Don't Go to Sleep by Bryce Moore

 

This is a retelling of the New Orleans Axe Murderer.  In this version, it is 1918 and seven years ago, Gianna's family was attacked at night by the Axeman.  He seems to target Italian families, those who run neighborhood stores in particular.  Gianna's family was lucky as none of them died although both her mother and father were hit.

Now, as if World War I and the Spanish Flu weren't enough, the Axeman seems to be back.  Gianna has nightmares in which there is some connection between she and the Axeman and she can tell when he is about to attack, even whom he is targeting in some cases.  She and her friend Enzo are determined to track the Axeman down and put an end to his reign of terror but can they?

Bryce Moore is an American author and librarian.  He writes YA historical true crime novels based on various cases in the past.  I liked how he educated the reader about the Spanish Flu at the same time that the Axeman thread was unwound and how the flu killed more than other causes such as crime and the war.  Gianna shows courage and love for her family and neighborhood and Enzo is a great sidekick.  I listened to this novel and the narrator did a great job.  This novel is recommended for YA, historical fiction and true crime readers.