The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic and Madness at the Fair that Changed America Book Review

The Devil in the White City is a true story set in the time period leading up to the 1983 World Fair in Chicago. Author Erik Larson follows the intertwining story of two very different men, architect Daniel Burnham and druggist/serial killer H. H. Holmes.

Burnham was in charge of planning the 1983 World’s Fair that was going to take place in Chicago. The previous World’s Fair in Paris was a huge success and expectations to outdo the French were high. Burnham’s journey to create The White City was being watched by all of America. His team included the best of the best to turn Chicago swamplands into a centerpiece for all the world to behold. In a time where electricity was an experience to behold and architecture was taking off, Larson fills his pages with a mesmerizing story and cool history facts you will never forget.

H. H. Holmes used the World’s Fair to attract young women to his “Murder Castle”. Creaky dark hallways, his own crematorium and rooms with wall so thick you would never hear a scream, the detail and research Larson put into describing Holmes’ hotel he built is astounding.

These two seemingly separate stories are intertwined in a way one would never believe.

An astounding story that Larson articulates beautifully. Packed full of interesting history with cameos of some of the most influential people in America, this is a great read! Some parts are a little slow for my liking but are necessary for the proper progression of the book. This is one of my first book recommendations I will rattle off if asked. Highly recommended!