• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • Bio
  • Bookshelf
    • Audio
    • Complete List of Chautona’s Books
    • The Rockland Chronicles
      • The Vintage Wren
      • The Aggie Series
      • The Hartfield Mysteries
      • Sight Unseen Series
        • Sight Unseen Series Archives
      • The Agency Files
      • Christmas Fiction
    • Legacy of the Vines
    • Meddlin’ Madeline
      • Madeline Blog Archive
    • Ballads from the Hearth
      • Ballads from the Hearth Blog Archive
    • Legends of the Vengeance
    • Journey of Dreams
    • Wynnewood
    • Webster’s Bakery
    • The Not-So-Fairy Tales
    • Heart of Warwickshire
  • Start HERE
    • Characters
    • Suggested Reading Order
    • Free Books
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Podcast
    • Advertising
    • Podcast Guest Information
    • Podcast Interview FAQ
  • Merch Shop
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • Bonus
  • Speaking
  • New & Coming
Chautona Havig

Chautona Havig

Using story to connect YOU to the Master Storyteller

Is True Crime My New Favorite Fictional Escape?

by Chautona Havig · 17 Comments

The picture stunned me.  After a lifetime of riding Ferris wheels at county fairs, I saw an up close picture of the original—the first one shown at the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair.

Ferris Wheel car 1893

Look, I knew that the ones I’d ridden were tiny compared to the “real thing,” but I was not prepared for that picture.  Sure, it was tall—humongous! But it was also crazy wide!  The little seats that rock back and forth as you climb higher and higher weren’t there.  Instead, great big glass-enclosed trolley-like cars held sixty people each!  There were thirty-six of them suckers!

I’ve never been afraid of roller coasters or other fair and amusement park rides, but something about the idea of being packed in one of those cars with fifty-nine other people gives me the willies.

Let me ride in it alone!

Years after that, I learned about H. H. Holmes—the “first serial killer” in the United States.  Reading up on his castle of horrors was one of those, “Why did you start this?” kind of rabbit trails.  Morbid fascination kept me going, but frankly, that’s why I read fiction—even thriller stuff.  It’s not real. I can convince myself that it didn’t happen rather than aching for the people who really endured such horrible situations.

So, you might ask, if the giant wheel of the World Columbian Exposition and the first serial killer in the US aren’t my cups of tea, why would I voluntarily request a review copy of a “true crime” novel involving both?

I could claim that I didn’t know the Ferris wheel would be in the book.  It would be true, too.  I didn’t know.  It would also be a lie.  Because… see… the answer is, I just don’t know!

Is True Crime My New Favorite Fictional Escape?

Note: links are likely affiliate links that provide me a small commission at no extra expense to you. Additionally, I requested a review copy of this book–opinions are given freely without compulsion (who ever had to compel me to share an opinion, right?)

Is True Crime My New Favorite Fictional Escape?

The White City opened with a character I feared would make me run screaming. Winnie Wylde deceptively gives every evidence of being a shallow, self-absorbed, thoughtless girl on the first page or three of the book. Everything shifted around there, and page after page after page passed with me falling more and more in love with the girl at every turn.

No, she isn’t perfect, but she does have admirable qualities and a dogged determination to redeem herself after an unfortunate (or two or three or more) miscalculation of motives and events in the past. Add to that her love of the old “penny dreadful” type stories, and well… can you blame her police inspector father for brushing her concerns aside?

Layer by layer, the story unfolded, and as it did, something delightful happened. You got to see the horrible crime from outside the usual box of all the gruesomeness and ugliness.  Instead, Grace Hitchcock told the story from someone out to prove the guilt of Mr. Holmes in order to prevent further horrors.

We’re not treated to all the gory details, because Miss Wylde doesn’t encounter them much herself. Instead, you see her undercover efforts fail and succeed, and watch as she uncovers the truth—all the horrible bits of it.  And yet we’re not dragged through much of that horror at all.  If all true crime was like this, I’d love it.

But it’s not just a fun book with an interesting storyline.

The White City is also brilliantly written.  I don’t know if any part of the writing even once pulled me from the story.  In fact, I just sat here for a few seconds, trying to find something I didn’t like, and the closest I could come were the descriptions of Miss Wylde’s clothing.  The thing is, there’s a point to those descriptions, and I really didn’t mind.  I’ve never read anything by Grace Hitchcock before, but I’m off to find more.  This woman… she can write.  And anyone who can write like this needs a larger share of my bookshelf space.

