There is so much that I didn't know that I didn't know about axes. A good history of the axe, with some famous and infamous uses of it. I am currently obsessed with Six: The Musical, so I enjoyed all the discussion about Anne Boleyn and Katherine Howard. I have recommended this to my non fiction book club for a selection for next year.

I thought this book was going to be about the history of axe murder. It started off interesting, with the creation of the axe and the first axe murder… but then it just turned into different murder stories. I was looking forward to this book because Mary Roach wrote a blurb - but this wasn’t what I expected.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and Macmillan Audio for the gifted copy of WHACK JOB: A HISTORY OF AXE MURDER by Rachel McCarthy James!

WHACK JOB is the author's exploration of the history of the axe and those who have used it to commit murder. The exploration goes back into history for the invention of the axe and suspected early axe murders through more modern and well known stories and representations in popular media. She asks the question why the idea of "axe murder" is so well known in society even in an era where an axe in the home is much less prevalent.

I found this book to be very engaging, exactly what I want in a nonfiction read. I thought the author (and the narrator in the audio) had a really engaging way of telling a story. The narrative does jump through time from the very way back to more modern day instances. I thought that the combination was an interesting way to explore the question at hand.

The title and the premise definitely lean themselves to a bit of gore, but I didn't find it too over the top. Go into this one expecting some blood and a lot of dark humor.

I am a huge fan of microhistories and Whack Job is just that. Rather than a story of murders per se, it's a history of the use of the axe and it's role in society through the ages. There were pieces of the story that were very compelling but there were a fair amount of moments when it felt like a slog--I think perhaps the mismatch in title and expectation may be to blame. If you go in understanding that this book is about axes and not necessarily axe murders, I think you'll be more satisfied with it.

Ultimately, the narration was the one really solid pro for Whack Job. Jennifer Pickens livened up some of the more dry parts with her performance. I would definitely recommend the audio version to readers.

Whack Job: A History of Axe Murder by Rachel McCarthy James (book cover is in image) takes the reader through the history of axe murders from prehistoric times to the present day. Written a natural language, easy for a layperson for me to understand, this account keeps the reader engaged throughout.

I had the good fortune of being able to review the eBook and the audiobooks simultaneously and found it easy to navigate easily between the two, thanks to the wonderful narration provided by Jennifer Pickens. I would definitely recommend this for those who love to read about true crime for a great account of the evolution of the axe as a tool to a murder weapon.

Thank you, Macmillan Audio and St. Martin’s Press, for the opportunity to listen to this ALC and read this ARC. All opinions are my own.

Audiobook and eBook Rating: 5 Stars
Audio Release/Pub Date: May 13 2025

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#RachelMcCarthyJames
#JenniferPickens
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Macmillan Audio ALC
This didn’t work quite like I hoped. I was expecting lots of true crime about ax murders here. Instead, it was a story about the history of the axe, with the occasional murder thrown in. I feel like the tone here was a bit disjointed. Some of it was scholarly and dry and other times the author threw in her own opinions. I wish it would’ve felt more cohesive.
Jennifer Pickens did a great job narrating. She was a steady voice and the reason I continued the story.

Audiobook/Book Review 🪓🎧
Thank you so much partner @stmartinspress @macmillan.audio for the gifted arc + audiobook!

Whack Job
A History of Axe Murder
by Rachel McCarthy James
Narrated by Jennifer Pickens

About the book 👇🏽

Much like the wheel, the boat, and the telephone, the axe is a transformative piece of technology—one that has been with us since prehistory. And just as early humans used the axe to chop down trees, hunt for food, and whittle tools, they also used it to murder. Over time, this particular use has endured: as the axe evolved over centuries to fit the needs of new agricultural, architectural, and social development, so have our lethal uses for it.

Whack Job is the story of the axe, first as a convenient danger and then an anachronism, as told through the murders it has been employed in throughout history: from the first axe murder nearly half a million years ago, to the brutal harnessing of the axe in warfare, to its use in King Henry VIII's favorite method of execution, to Lizzie Borden and the birth of modern pop culture. Whack Job sheds brilliant light on this familiar implement, this most human of weapons. This is a critical examination of violence, an exploration of how technology shapes human conflict, the cruel and sacred rituals of execution and battle, and the ways humanity fits even the most savage impulses into narratives of the past and present.

🪓 My thoughts:

For as long as the axe has been in our hands, we have used it to kill.

I listened to this audiobook in one sitting and loved it! It was definitely the most interesting book I’ve ever read about a tool/weapon. It’s well researched and really dives into the history of the axe. So yes, there are stories about murder with an axe but I felt like it was more about stories where there was an axe around. I did attempt to read the physical book but truthfully it was the audiobook that held my attention. I totally recommend giving this book a read or a listen! Whack Job is out tomorrow 5/13/25!

