The White City

Love was hard to come by for Winnifred. Enduring an endless stream of suitors was a burden that was best escaped by reading novels. Yet when faced with deciding between not one, but two men that she actually likes, courtship takes a very decided turn from burdened. After witnesseing an abduction, she gains a new job that threatens encreasing danger everyday. While one man speaks to her love of books, the other speaks to her love of adventure. Who will protect her and win her heart when danger comes calling? Find out in the debut novel by Ms Hitchcock.

I loved everything about this book!! It was very well written and full of drama, suspense and romance. This is the kind of book that you don't want it to end, but you just have to know what happens next. I can't wait to read more books by Grace Hitchcock. Thank you Barbour Publishing via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book. This is my honest opinion and I highly recommend this book.

THE WHITE CITY by GRACE HITCHCOCK is a really delightful read. The story takes place in 1893 in Chicago at the time of the White City fair. The novel has a bit of everything - romance, intrigue, humour, murder, and a good Christian message running throughout. I know it is Grace Hitchcock's debut novel and I certainly hope she writes many more of the same caliber!
I love the quotations at the beginning of each chapter, from well loved authors from long ago.
Winifred Wylde is police Inspector Wylde's daughter and seems to want to follow in her father's footsteps. She is not interested in the never ending social engagements that her aunt insists she takes part in, nor in the suitors that she is encouraged to spend time with, as her aunt is afraid of her becoming an old maid. She wants to do something worthwhile with her life. She is an avid reader of romantic suspense, and when she sees a woman being manhandled by a man at the fair grounds she is convinced that he is the White City kidnapper.
I am not going to tell you any more in case I spoil the read for you, except to say that I really loved this book and can highly recommend it.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Barbour Publishing Inc. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

Really enjoyed this story. A romance with a good plot...excellent. Jude was a very good hero...a man who loved her enough to stand aside so she could be happy. Winnie was a very good heroine...a woman who loved a man her father didn't approve of...a woman who was brave and determined not to be just a show-wife. Great story, read it.

I am really excited to jump into this series about true crimes from Historical America. The first book in the series is from Grace Hitchcock, and this is her debut novel. The story of The White City takes us to the world of the World's Fair in Chicago. Deanna Guist has also done a series around the World's Fair. It appears to be a popular time period to write about.

But this time around, the novel is a mystery, which I LOVE to read. The idea of a heroine following her instincts from reading way too many mysteries has been done a number of times, but I still enjoyed reading the novel. The plot kept me engrossed as I flipped through the pages. It didn't take me long to finish the novel. I do like the idea of how the villain captured and eluded the police to get away with their crime.

The romance was predictable too. I had a good idea of who Winnie would fall in love with. It is pretty predictable for a strong heroine to fall in love with this type of hero. The romance didn't sweep me off my feet either.

I did enjoy following Winnie as she put herself in danger in order to prove her worth to her father. I do enjoy how she liked to read A LOT. It does remind me of me. I read A LOT and don't feel bad about doing it. It is a wonderful way to pass the time.

Overall, The White City is a different mystery that sparked my interest. The romance and characters were predictable, but I enjoyed hanging out with Winnie. I believe fans of historical mysteries like Jaime Jo Wright might enjoy this novel.

I received a complimentary copy of The White City by Grace Hitchcock from Barbour Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.

An engaging read based on real crimes. In Chicago, 1893, the World's Fair was in full swing, bringing huge crowds to sightsee, and a wave of crime. The inspector's daughter, Winifred, takes it on herself to investigate one on her own.

This story moves quickly, and picks up the pace with more action towards the end as Winnie digs in deeper. It has a touch of melodrama in parts, like the books Winnie likes to read, but fits well with the era. I liked Jude's character the best. He is brave, loyal, and smart. He and Winnie make a good crime solving pair. She turns to faith when faced with a scary task, and in her loneliness. "I am Yours, Lord. I am never alone."
The author includes interesting historical notes at the end to fill in the details of the actual crimes.

Fans of historical romances with some mystery will probably enjoy this story.

(An e-book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.)

The White City by Grace Hitchcock is a fantastic debut novel. I had never read anything by this author, so I wasn’t sure if I would enjoy this story, but the description and mysterious cover design intrigued me. I was thrilled to find a new author who I will be following and reading her books. I hope she writes quickly. The story is based on factual events, but I went into the story unaware of H. H. Holmes and his crimes. The author writes a fabulous mystery entwined with faith and romance. I thoroughly appreciated the author’s creative depiction of the historical events and her engaging writing brought her characters alive in the story. Since I didn’t know the history behind this story I found the plot had many twists and turns I wasn’t expecting. You know it’s a good book when you don’t want to put it down. This was that type of book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This was my first Grace Hitchcock book and it definitely won't be my last. Everything about the plot and characters flowed perfectly from the first paragraph. I truly enjoyed spending time with Winnie and Jude. I always love a character like Winnie who loves books and she is quite fun and witty to boot. Jude is earnest and dependable all in an alluring, charming way. And the supporting cast of characters were lovely as well, including Jude's rival.

My only problem with the book was the historical inaccuracy in the account of H.H. Holmes. However, I am a real history buff and a particular fan of the Gilded Age so I am quite familiar with this story. There is actually a lot of accuracy with regards to his crimes and how he operated so the author obviously did a lot of research (great details about the World's Fair too!), but there was no investigation of him until much later. However, I was so absorbed in the story that I enjoyed the book despite what would normally be a deal breaker for me. That says a lot about the quality of the writing and the story. I highly recommend it.

I did receive an ARC in exchange for a fair review of this book.

A great read regarding historical facts surrounding Chicago’s World Fair, 1893.
Winnifred is a likeable character that I enjoyed. Historical fiction with a little suspense and romance. I would recommend this to any fan of this genre as well as true crime.
Thank You NetGalley, Grace Hitchcock Barbour Books for the chance to read for an honest review.

The first thing I enjoyed about The White City by Grace Hitchcock was the care the author took in creating the atmosphere of the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893. The heroine of the story, Winnifred Wylde, loves to read, so each chapter of The White City begins with a quote from popular books from that time period. The author often used Charles Dickens and Jane Austin quotes to set the scene for the reader, as did the terminology of that historical time and place: reticule and grip car, for instance. Other details such as inserting her hat pin. Scenes such as Winifred and one of her love interests, Detective Jude Thorpe, eating creole food for the first time were delightful. This showed the impact that the World’s Fair had on increasing cultural awareness. It also served as a humorous and romantic scene.

Grace Hitchcock crafted the plot well crafted. I would describe this author as a weaver of words, interspersing, history, romance, mystery and idealism in perfect measure.

One of the things I enjoyed the most was how “clean” The White City was. It never lost its integrity and was never hokey. The White City is absolute proof that you can write a Christian novel without being preachy. Christian values came through naturally and appropriately. This was especially impressive considering the background mystery was drawn from one of the evil serial killers in all of American history. As a reader, I feared for the main characters. Yet never once did the author describe the details of HH Holmes’ gruesome crimes.

I loved every minute of The White City and had a hard time putting it down. This novel is part of the True Colors—a new series of Historical Stories of Romance and American Crime. I hope to see more of the characters we were introduced to in The White City. They came to life on the page and it was hard to say goodbye at the end of the book.

It’s a rare book of which I can’t find something wrong. This is one of those perfect books. I am proud to recommend Hitchcock’s debut novel, The White City, to anyone who likes mystery and romance with a dash of history. This would especially resonate with women young and old (and teenage girls).

I give The White City an enthusiastic 5 stars!

The White City is currently available for presale. It will be released on March 1, 2019.

Thank you to Net Galley for providing me with an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The White City: True Colors: Historical Stories of Romance and American Crime

This is a new series called True Colors by Grace Hitchcock, with The White City being her debut novel in the series. As you can see, they are historical stories of romance and American crime, which is what got my interest. It must have been a late night when I was sleep deprived when I chose this one because somehow I mistook this for non-fiction. But since I agreed to it, I’m going to read and review it anyway. I tend to like my true crime well, true. Strictly non-fiction and the lines have blurred when it comes to putting these books out on that category, despite them being fiction. With that said, I read the book with an open mind and it turned out to be rather good, all in all.

The author chose a real serial killer to base her story on, H.H. Holmes who was active at the time of the Chicago World’s Fair when he had his famous hotel with the strangely built rooms on the upper floors. There were bad rumors of all sorts about it, but it didn’t stop people from staying there anyway, as rooms were hard to come by with people coming from all over the world to see the fair. While I found the premise of the story a bit shaky, the story itself worked quite well and the characters were pretty likable. By the end, I was pretty pulled into it and wanted to see how it was going to end. It is listed as a Christian book but there wasn’t an overload of that type matter as it went along, it just sort of blended in with what was going on. I think romance readers will go for this series, especially those of a Christian nature. My thanks for the advance electronic copy that was provided by NetGalley, author Grace Hitchcock, and the publisher for my fair review.

If you enjoy the era before automobiles, learning about the Chicago World’s Fair, and solving mysteries, you will enjoy this intriguing book! Winnifred Wylde is the police inspector’s daughter, she is the captive of her Aunt Lillian’s stream of suitors, and she is curious and observant of her surroundings.
Winnifred notices a young woman being threatened by a man with a gun at the World’s Fair, and she thought the man might be behind the series of abductions in the White City (Chicago). She was on a date with the boring Mr. Saunders at the time, but she quickly takes a grip car (trolley?) to her father’s police station.
Winnifred tells her father about what she saw, but she has previously led some of the officers on meaningless quests after she thought she had seen something important that pertained to a case. Winnifred was also an avid novel reader with a wild imagination.
However, her father wisely decided if she was going to pursue a criminal, she needed to be protected, so he put his newest detective, Mr. Thorpe on her trail to protect her when she went out.
Winnifred has a daily pass to the World’s Fair, she and Mr. Thorpe spot the criminal and Winnifred learns that he needs a secretary and so she volunteers her services. You will have to read the book for yourself to see what happens to Winnifred, Mr. Thorpe, and a wealthy suitor who is also a writer!

The White City (True Colors series) by Grace Hitchcock was a wonderful book of suspense taking place during the Chicago Worlds fair. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the author. The characters were believable and relate-able. Filled with suspense, danger and romance. When Winnifred visits the fair she believes she sees a women being kidnapped but her father, who is a police inspector doesn't believe her. But she is persistent and he lets her investigate by going undercover as long as she has a bodyguard with her; Jude Thorpe a policeman. Based on a real life crime this is an excellent book by Ms. Hitchcock. I can't wait for the next book in this series.

I received this book from NetGalley and all opinions are my own.

Fiction and non-fiction collide in this stunning debut novel! Romance, missing women and crime all intermingled among the Worlds Fair in Chicago. Great characters, interesting storyline and enough intrigue to keep me wanting more!! Highly recommend!

Oh I liked this story! How fun that she read penny dreadfuls then saw crime everywhere she looked. Like the boy that cried wolf, no one believes her when she actually sees a crime. And thus the mystery begins. I liked the case of characters and the suspense. I totally recommend this book.