So… yeah. Well written, great plot, what’s not to love?  What else could there be to recommend it?  Well, there is just one more thing….

I just loved how similar Winnie Wylde is to a favorite character of mine—Madeline Brown. 

Both girls have a doting aunt determined to see them well married.  Both girls have indulgent fathers who, despite desires to protect them, allow a bit of sleuthing where other fathers wouldn’t.  And both girls have a great love of detective stories—although Miss Wylde has a taste for the more lurid tales, I think.

Seriously, if you love mysteries, The White City is for you. If you love history, this book is also for you. Is true crime your jam?  You’ll want to spread a little of this on your toast (okay, that was just a weird one, wasn’t it?). And… if you enjoy Madeline Brown, you’ll love Winnie.  I swear, these girls are literary soul sisters!

Oh, and did I find a new fictional escape?  Well, I may change my mind after the next one I’ve requested a review copy to read, but I doubt it. I’m sure not sorry that I requested a review copy of The White City! Even if I never read another true crime book again afterward, I plan to read every single one in the True Colors: Historical Stories of American Crime series by Barbour Books.

Share455
Pin
Tweet
Email
459Shares
Share
Pin
Tweet
Email
459Shares

Related

Filed Under: Book Reviews

Previous Post: « Is Amish Fiction On The Way Out?
Next Post: 3 Excellent Reasons to Make Hymns a Priority in Your Life »

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Or, you can subscribe without commenting.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Comments

  1. Bethany says

    January 14, 2020 at 4:12 am

    Just joined the hold list for this at my library. : )

    Reply
  2. Julie Waldron says

    March 23, 2019 at 12:23 pm

    This sounds like a good book, that would be difficult to put down.

    Reply
  3. Caryl Kane says

    March 15, 2019 at 5:10 pm

    The White city sounds fascincating! Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  4. James Robert says

    March 15, 2019 at 12:20 am

    Hello! Thanks so much for sharing your book with us. Always fun reading about another book to enjoy.

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      March 15, 2019 at 3:10 am

      I know you look for fiction for your family. This would be a not-so-gruesome way to introduce them to a historical fact. I really enjoyed the lack of ick in a very icky situation.

      Reply
  5. Rita Spratlen says

    March 14, 2019 at 5:33 pm

    I love crime stories and have been looking into all types of them. You are so right!! This book sounds wonderful too! Amazing what I am finding now that I am looking too!

    Reply
  6. Amelia says

    March 14, 2019 at 3:29 pm

    I can’t wait to read this one! Thanks for the giveaway!

    Reply
  7. Florence Wright says

    March 14, 2019 at 11:55 am

    I DEFINITELY saw the similarities between her and Madeline, very early in the book. But what I LOVED is that it didn’t seem like a copy or a rip-off. I really enjoyed the story and was horrified at the end to find out that it is based on truth … eeeek!!! (Because I don’t read any more than I have to to know if I might like a book or not … spoilers!!!! And the oddest most obscure things can spoil books for me.)

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      March 14, 2019 at 12:58 pm

      Wasn’t that awesome???

      Reply
  8. Emma says

    March 14, 2019 at 11:21 am

    This sounds very intriguing! We read a children’s book about that first Ferris Wheel, The Great Wheel. It’s about how it was built, and has a delightful romance built in. I think we’ve read it two or three times together, and I look forward to reading it again. Those cars are, indeed, amazing.

    Reply
  9. Vicki Hancock says

    March 14, 2019 at 8:00 am

    I have been wanting to read the The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson but now this one sounds just as good. I’ll probably end up buying it if it goes on sale. I

    Reply
  10. achococat says

    March 14, 2019 at 7:52 am

    Everywhere I went, people were talking about how much they loved this book. I finally purchased and read it, and while it was good, I just didn’t understand the hype. For me it was just kind of…”meh.” It’s interesting to me to see that you loved it, too. I wonder what I’m missing?

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      March 14, 2019 at 12:59 pm

      I think people who prefer more authentic true crime that really focuses on the actual criminal and his actions wouldn’t like this. I get why you didn’t, but it had the elements of a good true story without making me live through the suffering of the victims.

