Book Review: The White City by Grace Hitchcock

Series: True Colors #1

Publisher: Barbour Publishing

Release Date: March 1, 2019

Genre: True Crime Fiction

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.

Will she be able to expose H. H. Holmes’s illicit activity, or will Winnifred become his next victim?

My Review 💛

This series has been one of my favorites this past year, and I couldn't wait to read The White City, especially since I have a fascination with the World's Columbian Exposition, or the Chicago World's Fair, and one of the first serial killers, H.H. Holmes. I will admit that I could've gotten my hopes up about reading a fictional account of the notorious serial killer because, though I loved this story as a whole, I was very disappointed that Holmes didn't have more of a role in this novel. He felt more like an afterthought, and was not a key player, so if you're wanting a good historical fiction featuring Holmes, this is no it.

What is highlighted is The White City, the World's Fair in Chicago in 1893, an incredible setting, and the author does an incredible job of describing this historical event. Winnie Wylde has such a refreshingly imaginative personality, and the supporting characters were all wonderful. It was so easy to get lost in the narrative, enjoying the little plot twists, the banter between the characters, and the moments where I seriously got the creeps. The end was surprising, both in a delightful way, while at the same time in a horrifying way.

Though The White City was not exactly what I was expecting, I relished my time reading this novel, getting to experience the Chicago World's Fair through Winnie's eyes, while also experiencing a good mystery. Grace Hitchcock's writing is impeccable, as always and though this is not a heart pounding suspense, but a clean mystery with suspense and sweet romance mixed in, there is an overhanding air of menace the entire time you're reading, making it incredibly easy to get lost in this unique world.

The White City is another rich installment in one of the best series currently out on the market, and a read that I know will not disappoint, and once again proving that you can still have a good mystery, with creepiness, without being vulgar or graphic.

My Rating: ★★★★★

BOOKS IN THIS SERIES

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MY REVIEWS from the True Colors Series:

The Pink Bonnet • The Yellow Lantern • The Gray Chamber • The Black Midnight • The Gold Digger

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Grace Hitchcock is the author of multiple historical novels and novellas. She holds a Masters in Creative Writing and a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in History. Grace lives in Baton Rouge with her husband, Dakota, son and daughter. Connect with her online at GraceHitchcock.com.

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*I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the Barbour Publishing through NetGalley. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own.