The White City is by a new to me author. I really enjoy getting to read a new author and I enjoyed this book very much. This story is based on real crimes by a man dubbed as the first serial killer in America. Now, this may sound like the book may be gritty or gory. It is not. This is a romantic mystery that has light hearted moments as well as page turning action. This is set during the World's Fair in Chicago. I enjoyed all of the characters and fell in love with the hero, Jude. He showed himself to be a very heroic detective. Especially, at the end of the book. Wowser! The heroine, Winnie is an avid reader and enjoys adventure, while being very prim and proper at the same time. I enjoy a heroine who is feminine but doesn't mind taking risks and to help others. (I wouldn't let my daughter do it, but hey, it's fiction)
The book is easy to read and I read it at a steady pace. 4.5 stars!
*I was given a copy of this book by Barbour Publishing. I was not under any obligation to leave a review. This is my honest opinion.

The White City is a well written story with characters who feel so real that I cared about what was happening to them as I was reading. The setting is Chicago during the World's Fair in 1893. Winifred Wylde is a beautiful young woman who would rather read than spend time with suitors who bored her. She is captivated by mysteries and crime stories and is sure she saw a woman being kidnapped by a man with a gun during a visit to the Fair. When she reports this to her Father, the newly appointed Captain of Police, he is skeptical but without telling Winnie he assigns Detective Jude Thorpe, a new transfer from New York, to follow her.

This book is proof it's possible to produce an exciting and interesting book without graphic sex, language or violence.
My thanks to Barbour Publishing for an Advanced Reader's Copy of this novel. The opinions expressed are completely my own.
This book will be available in stores and on line March 1, 2019.
#TheWhiteCity #NetGalley

What a lovely debut!

Winnifred Wylde is the daughter of a police inspector and avid reader of romantic suspense novels. She fancies herself as observant and longs to catch someone in a crime. However, she has cried wolf one too many times and no one at the police station believes her crime leads.

The White City is based upon the serial killer at the World's Fair in Chicago in 1893. The author does a fabulous job of blending fact and fiction. Both Jude and Percival are wonderful male characters.

This novel reminded me a bit of A Proper Pursuit by Lynn Austin. I absolutely look forward to what this author writes next.

has a good balance between romance and crime, theres romance but not annoyingly so. well written and an overall good historical fiction. eagerly awaiting to read the next book!!

This is an absolutely spellbinding book about Dr. H. H. Holmes, who was very real and became known as America’s first serial killer. This takes place during the World’s fair in Chicago in 1893. Although this book is fiction it brings to life the horrible person Dr. Holmes was. The book starts with a young woman, Winifred, attending the fair who thinks she sees a lady being kidnapped. Women have started to be reported missing and as her dad is the head of the police department, she goes to him with her concerns about the lady that she saw. She isn’t taken too seriously by her dad when she asks him if she could look into what she saw. He is not happy with the idea, but asks a new detective to follow her. Winifred becomes a secretary to Dr. Holmes suspecting him of the problems that have arisen. I’ll leave you to discover the rest of the book but I can assure you it is a wonderful, thrilling read. This is a debut book by Grace Hitchcock and I can assure you I will be looking for more of her books to come. I received an ARC from Netgalley for my review.

As this book has not been released yet, this is not a real review but I absolutely loved this story. Plenty of action, suspense and romance!!

I didn't know what to expect when I began to read The White City, but it's basically Christian historical romantic suspense. While the heroine, Winnie, investigates a kidnapping she witnessed at the Chicago World's Fair, she has to chose between two men--one her father approves of and one he does not. Some historical romance heroines annoy me, but I liked Winnie: she is brave but not stupidly so, and she has other interests than her love interests. I really enjoyed The White City, and I'm looking forward to the next book in the True Colors series.

What an adventure! I loved this. I am so happy to see a new series in the works, written by different authors, but all based in real history. And, SUPER excited to see Christian Fiction based on true crime.
Winnifred and Jude were just wonderful. Winnifred is a spunky and independent bookworm, daughter of a prominent Police Detective, determined (against the wishes of her Aunt Lillian and her father) that she shares more with her father's humble beginnings and dangerous work than with her Aunt's socialite society.
Jude is an intelligent and ambitious detective transferred from New York with his own secret agenda, but quickly finds himself fighting the distraction of the beautiful and charming Winnifred.
I loved their banter, I loved the mystery, and I enjoyed the historical research that obviously went into creating this story. I could almost taste and see the delights of the World's Fair.
This was such a good mystery. I did not know much about the history of the World's Fair murders, so this was all new to me, but I'm sure it would still be enjoyable for those with some knowledge of H.H. Holmes. The romance is sweet without being syrupy, and the addition of a rival certainly made it that much better. The plot kept me reading, and I would certainly read more of Jude & Winnifred if their story continues.

I enjoy books that are fiction based on fact. Here, the author created a book with romance, suspense and history that is well researched and well written. I’ll be eager to read more of her work as it’s released.

This book takes you on an intriguing adventure behind the scenes of Dr Holmes an infamous serial killer, following his activities during the 1893 World Fair. Get ready for suspense and a journey that will keep you turning the next page.
The only disappointment I had, was that the book ended before Mr. Holmes is taken into custody. More historical information is included at the very end of the book, however, I was anticipating Holmes capture by the end of the story.

The White City by Grace Hitchcock is a mystery story set during the Chicago World’s Fair of 1893. The World’s Fair and all its excitement has come to Chicago. Along with the displays and foods to try comes the inevitable rise in crime from pickpockets to more dangerous criminals preying on those enjoying their days at the fair. Winnifred Wylde, the daughter of Inspector Wylde observes a kidnapping in progress or least that is what she believes. He hurries to inform her father who is not convinced as she often believes a crime has been committed after reading the latest novel by Percy Valentine. While not convinced a crime has taken place, her father assigns his best detective to follow Winifred and protect her as he is sure she will try to get evidence. She quickly spots the detective and they decide to team up to solve the crime. Is there really a case to solve or is it Winifred’s very active imagination? Meanwhile her Aunt is trying to find her a husband as Winifred is almost an old maid at twenty. She is set up with Percival Covington who is the perfect match on paper but will he steal her heart? She is also wanting to uncover the mystery of who Percy Valentine really is. Will she be able to learn his true identity?
I enjoyed this book a great deal and anxiously await the next one. The characters were so realistic and did silly things, worried and forgot to pray like most of us do. The book is based on Christian principles but does not push Christianity onto every character or come across as preachy. The characters routinely read scripture, attend church services and pray, especially when in a bind. I give this book 5 of 5 stars and believe it will appeal to a wide audience. It has a bit of romance intertwined with the mystery as well as plenty of action to keep the reader’s attention. I found it difficult to put down and read it over two days.
I received an advance copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

The story is based on a real serial killer—H.H. Holmes—who terrorized Chicago at the time of the Chicago World’s Fair. Winnifred, the heroine, fancies herself an observer of mankind and voraciously reads romance novels written by her favorite author—Percy Vallentine. Jude, the hero and a perfect gentleman, is a police detective assigned to protect Winnifred when she says she witnesses an abduction. The novel moves along at a good pace with Winnie & Jude’s romance entwined with Winnie’s sleuthing. This is my first book from Grace Hitchcock and I look forward to the next novel in the “True Colors” series. I recommend this one!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I enjoyed this book; however... I was enjoying it a lot more before I started doing some research on the Chicago World's Fair. When the song, "The Sweetest Story Ever Told" was introduced into the story, I was puzzled. It's been one of my favorites for years but didn't realize it was that old, so I did a search to learn what year the big fair took place. One thing that came up was an article about how the Chicago World's Fair harbored a murderer and mentioned HH Holmes.

At this point, I realized that this book wasn't merely fiction, and it rather ruined the rest of the plot for me. I am a fan of historical fiction, so I'm thinking had I only realized that, in advance, it wouldn't have bothered me. That said, this is a great endeavor for a first novel. I did find grammatical and spelling errors that bothered me, but since it hasn't been published yet (a Net Galley read), I can hope that those will be remedied.

Moral of the story: read it first; THEN research the story! 😃

PS I did appreciate the fact that it was a clean read with many mentions of prayer and scriptures!

The White City by Grace Hitchcock is a very different novel that I am used to reading. Taking place in the late 1800's and inspired by true criminal events, I didn't know quite what I was getting into. But after many positive reviews and many marking it as To-Read, I thought I would take the plunge and was very pleased with this book.

First off, Winnie Wylde was an enjoyable heroine, full of spunk and imagination. She was a believable character and one that I could understand attracting the attention of various would-be-courters! And the secondary characters were almost great...Jude the detective, Percival the author, Danielle the silly friend, and HH Holmes (who was based on a real character). I found the setting top-notch, the dialogue sounded believable to the times, and the writing was definitely stellar.

My only complaints that kept it from being a 5-star was that it ran a little slow at times, the mystery aspects could have given a little more misdirection.

And for fun, try and count how many times Winnie blushes/face turns read throughout the course of the novel :)

I received this book free from Netgalley and publisher Barbour in exchange for an honest review.

GraceHitchcock's The White City was an entertaining read. This was the first book I have read by Grace Hitchcock and I really enjoyed it. The White City takes place in Chicago during the World's Fair. When Winnifred Wylde thinks she sees a woman kidnapped at the World's Fair she rushes to tell her father what she has seen. Her father is Inspector Wylde and this is not the first wild goose chase she has sent the police department on. He does not send an investigator to look into the case. However, he knows that she is headstrong and will not stop investigating this "kidnapping". He assigns a detective to follow her "just in case". Winnifred is also a voracious reader and her aunt is trying to find a suitable match for Winnie to marry. Good read and I would recommend it.

I thoroughly enjoyed this debut novel from Grace Hitchcock. It was all the more fascinating as it was based on the true story of America’s first serial killer. Winnie Wylde is at the World’s Fair in Chicago when she witnesses a woman being abducted. However, her inspector father isn’t sure if it really happened or if it’s a product of her overly active imagination. He reluctantly lets her go undercover to see what she can find out if she is shadowed by one of his detectives.
Winnie is a great character. She is ready for an adventure and is willing to do whatever it takes to save lives. She doesn’t want to settle into a gentlewoman’s life of receiving callers and attending balls. She is courageous. She finds herself in a love triangle when her aunt wants her to marry one man but she finds herself always thrown together with another. I liked both Jude and Percy. They are both so passionate about their very different callings. It made for a great read.
Thank you to Barbour Books and Netgalley for providing me an e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

This is one of those books it is really hard to rate. The story is very good, it is romance with some thriller/suspense with that old-fashioned detective work thrown in. However, the detective work is rather slapdash, and the back cover blurb gives a totally wrong impression. This is only based, or rather, inspired by true crime. Some writers and make true suspense and true romance work well together. This one fails on the suspense "promise" but delivers on the romance promise.

The serial murders were committed by the person depicted in this story, but I'm quite sure they were more heinous than depicted here. Frankly, if one wants to read Christian romance then that's what one picks up to read. If one wants to read true crime, then that is what one picks up to read. This was hyped as true crime and wound up being romance with a little mystery thrown in. There was no build up to the very real danger faced by our little heroine.

Winnefred is a fun leading lady... a rather plucky well-developed character. Jude, the police detective assigned to protect her is only slightly less well developed. However, I do believe the writer character, Percy, was well done. Percival is a defined character that has some excellent quirks, but on the whole, some of the situations in this story feel/read a bit contrived.

However, I did enjoy the story and because of that I give it four stars.

This review has been Facebooked, Twitted, and blogged.

I am not ashamed to admit that I enjoy a well-written romance. There are those who would say that most of them are predictable and formulaic and there are times I would agree. But they are still a frequent guilty pleasure on my "to be read" list.

