Le Diable dans la ville blanche

In a compelling blend of history and suspense, Erik Larson invites readers into the heart of a captivating true crime story set against the backdrop of the 1893 World's Fair in Chicago. The narrative weaves together the grandeur of the Fair, a showcase of human ingenuity and ambition, with the chilling events surrounding a series of sinister murders that unfolded during the same time.

The protagonist, H.H. Holmes, emerges as one of America's first documented serial killers, embodying a duality that is both charismatic and terrifying. As the Fair dazzles and enthralls, Holmes cunningly exploits the excitement and chaos, constructing a hotel designed with deadly traps and a façade of hospitality. The stark contrast between the Fair’s celebrations and the dark deeds occurring just beyond its gleaming gates creates an unsettling tension that grips the reader.

Larson meticulously details the era's cultural shifts and technological advancements, painting a vivid picture of a city on the edge of modernity. He captures the excitement of the Fair while simultaneously delving into the investigative efforts to catch the elusive killer, granting insight into both the societal optimism and the lurking shadows of humanity.

As the plot thickens, the narrative challenges readers to confront the complexities of morality and the depths of human nature. With expertly crafted prose, Larson offers a harrowing exploration of good versus evil, leaving readers pondering the true cost of ambition and the darkness that can lie beneath the surface of progress.