Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair that Changed America. by Erik Larson.
 

Mary Strohl writes, Available in pb for $9.72 from Amazon.   A  synopsis from another book club:   "There is such drama  in the incredible events surrounding the 1893 Chicago World's Fair that readers may find themselves checking the book's categorization to be sure this is not a highly imaginative novel.  Larson tells the stories of two men:  Daniel H Burnham, the architect responsible for the fair's construction, and H.H. Holmes, a serial killer masquerading as a charming doctor.  Burnham's story is one of triumph, with appearances by Buffalo Bill Cody, Susan B. Anthony, and Thomas Edison.  The activities of the sinister Dr. Homes, who is believed to be responsible for scores of murders around the time of the fair, are equally remarkable as he lures victims to their death. "  One of the reviewers on Amazon says "I have no problem recommending this book to anyone interested in US History, Architecture, or just a well told story."

I have just started reading this book and find it gripping.

3 April, Mary adds: The book I suggested :  Devil in the White City is Non-fiction. It  is biography, true  crime,  and about  the Columbian  Exposition in Chicago in 1893.  There's a  lot of interesting history  such as  the development of the first skyscrapers.

23 July, Clint reports a thorough treatment of the World's Columbian Exposition with history, maps, photographs can be found at http://xroads.virginia.edu/~ma96/WCE/title.html

And, a site all about Dr. H. H. Holmes which includes a mug shot can be found at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H._H._Holmes  
 

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