      Reply
      • achococat says

        March 14, 2019 at 9:35 pm

        Oh, I think I was getting this one mixed up with the Devil in the White City! Okay, I have to read this one. 🙂 It’s been a while since I’d read it, so I was fuzzy on the details.

        Reply
        • Chautona Havig says

          March 15, 2019 at 3:11 am

          Oh! Yes. I haven’t read that one. Again, this is mostly about a fictional person trying to find that. We get bits and pieces of the true history with a fictionalized version of how he got caught.

          Reply
  11. Patty says

    March 14, 2019 at 4:39 am

    I am not sure that true crime novels would be my cup of tea either, but I might have to check this out based on your recommendation.

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      March 14, 2019 at 4:52 am

      Perhaps read the “look inside” portion at Amazon. It might give you an idea of the kind of fiction it is. 😀

      Reply

Primary Sidebar

The Because Fiction Podcast

The Because Fiction Podcast
The Because Fiction Podcast

Taking the pulse of Christian fiction

Episode 206: A Chat with Lisa Phillips about Her New Spin-off Series
byChautona Havig

Fans of Lisa Phillips’ Last Chance County series are doing happy dances following the release of an exciting new spin-off series, Last Chance Fire and Rescue. Expired Return brings back a few favorite characters and kicks off another of Sunrise Publishing’s author/mentor led fiction seasons! Listen in to find out what happens when an author brings back a guy she dropped a building on a couple of books back…

 

Note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you!

When Fans Want More Exciting Stories, Smart Authors Listen and Deliver!

Let’s face it. Authors might SOMETIMES be “done” with a series, but readers often want more… indefinitely. Well, with the brilliance of Sunrise Publishing’s mentor model, authors get to collaborate with authors they trust to do their “worlds” proud while still having time to write new, exciting things as well. And some of the Sunrise lead authors even write in the spin-off series–like Lisa Phillips and Trisha Goyer!

This new Last Chance County series promises everything we love about Lisa Phillips’ world–danger, intrigue, heart-stopping suspense, drama… you know… all the feels. But in addition to her own release, Expired Return, this series also introduces us to new authors who have been carefully vetted and selected to ensure they do justice to Lisa’s Last Chance characters. I, for one, can’t wait to check it all out.

Lisa and I chatted about what she plans for the series,Lisa hinted about a possible super-secret reveal coming soon, and I even poked her with the idea of a Last Chance Christmas.

Help me convince them on that, will ya?

But this new book… Whoa…

Expired Return by Lisa Phillips

Pepper stood up. “How dare you.” She could spit fire at him right now. She’d loved and supported Victory since the day she was born. “You know nothing about me.”

“What’s this?”

Pepper whirled around at that voice. Heart. Breaking. She loved that gruff, commanding voice more than anything else in the world.

He wore a look a lot like Aiden’s. Blank, which she knew—or hoped—had to do with protecting his heart because he still cared for her. Except he probably hated her.

Donaldson sat back in his chair. “Allen.”

Former police officer Allen Frees had both hands on the wheels of his chair. He wore a fire department uniform of slacks and a white shirt. Emblems. A badge. His life of service hadn’t ended when he landed in that chair after a building blew up over his head.

As far as she’d been able to tell, it barely slowed him down.

She’ll give everything to protect her family.

He always knew she was the one.

Veterinary tech Pepper Miller lives a quiet life in Last Chance County. She’s watching her niece until her sister shows up…if she ever does. When Victory’s father demands he take over her care, Pepper knows something has gone wrong. With a new drug in town, and her sister embroiled in a dangerous bargain, it’s up to Pepper to protect the people she loves.

Even if it costs every secret she’s ever kept.

Fire Department liaison Allen Frees lives with the injuries he sustained as a police officer in a raid gone wrong. He’s put his life back together but getting the truck crew and engine squad to succeed might be his toughest assignment yet. When Victory is nearly kidnapped at a community event, Allen steps in to help Pepper keep her niece safe. The one thing he couldn’t fix was the love he lost, but he isn’t going to let Pepper walk away this time.

No matter what walls he has to break down.

Last Chance County returns in this blazing new series from Sunrise Publishing.

