I suppose I thought this was more of an investigative story of a serial killer during the time of the 1893 Chicago World's Fair. While it is that it is also the story of the architect responsible for creating the Fair. In my opinion too much time is spent on the story of the architect (in minute detail) and not enough on the serial killer, considering the title of the book. It could be that there was not enough "evidence" available about the killer but, I almost had the feeling the author was, maybe not making things up, but, embellishing facts.

I am not a history buff. I don't like history in general. I actually read very little nonfiction. This book was recommended by my brother so I felt some obligation to try reading it, but I really liked it. I learned more about Chicago, one of my fav cities, and interesting factoids from this book than any I have read like it. I was fascinated by the story of the man who was a mass murderer (the dark element)and was really hoping to read more of the dark side. Still, it was an interesting presentation of Chicago at an interesting time in history. I'm not sure the stories really deserved to be intertwined or needed to be , but I guess it served a purpose. Each story in itself was interesting enough, but I credit Larson for switching it up a bit. I visited Chi-town shortly after and the names from the story are so extremely relevant today. Good recommendation, bro!

This was the first book I rated a 10 out of 10 in my bookclub. The author weaves so much detail into this story and in such an easy to read and suspenseful way, that I couldn't believe it was non-fiction. The story of the serial killer is fascinating and reported in such detail that, again, it is hard to believe these events actually happened. Contrasting that subplot is another that describes the triumph of architecture and cultural pride that was the World's Fair in Chicago. Anyone who has an interest in architecture, Chicago, or early 20th century history will thoroughly enjoy this book. It made such an impression on me that when I traveled to Chicago for a conference a few months after I read it, I took an architectural boat tour so I could see up close the few remaining Burnham buildings and appreciate the skyline of the city described so articulately in this book.

Overall, a very interesting book. The story is about what it took to bring the World's Fair to fruition, as well as the activities of serial killer Henry H. Holmes. I appreciate the historical accuracy, but the story as a whole would have been more compelling if told more from the point of view of the characters with dialogue. The lack of dialogue seems to keep readers at a distance, and I did not find myself drawn into the story, despite the intriguing topics.

I would have also liked to have learned more about the attractions in the fair. Much of the book focuses on the difficulties encountered during construction, but only passing references are made to what fair contained, such as the first electrical kitchen with automatic dishwasher (In 1893!). In fact, if it wasn't for these passing references, it would almost seems that the fair consisted of little more than architecture and landscaping.

In short, the book is very successful as a historical piece, but somewhat slow paced with a large emphasis of some of the more mundane details.

EXCELLENT BOOK! Just to read the sections regarding the fair alone is worth it! Find out the original of cracker jacks, bubble gum, and more!

Fascinating look at the development of the Chicago World's Fair - contrasted with activities of a serial murderer.

Read All Book Reviews of "The Devil in the White City Murder Magic and Madness at the Fair That Changed America"

One of the best books I'read. I recommend it highly. Keeping it to share with family and to re-read someday.

Fascinating book about the World's fair era of the city. (Read Sinclair's Jungle prior to it for an idea of what the city was like when Fair planning began.) Excellent research tied into a nice flowing story. Make you want to head right over to the site and take a closer look at Chicago's layout and modern architecture.

Reviewed by K. Osborn Sullivan for TeensReadToo.com

In 1893, Chicago was gearing up for its shining moment on the international stage. The city had been selected to host the World's Fair, beating out New York and a number of other American contenders. A prominent local architect, Daniel Burnham, had taken the reins to organize and construct the massive project. He assembled a dream team of architects, landscapers, engineers, and other professionals to help pull the fair together. Certainly Chicago could outdo the Paris Fair, which had been a worldwide success years earlier.

Unfortunately for Burnham and his team, everything that could go wrong, did go wrong. Due to a lack of organization and bickering among the committees responsible for the fair, construction began far later than it should have. Partially completed buildings blew over and burned down. Union workers threatened strikes. One sideshow act showed up a year early, while another (which was believed to be made up of cannibals) killed the man sent to retrieve them and never showed up at all. And there was a monster on the loose. A man who used the chaos of Chicago at this time in history to conceal the murders of dozens of people - many of them young, single women. A man who constructed a building with stolen money, then used the building as a slaughterhouse to lure, kill, and dispose of his victims.

THE DEVIL IN THE WHITE CITY is a terrific book. It is nonfiction, but it reads like a novel. The real-life details of this story seem almost too bizarre to be true, yet this is one example of the old saying that "truth is stranger than fiction." The author, Erik Larson, even includes a lengthy section at the back where he documents his facts and explains his suppositions.

The book's chapters alternate between the World's Fair and the exploits of serial killer, Dr. H.H. Holmes. I found myself enjoying both stories, as they ran parallel throughout the book. The Herculean task of putting together the fair in record time was fascinating, and the sociopathic actions of Dr. Holmes were chilling. It made for a brilliant contrast - just when the frustrations of the Fair seemed overwhelming, the book switched to Dr. Holmes as he lured yet another young woman into his web. And just when Dr. Holmes' evil seemed too much to bear, the chapter would end and the reader would be back at the World's Fair dealing with political back stabbing, instead of Holmes' more literal variety.

I rarely read nonfiction, but this book came highly recommended to me, so I gave it a try. I'm so glad I did, too. It offers a wonderful historical perspective on Chicago and the world near the close of the 19th century. For a Chicago-area native like me, its frequent mentions of famous local names, like Burnham and Adler and Marshall Field, that still grace street signs and the sides of buildings, were an added treat. Just a brief word of warning, though: it does contain some of the dreaded "adult themes." Some of Dr. Holmes' crimes are described - although not too graphically - and they might be upsetting for "younger or more sensitive" readers.

I strongly recommend THE DEVIL IN THE WHITE CITY to anyone who enjoys an engrossing, well-written story, whether they normally read fiction or nonfiction. In particular, if readers have a book report in school, this book should be considered. It makes history come alive.

Even more fascinating because it's based on a true events!

Excellent!

very good

Read All Book Reviews of "The Devil in the White City Murder Magic and Madness at the Fair That Changed America"