Last week I read The White City by Grace Hitchcock and loved it. Which surprised me since I don’t really like to read historical fiction. I would classify this as historical romantic suspense. Here’s the back cover copy:
Step into True Colors — a new series of Historical Stories of Romance and American Crime
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 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 bodyguard.
Will she be able to expose H. H. Holmes’s illicit activity, or will Winnifred become his next victim?
This is the first historical romantic suspense I’ve ever read and it was a delightful read! Winnifred Wylde was an interesting heroine. Smart, stubborn, and caring. I loved the way she had her father wrapped around her finger. And I greatly admired her loyalty and determination to help others.
And Jude Thorpe was perfect as the hero—brave, handsome, and in love with Winnie. It was fun watching them play off each other. I’d read about H. H. Holmes and was curious to see how Grace Hitchcock portrayed him. She did a great job of showing how he could be charming and then change into this madman killer.
I loved the quotes at the beginning of each chapter, too. I’m looking forward to reading more books by Hitchcock.
You can purchase The White City at:
Are you often surprised to find yourself warming to a genre you didn’t think you liked? That’s what’s been happening to me. I’m actually starting to like historical fiction! Leave a comment and I’ll enter you in a drawing for a book from my library.
Oh, and the ebook copy of Justice Betrayed is still on sale for $1.99! Here’s a chance to grab it at a discount! Tell your friends!!
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Comments 20
This sounds interesting. I have experienced finding I enjoyed a book in a genre that I had not previously considered. In my case, I was asked to proofread a book and realized I was enjoying it. I still have the same preferences but am open to others, unlike before.
Author
I know what you mean, Edward. I think you would enjoy this one. Thanks for dropping by.
Oh, sounds really good. Still has the suspense.
Author
This one has good suspense, Lisa. Thanks for dropping by.
Seven years ago, with some trepidation, I read a preloaded book on my B&N Nook while in a hospital waiting room. The book was “Fatal Judgement” by Irene Hannon. It was the first time I’d read Christian suspense, and I was hooked. I was surprised that such good stories were out there. So yes, but it takes overcoming a lot of inertia, especially as I get older.
Author
Love Irene’s books, Tim. I’m so glad you found her.
I find it hard to read something out of my comfort zone so thanks for sharing that you do this!
Author
I belong to a book club and often the book chosen isn’t one I’d choose, MS Barb. I have liked all the books, even though it was out of my genre. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by.
Growing up, historical fiction was my favorite but prefer contemporary fiction these days. However, I enjoy most all that has some suspense and am not against trying something different. I won this book through a Goodreads giveaway so I am happy to hear that you enjoyed it. I look forward to reading it.
Author
While it’s outside the genre I normally read, Gloria, I really enjoyed it. She’s great with her characters.
Hi, this book sounds intriguing , and it sounds like something I would like to read. I have read different genres thinking I am not going to like some of them, but after reading them and giving the different genre I am pleasantly surprise that I like it. I actually look at a cover, read the synopsis and I go from there. I really like to try different genres. Have a Great weekend. I enjoyed this blog. God Bless you.
Author
Hi Alicia! The key for me is good writing and compelling characters. Maybe I should reverse that, because I’ve kept reading a book with not so hot writing because I cared about the characters. lol. Thanks for stopping by!
The White City sounds fascinating! Thank you for your recommendation. Enjoy your weekend.
Author
It is fascinating, Caryl! And enjoy your weekend as well. I’m teaching a brainstorming session in Memphis and then going to Lake, MS to brainstorm my next story. 🙂
This is on my library list. She is a new author to me. It sounds interesting.
Author
I’m so glad to introduce you to a new author, Joni! Thanks for commenting.
I have this one on my shelf waiting for me to read it. I just read The Yellow Lantern by Angie Dicken and it was a fasinating look at history. Grave Robbing? Body Snatching? You must read it if you get time Patricia 🙂
Author
Trixi, that sounds like an amazing book! I’ll get it and read it. And review it. 🙂
It’s chilling to think these things happened in real life, isn’t it?
Author
Yes, Trixi, it is!