In The Devil in the White City, Erik Larson tells the entwined stories of two menāDaniel Burnham, the architect behind one of America’s greatest icons, and H.H. Holmes, a serial killer whose Murder Castle epitomized the age of Gothic horror. Burnham was instrumental in building Chicago’s 1893 World’s Fair, dubbed “The White City” for its shimmering Beaux-Arts architecture. He masterminded the fairgroundsāincluding Soldier Field and Lake Michigan’s newly built harborāand recruited world-famous architects to create buildings that would awe visitors from around the globe. Meanwhile, Holmes usedthe fair as his personal playground, constructing his own palace of terror on adjacent property he purchased specifically for murder. When both men are forced to confront their obsessions head on, they will rip apart Chicago itself in order to build their respective empires .
For who is this book for ?
This book is for people who enjoy mystery, thriller and suspense books.
Pros :
- Larson’s deft storytelling weaves together the narratives of both men into a page-turning thriller.
- The Devil in the White City is meticulously researched, providing readers with rich details about life in America at the turn of the century.
- Larson’s narrative flair brings historical figures to life, making for an engaging read.
Cons :
- It might be a bit too dense for some readers.
- It has been criticized for its inaccurate portrayal of historical events.
- Some may find it slow moving in parts.
Learn more about the author
Erik Larson is the author of five national bestsellers, including In Cold Blood, which was made into a Academy Award-winning film. His books have been published in more than twenty countries and he has been awarded numerous prizes, including the Edgar Award, National Book Critics Circle Award, Plimpton Prize for Literary Journalism, and Washington State Governor’s Arts Medal. The Devil in the White City is a mystery novel written by Erik Larson. The book tells two stories: one about Daniel Burnham who helped design Chicago’s 1893 World’s Fair; and another about H.H. Holmes who used the fair to build his own “Murder Castle” as well as commit serial murders around Chicago during that time period.
Reader Reviews
“The Devil in the White City is a true story of horror and intrigue that will keep you turning pages until the very end. Erik Larson does an excellent job of balancing the stories of Daniel Burnham, architect of The White City at the 1893 World’s Fair, and H.H. Holmes, America’s first serial killer.”
“The Devil in the White City is a true tale of murder and mayhem. Erik Larson does an amazing job of weaving the two stories together, making it difficult to put down. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys history, mystery, or suspense.”
“One of the most spellbinding true-crime tales I’ve ever read.”
“The Devil in the White City is one of the most spellbinding books I have ever read. Erik Larson has a Talent for taking History and making it come alive. This book is about two men, Daniel Burnham and HH Holmes, who were polar opposites but both had Chicago at their heart. I could not put this book down – it’s full of murder, magic, and mayhem! A Must Read !”