Last Chance Fire and Rescue

  • Book 1: Expired Return
  • Book 2: Expired Hope (coming soon)
  • Book 3: Expired Promise (coming soon)
  • Book 4: Expired Vows (coming soon)

Last Chance County

  • Book 1: Expired Refuge
  • Book 2: Expired Secrets
  • Book 3: Expired Cache
  • Book 4: Expired Hero
  • Book 5: Expired Game
  • Book 6: Expired Plot
  • Book 7: Expired Getaway
  • Book 8: Expired Betrayal
  • Book 9: Expired Flight
  • Book 10: Expired End

Learn more about Lisa and her books on her WEBSITE.

Learn more about the different seasons (series) offered by Sunrise Publishing or how to audition with them on the Sunrise Publishing WEBSITE.

Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at:

  • Apple 
  • Castbox 
  • Google Play
  • Libsyn 
  • RSS
  • Spotify
  • Stitcher
  • Amazon
  • and more!
Episode 206: A Chat with Lisa Phillips about Her New Spin-off Series
Episode 206: A Chat with Lisa Phillips about Her New Spin-off Series
February 7, 2023
Chautona Havig
BONUS Episode: The Bookish Podcast Tag!
February 4, 2023
Chautona
Episode 205: A Chat about Cold Light of Day with Elizabeth Goddard
February 3, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 204: A Chat with Sarah Sundin about The Sound of Light
January 31, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 203: A Chat with Heather Greer about Window of Opportunity
January 27, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 202: A Chat with Historical Christian Author, Laura Frantz
January 24, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 201: A Closer Look at This YA Dystopian Series
January 20, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 200: Comparing & Contrasting Two Split-Time Novels
January 17, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 199: A Chat about Karl May with Robert Stermscheg
January 13, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 198: A Chat about Everything Is Just Beginning with Erin Bartels
January 10, 2023
Chautona Havig
Search Results placeholder

Join a Reading Challenge

2022 Write Reading Challenge

Love Audio Books?

audio book ad

Check out the Sparrow Island novels. A tiny island with a lot of heart

independence islands series

Featured Books

A Ransomed Grete

A Ransomed Grete
Buy This Book Online
Buy from Amazon Kindle
A Ransomed Grete
Buy now!

Twice Sold Tales

Twice Sold Tales
Buy This Book Online
Buy from Amazon
Buy from Amazon Kindle
Twice Sold Tales
Buy now!

Under the Hibiscus

Under the Hibiscus
Buy This Book Online
Buy from Amazon
Buy from Amazon Kindle
Under the Hibiscus
Buy now!

Upcoming Posts

  • When Fans Want More Exciting Stories, Smart Authors Listen and Deliver! (February 7, 2023)

Or just subscribe to the newsletter

Recent Blog Posts

  • My (not so) Brilliant Answers to the Cool Bookish Podcast Tag
  • Are You Eager for This Thrilling, Suspenseful New Series?
  • How I Fell in Love With This Haunting Title

I buy my stickers here! (affiliate)

Custom Stickers, Die Cut Stickers, Bumper Stickers - Sticker Mule
Reposted from @courtneywalsh MY PHONY VALENTINE is Reposted from @courtneywalsh MY PHONY VALENTINE is officially available in e-book, paperback and in #kindleunlimited ♥️♥️

Treat yourself to this swoony, sweet romance! 

ABOUT THE BOOK:

A chance meeting. A hunky hockey player. A fake romance.
Hardly an ordinary day in the life of Poppy Hart.

My days usually consist of agonizing over my failing restaurant, worrying about my mountain of debt and nursing my broken heart.

Everything changes when I bump into a man in the coffee shop and claim him as my new boyfriend. To my absolute horror, he turns out to be hockey’s most renowned bad boy, Dallas Burke. To my absolute delight, he goes along with my story.

When his no-nonsense manager and meddling grandmother jump in the picture, they see a win-win solution for my failing restaurant and Dallas’s less-than-stellar reputation.

A full-fledged fake romance complete with contract negotiations, pretend dates and phony PDA.

But as I get to know the real Dallas Burke, who is not the man the press says he is, it becomes clear that if this isn’t real. . . someone better tell it to my heart.