Just last year, I read a book titled "The Devil in the White City" which is a non-fiction re-telling of the infamous serial killer H. H, Holmes, his infamous murder house, and the Chicago World's Fair so when I read the synopsis and discovered that the author wrote the romance around Holmes' crimes? I was MORE than intrigued. Winnifred is endearing and believable and her romantic complications progress in a way that feels very natural.

The thing I appreciated the most was how well the author describes Holmes, his bizarre hotel, and Winnifred's experiences while working for him. Even a reader with no prior knowledge of Holmes and his crimes would get an accurate picture of him and his schemes. The author used the names of real women who were believed to be victims of Holmes and simply inserted a fictional character into the story - Winnifred - who was secretly working with the police to find evidence of Holmes crimes.

Hitchcock beautifully blended real-life crime with a fictional romance to create a story I enjoyed reading. This title is due to debut in March of this year (2019) with a sequel due out in 2020. I look forward to reading that title as well!

The White City by Grace Hitchcock (love the last name), is a crime story that will keep you on your seat. Set against the background of the Chicago World Fair and staring infamous H. H. Holmes, you will quickly fall in love with the hero's, Winnifred and Jude. Winnifred's father is an inspector for Chicago Police, and is convinced his daughter has an overactive imagination due to all of the romance stories she reads. Winnifred is convinced of what she saw, and wants to "live" before her aunt settles her life for her. As she rushes to solve this crime, she also has to deal with interested suitors. It is an enjoyable read, and you quickly find yourself rooting for Winnifred. Highly recommended.

It took a bit for me to get into this story but once I did, I was hooked. I had never heard of the infamous serial killer, H. H. Holmes. Was interesting to learn about him in the book and then google him afterward and see some pictures of him and his hotel, which is described in the book.

The White City by Grace Hitchcock leads off a new multi-author series from Barbour Books that, at least in this first outing, weaves together a fictional historical romance with notorious American crimes.

Set mainly at the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair and in a building that became notorious as the “murder castle” of America’s first serial killer, H.H. Holmes, this short novel centers around a would-be female detective and the police officer assigned to keeping her out of trouble. This novel mixes the fun of a historical romance between a spunky and determined Winifred Wylde and the stalwart, handsome Jude Thorpe with a true tale of a monstrous man whose criminal career almost reads like an unlikely work of fiction.

The premise intrigued me, as I could not imagine wrapping a historical romance around the horrible crimes of H.H. Holmes. And this story itself is a bit implausible at times, but this does not detract from it’s odd mix of entertainment and horror.

This is a novel, and perhaps a series, that will appeal to those who enjoy historical romance with a faith element and for fans of true crime mixed with fiction. An interesting choice for Barbour Books, and I find I’m curious to see what true American crimes this series will tackle next.

This review refers to a digital galley read courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.

Clean historical romance. I was aware of the "Murder Castle" as I had seen stories on TV about the events. The book contains many facts about the incidents of the past but is primarily focused on the spirited Winnie's escapades and romance. The details of the courtship of the time are fun and interesting. There are no gory details and it gives a glimpse of life during that time period. There are Biblical quotations and references throughout the book. It would be quite suitable for a young innocent pre- teen to read. Takes you back in time to customs of old, much like an episode of the TV show, 'Murdoch's Mysteries'. The author has done a lot of work in capturing the customs and conversation of the time period. Fun easy read.
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC. I received this book as a complimentary copy for an honest review. The opinions expressed are my own.

I just loved Winnifred Wylde in this wonderful book that Grace Hitchcock wrote! She is a very likeable, strong willed woman who knows what she wants and does not want to settle. And the amazing protector Jude Thorpe is absolutely adorable as well! This is a definite page turner, especially at the end! I was late putting my kids to bed because I couldn't stop until I was finished!

Since my early days of hanging out with Wilder, Alcott, and Montgomery and more mature interactions with Janette Oke and Tracie Peterson, I’ve always had a soft spot for historical fiction. It is still my favourite genre to date. There is something about being transported to another time and place in history that absolutely thrills me – the experience without the discomforts.

I was hopeful when I requested a copy of The White City by Grace Hitchcock. I was excited when I received the notification that a copy was mine for the reading.

The White City was set in Chicago during the 1893 World’s Fair. It is the perfect blend of historical fact and intriguing fiction. (I never knew the Fair was a hunting ground for a serial killer!) The elements of romance, danger, and intrigue were exquisitely intertwined resulting in a fast-paced, emotionally balanced tale.

I absolutely loved the headstrong, impetuous, intrepid, confident nature of Winnie, our heroine. She was also a book-lover, so what’s not to love? The romance element was delightful and I enjoyed the contrast between the two possible suitors. The portrayal of the era’s societal norms and conflicting desire for a woman to be her own person while being perceived as capable and intelligent was nicely depicted. There was no objectionable content for my friends who like their books G-rated (well, maybe PG with the focus of the investigation.)

An excellent read overall! I’ve already recommended it to a few of my friends. I look forward to exploring other titles from Ms. Hitchcock.

I was provided with a copy of this title via NetGalley, courtesy of the author and/or publisher. All opinions are my own, given with thanks for the opportunity to review this book.

Published by: Barbour Publishing, Inc., Barbour Books;
Publication Date: March 1, 2019

I thought this was a rather fun read with a hint of mischief and romance! I enjoyed the playfulness of the main character and the love that eventually blossomed. As a Christian book, I appreciated that the author drew it back to good morals and the idea to help one another, thus finding fulfillment in self.
This was my first read by this author and I dare say, won't be the last.

NetGalley ARC.

White City was a refreshing first book in a brand new series called True Colors: Historical Stories of American Crime. Since it is published by Barbour, I knew that it would be a well-written Christian fiction book.

The author, Grace Hitchcock does a wonderful job of making the characters and their actions resonate with the time period they are from. I love how the women and men treated each other respectively the way I imagine life would be in 1893. I especially enjoyed the main character, Winnifred; her love of mystery books and how her somewhat impulsive actions propel her into investigating a crime that so far has been unsolved. Because of past mistakes, there are those who think she couldn't possibly have a lead on anything important.

The plot was well thought out. The romance in the book isn't what I've come to think as the typical girl dislikes boy from the moment they meet, and then within days they fall madly in love with each other. The book offers a romance that falls in the category of an actual courtship with an aunt and father having a lot to say about who Winnifred should date. I also liked that the characters rely on God, and that fact is mentioned. This is a Christian fiction book with Christianity in it.

This book was every enjoyable, and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good, clean mystery.

The White City is quite an interesting read. I have read about H H Holmes and it was fascinating to see him part of a story in a fictional book. I enjoyed the suspense and mystery that surrounds Winnifred Wylde. I had no problem reading this whole book in just a few hours.
I am giving The White City a well deserved five plus stars. I can not wait to find out where Grace Hitchcock’s imagination takes the reader in her next release.

I really enjoyed this historiical crime novel about a young, independent woman who wanted more from her life than the expected marriage proposal and wedding! Taking place at the time of the World Fair in Chicago in the 1860s, the story used the real life criminal, serial killer H.H. Holmes, as the focus of Winnifred Wylde’s desire to be a detective. She is sure she sees a young woman kidnapped at the White CIty, but has difficulty getting others to believe it. So sets the drama of Winnifred setting out to prove what she saw while being sure that this is the person responsible for the many missing women reported during the Worlds Fair.. With the help of another detective tasked by her father to keep an eye on her, she arranges to meet and then work for H.H. Holmes, living under an alias. I recently read another book detailing this White City serial killer and was curious to see how this story followed along with the story, I was happy to see that it definitely was based on factual happenings and built the fictional story along with it. I look forward to reading the other books that will follow in this series. I believe Grace Hitchcock has the makings of a popular series with this first book following the sleuthing abilities of Ms. Winnifred Wylde. I was given an ARC of this book from the author, publisher and Net Galley in return for an honest review, which this has been. #TheWhiteCity #NetGalley

What a great start to a new series! The characters leap off the pages. This is a story that will hold you til the end., and stay with you for a while. Hitchcock has taken true crime and intricately woven this story. Thanks to Barbour Publishing and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

This was an interesting read. While it's fictional, it's based on a real serial killer. Most of the info is correct but it just whets your appetite if you love true crime. It doesn't go in depth to H.H. Holmes heinous crimes, most of which occurred outside of the time frame of the book. It is a very sweet romance at the same time (albeit NOT with H.H. Holmes!). The fictional characters are believable and relatable. Winnifred is the main character and she is very headstrong in a time that that wasn't really acceptable. All in all a very good read. I would definitely read more by this author.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley and voluntarily chose to review it.

The White City by Grace Hitchcock is historical fiction based on True Crime. This book has elements that will please most readers mystery, suspense., thrills, murder, romance and Christian values. I liked the historical details since I am Intrigued by H.H. Holmes and how he was able to hide his criminal acts for so long. The White City is very fast paced with a daring heroine and is light reading despite its serious aspects.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. I appreciate the opportunity and thank the author and publisher for allowing me to read, enjoy and review this book.

Winnifred Wylde is the daughter of a local police inspector, living in Chicago during the World's Fair. She fancies herself as a Victorian era Nancy Drew, but unfortunately her overactive imagination has led to her making too many incorrect speculations and accusations. When she really does see a kidnapping, her story is brushed aside as another absurd tale. Her father, worried that his daughter may follow up on her conjectures and find herself in trouble, sends along a new recruit, Jude Thorpe, to follow her from a distance and keep her from harm.
As a light romance, this tale is delightful and fast paced, despite much of the action taking place in tea parlors and other seemingly innocuous locations. The main characters are likeable and arguably free from any glaring flaws without coming across as cloying. Winnie does jump the gun more than once, often placing herself into potentially dangerous situations, but it feels like a natural part of her character instead of a plot device.
Other reviewers have mentioned that this book may have been mis-categorized. I agree, as it is marketed as true crime, but reads as general Christian fiction or historical romance. There is little detail or psychological insight regarding the serial killer. Instead, he is used as means to draw our two characters together into a relationship that the reader knows is coming from their first introduction. However, I am not going to base my rating on that since the author is not to blame for how the publisher chose to market this book. Putting the true crime label aside and reading it for its own merit, I enjoyed the story as it was written and was instantly swept up into the setting. Although the outcome was predictable, I was invested in seeing how they got there in the end. 3.5 stars.

I would like to thanks Barbour Publishing and netgalley for providing me with an E-ARC which did not influence my honest review.

I enjoyed this sweet, Christian historical mystery. The main character Winifred Rose Wylde, is the daughter of a Police Inspector who longs for the chance to prove to her father that she has a nose for police work too. Unfortunately she has tried a little too hard in the past to prove that there were mysterious happenings only to be proven wrong. So when she does at last witness an abduction at the Chicago World's Fair, her father doesn't take her very seriously. Lucky for her, she is assigned a police bodyguard who actually listens to her and takes her observations seriously.

Soon, they both find themselves involved with a disreputable hotel owner whose business practices reveal his criminal nature. Winifred and her bodyguard must prove that the hotel owner is a nefarious criminal before another young woman goes missing. The story has an exciting climax and a satisfying resolution.

What an endearing debut!
Winnifred had her head in the clouds and for a moment I thought she'd border to be too naive. No fear though, this lady has gumption and determination! And this courageous personality is one the things that first draws investigator Jude Thorpe to her, to the point that almost makes him lose his mind in worry.

