The Devil in the White City

The Devil in the White City is a 2003 non-fiction book by Erik Larson that tells two parallel stories. It chronicles the planning and construction of Chicago's 1893 World's Fair, known as "the White City," alongside the true story of serial killer Dr. H.H. Holmes, who used it to lure victims into his hotel/murder castle. Through extensive research and creative storytelling, Larson brings both of these tales to life with vivid detail and compelling characters, making this novel one of literature's most beloved works about 19th-century America.


The novel intertwines fact and fiction to create an engaging narrative that draws readers in from start to finish. In particular, Larsen skillfully uses descriptive language throughout the book, which helps bring each character alive on paper for readers, be they architects or murderers alike, allowing them to gain a unique insight into their motivations and emotions during this time period while also providing interesting historical context along the way. Additionally, he deftly manages how much information is given out at any one time, ensuring suspense builds up gradually until its ultimate climax when Holmes' crimes are revealed near the end of The Devil in the White City. Ultimately, through intricate plotting combined with detailed characterization, Erik Larson has crafted a captivating tale full of mystery that continues to fascinate audiences more than 120 years after its initial setting has taken place.