Happy reading 📖 🩸🪓🎧

Whack Job is a somewhat misleading history of axe murders. While the book is interesting and well-written, I took issue with the broad scope and ambiguous definition of axe murder. The book includes a history of the axe as a tool and status symbol, then discussing its use in warfare, executions, politics, and, eventually, what I actually expected to be discussed as axe murder. Criminology generally agrees that not all types of killing constitute murder—generally some sort of extralegality is involved. I think this book would work better as an entry in the Object Lessons series to account for wide range of discussed topics. As it was, it was a bit of a slog, waiting until the last third of the book for the examples I actually expected to be covered.

The audiobook is well-narrated. The narration emphasizes the strength of the writing, and it helped me carry through a book that I thought was at times unfocused and too broad.

[3.5 stars rounded up]

This is not a book that compiles famous axe murders throughout history, despite what the very excellent title and introduction states. Rather, this is a recount of a dozen or so instances in history where the axe is used as a symbol and tool of murder. There is a difference. Only the last handful of chapters, starting with Lizzie Borden’s infamous story, read like true crime accounts. Others, the rundown of some of Henry VIII’s most famous executions, a Viking tale of one of Leif Erikson's sisters, and a recount of Will Tillman's recapturing of a ship against Confederate pirates, are not ones I would ever describe as “axe murders”. Still, this is a wonderful book on its own, so I can mostly move past this to enjoy what the book actually is.

This is an examination of what the axe is as a symbol, tool, and weapon throughout various cultures in history. A symbol of “home, war, and peace” as the author writes in her epilogue. Told chronologically, we are given short accounts each chapter of one particular person or period and where the axe sits in that. We look at what happened, the type of axe used, and why the axe may have been chosen. Often, this comes down to its averageness and commonality. Of course she picked up the firewood axe, every home has one laying around in those times!

Despite the disparity between my expectations and the reality of this book, I still greatly enjoyed it. I am not a huge true crime fan, especially when it comes to more modern events, but I felt that the author gave each of the victims and participants the respect that they deserve. She looks at the cases in a very analytical way, deciding if there was prior motive, what other ways that they might have turned out, and why the axe. Looking at the Lizzie Borden chapter, the author gives a rundown of the events of the day while paying special attention to the many axes present on the property.

I love when nonfiction books like these include little vignettes between chapters (Infinite Life, a favorite of mine, does the same). Here, we get one before every chapter to differing qualities and relatedness to the following chapter. None of them are bad, but some do feel more barely related than others. Still, a boon to the storytelling and analysis and almost worship of the axe found throughout the book.

The chapter on the American Colonial period feels very distant from the axe even in comparison to some of the other stories. I liked the analysis of the tomahawk as a symbol of both war and peace from Native Americans/depictions of them and there were parts that were interesting. Altogether, though, this chapter feels unconnected and deflated compared to the others present in this book. Surely, there were other stories of how the axe is a symbol in the use of scalping enemies than this slog. I enjoyed her concluding paragraphs, but this particular chapter was the weakest in both writing and content.

The epilogue was strange. It was essentially just another chapter, with a longer analysis and conclusion pinned on. It was just as well written as the others of the best chapters, but the choice of formatting confuses me. I don’t feel that there was enough there to separate this story out from the others as an epilogue. It felt more like that author dumping this one and a few other small stories that she did not have full chapters for together. It doesn’t ruin the book, but I was just left curious as to why she chose to do this.

Though I understand the disappointment in many of the other reviews criticizing the book over its actual content versus the title/description/introduction, I feel that the book stands on its own as a wonderful addition to the growing list of hyper-specific nonfiction about everyday life. I had a lot of fun while reading and greatly enjoyed the formatting, content, and the author’s voice. Many little facts about the axe in different fields are found here, such as an examination of the axe in the fasces symbol or the different specific types of hand axes and their uses in the early USA. Definitely worth picking up, though do mind the descriptions of true crime events in the final few chapters (not overly gorey, but still descriptions of violent murders included against childrens).

The narration for this audio was well done. I think I would have preferred less examples of the “axe murderers” and more time spent with the ones we had. Some of them were really interesting, but we moved on so quickly that I wanted to learn more.

