Depraved: The Shocking True Story of America's First Serial Killer

The Green Goblin visited me while I was reading this book; she picked it off my reading table and literally could not put it down. She finished it in a day. It's that good. The story is that of HH Holmes, an American Jack The Ripper who built a murder castle (complete with secret doors, acid vats and chutes to send bodies to the basement) and killed an unknown number of people at the turn of the century. Holmes' depravity and audacity was unmatched, in addition to killing his victims he tried to exploit their remains for profit. In some cases he simply sold their skeletons to science, in others he tried to collect on their life insurance and or inheritance. Unique among serial killers, Holmes actually seemed to be smart; his story is almost too incredible to be believed. Read it.

I have read many books out there about serial killers, mass murders, as well as being a criminal justice major. The topic of perverse, hateful, and demented individuals really gets my blood flowing. Don't take that wrong of course. This book I might add does just the trick. Schechter, one of my favorite authors on the subject, leads us down a path in which there is no turning back from. Once you find out about the amazing Mr. H.H. HOlmes...the "other" serial killers look like an old pair of panties that your great grandmother used to wear. READ THIS BOOK. I am about to embark on the journey once more...because it is immensely gratifying...(if you're interested in these kooks of course!)

this book is incredible.anything and everything you ever wanted to know about Hermann Mudgett a.k.a. H.H.holmes.i flew trough this book .couldnt put it down.from his beginnings in new hampshire to his days at the "murder castle"in chicago,from being on the run in canada till his execution.great reading.highly recommended.

This is a chilling book that explores a long-forgotten, though significant chapter of American crime. Fascinating and very well written.

Dapper ladies man HH Holmes was undoubtedly the most cunning and ruthless criminal of America's Gilded Age. Dozens of people met their death in his infamous "Murder Castle", a nightmarish structure outfitted with secret passageways and an underground dungeon complete with vats of acid and operating tables. His exploits made him the most famous villian of his time. Yet he is largely forgotten today, an injustice that Schechter's riveting book will hopefully correct. Not simply a fascinating piece of historical reportage, "Depraved" is also a real life suspense thriller that will have you reading well into the night. An instant true crime classic