The White City by Grace Hitchcock

Ya’ll, this book is one of those rare six-star gems. It was one of those books that I struggled with deciding to devour or force myself to slow down and relish every detail. This book is exactly what my little heart has been dreaming of for the Christian market and has been so difficult to find.

The danger, suspense, romance, AND history are combined in such an utterly wonderful story that I can only think of one or two books that have done it as well as in the past. Though there was not a huge “spiritual” thread as Christian authors are so often encouraged to promote, Grace managed to lace God in with a deft hand. This is going on my forever, read repeatedly, give as gifts, and force everyone I know to read pile.

Genre: Historical Romantic Suspense (YES!!! IT’S FINALLY A REAL THING!!!!) World’s Fair, Chicago, 1893

Plot Overview:

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 an 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 a bodyguard.

Will she be able to expose H. H. Holmes’s illicit activity, or will Winnifred become his next victim?

What I loved: Holy cow! What did I not love? I loved FINALLY having the satisfaction of a suspenseful book with a historical setting. I loved the romantic tension, the historical details, a serial killer on the loose, mystery, danger… Yeah, I could ramble forever.

Favorite Character and Why: It’s a tie between Winnifred and Jude. I love her spunk, determination, and bravery. Jude is absolutely swoon-worthy. A family man, caring, and protective.

Who would like this? Absolutely anyone who loves romantic suspense, especially those who love historical romance but have been craving a little more danger and suspense in the writing. If you have any fascination with true crime stories, this is a GREAT story with one of my favorite true crimes in history.

Rating and Why: SIX STARS!!!!! The writing was great, the spiritual touch light but impactful, the historical details AMAZING, and the storyline something I have been craving since I first started reading Christian Fiction. It is a rare gem, that hopefully the beginning of a new trend.

*I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. The above opinions are my own and are in no way influenced.*

PURCHASE LINKS (YES, I COMMAND YOU, GO BUY IT RIGHT NOW!!!!)

Amazon Barnes and Noble Christianbook.com