The Devil in the White City tells the true story of two men – one, a brilliant architect and designer, and the other, a serial killer who used the fairgrounds as his playground. Set at the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago, this is an edge-of-your seat thriller that weaves together themes of murder, magic, and madness.
For who is this book for ?
This book is for people who are interested in history, thrillers and architecture.
Pros :
- The author Erik Larson is a master at weaving true stories together to create a compelling narrative.
- The Devil in the White City will keep you on the edge of your seat with its blend of murder, magic, and madness.
- This book provides insight into America’s history as well as offers an enjoyable read.
Cons :
- The book is extremely long and dense, making it difficult to get through.
- The story meanders a lot and can be hard to follow at times.
- It’s not particularly well written or engaging.
Learn more about the author
Erik Larson is the author of five national bestsellers, including Isaac’s Storm, The Devil in the White City, and Dead Wake. His books have been published in 29 languages. He has a degree in journalism from University of California at Berkeley and worked for two decades as an investigative reporter for various newspapers, magazines, and public radio stations. He now lives with his wife and three children near Seattle.
Reader Reviews
“The author does an outstanding job of providing detailed information about the planning and construction of the 1893 World’s Fair, as well as providing insightful background on H.H. Holmes, one of America’s first serial killers.”
“The combination of grisly murder, historical detail and Gilded Age opulence makes for one hell of a story.”
“A masterpiece of narrative nonfiction”
“The Devil in the White City is a startling and unsettling book. It is also mesmerizing.”