The Invisible Library is an excellent concept for a series, and I have high hopes for subsequent novels in this series by Genevive Cogman.

The Invisible Library is a unique collection of all things regarding the written word, located stealthily between dimensions and populated by a variety of Librarian staff whose sole purpose is the acquisition of rare and important texts from around the various dimensions and worlds.

A copy of one text in one dimension may differ to that of another dimension, making it all the more significant for the Library to have it amongst their vast collection. Librarians are bound to the library via an intricate tattoo mark on their backs, and whilst time passes normally when visiting dimensions, all time within the library is stationary, allowing for an extremely prolonged life.


There is lots unexplained about the library in this book, and I personally would've liked more in the way of delving into the expanded universe and social constructs of the lib…

The Axeman's Jazz is a murder mystery set in New Orleans just prior to prohibition, where segregation of races is prominent; mafia presence is the norm and the soundtrack is the ever evolving blues and jazz scene.


Everyone's out to gain something for nothing, and the cast of alcoholic investigators, drug addled journalists, cops in scandalous relationships and the Italian mob really add to Celestin's grimy portrayal of the deep south. Locations too, are vividly described, ranging from the seedy underbelly of Storyville with it's illicit prostitutes, to the crowded stereotypical police offices; the dusty fields of Agnola prison and the vile, murky swamps of the bayou.

What makes this story truly intriguing and difficult to put down is Celestin's excellent blend of history, music and fiction to create a truly absorbing and suitably realistic tale of crime, corruption, murder and music.

Multiple motifs rear their ugly heads as our different circles of characters find…