Mysterious Disappearances Taint the Chicago World’s Fair
Step into True Colors — a new series of Historical Stories of Romance and American Crime While attending the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893, Winnifred Wylde believes she witnessed a woman being kidnapped. She tries to convince her father, an inspector with the Chicago police, to look into reports of mysterious disappearances around the … mysterious disappearances around the White City. Inspector Wylde tries to dismiss her claims as exaggeration of an overactive imagination, but he eventually concedes to letting her go undercover as secretary to the man in question–if she takes her pistol for protection and Jude Thorpe, a policeman, for bodyguard.
Will she be able to expose H. H. Holmes’s illicit activity, or will Winnifred become his next victim?
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While attending the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893, Winnifred Wylde believes she witnessed a woman being kidnapped. She tries to convince her father, an inspector with the Chicago police, to look into reports of mysterious disappearances around the White City. Inspector Wylde tries to dismiss her claims as exaggeration of an overactive imagination, but he eventually concedes to letting her go undercover as secretary to the man in question—if she takes her pistol for protection and Jude Thorpe, a policeman, for bodyguard.
This book started out slow. I was almost to the point of deciding whether I should finish it. Then about a fourth of the way in it, started to get interesting. I liked Winnie’s character. She was full of life and wanted adventure. Today she would have made a top rate detective. In the late 1800’s it wasn’t even considered. Jude Thorpe was also a likable character. His love for his family is what drives him. He quickly falls in love with Winnie. But her father will not allow it as he is a policeman. Which I thought was strange as he was Jude’s boss on the police force. Then there was Percival Valentine. He was also likable. He is the man that Winnie’s father and aunt have chosen for her to marry. The only problem with that? She doesn’t love him, she loves Jude. As far as the mystery aspect of the book, it was okay. The book did make me look up Mr. Holmes to read more about him.
If the book hadn’t started out so slow, I would probably give it four stars. So therefore, I will be giving it three stars.
I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.
The White City is an intriguing novel that will interest readers who enjoy historical fiction filled with romance, mystery and faith. Grace Hitchcock tells the story of Winnifred Wylde who thinks she sees a woman being kidnapped at the Chicago’s World Fair in 1893. Her father, an Inspector for the Chicago Police, questions whether to take her claims seriously due to her sometimes overactive imagination. He ultimately assigns Detective Jude Thorpe to serve as protection for her as she does some amateur undercover work in order to figure out what really happened.
The White City tells a fictional account of the real-life story of America’s first serial killer H. H. Holmes, but the novel focuses more on the antics of Winnifred, her various suitors, and her quest to discover what her new employer H. H. Holmes is hiding. H. H. Holmes is somewhat of a secondary character in the story, with the focus more on Winnifred and Jude. The action increases toward the end of the novel as Winnifred finds herself in danger at the hands of H. H. Holmes.
Readers who are looking to read a fast-paced suspense thriller will be pleasantly surprised to discover this more light-hearted historical mystery. Readers will thoroughly enjoy this different take on the story of H. H. Holmes.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing through NetGalley and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.
What an endearing debut!
Winnifred Wylde has her head in the clouds and for a moment I thought she’d border to be too naive. No fear though, this lady has gumption and determination! And this courageous personality is one the things that first draws investigator Jude Thorpe to her, to the point that almost makes him lose his mind in worry.
Winnie knows Jude is only doing the job her father assigned him by looking out for her, nevertheless she can’t help but notice how well they work together and her differently he treats her compared to those who easily dismiss her. But Jude has his own secrets, and Winnie’s dad has firmly stated his disregard for her to find a suitor in the law force.
Will these be strong enough reason to keep Winnie and Jude from developing feelings towards each other? Or can they find a way to be together before the dangers be the final straw to keep them apart?
This was an interesting read. While it’s fictional, it’s based on a real serial killer. Most of the info is correct but it just whets your appetite if you love true crime. It doesn’t go in depth to H.H. Holmes heinous crimes, most of which occurred outside of the time frame of the book. It is a very sweet romance at the same time (albeit NOT with H.H. Holmes!). The fictional characters are believable and relatable. Winnifred is the main character and she is very headstrong in a time that that wasn’t really acceptable. All in all a very good read. I would definitely read more by this author.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley and voluntarily chose to review it.
I just loved Winnifred Wylde in this wonderful book that Grace Hitchcock wrote! She is a very likable, strong willed woman who knows what she wants and does not want to settle. And the amazing protector Jude Thorpe is absolutely adorable as well! This is a definite page turner, especially at the end! I was late putting my kids to bed because I couldn’t stop until I was finished!
From the first sentence, The White City had my attention! Grace Hitchcock’s debut novel is well written with a creative story line that is filled with historical details from the Chicago World’s Fair. As the suspense builds, a romance wants to bloom. But the next sentence I read had me laughing out loud. Hitchcock’s use of humor is a gift. I gave up sleep to keep turning these pages and it was so worth it! My only complaint is that it wasn’t longer, because I just wanted more of the story and these characters. Needless to say, I am definitely ready for another book by Grace Hitchcock. I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions are mine.
Not really what I was expecting. Thought it was supposed to be a crime thriller. Nominally, it is.
It’s actually a historical romance.
Not my cup of tea, but it is well-written, entertaining and a quick read.
THE WHITE CITY, Grace Hitchkock
This is an absolutely spellbinding book about Dr. H. H. Holmes, who was very real and became known as America’s first serial killer. This takes place during the World’s fair in Chicago in 1893. Although this book is fiction it brings to life the horrible person Dr. Holmes was. The book starts with a young woman, Winifred, attending the fair who thinks she sees a lady being kidnapped. Women have started to be reported missing and as her dad is the head of the police department, she goes to him with her concerns about the lady that she saw. She isn’t taken too seriously by her dad when she asks him if she could look into what she saw. He is not happy with the idea, but asks a new detective to follow her. Winifred becomes a secretary to Dr. Holmes suspecting him of the problems that have arisen. I’ll leave you to discover the rest of the book but I can assure you it is a wonderful, thrilling read. This is a debut book by Grace Hitchcock and I can assure you I will be looking for more of her books to come. I received an ARC from Netgalley for my review. #TheWhiteCity #NetGalley
The White City is by a new to me author. I really enjoy getting to read a new author and I enjoyed this book very much. This story is based on real crimes by a man dubbed as the first serial killer in America. Now, this may sound like the book may be gritty or gory. It is not. This is a romantic mystery that has light hearted moments as well as page turning action. This is set during the World’s Fair in Chicago. I enjoyed all of the characters and fell in love with the hero, Jude. He showed himself to be a very heroic detective. Especially, at the end of the book. Wowser! The heroine, Winnie is an avid reader and enjoys adventure, while being very prim and proper at the same time. I enjoy a heroine who is feminine but doesn’t mind taking risks and to help others. (I wouldn’t let my daughter do it, but hey, it’s fiction)
The book is easy to read and I read it at a steady pace. 4.5 stars!
*I was given a copy of this book by Barbour Publishing. I was not under any obligation to leave a review. This is my honest opinion.