Link in bio 

 #amreading #readersofinstagram #readersofig #igreads #holidaybooks #newbooks #kindleunlimitedromance #kindleunlimited #readersgonnaread #bookstagram #booknerdigans #booknerd #holidaybooks #newbooks #sweetromance #bookworm #bookshelf #authorsofinstagram #authorsofig #amwriting #amwritingromance
Reposted from @steampunk_tales Death stalks Alice Reposted from @steampunk_tales Death stalks Alice at every turn, but will he catch up to her?
 #fantasyreads #fantasy #bookstagram #books #booklover #bookstagrammer #bookworm #book #bookaddict #reading #booknerd #bookish #bibliophile #booksofinstagram #readersofinstagram #booksbooksbooks #bookcommunity #booklove #bookaholic #bookrecommendations #instabook #bookobsessed #instabooks #bookaesthetic #booklovers #readmorebooks #readingtime #bookishlove #booksofig #fantasybooks
Heath Karras has a problem. Lots of eager first da Heath Karras has a problem. Lots of eager first dates... no second dates. With his propensity to spout random (and often bizarre) animal facts while nervous (he's always nervous around women) it's no wonder. 
His sister has a solution--lots of dates. Great, heaping gobs of them. Go ahead. Be awkward. Get used to it. Then... then try with someone you really want to get to know. He's not so confident, but when a man gives his word... (Note to self: no more agreeing to Selby's plans without knowing what they are!)
Find out what happens in Random Acts (or is it Facts?) of Shyness.

This book just got a fresh makeover, thanks to the genius of @PlethoraCreative & @PerryElizabeth.
There's a link to how to find it in my bio.
#ChristFic
#ChristianRomCom
#InspiredByATrueStory
Reposted from @katherinereay My next novel A SHADO Reposted from @katherinereay My next novel A SHADOW IN MOSCOW will be available on June 13, 2023!! I can’t wait for you to meet Cold War spies, Anya Kadinova and Ingrid Bauer. You can pre-order your copy today!!
.
.
.
.
.
.
#authorsofinstagram #authorlife #authorsofig #authorsofinsta #authors #writersofinsta #writersofinstagram #writerlife #writersofig #readersofinstagram #booklovers #booklove #readersofinsta #readersofig #stories #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookstragramreels #bookstagramreel #booktok #books #bookreels #booksofig #storytime #newrelease
Heath Karras has a problem. Lots of eager first da Heath Karras has a problem. Lots of eager first dates... no second dates. With his propensity to spout random (and often bizarre) animal facts while nervous (he's always nervous around women) it's no wonder. 
His sister has a solution--lots of dates. Great, heaping gobs of them. Go ahead. Be awkward. Get used to it. Then... then try with someone you really want to get to know. He's not so confident, but when a man gives his word... (Note to self: no more agreeing to Selby's plans without knowing what they are!)
Find out what happens in Random Acts (or is it Facts?) of Shyness.

This book just got a fresh makeover, thanks to the genius of @PlethoraCreative & @PerryElizabeth.
There's a link to how to find it in my bio.
#ChristFic
#ChristianRomCom
#InspiredByATrueStory
Reposted from @sarahsundinauthor The Sound of Ligh Reposted from @sarahsundinauthor The Sound of Light is now available from @revellfiction , and it received a starred review from Booklist!

In WWII Denmark, Baron Henrik Ahlefeldt assumes the identity of a common shipyard worker, rowing messages to Sweden for the Resistance. His life depends on keeping his secret hidden--a task that proves challenging when he meets Else Jensen, an American physicist who seems to see right through him.

Read more and find purchase links in the Linktree in my bio!
.
.
#thesoundoflight #thesoundoflightbook #wwiifiction #wwiinovel #histfic #historicalfiction
Reposted from @celebratelit ONE MORE WEEK! ⁠ ⁠ Reposted from @celebratelit ONE MORE WEEK! ⁠
⁠
One more week until the release of Promise of Purity by Marguerite Martin Gray! Preorder now for 30% off plus free shipping or the ebook copy for only $2.99. Bonus gift with either! ⁠
⁠
Click on the publishing page in the linktree in our bio then the 30% off in the menu! ⁠
⁠
⁠
#celebratelit #christianfiction #bookstagram #bookloversofinstagram #readersofinstagram #christian #fiction #books #christianbooks #christianbookstagram #faith #christianhistoricalromance #historicalromance #historical #romance #laboroflove #gardensintime #margueritemartingray #promiseofpurity
  • Home
  • Bookshelf
  • New & Coming
  • Blog
  • News!
  • Disclosure & Policies
  • Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2023 · Chautona Havig · All Rights Reserved · Coding by Gretchen Louise

Don't go before you grab your FREE short story collection!