Winnie knows Jude is only doing the job her father assigned him by looking out for her, nevertheless she can't help but notice how well they work together and her differently he treats her compared to those who easily dismiss her. But Jude has his own secrets, and Winnie's dad has firmly stated his disregard for her to find a suitor in the law force.

Will these be strong enough reason to keep Winnie and Jude from developing feelings towards each other? Or can they find a way to be together before the dangers be the final straw to keep them apart?

The White City by Grace Hitchcock is the story of Winnifred Wylde, daughter of a Chicago police inspector, and an avid reader, believes she witnessed an abduction of a woman at a time when many women mysteriously disappeared during the 1893 World’s Fair. Winnifred is determined to follow the clues and find the man responsible. Her father assigns Detective Jude Thorpe as her bodyguard and together they hatch an undercover plan to catch the man they believe is behind the disappearances, a Mr. H.H. Holmes. As her focus becomes stopping the man, she believes is evil, Winnifred must also contend with her Aunt Lillian’s determination to see her married very soon. With suitors vying for her hand and her desire to catch Holmes, Winnifred must decide how far she’s willing to go. Will Winnifred find the evidence she needs to capture this man? Will Jude be able to keep her safe in this dangerous game of cat and mouse? Or will Winnifred become another victim in Holmes’ dangerous game?
More and more people are familiar with the evil H.H. Holmes in recent years and as I am familiar with his horrific crimes, I was curious how Ms. Hitchcock would portray him in a book marketed as “historical stories of American Crime.” I loved how Ms. Hitchcock blended a mix of his crimes with investigative methods of the day as well as Christian faith. I loved Winnifred as she was fun, imaginative and fearless. I enjoyed Jude as a man with a personal mission to solve another crime and protect Winnifred. I loved how the romance between the two was developed. It wasn’t forced or felt unnatural. The objections to the relationship was real for the time and the pressure for Miss Winnifred to be married before she was deemed a spinster was very real. The White City was a fast read for me as it held my attention easily. Since I am familiar with Holmes, his role in the story was no surprise and I liked that Ms. Hitchcock captured how slick he was. I highly recommend The White City.

The White City
will be available in paperback
on March 1, 2019

The White City by Grace Hitchcock was a very pleasant read for me. I love how the author went to great lengths to make the reader feel like they were in the time period in the book. Very well done. I fell in love with the characters and wanted to know how things were going to turn out for all of them.

Winnie is the daughter of a police inspector and loves to read romantic suspense novels. When Winnie lets her imagination get away with her in real life a few too many times, her father tends to not believe all that she says about her suspicions. There were times I wondered about Winnie as well, but she always had a great argument to make you think that she was onto something.

When Jude, one of the new guys at the police department, is put on Winnie to make sure that she does not get herself into any trouble by her father, we get a cute head over hills romance. Jude quickly falls for Winnie and is determined to do whatever it takes to keep her safe, even though she is into something all the time.

I thought that Percival added a great twist to the story too and loved the relationship that he and Winnie had even though it never really goes anywhere.

Overall I really enjoyed this read and look forward to what Grace Hitchcock brings her readers in the near future.

I voluntarily read and reviewed this book and all opinions are my own. Thanks to the publisher, author and Netgalley for a copy of this book.

“Charming” and “sweet” are probably not the typical words used to describe crime novels based on true events, but “The White City” is not a typical crime novel - and those words are exactly how I felt about the debut novel of Grace Hitchcock’s True Colors series. While I was expecting more of an emphasis on the crime elements, the story was very engaging and I enjoyed the adorable romance that the book presented instead.

From the adventurous leading lady to the dashing detective who supports her in her investigation, the cast of characters quickly captured my interest and held it right up to the end. The plot may have been somewhat predictable, yet I never found myself bored while reading The White City - in fact, I finished this novel just one day after starting it. I would recommend this book to any reader who enjoys a sweet Christian romance with a touch of crime and danger. I am looking forward to reading the next installment in this series.

Thank you to NetGalley, Barbour Publishing, and author Grace Hitchcock for the opportunity to experience this tale as a free e-book in exchange for a review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. (Review also posted on GoodReads.)

Wow! I could not put this book down. I ordered pizza for dinner so I didn't have to cook so I could keep reading!

This is the story of the murders that took place during the Chicago World's Fair. We meet Winnie Wylde while she is on a date, a set-up by her aunt, at the World's Fair. She is certain she has seen a man with a mustache abduct a woman in a green dress.

Winnie's father this the police inspector. She tells him what she saw, but he does not believe her. He does assign a detective to follow her around since she is set on finding the man with the mustache. She does find him, and spends the next month or so trying to gather proof that he is the man who has been taking all the women.

While all that is going on, Winnie's aunt is still trying to find her a husband. She finds the perfect man, he just doesn't appear to be perfect for Winnie, or does he just need more time?

Between Winnie's search for love and her search for the man in the mustache, you will not be able to put this book down. As a fellow book-lover and chocolate aficionado, I could not have enjoyed my time with Winnie more!

What a wonderful suspense story!!! The characters were well done and the detail about the Worlds Fair activities and the timeframe the story was set in were very well done!!! Great story for those who love a strong female character and great mystery with romance woven into the story!

A delightful new Historical Christian Fiction series by Grace Hitchcock. The novel takes place in the late 1893 in the midst of the Chicago World’s Fair and is based on H. H. Holmes who was considered to be America’s first serial killer. Laced with history, Hitchcock does a nice job of letting us know Holmes committed horrific crimes without telling us in great or graphic detail. Winnie is quite the endearing sleuth and her relationship with Jude was quite refreshing. A totally engaging story that left me anxious to see what’s next in the series!

What an unusual story! The subtitle indicates this is the first of a series of “Historical Stories of Romance and American Crime.” Quite a combination that I really enjoyed! The historical American crime part focuses on H. H. Holmes, considered the first American serial killer, the subject of Erik Larson’s excellent THE DEVIL IN THE WHITE CITY. The romance part includes Winnifred Wylde, a young woman in 1893 Chicago who reads popular romance novels and poetry of the time, including Jane Austen, Tennyson, Browning, and more. The combination of the two provides an intriguing story.

While exploring the newly opened Chicago World’s Fair, Winnie thinks she witnesses an abduction of a woman. Crime has increased in Chicago since the Fair opened, and women especially are disappearing. Winnie decides she must investigate, as the heroines in her novels would do. Her father is a police inspector, and agrees to allow her to investigate, as long as one of his detectives can protect her. Meanwhile, Winnie’s aunt is trying to marry Winnie off to a handsome eligible bachelor who has a mysterious secret. Winnie finds herself torn between two very different men while digging deeper into the dangerous investigation.

The author’s writing style is readable and descriptive, providing very visual images. I love the way she creates a heroine in the style of Austen’s heroines, presents a romantic triangle that could be pulled straight from those novels, and uses books as a fun plot device. I especially like the quotes presented at the start of each chapter that fit perfectly with the actions in those chapters.

The one thing I found odd were the seemingly random insertions of prayers into the plot. I have no problem with characters praying, if it comes naturally in the story. I didn’t think that was the case here. It felt like the prayers were added later, as an afterthought.

Overall, though, I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it. Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a preprint of this book.

What a wonderful debut novel! A fictionalized tale of H. H. Holmes, America's first serial killer, is sure to grab your attention and not let go until you have finished the book. I loved the bookworm, Winnifred, who always had the latest Perceval Valentine novel read and almost memorized. These stories seemed to dictate many of her actions, to the point where she became the heroine in his latest writing. Her amatuer sleuthing found her in a number of dangerous situations, causing her bodyguard a great deal of stress. Would she even survive to prove she had been right all the time? An interesting opportunity to learn a bit more of what life was like in 1893 around the time of the Chicago World's Fair.
I received this fabulous book through Barbour Publishing, Netgalley and CelebrateLit. These impressions and opinions are my own.

I really liked this debut novel from Grace Hitchcock. She brought to life an interesting, funky, take charge heroine, two dashing men as possible love interests and a realistic hero.

Winnie was easy to connect with - her personality was quite feisty and her love for mystery novels sealed the deal. She found herself in a few difficult situations where she sought help instead of being a naive lady who think she can take on everything on her own.

Jude was quite the dashing hero who had my vote from the first time I met him and the tension between him and Winnie was tangible and real.

I would classify this story as a mystery more than suspense (what I initially expected when I read the book summary). There was one scene at the end which was more suspenseful, but the feel for most of the story was more of a mystery - following the leads in solving the crime but not feeling that anxiety of danger. It was very enjoyable. Fact and fiction flowed nicely.

I would definitely read more from this author and looking forward to the series based on true crimes.

Based on the mystery surrounding one of America’s notorious killers, this story inserts you into Chicago, 1893, at the time of the World’s Fair. Winnifred Wylde witnesses a kidnapping in the wake of several women missing, the only problem is that no one believes her because she’s “cried wolf” one too many times with her overactive imagination. Her father is an inspector with the police, and assigns one of his deputies to watch Winnifred because he knows she’ll not give up and will investigate on her own. But Jude Thorpe is convinced Winnifred is on to something, and Winnifred gets a job working for the infamous H.H. Holmes, trying to gain proof that he is behind the kidnapping.

The story and setting paint an amazing tale. I loved reading the historical setting, during the World’s Fair. The plot focuses more on the budding romance between Winnifred and Jude, despite Winnifred being set up with more suitable suitors. While I enjoyed this novel, I wanted more suspense and danger, especially after reading up on the nefarious H.H.Holmes and his horrific crimes. But I enjoyed the chemistry between Winnifred and Jude, and the story had a lighter feel where it could have taken a much darker approach to the crimes. This is Grace Hitchcock’s debut novel, and I’m looking forward to reading more from her.

I received an ebook review copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I loved the decision the author made to place the very real serial killer, H.H. Holmes areal in this novel along with her fictional characters. Winnifred Wylde the daughter of Inspector Wylde with the Chicago police department is a truly delightful character. She's high-spirited, brave and very amusing. It' s pretty hard not to love a protagonist who is an avid reader, right? I loved Detective Jude Thorpe who has been assigned as Winnifred's bodyguard by her father. Jude is the perfect hero, he's cautious, intelligent, witty and quite handsome.


Winnifred really does need a bodyguard when she persuades her father to allow her to work undercover as a secretary to Holmes. I found the storyline not only interesting but very entertaining as well. There are several secondary characters who added fun elements especially, Percival a funny, kind and kind of a silly young man. It was refreshing to see Winnie have a social life and her interactions with other characters.


If anyone is expecting a detailed crime, gory detailed novel, this is not what this is. What it is, is a well written and impressive debut novel based on a real life killer with sweet and likeable fictional characters woven into the storyline. I absolutely loved this book which is why I highly recommend it. I look forward to reading more from Ms. Hitchcock.

I received a copy from the publisher and was under no obligation to write a review. All opinions are my own.

Winnifred Rose Wylde is an avid reader of the wildly popular romance novels written by Percy Valentine and has notions of being a heroine in such novels. While attending the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair in 1893, she witnesses an apparent kidnapping of a young lady.

Her father is Chief Inspector at the Chicago Police Department and when she tells him of what she saw, he thinks it’s just a figment of her overactive imagination. In an attempt to placate her, he allows her to investigate this further, as long as his newest Detective - Jude Thorpe acts as her bodyguard. Winnie agrees and begins her investigation.

