Erik Larson’s The Devil in the White City is a gripping work of narrative nonfiction that braids together two true stories set against the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago: the dazzling fair itself, and the sinister crimes of a killer who used it as his hunting ground.
Get the The Devil in the White City Audiobook on AmazonListen on Audible · also in Kindle & printWhat The Devil in the White City is about
The Devil in the White City interweaves two real narratives from Chicago in the early 1890s. The first follows architect Daniel Burnham and the immense effort to design and build the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition, a marvel of the Gilded Age that showcased innovation and ambition.
The second follows H.H. Holmes, a charming and monstrous con man and murderer who exploited the fair’s crowds and the anonymity of the booming city. Alternating between creation and horror, Larson’s meticulously researched account reads with the propulsion of a thriller while bringing a pivotal moment in American history vividly to life.
| Author | Erik Larson |
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Why The Devil in the White City is great on audio
The dual narratives and rich historical detail make the Devil in the White City audiobook an absorbing listen. It plays like a thriller while delivering real history.
Who should listen
For listeners who love narrative nonfiction, true crime, and richly detailed history. It depicts real murders, so be aware of the disturbing subject matter alongside the history.
If you like The Devil in the White City, listen to these next
- Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
- None of This Is True by Lisa Jewell
- The Guest List by Lucy Foley
How to listen to The Devil in the White City
The Devil in the White City is available on Audible and Amazon. If you’re new to Audible you can listen with a free trial, or buy the audiobook (also in Kindle and print) on Amazon.
Get the The Devil in the White City Audiobook on AmazonListen on Audible · also in Kindle & printFrequently asked questions
Is The Devil in the White City a true story?
Yes – it’s narrative nonfiction, drawing on real events surrounding the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago.
How can I listen to the audiobook?
It’s available on Audible and Amazon. New Audible members can start with a free trial, or buy it on Amazon.
Who are the two central figures?
Architect Daniel Burnham, who built the fair, and H.H. Holmes, a serial killer who preyed on the city around it.
Is it a thriller or a history book?
It’s both – meticulously researched history told with the pacing and tension of a thriller.