This is the first truly comprehensive book examining the life and career of the murderer who has become one of America's great supervillains. It reveals not only the true story but how the legend evolved, taking advantage of hundreds of primary sources that have never been examined before, including legal documents, letters, articles, and records that have been buried in archives for more than a century. Although Holmes is just as famous now as he was in 1895, this deep analysis of contemporary materials makes clear how much of the previously known story came from reporters who were nowhere near the action, a dangerously unqualified new police chief, and lies invented by Holmes himself.
"Erik Larson brought the serial killer H. H. Holmes to the general reading public's attention in The Devil in the White City. But where Larson leaves off, Adam Selzer picks up, filling in gaps, replacing legend with fact, and debunking myths...A fascinating read!"
Mike Farris, author of A Death in the Islands
"A masterful dissection of false news creation at the source. Selzer persuasively shows that, from the Victorian era to now, how people get their information really does matter."
Judy Nickels, author of A Competent Witness
"Not another cut and paste crime biography...Selzer takes apart the dove-tailed pieces of fact and legend to show the myth-making behind one of America's most infamous bogey-men. A highly readable and exciting piece of original research, not to be missed by any crime enthusiast."
Donald Rumbelow, author of The Complete History of Jack the Ripper
