The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair That Changed America Audiobook

" Erik Larson's books tend to explore the coincidence of two significant events. In this book it is the Chicago Columbian Expedition and that serial murders by HH Holmes. I found the story fascinating. The reader learns a lot about that historical event while at the same time being captivated by a gruesome tale. "

" The research that went into preparing this book was so overwhelmingly thorough that it was "almost" enough for me to stomach the gruesome details of the serial killer. Makes me very glad I lived in Chicago-land a century later! "

" 3.5 stars. An informative, rollicking tale of the 1893 World's Fair and current events and characters during the turn of the century. It is well- researched and chocked full of fun trivia. Novel-like in its presentation, it is an easy entertaining read. "

" I did not enjoy the forced intertwining of the two stories in this book. "

" This book was what I was looking for. It opened me up to a whole new genre of books: narrative nonfiction. It has all the historically accurate facts without the dryness. "

" I really enjoyed the book. The politics it took to get the fair in Chicago and then to get it built was fascinating to read about. "

" Amazing that this is a work of nonfiction. I love the juxtaposition of the two stories. "

" This book is amazing. I was recommended by a friend and finished it over the holidays. It keeps you enthralled throughout, and balances the light/dark side of things extremely well. "

" One of the best books I've ever read. Larson is one of the best and writes non-fiction like it's fiction. Just wonderful. "

" His usual amazing story telling. I would have given it more stars, but it was pretty scary--I had to keep putting it down! "

" This book is spooky! Loved the parallel story lines. Living in a town that also had a World's Fair, it was interesting to see the event come about through the eyes of the creators. While at the same time the horrific crimes of a serial killer. "

" Great historical book. Kept my interest. Makes me want to go out and explorer Chicago in a new light. "

" Absolutely first-rate. I don't think I have enough superlatives to describe this book. Should be read by anyone and everyone. "

" A great boom that keeps you in Suspence and as a fan of Chicago architecture I love how he incorporated the history behind Chicago's historic building. Great read! "

" Not my style book wise but still worth reading due to it being based on actual events "

" Loved the overlay of a murder mystery and historical fiction... could have left out some dry architecture details but otherwise captivating. "

" Did not finish. This really drags. But has some interesting data about one of the world's fairs. I'll try it again in a few months. "

" Excellent research about Chicago during the time surrounding the world fair, but a little laborious reading with all of the detail. "

" FINALLY DONE!!!!! It too me over a month to read this book. The longest it has ever taken me to read any book. I thought the book was good and interesting, but for me it dragged. "

" True story the read like crime fiction. I love the narrative juxtaposition, and quite the history lesson on the origins of the worlds fair. "

" So many dates, names, and the two story lines. A very heavy read. "

" Things I really love = well researched novelizations of historical events. "

" Frightening book about a mass murderer during the Chicago world fair. I learned a lot about the fair . "

" It was interesting to see how the lives of the two men intertwined, but if you aren't a Chicagoan all the place references were confusing. Also, the switching back and forth between all of the different story-lines made it hard to remember who everyone was and made the pacing rather slow. "

" What can I say? Everyone in Chicago is into this book. "

" History that reads like a novel! Loved it. "

" A bit dry at times, but a true story written like fiction. Loved the history. "

" Would have been just as good without the serial killer part of the story--maybe even better. The story of the architects was the most fascinating to me. "

" A little slow to get into, but once you get going, very interesting. "

" This book was fantastic! It is two stories in one and both are completely engaging. "

" Great book! A non fiction that reads as fiction. The planning and creation of the Chicago World's Fair is dramatically reinacted, along with the plans and actions of one of nation's worst serial killer. The book is a good read for men and women of all ages. "

" It's a history book that reads like a novel. Read it as a chronicle of American ingenuity and progress, or as a story of intrigue and ambition. "

" The most interesting parts so far are the parts that describe the murderer. As to the rest I am having a hard time reading. Hope to finish in a few months. "

" If you like history that reads like fiction, this book is for you. Larson is a gifted writer and is able to bring history to life. I loved this book. "