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A Serial Killer to make Jack the Ripper seem Tame!!

Customer Rating:

I first learned of this book written by Erik Larson on C-Span's Booknotes. In hearing Larson's explanation of the Chicago's World's Columbian Exposition, I became intrigued by what it took to build and what this Fair represented not only to Chicago but to the United States. Larson goes into great detail to explain the types of building and expositions that were on display. In explaining the planning and development of the lakefront area, he brings in the major architects of this lavish Fair, they being Daniel Burnham and Frederick Law Olmsted. These rather famous professionals had to overcome financial constraints along with a rather short time span to accomplish this large task. Larson indeed goes into the details and arguments that ultimately formed the greatest World's Fair in history up to that point in time. Such attention to significant expositions such as the introduction of the Farris Wheel set along the Midway sets the tone for this great festive Exposition of 1893. This brought fame and honor to Chicago. No longer could this city be considered an industrial sink only known for its slaughter houses and Midwestern life. Along with this rather in depth history of Chicago in the gay 90's, we also get a story which according to David Traxel's New York Times Book Review is stated as "A Real-Life Bates Motel". I never thought of this book in that light, but in truth Mr. Traxel has hit the nail on the head. Dr. Herman Madgett, alias H. H. Holmes was indeed the devil. Norman Bates would just be considered a juvenile delinquent in comparison. Larson gives a remarkable true scenario of a man who builds a hotel solely for the purpose of killing attractive young women and children. He offered rooms at very low rates for women and he killed them in airtight and soundproof rooms. To make this even more remarkable, as this was happening during this World's Fair, no one even knew what was happening nor were these women even really missed. I won't go into how they captured this diabolical killer. That's for you to find out. This book reads like a fictional thriller set in an extravagant background. Great read, almost too hard to believe that it's true.

Worth the read, fascinating non-fiction, uneven storytelling

Customer Rating:

This is an engrossing non-fiction book that tells two stories in parallel - the development of Chicago's World Fair and the criminal life of Dr. Holmes (aka Mudgett). If you're interested in history, architecture, project management, or Chicago, this book is full of fascinating tid-bits & facts. If you're interested in serial killers and crime details, this book will leave you looking for more. What I like is that it's a non-fiction book with a great author writing as though it's fiction. Larson includes descriptions of the "characters'" appearances and mannerisms and ends chapters with cliff hangers and foreshadowing. It's probably unfair to criticize a non-fiction writer for the outcome of the story, but I was disappointed with conclusion of Holmes' tale. The story of the World Fair is interesting and very detailed, and having Holmes' story told in parallel did make the book more worthwhile and nicely broke up monotony of one subject. The World Fair's development was built up quite thoroughly, and as a reward, the details of the Fair in motion and the life of its stakeholders after the fact were satisfying. But Holmes' side of the story was lacking. While his life during the Fair was strange and interesting, the book seemed to be building up to a climax that never occurs. The conclusion of Holmes' story seemed hasty compared to the thoroughness of the first three quarters of the book, especially when it appears there are more details and accounts of his criminal activities during this period of his life than any other. Again, it's a true story, but the build up and pay off of each story is uneven. In the end, although I was not totally satisfied, it was a worthwhile and enjoyable read and I took away several interesting facts about Chicago and the 1893 World Fair that are meaningful even 115 years later.

Many interesting bits, but bogs down at times

Customer Rating:

For a native Chicagoan, I found the descriptions of the city in the late 1800's fascinating. The grit and crime juxtaposed with wealth and luxury was especially compelling. The narrative style was very enjoyable, but I was rather disappointed that the murder-mystery element (the "Devil" from the title) went relatively undeveloped until the closing chapters. As a result, the story seemed to drag at times, spending a bit too much time on less interesting details.

this book was a bestseller for good reason	Customer Rating:
This is an excellent book which stands out amongst true crime books as one of the best. The author handles a gruesome topic without making the reader feel depressed. Every aspect of the crime is examined while the writer illuminates an historical perspective which is fascinating.

Devil in the White City	Customer Rating:
Great historical prosective of a wonderful city everyone claims to know..but doesn't know that much history about!