boiled mystery instead of my usual cozies fare.

[JaneAustin'sPetticoat · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I had no idea initially that this book is based on/builds off of a true serial killer case. The Axeman of New Orleans was a serial killer in the early 1900s, and (true to the name) he killed his victims with an axe, which, eerily enough, they usually owned themselves. The killer was never caught, and his possible motives ranged from ethnic prejudice against Italians to a fondness for jazz music. Knowing this isn't necessary to enjoy the story Zenon writes, but it adds to the atmosphere.

As Sinclair's boss says, it's "a deliberate echo." I thought this story would be a retelling of true crime, but it actually builds off of it, which is really nice.

The pace is fast throughout the entire novel. There's a killer on the loose, and Hurricane Lydia strikes New Orleans, two events which together provide great fodder for a ticking clock scenario. The ruthlessly fast pace is mostly good, as it keeps the plot and the characters moving. It felt like a snappy crime TV show. I personally would have liked the pace to slow just a bit at times so that I could connect with the characters a little more. There are a few moments where we get really nice, descriptive scenes of the city, and Zenon does a great job making us feel the city through all of our senses in these moments.

Detective James Sinclair and Agent Arthur Delaunay are the two main characters, although there is a host of minor characters (mostly other detectives/people associated with the investigation, like Sarah Bennett), but we also get snippets from victims, the (at first unnamed) killer, and people discovering the victims - all pretty standard and expected for a gritty crime genre novel.

It is a short novel - only 140 pages, but it works for the story and is still a good read. Definitely a good recommendation for lovers of crime fiction.

[Lubov Leonova · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting Plot but Poor Delivery

The story offers a promising premise that intrigues from the start, but unfortunately, it falls short in execution. Starting from the prologue, when Arthur Delaunay arrives in New Orleans, the author attempts to establish the city’s atmosphere and the character’s feelings. However, the heavy reliance on telling rather than showing detracted from the immersive experience, making it challenging for me to engage with the story fully.

Character development is another area that lacks depth. While Arthur has an established backstory, it is presented in the prologue rather than integrated into the plot. The relationship between Sarah and Sinclair feels flat, with little conflict to guide their attraction, resulting in a rather superficial portrayal. Besides, the abundance of characters and rapid shifts in point of view create confusion, making it hard to remember individual roles.

The third area that made my reading less enjoyable is the formatting. I bought the story for Kindle, but the book format didn’t align with my device. I’m not sure if it’s a PDF or another format, but the thing is that some letters in the same word could be too far apart or squashed. I attached a few screenshots to my review on Amazon, so I hope the author will fix this issue in the future.

Despite these drawbacks, the novel does have some redeeming qualities. The horror atmosphere is effectively palpable, and the perspective of the villain adds an unsettling chill to the story.

In conclusion, while “Axeman of New Orleans” may not satisfy those searching for depth in horror, it could serve as a light weekend read for those looking to enjoy a straightforward tale.

[N.Bookreview · Rating 5 out of 5]

Axeman of New Orleans by Perry Zenon is a crime thriller that brings an old New Orleans legend into the present day. The story is based on the real Axeman who terrorized the city long ago, which immediately made me curious. The book opens with a murder shown from the killer’s point of view, and that choice sets a dark and serious tone. From the beginning, the story creates fear without needing too much drama, and the city of New Orleans feels like an important part of the plot, not just a background.

The investigation follows FBI Agent Arthur Delaunay and a local detective as they try to stop a killer who leaves strange clues behind. I liked how the case slowly unfolds through small details, such as the murder weapon and items left at the crime scenes. The story moves through different points of view, including the killer’s, which adds tension and keeps the reader alert. Some characters could have been explored more deeply, but the main investigators were interesting enough to hold my attention.

This book connected with me because it shows how fear spreads through a city and how the past can influence the present. Knowing that the original Axeman was never caught made the story feel more real and unsettling. I also liked that the book did not waste time and stayed focused on the crime and the chase. As a reader, I felt the pressure of time and danger as the body count increased.

I would recommend Axeman of New Orleans to readers who enjoy crime, mystery, and serial killer stories. It is a good pick for those who want a fast and direct thriller without long side plots. This book works well as a short, intense read and would be especially interesting for readers who like stories inspired by true events.

[Aron Silver · Rating 1 out of 5]

First of all, I would to congratulate the author with publishing this novel. As a fellow author, I understand the difficulty of the process and I believe any published work is worthy of a little celebration. Well done!

That said, there is quite a bit of bad news here, which I’ll share first so that I may finish with a few words of encouragement again…

First of all, the formatting is a mess. There are issues with double spaces, and sometimes even no spaces between words? The paragraph layout is unprofessional. Oh, and it doesn’t even work on Kindle devices outside the Fire tablets. As is, I cannot recommend purchasing this for €7,50 at all.

The story itself isn’t great either. The characters don’t feel particularly interesting, the scenes describing New Orleans felt somewhat repetitive, and worst of all for a detective novel: the killings felt uninspired. The writing does actually get a bit better towards the end, but by then it’s too late to recapture the reader.

My advice to this author would be: ask yourself if writing is truly where your passion lies. It’s good you told a story, but would you wish this to be your legacy? Throughout the story I sensed several notes of longing. Longing for a peaceful domestic life, for good food, and for social activities.

As it is, this work was published prematurely. But that doesn’t mean the author is without talent. From the scenes describing foods and scents, I got the impression this author might be or become a great chef / cook. And if another novel gets written on the side, it may yet pique my curiosity again.

[Ann Smythe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perry Zenon’s novella has a bold cover and enticing title for lovers of thrillers and the horror genre. His use of descriptive text beautifully captures the sultry appeal of New Orleans’ French Quarter, bringing to life its winding cobbled streets and jazz-filled late-night bars. But the vibrant city is soon gripped by panic and fear when a spate of copycat killings reminiscent of a 1900s axeman’s reign of terror begins. A police investigation ensues, headed up by local homicide detective James Sinclair and assisted by FBI agent Arthur Delaunay. At the New Orleans precinct, we are introduced to an interesting support cast of eclectic characters. There are also a few well-written red herrings that add some great twists to this fast-paced story.
There are some minor spacing issues in the formatting that could still be corrected, and for me, did not detract from this being a great read. However, I did find myself wanting to know more about the characters and see their relationships develop further. Given the intriguing subject matter, its comparisons to a similar historical case could have been expanded upon, allowing a more in-depth, slower reveal, which I personally would have relished.

[Matteo Frittoli · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this contemporary thriller, a copycat serial killer emerges in modern-day New Orleans, meticulously mirroring the methods of the original "Axeman" who terrorized the city between 1918 and 1919. The killer often breaks into homes and uses the residents' own axes as weapons, plunging the French Quarter into a state of panic reminiscent of its historical trauma.
The story follows FBI Agent Arthur Delaunay and NOPD Detective James Sinclair as they navigate the city's atmosphere. The stakes are heightened by the impending arrival of a hurricane, creating a "ticking clock" as the investigation races against both the killer and the elements.
The psychological duel between Delaunay and the copycat. The book explores how the "shadows of the past" (the original Axeman) loom over the present, aligning the modern and historical noir.
The author places a heavy emphasis on the "feel" of New Orleans. He excels at describing scents, the sultry humidity, and the specific architecture of the French Quarter, making the city feel like a living character.
The Novel is relatively short and highly recommended if you like mystery, noir, and thriller genres.
The ebook version didn't have the text reflow as usual on Kindle, but it's worth reading if you like the thriller genre.