Fun and informative, Whack Job: A History of Axe Murder is a truly interesting read. It takes the approach of exploring not just axe murders, but also the history and evolution of the axe itself and its historical significance in society. The author’s passion for the subject really comes through, which is something I love to see. You’ll find the classics such as the tale of Lizzie Borden of course but some of the lesser known choices were really fascinating. In particular I thought the chapter about Tanacharison and George Washington, and the Jumonville affair was super interesting and a part of history I was unaware of. The chapter on the Taliesin axe murders was something I knew about vaguely but learning more in depth about the events of what happened was both riveting and horrifying. The curation of the stories was well that out, and I was engrossed until the end.

I listened to this in audio book form and the narration by Jenifer Pickens was great, balancing having a warm informative tone, with an at times darkly humorous lilt, while also being respectful and somber when called for.

This is a perfect read for true crime and history lovers!

Thank you very much to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advance review copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I really enjoy the topic at hand, but I can't say I was intrigued by some of the earlier stories. The story that I liked the most was Lizzie Borden's, but that was something I already had knowledge about coming into this book. While the later stories were more interesting (for me) to hear, they didn't really focus much on the axe itself, just that it was used. Overall, I found myself zoning out during some of the stories.

I liked hearing about how axes were once considered women's tools and I liked hearing some of the history.

I don't know who did this author dirty, but I can't imagine reviews are going to be favorable considering what's being advertised versus what's in this book. This is a book called Whack Job: A History Of Axe Murder. So I foolishly anticipated a possibly subversive take on various true crimes where an axe was used. But no. This is very much not that. I will say that the stories are certainly informative and detailed. I imagine that people who like learning obscure historical details will love this. It just wasn't what I was expecting.

So, firstly, the majority of this book is dry and almost reads like a history textbook. It covers an awful lot of history and gets a bit in the weeds at time. Like when the book opened in 430,000 BC, I knew we were gonna have a problem. And there was very little in the way of axe murders. Listen, I'm not saying I want more axe murders, but if a book is called A History of Axe Murder, there are certain expectations. The book is more about the history of the axe itself and then includes random stories, sometimes made up, where an axe loosely plays a role. I liked the more modern stories, starting with Lizzie Borden, which doesn't happen until 75% into the book. I did really enjoy all of those stories though.

Love Jennifer Pickens. She should narrate all the things.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ALC.

Started off swinging with promise, but quickly dulled. Whack Job teases readers with the juicy potential of grisly true crime, only to pivot into a surprisingly detailed (and somewhat tedious) history of the ax itself. Fascinating? Occasionally. Murdery? Not enough. By the halfway point, it felt less like a true crime romp and more like a lumberjack’s dissertation. If you came for blood, you might find yourself chopping your way through dry, splintery chapters just to get there.

This was such a fascinating and unexpected read! Whack Job offers an anthropological deep dive into the history of the axe, tracing its role from prehistoric times all the way up to today. I loved how the author combined historical facts, cultural context, and true crime elements to explore the axe’s significance—not just as a tool, but as a weapon that has shaped fear and folklore across centuries.

I definitely learned a lot, and it kept me engaged from start to finish. The audiobook was well-performed and made the material even more compelling. If you're a fan of true crime, history, or just love a unique nonfiction pick, I highly recommend giving this one a try!

A lot was really packed into this little book! The author follows a linear narrative of the history of the Axe (and some prominent axe murders) and I definitely learned some new trivia fax I can bring up in conversation.

I personally would’ve preferred to focus more on the quality than the quantity of the stories since the title is a little misleading- check other reviews and you’ll understand where I’m coming from.

If you enjoy reading about niche interests I would highly recommend this.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

(Little tidbit to throw in- I have the flu and the more I read the word “Axe” the less real it looks)

This book starts with some information from her previous book as well as some research that I found interesting. She talked about the importance of axes how they were made and used throughout history as a tool and a weapon. Though not the most well known or common weapon and how it was used as comedy in media. Then the history really starts and it is extremely well written and I learned a lot especially about English history.
If you love history this book is for you!! Highly recommend

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ALC in exchange for an honest review.

I requested this book on a whim and I’m glad I did. The biggest negative I would say is that the title is just a little misleading- if you go into this book knowing it’s more a history of the axe in general, with associated stories of when it’s been used to kill. If you’re looking for purely true crime where an axe was involved, this book might disappoint you. Otherwise, if you want an interesting nonfiction looking at the fascinating development of something as simple as a thing used to cut, this was really entertaining. The mood is very light, almost flippant, making it a quick read. The narrator was a great choice for the subject matter in my opinion.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio and Netgalley for providing this audiobook for free in exchange for an honest review.

A little dull for a book about axe murder. The narration was good, but the book was a little slow.

Whack Job was a fascinating listen. I had never thought about axes and their being the cause of someone's death being so connected before reading this book. I loved all the detailed examples throughout history and will check out this author's other published work. I give this book 4/5 stars.