Almost immediately upon beginning her undercover work, she meets with the suspected kidnapper and interviews to become his secretary. She quickly becomes convinced he is guilty of more than just the kidnapping she witnessed. While watching over Winnie, Jude has a private investigation ongoing concerning the mysterious death of his brother-in-law.

During this time, Winnie meets her favorite author serendipitously through the machinations of her High Society Aunt. A love triangle soon ensues in which Winnie falls in love with Jude, Jude falls in love with Winnie but is forbidden to court her. Percy is allowed to court her but seems more interested in her as his “muse” than as a love interest.

Will Winnie expose H.H. Holmes and his crimes, or will she become his next victim?

I really enjoyed the character of Winnie. I love a good Historical Fiction with a strong-willed, female as the main character. Ms. Hitchcock does a brilliant job of allowing her spunk and spirit to shine through even within the constraints of what “society” deems appropriate for young ladies of this time period.

The Christian aspect of this book was woven in subtly throughout. There were no “preachy” areas in this book. There were areas where Scriptures or prayers were shared, but I felt it would be natural for a Christian to either reach for a soothing Scripture or to pray at those moments.

While based around the first American serial killer, H.H. Holmes, his character was not fully fleshed out for me. I understand that because this is a Christian novel, there would be no graphic descriptions of his crimes, but I did still expect a more detailed account of his “evil”. In my opinion, he’s portrayed more as an insurance fraudster than a killer. In real life, he admitted to killing 27, which makes him a very sinister person, but this aspect was never really touched on in the novel.

While romance is not my genre of choice, the romance aspect of this novel was done well and tastefully. Overall, I enjoyed reading this book and would definitely recommend it to Historical Fiction fans.

When I received an email inviting me to read this book I read no further than Chicago World's Fair and kidnapping before accepting the invitation. I knew this book must somehow center around H.H. Holmes whom I had previously read about and maybe a bit fascinated by. I wasn't sure what to really expect from this book but knew I had to read it. I was not disappointed!

I immediately fell in love with Winnifred Wylde. She's adventuresome, witty, and an avid reader so what's there not to love? While on a disastrous date at the World's Fair she sees a woman being kidnapped. What better way to ditch a date than try to save the woman? But when that can't be done Winnifred goes to her father who is an inspector with the Chicago police department. He relents and lets her go undercover to find the woman but she must have a bodyguard and that's where policeman Jude Thorpe enters the story. And Jude is such a swoon-worthy character. He's strong, masculine, and charming. There's such natural chemistry between Judy and Winnifred that readers will soon find themselves wanting these two to fall in love. These two characters are on my list of all-time favorites!

This story is a romance and American crime story that has a perfect mix of each. The author does a great job of putting in details surround Holmes and his schemes and mixes it well with the fictional characters and situations. The author's writing style is wonderful and I found myself surprised that this was a debut novel. It reads like one from a seasoned author. She pulled me into the story and kept my interest until the very end and perhaps left me wanting a bit more. I loved the characters and story so much that I hated to say goodbye to them. Her descriptions made me feel as if I were there with the characters experiencing the fair, romance, and mystery right along with them.

I definitely recommend this book to fans of historical fiction, true crime, and romance. The three combine for a wonderfully written story that's incredibly entertaining. This is a story I won't soon forget and I'll be early awaiting more stories from this author.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions are mine.

The White City is an intriguing novel that will interest readers who enjoy historical fiction filled with romance, mystery and faith. Grace Hitchcock tells the story of Winnifred Wylde who thinks she sees a woman being kidnapped at the Chicago’s World Fair in 1893. Her father, an Inspector for the Chicago Police, questions whether to take her claims seriously due to her sometimes overactive imagination. He ultimately assigns Detective Jude Thorpe to serve as protection for her as she does some amateur undercover work in order to figure out what really happened.

The White City tells a fictional account of the real-life story of America’s first serial killer H. H. Holmes, but the novel focuses more on the antics of Winnifred, her various suitors, and her quest to discover what her new employer H. H. Holmes is hiding. H. H. Holmes is somewhat of a secondary character in the story, with the focus more on Winnifred and Jude. The action increases toward the end of the novel as Winnifred finds herself in danger at the hands of H. H. Holmes.

Readers who are looking to read a fast-paced suspense thriller will be pleasantly surprised to discover this more light-hearted historical mystery. Readers will thoroughly enjoy this different take on the story of H. H. Holmes.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing through NetGalley and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

The White City by Grace Hitchcock is the first book in the True Colors series, tales of historical crimes mixed with tales of romance. Honestly, I was expecting more of the mystery and suspense and less romance. The book itself struck me as very upbeat and positive, which is ok, but when I found out the "villian" in the story was actually America's first serial killer, I thought it would have been a little on the darker side.

Winnifred Wylde is the daughter of an Inspector with the Chicago Police department. She is always finding "criminals" and reporting them to her father. When she sees an actual crime at the Chicago fair, her father doesn't take her seriously and his men really tease her about "another crime" she has seen. Her father knows the streets are not safe due to the fair in town so he assigns Detective Jude Thorpe to watch after her and keep her safe. Winnie convinces Jude to help her investigate what she had witnessed. The more they look into things, the more dangerous it becomes.

I recommend this book if you like Christian Fiction Romance with the added suspense/mystery. It was interesting and I wanted to see how things turned out.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is my honest opinion and views of The White City.

My imagination was ignited right from chapter one. Drawn in with the colorful word imagery and witty dialogue and held captive by the vivacious characters, this is one book that you will want to read!

Winnifred loves to read the popular dime novels, yet sometimes her imagination gets ahead of her. She is nearly certain that she witness's an abduction. However, her father, Inspector Wylde is reluctant to send out detectives on another one of her wild goose chases. Tasked with following her and keeping her safe, detective Jude Thorp becomes her personal bodyguard.

Jude Thorp harbors his own secrets and shadowing a pampered socialite isn't what he had in mind when he moved to Chicago. However, he quickly finds out that Winnifred isn't your typical socialite. She carries a pistol in her muff and she knows how to use it! Jude Thorp's care and protection of Winnifred is one of my favorite things about this story! The slow-growing affection and Jude's desire to have Winnifred's father's approval is quite endearing.  

While Winnifred is trying to uncover the dastardly deeds of the notorious H. H. Holmes a tender, swoon-worthy romance is growing! There are many fun layers to this story, mysteries to solve along the way, and danger lurking in the most unlikely of shadows! I highly recommend this romantic, page-turning story to anyone who enjoys a delightful adventure with their romance!

(I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher. I am not required to write a positive review. My thoughts and opinions are my own.)

Due to Winnie's vivid imagination and the suspenseful books that she reads, Winnie's Police Inspector father doesn't believe that Winnie really saw a young woman kidnapped. Her father assigns Detective Jude Thorpe to quietly follow her and make sure that she's safe. Soon after Winnie discovers Jude following her, she convinces him that it would be safer for him to join her in her investigation. Before long, Winnie is working undercover as a secretary to the man that she suspects is the kidnapper with Jude as her secret protection. Winnie's curiosity will put her life in danger. If her life isn't busy enough, Aunt Lillian wants to marry Winnie off before the end of the summer. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher through Netgallery. This is my honest and voluntarily given review. I really like this book. The book contains mystery, suspense, romance, and some humor. The quotes that started each chapter enhanced the story. I am hoping that there will be another book with Winnie, Jude, and Percy. I recommend this book.

The White City is a well-written romance, suspense, and mystery. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. (The title didn't exactly grab me.) Having the different parts of the World's Fair as part of the setting added a lot of interest to an already great fast-paced plot. Winnie and Jude are well-fleshed out, likable characters. The dialogue felt natural for the time period. I loved the romantic quotes at the beginning of each chapter and the Scripture that is very lightly sprinkled through the book in appropriate places in the story line. I would highly recommend this book. I received a copy from NetGalley. I chose to write a review and share my opinion of this excellent book.

4.5 stars - I was immediately intrigued by the synopsis and couldn’t wait to get thrown this late 19th-century true crime inspired book. Imagine my surprise when I slowly realized that this was actually a romance novel disguised as a true crime novel! I didn’t mind it though, because I immediately fell in love with the characters, and the story was so well-written that I couldn’t help but get entangled in their web of mysteries and undercover work and unravel the truth alongside them.

Winnie was sweet, charming, honest and anything but the naive high-born girl I expected her to be. She was consistently a strong character throughout the book and I appreciated her for it. Detective Thorpe/Jude was the total dreamboat you’d expect as a hero in romance novels. And although he was a total cliche, I couldn’t help but root for them both.

To be honest, I had no idea who H.H. Holmes was but so many parts of the story spiked my interest enough to warrant a pause in my reading and do quick Google searches on him, his hotel aka “Murder Castle” and his victims. Now I’m forever intrigued by America’s first serial killer!

I really enjoyed this book! I hadn’t read anything by Grace Hitchcock before, but now I know that I will be looking for new books by her! I loved Jude and Winnifred. The romance between them was great! The parts about H. H. Holmes were suspenseful. This book kept me hooked the whole way through. I didn’t want to put it down! I’m definitely looking forward to the rest of this series!






I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.*

A Serial Killer Stalks the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair

In 1893, the Chicago World’s Fair was a huge attraction. People came from all over the country to wander through the White City. The gathering also attracted crime.

Winnifred Wylde is attending the fair with a would-be suitor when she thinks she sees a woman kidnapped at gunpoint. She races off to tell her father, an inspector of the Chicago police force, what she’s seen. Winnie loves romance novels and sometimes lets her imagination run away with her. This is what her father thinks happened.

Winnie is convinced of what she saw, and she plans to find the kidnapper. Knowing his impetuous daughter, Inspector Wylde assigns a policeman, Jude Thorpe, to follow her. Winnie spots Jude almost immediately and convinces him to help her in her quest. As the two work together, they find a growing attraction. It makes Jude even more convinced that he must protect Winnie, especially when she goes undercover to trap the kidnapper.

This is much more a romance than a mystery although it’s based on actual events. I felt the story of the serial killer got overshadowed by the romance between Winnie and Jude. Winnie is a vivacious character throwing herself into dangerous situations without thinking about the consequences. Luckily Jude is a well-trained policeman who makes it his mission to keep her out of danger.

This is a Christian mystery so there is little violence and no inappropriate sexual behavior. It’s a fun read. I particularly liked the fact that it was based on a historical incident.

I received this book from Barbour Publishing for this review.

The White City turned out to be a really great little book. It started a bit slowly for my taste but once things got moving I had a hard time putting it down. It works well as a cozy mystery but since this a Christian novel it was a bit on the tame side, especially for the subject matter. Winnie and Jude are a wonderful couple and I think many readers will fall in love with their story as well. Grace Hitchcock has done well with her debut novel!

Gracefully weaving a tale, where historical facts are stitched neatly into the fabric of the narrative, Hitchcock has presented us with her well-executed debut novel - The White City, set in 1893 Chicago during the World's Fair.

When Winnie (the main character) believes she saw a kidnapping, the story begins to unfold.

With austenesque descriptions, Grace has penned a historical masterpiece based on true crime. Latching onto the history of an infamous serial killer, the narrative is a pleasurable mix of mystery & suspense, innocent romance, and history.

Highly recommended for readers of historical fiction.

