This was definitely a slowburn for me. The first chapter was chilling, but quickly switched to a more mundane, kind of boring story. I kept going though, knowing that once the main plot really started to come together it would get more exciting, and I was not disappointed.

Gianna and Enzo's families were attacked by the Axeman seven years ago, and for whatever reason, he left Gianna unscathed. Now, he's back and she's determined to find him and get her revenge for what he did to her parents. Enzo is her boyfriend and trusted sidekick in this well-intentioned but unintelligent endeavor. How does Gianna think she's going to take down a serial killer??

The writing is strong, and you feel for the families that have been hurt by the Axeman. You see the physical damage it has done to Gianna's parents, and the effects it has had on them for the past seven years. The point of view is only from Gianna, so we don't know what each character is thinking, we only see what she thinks is happening and how it all affects her.

The Axeman isn't the only murderer sulking around New Orleans, though. There's an epidemic of influenza overtaking the city, and no one is safe from it. Venues and churches have shut down, all the street musicians have packed up and gone home...New Orleans isn't the same without it's hustle and bustle. Between hiding from the Axeman and hiding from the epidemic, the city has become mostly a ghost town, and people think they're safe in their homes...but are they really?

All in all, a really well-written suspense novel. I didn't really see the end coming until it was happening, which is the best kind of novel. If you enjoy Karin Slaughter or Riley Sager, then you will probably enjoy this book. ( )