Based on the mystery surrounding one of
America’s notorious killers, this story inserts you into Chicago, 1893, at the
time of the World’s Fair. Winnifred Wylde witnesses a kidnapping in the wake of
several women missing, the only problem is that no one believes her because she’s
“cried wolf” one too many times with her overactive imagination. Her father is an
inspector with the police, and assigns one of his deputies to watch Winnifred
because he knows she’ll not give up and will investigate on her own. But Jude
Thorpe is convinced Winnifred is on to something, and Winnifred gets a job working
for the infamous H.H. Holmes, trying to gain proof that he is behind the
kidnapping.
The story and setting paint an amazing tale.
I loved reading the historical setting, during the World’s Fair. The plot focuses
more on the budding romance between Winnifred and Jude, despite Winnifred being
set up with more suitable suitors. While I enjoyed this novel, I wanted more
suspense and danger, especially after reading up on the nefarious H.H.Holmes
and his horrific crimes. But I enjoyed the chemistry between Winnifred and Jude,
and the story had a lighter feel where it could have taken a much darker
approach to the crimes. This is Grace Hitchcock’s debut novel, and I’m looking
forward to reading more from her.
I received an ebook review copy of this
book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.