Grace Hitchcock creates a world one doesn’t want to leave in The White City. Set as the Chicago World Fair opens in 1893, our leading lady Winnifred sees before her a woman kidnapped and yet, aside from her word, she has no evidence so is brushed aside by the local police force. Her father, and inspector, knows better than to believe she’ll let it slide and assigns her a detective. The two fast end up in the midst of a mystery. I know a little of the true crime behind this novel so found the portrayal of the happenings around it all the more eerie as Winnifred steps straight into danger.

Alongside the mystery, romance is mingling amongst the characters, each of which is beautifully developed and enjoyable. Christianity is woven throughout and used to show the light of hope in darkness.

Fast-paced, I couldn’t put this one down and particularly enjoyed Winnifred’s passion for books, in her I saw much of myself! If historical mysteries are your thing, this is one not to be missed! I can’t wait to explore the rest of this series and look forward to many more great books from Grace Hitchcock. It’s a five out of five on the en-JOY-ment scale for me.

The White City by Grace Hitchcock was a balance of sweet romance and suspense. Grace is a new to author to me and I will definitely be following her writing. I thoroughly enjoyed the romance and the suspense. I am not a fan of love triangles and she did not drag this one out it was almost just a teaser which was perfect.
Grace created characters that you could not help but love. Winnifred was a book lover and wanted to experience adventure. He father is an inspector with the Chicago police. When she thinks she has seen a kidnapping her father does not immediately believe her. However he does send Jude to watch over her. I loved Jude immediately. I was #TeamJude all the way. He was the perfect balance of touch policeman and gentleman. Winnifred goes undercover to try and find evidence on the man she is convinced kidnapped the lady in green. The story of Winnifred meeting her favorite author was a wonderful addition to the story and did not distract from the main storyline but added to it.
The tension between Winnifred and Jude is that her dad refuses to allow her to date a lawman because of the danger. Jude realizes she has another suitor that can give her more financially and is safer. Great tension as this storyline is worked out in addition to the mystery.
The author’s note at the back made the story even that more intriguing. This is going to be a great series. I highly recommend this book.
I received this book from Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review.
You can see my full review at More Than a Review dot com where I rate the level of sex, violence, language and drug/alcohol use in books.

I had never before read a book by Grace Hitchcock, and I am please to say this will not be the last one I read by her. This book set in the Chicago Worlds Fair is a great historical detective novel, with a quirky main character that really pulls you in from the start. 
I can not wait to read more from this author.

This is a good story that I enjoyed! I loved main characters Winnifred and Jude. Winnifred was so fun and delightfully spunky, and being an avid reader myself I could totally relate to her fabulous bookishness! And, Jude, well let's just say that he is a hero who made me swoon more than once! I love the concept behind the True Colors series of books, blending history and story. Grace Hitchcock skillfully wove together fact and fiction to create an engaging story! This book has tons of great romantic moments that I just had to highlight on my Kindle!
I was expecting this book to be a suspense, and while there was a great action packed climax, I was disappointed that even though there was a mystery thread there was not really any suspense throughout the rest of the book.
Overall, while I would have liked more suspense, this is a very good story that I am glad I read! I recommend it and plan to read more of this author's work in the future.
(4 Stars!)


I received an ebook copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit team. Which did not influence my review in any way, all thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own.

I admit that before I read this book, I had no idea who H. H. Holmes was, but once I was introduced to the character, I had to go look him up and find out more. And that, to me, is what makes a great read.

Though a fictionalized version of America’s first serial killer, The White City, engages readers in the city of Chicago during the 1893 World’s Fair, both the fair and Holmes’s hotel are brought to life on the pages as Winnifred Wylde goes undercover.

Winnie’s father is a police inspector and when she reports a kidnapping, it’s not the first crime she’s brought to him. While he seems to brush her off, he also knows his daughter’s tenacity and assigns his new detective to watch over her.

Grace Hitchcock spins a tale of suspicion without revealing the details (and not as graphically as many of the reports I read online did) until the very end. Amidst the mystery, there are two suitors, an aunt determined Winnie will marry well, beloved books, and a second mystery for Detective Jude Thorpe.

If the rest of this series is as enjoyable as Hitchcock’s introduction (and I should add here her debut novel), readers are in for a treat.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

The White City is Grace Hitchcock's debut novel, but it reads like it was written by a seasoned writer. Initially I would have described the story as lighthearted fun, but near the end it took a dark turn. I would love to say more about that, but no spoilers here!

Winnifred Rose Wylde, daughter of Inspector Randolph Wylde, is an avid reader, especially of romantic mystery novels. While her aunt wanted Winnie to focus on making a good marriage match, Winnie was able to convince her father to allow her to spend the summer doing some undercover work. Of course the agreement came along with a bodyguard in the form of the handsome Officer Jude Thorpe. If Inspector Wylde or Officer Thorpe had had an inkling of who Winnie would be dealing with, permission would never have been granted.

It was interesting to learn in the Author's Notes that the villain in this story was a real person, a notorious criminal. I am sure fans of romantic suspense and historical fiction will enjoy The White City, set in 1893 Chicago during the World's Fair. I give it four stars. I am grateful to have received a coy from Barbour Books via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to write a positive review and received no monetary compensation.

What a delightful debut novel! Mystery, intrigue, suspense and romance blended together seamlessly to tell a stunning tale during the Chicago World’s fair. The full story will leave you guessing until all the pieces are found and properly put in place. I love Winnie’s independence and ability to state her mind. I also couldn’t help but chuckle while picturing her leading other detectives on all sorts of crazy adventures. This time, she knows she’s right and sucks up poor Jude in the whole affair. I enjoyed the building of their friendship into something more. They both had to fight for what they wanted and found that, oftentimes, even when we can’t see the outcome, standing for what we believe in is the right thing to do.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

"She was not a weak heroine" , my favourite sentence of the book and a great summary of this great book. Set in Chicago in 1893 Winifred is a modern woman, who is independent! We explore Chicago during the World Fair in a way where we are almost there experiencing it with her. Winnie loves reading (like me), a very active imagination (also me) and a father who is the inspector (not me).
She sees a woman getting kidnapped during the world fair and raises hell and earth to find out what happened. She goes undercover with her crush, detective Jude Thorpe, (dreamy) as protection in, H.H. Holmes' house (I GASPED) as a secretary to solve the mystery.
Shenanigans ensue, romance comes and Winnie is in a whirlwind of a life.
I definitively recommend this novel. READ IT!

The Chicago World's Fair is an exciting setting for The White City! Winnifred Wylde is the spunky daughter of a Chicago police inspector. I did not find her role very believable as she works to find a person she suspects was kidnapped. Other people may really like her. Winnie's bodyguard, detective Jude Thorpe, is a great main character! This book is based on true history of Chicago which was interesting. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

This novel was a terrific historic mystery. Set in 1893 during the Chicago Worlds Fair, I had a sense of the history & ambience of Chicago in the 19th century. The architecture, customs, & dress of these times all added to give me the feeling I was present in these more simple times. I really enjoy historical novels, & this wonderful novel from Grace Hitchcock was no exception. Ms. Hitchcock painted a marvelous picture of Chicago in 1893. Winifred, her father, Aunt Lillian, Detective Jude Thorpe, and the anonymous author Percival Covington (writing under the pen name Percival Valentine), were presented realistically & sympathetically. I enjoyed reading about them. Indeed these characters came alive under the deft writing of Ms. Hitchcock. Bringing in serial killer H.H. Holmes added the elements of mystery & suspense to this well-written novel.
I’ve never read any novels by Grace Hitchcock until “The White City” & plan on reading more of her work,
Thank you, NetGalley & Barbour Publishing, for the opportunity to read & review this marvelous novel.

Loved this book! I'm born and raised in Chicago, so I loved the historical detail and description of the setting of this book. I could very much picture Chicago in the late 1800's World Fair time. And as far as historical fiction goes, this hits all the right notes of what it should be. Cleverly imagined characters while weaving in the true life mysterious serial killer who plagued Chicago's World Fair. Winnie is a truly delightful character full of brains, bravery, but femininity too. As she puts herself straight into danger finding out who is kidnapping women at the Fair, she is also falling for the detective assigned to keep her safe. You will feel like you have been transported to the 1800s reading this fabulous novel. Highly recommend.

•°o•:*:•. Danger and Murder, Faith, Intrigue and Romance.•:*:• o°•

This is completely outside my preferred reading genre, but somebody on Instagram had great things to say about it and so I requested an eVersion. I could not put this book down and stayed up well past bedtime to finish it! I had no idea it was based on an actual serial killer! Yikes! There are details on that at the end of the book.

The story is well-written and told through the eyes of fictional characters who happen to be Christian. I really enjoyed that aspect. There are also fun quotes from authors of days-gone-by at the beginning of the chapters.
“If adventures will not befall a young lady in her own village, she must seek them abroad.” Jane Austen, Northanger Abbey.

Chicago, July 1893 during the World’s Fair
Winnifred Wylde is and inspector’s daughter and has an eye for detail, thanks in part to her dad’s training and her love of dime novels, particularly those of Percival Valentine. Her wealthy aunt would see her married off to a proper gentleman before she becomes an old maid (ahem, she’s 19), but she has other ideas. “I cannot believe Aunt Lillian made me set aside my novel for this. She promised me a day at the world’s fair, not a never-ending monologue.”
When she tells her father of yet another crime she has observed he dismisses her, but just in case assigns newly transferred Detective Jude Thorpe to follow her and make sure she is kept safe.
Jude has requested a transfer from New York to secretly investigate his brother-in-law’s death, but now he has become tied up babysitting. Perhaps it will simply be a good way to impress his new boss. That is until he discovers the lovely Miss Wylde’s hunches tend to be correct and danger seems impossible to avoid.

Tea Quote: “Clutching the gold-rimmed china teacup, she averted her gaze to the front entrance of the Ceylon Teahouse…”

Spiritual Moment: “Oh, well then, I’m all ears after we pray, he said, taking his seat and reaching for his dinner napkin before bowing his head.” I appreciated how these moments were natural and easily woven into the story as a way of life. Not forced.

There is no gore in this story, but the danger does set the heart to beating faster at times. The romance is a nice balance so you are not always focusing on the danger. This book is part of 6 in a new series by 3 authors. Go to True Colors Crime dot com to read more. And seriously, with a last name like Hitchcock, it really is the perfect story!

I downloaded a copy of this book through Net Galley via the publisher with no fee and no compensation in the hopes of an honest review.
Connect with the author at Grace Hitchcock Books dot com.

Upcoming True Colors Books:
June 2019 The Pink Bonnet by Liz Tolsma
August 2019 The Yellow Lantern by Angie Dicken
January 2020 The Gray Chamber by Grace Hitchcock
And two more tbd

Let’s start with the cover — I love this cover because it’s simple but intriguing! I requested this book on Netgalley because the idea of fiction based on true crime fascinates me. I read The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson several years ago and enjoyed it, so anything about Holmes and the World’s Fair has consistently captured my attention in the years since I read that book. The novel did not disappoint; I loved it and spent far too much time at night reading it for a couple of days!

What I liked:
For my personal reading tastes — Historical fiction that makes me go research the real history behind it? Check! Mystery and suspense? Check! Romance that keeps me turning the pages? Check!
Winnifred is just the kind of strong female character I love! She knows who she is and what she has to offer the world.
Several times throughout the book, I thought I was reading a Lynn Austin novel. I say that with a tone of high praise — I read all of Lynn Austin’s books, and she is a well-respected author!
I appreciated the elements of faith woven through the story without being “preachy” or excessive.

