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To: Rastus

Not ghost related, but you ought to read about H.H. Holmes, the infamous serial killer in turn-of-the-century Chicago. He had his house built by a succession of contractors so no one but him could get an idea of the crazy layout. He had stairs that led nowhere and other features meant to confuse his "guests." The book I read was "Depraved" by Harold Schechter--a trashy title, but an intriguing read. There is also a novel about the case called "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson. I have yet to read it, but it's a current bestseller and has gotten good notices.

I have it on my bookshelf and recommend it highly. The story is simultaneously about Chicago in the Gilded Age, it's great World's Fair of 1893, the remarkable men who made it happen and the monster who stalked through it. Herman Webster Mudgett, alias H.H. Holmes was a conman and serial killer. His place of business cum house of horrors was not a house but a city block sized, three-storey building that combined storefront shops, hotel rooms and apartments and a huge basement that contained his playground. Part of the reason for the multiple contractors was that he stiffed every one of them in addition to not wanting them to know too much about the unusual features he had them install. He preyed chiefly on the legions of young women drawn to the great city in search of employment and independence and looking for lodgings. Of all America's serial killers he has to be numero uno in just about every category. Ted Bundy was a piker compared to this guy, in box score, perversion and even the ability to charm. Although, it is true in the comparatively primitive, unstructured, rough-and-tumble 1890's world of business and crime; before databases, fingerprints, social security numbers, better business beaureaus, the FBI and so on; Holmes got away with far more than anyone could in this day and age. But, like all the others of his ilk, he got carried away with his ego and overreached. He swindled once too often which finally brought his many creditors together and got detectives on his trail. Once he was behind bars for fraud suspicion of murder finally crystallized and a Pinkerton detective was sent to patiently root out the evidence which lead back to his headquarters and it's horribilia. After Holmes' execution a number of bizarre misfortunes struck some of those who were involved in his last days but that's about it as far as supernatural doings in his connection are concerned. Holmes' building was mysteriously torched a month after it was examined and it's hideous contents discovered. No mention of ghosts at its site.

91 posted on 12/08/2004 12:19:41 AM PST by sinanju
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To: sinanju

More fascinating than his actions at the Chicago building were the terrible things he put those children through in the days leading up to his capture. It's been years since I read the Schechter book, so I don't remember the details. As soon as I finish what I'm reading, I'll read the Larson book and refresh my memory.


92 posted on 12/08/2004 1:18:51 AM PST by Rastus
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