The White City

Grace Hitchcock

Mar 2019 · Barbour Publishing

About this ebook

Mysterious Disappearances Taint the Chicago World’s FairStep into True Colors -- a new series of Historical Stories of Romance and American Crime

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?

Ratings and reviews

The White City by Grace Hitchcock is historical fiction based on True Crime. This book has elements that will please most readers mystery, suspense., thrills, murder, romance and Christian values. I liked the historical details since I am Intrigued by H.H. Holmes and how he was able to hide his criminal acts for so long. The White City is very fast paced with a daring heroine and is light reading despite its serious aspects. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. I appreciate the opportunity and thank the author and publisher for allowing me to read, enjoy and review this book.

What an intriguing Christian mystery! Set in White City, 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago, this novel is first in a new, multi-author series, True Colors, based on real crimes. I enjoyed reading about the fair, how the police department worked in the late 1800’s, and the story itself! I particularly appreciated Winnifred “Winnie” Wylde, Detective Jude Thorpe, and Percy Covington as they attempt to capture the man known as H.H. Holmes, who Winnie had seen abducting a woman at gunpoint when at the fair. Winnie is the daughter of Inspector Wylde, widowed when Winnie’s mother died almost ten years earlier. She is also the niece of Lillian, who wants her to marry into the upper society her mother had belonged to before marrying Winnie’s father. Winnie is at the Fair when she sees a woman in an emerald gown being taken by Holmes. Knowing that many women have recently disappeared, and being a huge fan of penny mystery novels, she races to her father to report what she saw. It is Detective Jude Thorpe’s first day at her father’s precinct; he had been one of the finest New York City detectives. His sister’s husband was murdered while on an undercover investigation from this Chicago precinct, and without bringing that up, is hired by Inspector Wylde. The investigation of his brother-in-law’s death noted a head injury, but it was thought to have been sustained when being hit by the trolley. Jude knew better, and wants to follow up on his fraud case and find his killer. Instead, he is sent to discreetly follow Winnie and keep her safe. Winnie is too observant to miss the man following her, and in short order wants to help Jude find the kidnapper. Winnie begins to work “undercover” as a part-time secretary to Mr. Holmes, the man she believes kidnapped the woman. Aunt Lillian sets up a date for Winnifred with the wealthy Percival Covington. Young, good looking, and very kind, he still is no competition in Winnie’s heart for Jude, who she has begun to care a great deal for. She is not allowed to be courted by any lawmen, however, partly due to the social status, and partly due to the stress that her mother had endured with her father as a detective and never knowing if he would be injured or killed on duty. I got to know Winnifred and Jude well and like them both. Conversations are realistic and help define who they are. I also enjoyed reading about the mysteries, including the Valentine series, that she and her dear friend Danielle love to read. Descriptions of surroundings and colors, detailed observations made by Winnifred, and the faith and courage she and Jude display, are exemplary. Winnifred and Jude are fictional. It is interesting to read about H.H. Holmes. Plot twists keep the pages turning in this riveting novel, as do the actions of the characters. I don’t think I would have had the courage to work in Holmes’ office, much less search around the basement and other rooms! Historical details about White City and the exhibits bring authenticity and enjoyment. Seeing the changes in Winnie’s family, especially her father, was heartwarming, as is seeing prayers and faith of Winnie and Jude. The end brought surprises, some wonderful and some frightening! Overall, I was very satisfied with the novel, and highly recommend it to those who enjoy quality Christian historical fiction. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

About the author

Grace Hitchcock is the author of three novellas in The Second Chance Brides, The Southern Belle Brides, and the Thimbles and Threads collections with Barbour Publishing. The White City is her debut novel and releases March 2019 with Barbour Publishing. She holds a Masters in Creative Writing and a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in History. Grace lives in southern Louisiana with her husband, Dakota, and son. Visit Grace online at GraceHitchcock.com.