What I didn’t love:
A big subplot line doesn’t really get thoroughly resolved. It didn’t change my feeling about the story overall, but it would’ve been nice for that to come back around and be settled in more detail. I didn’t really even think about it until a while after I finished reading, so it wasn’t a critical issue for my reading enjoyment.

Overall: Well done, and I can’t wait to read more in this series and more by this author!

I loved this book. A little history, a little mystery and a sweet touch of romance. The main character, Winnie, was spunky and smart and easy to fall for. Taking place during the World's Fair in Chicago (1893) the descriptions were vivid and truly took you there. Given that Winnie's father is the with the Chicago Police Force, she has a natural inclination to play detective. Witnessing a kidnapping is the perfect opportunity. Unfortunately, her past history and vivid imagination compromise her credibility when she reports the crime. But, just in case, dad assigns a new police detective to keep an eye on things and the fun begins. This book is a fun, well written Christian romance/mystery and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a good read.

I did receive book through Net Galley with no fee and no compensation in the hopes of an honest review. My opinion is honest and open.

Winnifred Wylde thinks that she has witnessed a kidnapping while attending the Chicago's World Fair but the Chicago police inspector thinks that her report may be due to an overactive imagination. He is also her father and he knows just how much Winnifred enjoys reading those dime novels that are often filled with romance, adventure and mystery. Realizing that she won't let her suspicions rest, Inspector Wylde assigns one of his detectives to shadow her and protect her. This is the beginning of an exciting and adventurous tale and a possible romance between Winnifred and Jude Thorpe as they work together to solve the mysterious disappearances that have occurred at the fair and eventually discover a serial killer responsible for all of this.

This book is labeled as fiction but the storyline features the historic Chicago World Fair and the real person believed to have been America's first serial killer, H.H. Holmes. Author Grace Hitchcock successfully captures the atmosphere surrounding the Chicago World Fair in this story that begins in July 1893 and ends as the fair is closing in October. I felt the people's joy of having such an important event and I could feel their anticipation when waiting to ride on the ferris wheel; I could also imagine their doubts and fears as the mysterious disappearances continued to occur.

This is Grace Hitchcock's first full-lenth novel and she has created a story filled with adventure, intrigue and danger. It is the perfect read for anyone who enjoys suspense, historical fiction and Christian romance.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and Net Galley and was under no obligation to post a review.

I have always been fascinated by the Chicago World's Fair. I think it would have been so fun to see all of the many sights which were like nothing ever seen before. However, one thing I would not have enjoyed seeing would have been all of the crime.  However, I did enjoy reading about some of the crime that took place during the Chicago World's Fair in The White City by Grace Hitchcock, which is a fictional story that she based on a true crime story. 

Mrs. Hitchcock did a marvelous job of balancing suspenseful mystery with romance. Sometimes mysteries can take over and throw the romance in at the very end of the story. That was not the case with The White City.  Romance was interspersed throughout and gave little much needed breaks from the suspense. On the other hand, there was definitely enough mystery that even those who prefer just a mystery might enjoy the book as well.  The mystery was described very well and was very spooky since it was based on a real life criminal's crimes. 

I recommend this book for those who like me are fascinated with the Chicago World's Fair,  for those who enjoy historical mystery and romance, and for those who enjoy books based on actual crimes.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I really enjoyed this book. The setting is in 1893 during the Chicago World's Fair. Grace Hitchcock has woven a delightful fictional tale of mystery and romance based on America's first serial killer, H. H. Holmes. Winnifred is a strong female character determined to investigate an abduction she witnesses at the fair. At the same time, her aunt is determined to get Winnifred married off before she is written off as an old maid at the ripe age of 19. Will Winnie get the evidence she needs on Holmes or will she become his next victim? Will the aunt get Winnie married off or will Winnie find a love on her own? This was a quick read and a clean, suspenseful mystery romance.

I was immediately enthralled by Grace Hitchcock's debut novel, The White City. A must read for fans of historical mysteries!

The setting of the 1893 World's Fair in Chicago is a stunning backdrop to one of the most horrific crime sprees in America. Although this is a fictional account of those events, I believe Hitchcock's attention to historical detail and research aided in a masterfully penned story. While the author hints at some of the atrocities committed by Doctor H. H. Holmes (Henry Howard Holmes), she does not share some of the most gruesome details.

Winnifred Wylde believes she has witnessed a kidnapping while visiting the World's Fair. When she reports this to her father, an inspector with the police department, he allows her to go undercover as a secretary for her suspect. The only concession is that she takes the bodyguard he assigns. Hitchcock pens a spunky heroine being courted by two charming suitors. While the romance was predictable, I enjoyed the story. It had everything I love, a good mystery filled with danger, wonderful setting, and an enjoyable cast of characters who relied upon their faith to strengthen and guide them.

Grace Hitchcock is another author to add to my list. I am looking forward to reading more in Barbour's True Colors series that centers around actual events in American history. These are advertised as suspense with a romantic element. While these will be fictional accounts of true crime, I don't believe they will focus on the gory details. But I am sure there will be enough hair-raising moments to please this reader.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Netgalley and the author/publisher through CelebrateLit. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Wonderful history, filled with suspense and the power of love. I don’t remember ever reading any true crime novels so The White City was a fabulous way to start something new. Winnie was quite the heroine. Her antics from page one kept me eagerly anticipating the next situation she might unwittingly catch herself running into. Jude and Percy were both excellent suitors, but, of course, we’re going to pick one over the other. Winnie’s aunt is determined to marry Winnie off and end her sleuthing adventures, and Winnie’s father refuses to let her wed a lawman. Naturally, that means we’re going to be rooting for Jude, but Percy is perfectly acceptable suitor material.

The plot was pretty straightforward. I kept waiting for a red herring or some misdirection. I won’t tell you if I ever got it. You’ll have to read and find out for yourself.

Romance-wise, The White City was exactly what I expected for a true crime romance set in the late 1800s. It was sweet, not overwhelming, and genuinely heartwarming. Both Winnie and Jude showed an adequate amount of faith without the message becoming preachy. I enjoyed reading the times when Jude would pray and ask for God’s direction.

Overall, The White City kept me entertained and curious about whether Winnie was correct about the missing woman from beginning to end. Her antics gave her a whimsical air and kept the plot fresh as she worked to be her own woman instead of bowing to society.

I like historical fiction,romances,thrillers and true crime so this is perfect for me.Winnifred is a heroine after my own heart.She is an avid reader who witnesses the abduction of a young woman.Jude is assigned by Winnifred's father to keep her safe.Add in an romantic rival and a historical serial killer and the stakes are high.

This a clean book.I knew a decent amount about the gory details of H.H.Holmes's crimes before going in and the story does a nice job of giving details without being explicit, There are some fictionalized parts (that the author details in an authors note) but the big details are included.

Jude and Winnifred are a sweet couple and well matched..The secondary characters are well developed and not too numerous.

I recommend this book. .The Christian elements are there but woven into the characters themselves and not to jarring.

I love historical novels that use the Chicago World's fair as a backdrop.
Can you imagine the crowds that visited it daily?! Wow!!
Since I'm assuming that this is her debut novel she has done an amazing job with her research and has excellent characters that are well suited to the story.
Winifred is a girl after my own heart!! She's in my opinion in the wrong time and place and I admire her for that. She's bold and beautiful which is a definite no no for socialites. S
someone very special loves her for who she is. I love that in a man dont you?
In some ways Jude aggravated me
He aggravated me because he didn't see what was in front of him.
The way I see it, if two people are meant to be together and if it's God's will then other people shouldn't step in the way of God's bigger picture.
I really don't think I could handle being Winifred. I see why she did what she did in some places of the book. She didn't like the Socialites on her class. Way too stuck up for me!!
I love the who done it because it makes for an interesting story and you will want to keep reading until you do find out.
I didn't think I'd like story when I first opened the book but now I"m glad I did!! You won't believe who done the crime!! It will rock your socks!!
Wow ! I just loved this book!! Well done Grace!! Keep em coming!!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and no compensations were received. All opinions are my own!!

Winnifred Wylde is the daughter of an Inspector, and is known for seeing a crime around every corner. However, when she thinks she sees a woman being taken during the Chicago World Fair, her father assigns a bodyguard, Jude Thorpe, and eventually allows her to go undercover to see what she can find out.

I have read many books centered around the Chicago World's Fair; knowing that this one was based on actual events gave it a very different feel. I really appreciated the author's notes at the end, straightening out what was fact versus what she added to the story. The slightly unsettling thing was that this book made it so easy to get wrapped up in Winnie's story and dilemma over Jude, that it was easy to lose sight of the fact that it was based on a real serial killer. While the suspicious character was always depicted as shady, the depth of his evil nature didn't really come through until everything wrapped up in the end. It certainly would have made it a more disturbing book to go more in depth along the way, but I think I would have liked some more hints or clues as to what he was really up to.

I'm not sure how much the police were looking into the case at the time, but maybe more of a tie in with a real investigation into the disappearances, laid against Winnie's amateur (and dangerous!) sleuthing could have given it more of a suspense and danger tone, rather than a romance book that happened to have a murder in it.

I did really enjoy Winnie's and Danielle's love of books, and Danielle's habit of taking Winnie's books to read herself. I loved Winnie's few interactions with the bookstore owner, and that's the sort of relationship/character development I'd love to see more of.

I give this book 3.5 stars; I felt like it straddled the line of a romantic/fictitious suspense vs. a real-crime book. Had it landed squarely on either side of the line, I think it would have fared better. (No pun intended). I have already downloaded the next in the series, and I am looking forward (maybe with one eye closed!) to the continuation of the series.

I received a digital copy of this book, via NetGalley, from the publishers, in exchange for my honest review.

This is a wonderful story based on true events. The main characters of Winnifred and Jude are both not real but the circumstances they are placed were real. I love reading the history of the Chicago Worlds Fair and learning more about the first known serial killer in the United States. The story and the characters were well written about and everything was well tied together. I received a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

It seems it is always fun to read about one great event that changed the face of Chicago, the World’s Fair of 1893. The White City by Grace Hitchcock helps to sharpen our modern focus on a time when Chicago had a “mini” city of large white stucco buildings well-lit, even at night, to house the fair. The character HH Holmes was a real criminal, detailed in another non-fiction book. White City also caused me to research how the giant Ferris Wheel looked back then. It was nothing like our modern Ferris Wheels, having glass “rooms” holding up to 60 people each!
I thought this was the perfect vacation read, with a smattering of history, and romance, and suspense.
I enjoyed the love triangle and truly wasn’t certain how it would turn out.
Jude Thorpe is a new detective in Winnifred Wylde’s father’s precinct and is assigned the dubious duty of protecting Winnie from her efforts to prove her crime sightings are more than her imagination. Winnie appears attracted to him, but he has competition.
Winnie fights off many of her aunt’s hand-picked suitors, but will Percival Covington turn out to be the perfect man?
For myself, I was glad to see Winnie could be a reader and still be a respectable heroine. Often readers are passed over in real life as those who just don’t want to work, instead of those called to nourish an inner need.
“He didn’t deserve to have her heart’s sloppy seconds.” Said about one of Winnie’s suitors, it hit me how applicable this is in our relationship to God.
This was one book I would almost have liked to have seen the author write an alternate ending too. That is if she had made a few character adjustments, of course. It just seemed the book teetered on a precipice and the author had to think for a moment which way she wanted to take the action. I know I seriously considered which way I would have counseled her to take it. Indeed, that really brought me thoroughly into the tale, as if the adventure didn’t already have me there. Good point for a book club discussion.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and NetGalley. No positive review was required, and all opinions are solely my own.

