While many people haven't heard of H.H. Holmes, he was one of the first documented serial killers, suspected of having murdered nearly 200 people. In the late 19th century, Holmes lured his victims to what they thought was a hotel, but in actuality, was an elaborately designed "murder castle," complete with soundproof rooms, a "hanging room," and a gas chamber. Erik Larson's The Devil in the White City closely follows Holmes's crimes, but also features the perspective of Daniel H. Burnham, the architect behind the 1893 Chicago World's Fair, where Holmes frequently hunted for his victims. Seamlessly alternating between their two points of view, the non-fiction bestseller perfectly juxtaposes the beauty of architecture and invention at the Fair, with Holmes's heinous crimes. Keep an eye out for the impending Leonardo DiCaprio adaptation!
