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.

A fascinating story of the long and bloody history of axe murders in real life and pop culture, I absolutely loved this book! The writing stayed informative while maintaining a conversational tone and never becoming dry or boring.

I will note though that while this book is marked as both History and True Crime, the history element is the main focus so those looking a gory retelling of infamous axe murder cases may not be satisfied. However, as someone who enjoys both history AND true crime, I couldn’t have been happier!

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for an audio ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Super quick and interesting non-fiction, but I wanted a little more.

What I liked:

I never thought I’d read a history of axe murder, but I love a niche non-fiction. I learned a fair amount of things I didn’t know. From ancient Egypt to our current times, the axe has been a ubiquitous symbol of violence and power.

What didn’t work for me:

Some of the chapters seemed to end a little abruptly. I’m not sure if it was because I was listening and not eyeball reading, but the way some of the chapters ended felt a bit unfinished to me.

I wanted more with this book. The book is a super quick listen, but I think I wanted some more meat to these chapters.

If you’re looking for an intensive dive and review of history’s axe murderers, this book is for you! Part true crime and part historical reference, Rachel McCarthy James takes you on a rollercoaster of a read through historical axe murderers!

Thank you to NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for the advanced listening copy of Whack Job!

Not exactly what I was expecting it to be. But I did find it interesting. I thought it was well researched and written. I enjoyed the narration as well.

3.5⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley for giving me this arc. This book is my first read by this author and I found it to be interesting and informative. Most of the information in this book was very new to me. Overall good book

Do I even need to say that this was amazing? I mean come on its the history of axes told via true crime cases! I couldn't think of something cooler than that. I loved this and while I haven't read James's other book but I am definitely going to after reading this. I hope she writes more cause she is fast becoming a true crime favorite.

This is perfect for history and true crime fans. I was hooked from the start. I never thought about how far axe killings went and I found some new things to learn about it. I will definitely read Rachel's other book The Man from the Train: The Solving of a Century-Old Serial Killer Mystery.

Really is a 4.75 stars

Thank you Netgalley for letting me give my honest thoughts and feelings.

This book wasn't entirely what I was expecting. I was under the impression that we were getting accounts of famous axe murders that have occurred. It was more like a history of axes themselves.

I am a true crime junkie and always love hearing about them, but this book wasn't really that. I didn't really ever intend to learn about different types of axes and their history. Even a lot of the murders that were mentioned were axe adjacent.

Overall, it wasn't entirely for me, but I can see a niche group of people really enjoying this one.

The history section is full of books that draw together a range of times and places around a central theme. Using an axe as that central theme might sound like a gimmick, but it's not. The range of human experience and sparkling writing centered around this object is as fascinating as it is entertaining