This book was false advertising. I thought it would be a suspenseful novel about murder, scandal and secrets and instead it was literally a 15 hour novel about building a fair. The overwhelming majority of the novel was about architecture. I loved the potential of this book but it didn’t deliver and was a waste of time.

I found this pat of our history fascinating. All the great Americans who came together to transform Chicago and show off the things that where coming in the new century. The murderer interwoven was a lift to the fairs story. I highly recommend this book.

I enjoyed reading the book but enjoyed it even more so having it read to me.

Absolutely love this book! I was initially sucked into it because I am a Chicago native but ultimately fell in love with it because of how well it was written and how the author kept you on your toes by alternating between the different paths of Holmes and organizers of the 1893 Worlds Fair. I can’t say enough about this book as I will just become long winded and blow the plot lines therefore, I’ll just say I HIGHLY recommend it to anyone who is a lover of history yet, enjoys a good story! If that makes any sense lol!

I’ve read this book and I listen to audio books. I think your entire production, spot on!!

Really not my favorite at all.

Very good story. Gave a side and insight to history that is never seen.

A very long and drawn out book that seems more focused on the erection of The World Fair and it's many plans and developments as it is a "thriller" . Still interesting but not great.

Interesting subject matter and deeply researched by the author as evidenced in the minutiae of details. Trying to figure out the tie between the story of the world fair and the murders that took place in and around the same time period, as that was the only relationship. Gave up many times, but finished it so I could learn of final judgment of Holmes. A very challenging story to get through. I enjoyed the narrator. If you are into a detailed account, I.e., down to the last details of the world fair hospital and an accounting of what illnesses and how many cases of said illnesses, and like details- you will love this book.

A little slow, but absolutely excellent

This seems to be a tale of Architecture as opposed to a crime story . I suppose Architects would be more interested in such things, however for the laymen it is way too much. Holmes seems to be a secondary character to the Architecture storyline. Disappointing to say the least. It won't make a good movie unless you are used to droll subject matter. I give it a C minus.

Read it years ago, and was a great book. Even better in audio.

fairly interesting story but written like a history textbook. the narrator was ok but when I turned it up to 2x speed it was incomprehensible

I wanted to read this book many years ago when it was first published. Finally got around to it in audio and Larson's writing and the apparently abundant research behind it did not disappoint! Excellent narration, too.

I thought this was to be a murder/drama, what I got was a book about every boring detail about a fair nobody cares about. By the end of this miserable read you will be able to describe every blade of grass, every Nook and cranny at the fair but very little about the actual murders that took place. #garbage

Excellent story line, horrific story at times, but absolutely riveting! Scott's narration was nothing short of awesome.

Way too long and extraneous details not necessary to the dialogue of the story. Still a great listen.

Great story

Very interesting look into the massive plans and execution of them in regards to having a world’s fair in a western city. Less about HH Holmes than I expected but still very well written fluid book.

Didn't like it. Not that into 12 of architecture porn

The book was a good read. Mostly about the world trade fair and I was expecting more about Holmes. Not dissatisfied in what was given and learned, but I wish Holmes had taken more of a focused role.

Awesome story Very creepy and extremely interesting

I found both the subject matter and the narration to be outstanding. There is a lot of detail in this book and that might be not be everybody’s cup of tea but I found it very interesting and quite compelling.

Facts and history of early 1900’s well done.

I missed the trees for the forest. Loads of good detail that I couldn’t get into because I felt the structure of the parallel narratives, going back and forth, was too annoying.

It wasnt what I thought it would be, but I enjoyed it all the same. The story of the logistics of the fair was drawn out too much, and while the events of the fair and the serial killer were simultaneously happening, the details surrounding the killings got lost in the details of the fair.

It was fun to hear about the historical architecture of the world's fair but I thought it was going to be more of a novel style book and a thriller. Instead it was someone reading me a history book.

Great book about a great city!

Loved the book and it's history. Audio is the way to go made our road trip perfect!

I tried reading this book and had a hard time staying engaged. Much better having it in audio. Lots of interesting facts and well read.

Very interesting read--particularly for those familiar with the Chicago area. Learned a lot about the history of the city and landmarks I pass by each day. The narrator really makes it!

Interesting story of the history for 1893's Chicago World's Fair. My prior knowledge of this history was non-existent so I found it a very worthwhile history lesson. Even learned how our now standard carnival Farris wheel came about! The interwoven parallel story of evil was sobering and saddening, but added intrigue for continued reading. At the end, there was unnecessarily gory descriptions and narrative. The narration was great! Bottom Line...an interesting book but is not at the upper end of my list of recommended books.. .

We listened to this book on our way from to Tampa and throughout our time in Tampa. It was gripping, entertaining, and unnerving all at once. The historical backdrop of the Columbian Exposition (the World's Fair) of 1893 in Chicago was fascinating, particularly for a born Chicagoan from the South Side. I spent a lot of time in my youth traveling to and enjoying Jackson Park and the Midway. The juxtaposition of the lead up to the decision for Chicago to be awarded the Fair, and its development, while listening to the dreadful exploits of Holmes was mind-boggling. Both stories running parallel to each other kept us waiting for the the next part of the story. Well written!

This book was well written and investigated historically. sure it was in detail but I think that is what makes this very interesting having been in Chicago many many times it gives you great appreciation of the places talking about. on my next short trip there which is only an hour away I'll look at Jackson Park and the the Museum of Science and Industry in a new light. this story is great for people like myself who are into history.

I have to agree with JoJo13 review, far too many details about the World's Fair. I lost interest, but continued to listen to the end. Thanks to Scott Brick for keeping my interest. Scott is definitely one of my favorite narrator.

not as interesting as i had hoped, but overall well paced and extremely detailed

I did not think I would like this book because it likes voice in the writings but the story was so fascinating I couldn't stop talking about it.

Incredible content and structure. Very relevant to common capitalism and social dialogue.