The White City, by Grace Hitchcock, is a captivating novel! This first book in the True Colors: Historical Stories of American Crime series offers a thrilling mix of mystery, suspense, action, faith, and romance. Set in and around the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893, this fictional novel incorporates historical truths relating to America’s first known serial killer, H.H. Holmes.
From start to finish, this novel is truly entertaining and intriguing. With great pacing, relevant facts and details are thoughtfully unveiled, exposing the truth behind the secretive and disturbing circumstances in which the characters find themselves. The quest to make sense of the unsettling and frightening events makes for a very gripping reading experience.
When presented with alarming circumstances and bizarre secrets, the characters possess a spirit of perseverance and strength that is remarkably inspiring. As they grapple with fear, loss, and danger, the characters manage to find hope and to pursue truth. No matter what secrets are revealed or what facts are discovered, the characters learn to believe in the truth that they have been created with purpose and have been thoughtfully and lovingly designed to lead a life that is meaningful and valuable.
With its integral setting, perceptive characters, and riveting plot, The White City easily held my attention page after page. Ms. Hitchcock is a talented author with a genuine gift for story-telling. The White City is a book I can easily recommend to all readers who enjoy clean, suspenseful, historical fiction. I am eagerly looking forward to reading the next book in this series!
*I was given a copy of this novel from the publisher through NetGalley and Celebrate Lit. A review was not required. The review I have written contains opinions that are entirely my own.

First, let me tell you about a mistake I almost made with this book. I very nearly passed on the opportunity to read it. I am so glad my curiosity won out and I did read it.

I wasn’t sure that I wanted to read a “true crime” type story and I’d never read a book by this author. Let me fully admit to you that I was completely wrong on both counts. This is a well-written, intriguing story and I will be looking for more books by Grace Hitchcock.

It’s based in facts about a true crime, but the writer has taken the basis of those facts and written a very interesting story with great characters. I loved the characters of Winnifred and Jude. Winnifred is a strong-minded, courageous young woman who is being pestered by her family to find the right person to marry ( as in rich and well-established in society). Winnifred, however, is all about adventure, and fueled by her imagination and romance novels, thinks she sees crime happening everywhere. Until the day she actually sees a crime occur at the World’s Fair—and she then has a hard time getting her police Inspector father to take her seriously. However, he assigns one of his best officers, Jude, to protect Winnifred. As Jude comes to know Winnifred better, he comes to believe her story. The action in the story really begins from that point. I won’t give away details, but I will tell you that Jude proves himself quite the hero.

This is a good Christian historical suspense novel with a thread of faith and a little romance running through it. I think I’m going to follow this series to see what’s next.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Barbour Publishing has struck gold with their new series, True Colors, Historical Stories of Romance and American Crime. I went into this book unsure of whether I would like it or not. Sometimes, novels (or movies) based on true stories can come across as biographical in nature instead of a story. Not so in this case! I know this may sound silly, but I couldn’t tell these characters were real at all! That’s a good thing!
While it was taken from a true event, The White City read like a novel. The characters were well-developed and the plot and setting just sucked me in. I didn’t want to stop reading! I couldn’t put the book down! This is a book-lovers book as the main character is an avid reader and lover of good stories. Which is what gets her into trouble.
Winnifred is sure she’s seen a crime take place and she is set on proving it to her father, the Inspector for the Chicago Police. Unfortunately, for the poor police officers assigned to protection detail, Winnifred is more passion than caution. She’s stubborn and barrels ahead without thinking things through. She’s rambunctious and bold and readers will love her!
I loved the backdrop of the Chicago World’s Fair. It brought a fun, whimsical element to an otherwise brutal murder mystery. I loved how true to the real story the writer remained, while adding the necessary elements to tell Winnifred’s fictional story.
The White City is Grace Hitchcock’s debut novel. I strongly recommend this book to lovers of romantic suspense and mystery. Also, for book-lovers who love to read about those who love books. This book has a romantic “triangle” that most readers have dreamt about! What would you do if your favorite romance author claimed you were their muse?

The White City is the first in a new series from Barbour. The True Colors series presents fictional accounts of real American crime stories from the past. This first book in the series by debut author Grace Hitchcock promises readers who love history, mystery, and suspense a great reading experience. I loved how the book swept me back to another time. It is definitely a recommended read!

Engaging characters make The White City. Main character Winnifred Wylde is a society girl with a longing for adventure. Her novel reading may have influenced her a tiny bit as she sees mysterious doings all around her. I loved her spunk and tenacity. Her partner in the investigation of missing women is a hunky detective who fits the hero label very nicely. The two have great chemistry, and fans of romance will like the sweet relationship that develops. But societal expectations prove a major stumbling block for the two, as Winnie is expected to find a suitable husband from her own class. This point, as well as the fashions, transportation, and general description of the fair and Chicago of the time, captured the essence of the time period. As for the mystery, the author kept me turning the pages. There was definitely something very fishy about Winnie’s boss and the building he is supposedly turning into a hotel. I loved that I got the rest of the story from the author’s afterword. That old cliche — truth is stranger than fiction — is alive and well in this chilling story. Although there is a good bit of danger awaiting Winnie and Jude, The White City also has a light side. It is just a fun read!

So if you are looking for a historical crime story with romance aplenty, The White City is the book for you.

Recommended.

Audience: older teens to adults.

Winnifred loves to read crime novels. Her father is a inspector with the Chicago police. The book starts out when she thinks she sees a kidnapping and sets out to find the kidnapper.

Her father has detective Jude Thorpe be her body guard. He has reasons of his own to help solve the crime.

I loved all the comparisons to the novels she was reading. This is a very well written book. I found very interesting from start to finish. I look forward to reading more books from the author.

I received an complementary copy of the book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit. I was not required to write an positive review. This is my own opinion.

This novel is set in Chicago 1893, during the World’s Fair. People are coming to the city from all over increasing the crime rate by thieves, pickpockets, shysters, even murderers. Based partially on fact, this story drew me in and kept my heart pounding during certain events.
Winnifred sees a woman being forced by a man to leave the fair by gunpoint. Her accusations are overlooked at first by her Inspector father. But for safety reasons and to ease his mind, he asks Detective Jude Thorpe to discretely follow her when she’s out and about. On one of her trips to the fair she is approached by the man she realizes is the kidnapper. He offers her a job as his secretary and she convinces her father to let her go “undercover” as a detective. She is determined to find out what happened to that woman. Even though Jude is watching out for her, her bravery astounded me. She mentions numerous times that she seeks out adventure, and this time she finds it and then some. This kept me in suspense many hours into the late night, where I kept thinking I heard thumps, bumps and creaks around me!
Follow along on her “adventure” where you will find your heart thumping as you turn the pages and yes, a sweet romance to add the cherry on top.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit.

I am quite excited for this new series based on true crime stories in America. Even though the main characters are fictional, they do come across the true criminals. In the White City Winnie has been enjoying the Chicago Fair and not enjoying her Aunt’s constant setting her up with different beaus. When she sees a suspicious kidnapping scene at the fair she goes to her father who is the police chief to report it. However due to a past false claim, her father allows her to continue her little investigation while not truly believing her. He does set her up with a police detective for a body guard, the newly arrived from New York Jude Thorpe.
I have heard of America’s first serial killer before, so this story was a little bit chilling one that had the characters looking over their shoulders frequently. There is also a “forbidden” romance storyline along with another suitor that I also really liked. Winnie is not a damsel in distress; she truly believes what she saw and goes on this investigation adventure to save other women. She has a good head on her shoulders and would make a good detective if women were allowed in that position in 1893. She is, though a bit innocent in how evil someone can truly be.
Jude is her knight in shining armor and the main person that takes her claims seriously. But Jude and Winnie are playing a dangerous game with a very evil person and their lives are in real danger.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

I enjoyed this quick read, and it had a lot of danger, or heart stopping moments, you never knew when evil would strike.
The place setting is the Chicago World’s Fair, and we get to experience through these character’s some of the happenings here, some of the new inventions, that we take for granted, and others that have been replaced.
The story does focus on a young woman, Winnifred Wylde, and her Aunt’s wish for her to marry socially well, and a young detective who desires to find and convict the people responsible for his brother- in-law’s death.
Now our girl has a vivid mind and loves to read and has in the past suspected things that weren’t really happening, but now she finds a woman being kidnapped, and has she cried wolf to long?
You don’t want to miss this one!

I received this book through Celebrate Lit, and was not required to give a positive review.

Would I recommend The White City? Yes!  This was a delightful read. There were some edge-of-the-seat moments (which my thriller-loving-soul delights in), but it wasn't gruesome.  I love characters that are believable and yet don't quite fit their time or their community...I think I am a lot like them, so they help me figure out how to be me and how to walk with God in my perpetual season of out-of-place.  I think my favorite part was the true test of character and love at the end (I won't spoil it!), and that Winnie's dad saw it too.  If you enjoy mystery, crime, or historical novels,  you'll like this one.

The White City by Grace Hitchcock is her debut novel and the first book in the True Colors series by Barbour Publishing.

I really enjoyed this story! I liked the romance, I liked the mystery, I liked the setting, I liked the characters! The romance had touches of sweet with moments of swoon-worthy. I didn't know much of anything about H. H. Holmes, so the mystery was quite intriguing for me. I enjoyed having true crime come to life. The setting of Chicago's World Fair was perfect. (Of course, it helps that the actual crime took place there. ;)) The characters were fantastic. Winnie Wylde is a spunky, adventurous, witty heroine that has a weak spot for a good mystery. Jude Thorpe is the quintessential hero. Strong, handsome, chivalrous, and a police detective. He's attentive to Winnie and her hero more than once.

The writing of this story is very well done! It flowed perfectly, nothing was rushed, and I enjoyed it immensely! I'm very much looking forward to what comes next from Ms. Hitchcock and also the True Colors series!

I received a complementary copy of this book. A positive review was not required. All opinions expressed are my own.

I love books about mystery. And crime. And anything and everything along those lines. So when I heard about this book, I knew I wanted to read it.

I also love the setting of this book...the World's Fair set in Chicago. How I would have loved to be able to see it. All the excitement of that great event.

Now, about the actual story...

The heroine is Winnifred Wylde (how can you help but love a gal with this name?!), she's the daughter of a Chicago police officer. She is just SURE that she saw a crime committed before her very eyes. But...because of previous similar experiences she's had, her dad is not inclined to believe her. So she sets about solving this mystery on her own.

Because there was a serial killer on the loose, her dad sends one of his younger officers to tail her, to keep her safe. (and here of course is where the romance enters..)

This book has action and adventure, and yes, it is based on true crime! If you enjoy historical suspense, you may want to give it a try!

Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

The White City was fast paced, well written, and a great romp through history! I really enjoyed this book. My life has been really hectic lately and this was the perfect light and fluffy read to help put a smile on my face.

The pacing of this novel was pitch perfect. The author grabbed me right from the very first page. I breezed through this book incredibly quickly. The plot is tightly knit, the characters are likable, and the historical setting gave the entire book a very unique flavor. I love reading historical fiction and I’m particularly fascinated with the Gilded Age.

Last winter, I read The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson. I found Larson’s retelling of the murders at the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair to be particularly fascinating and that is why I was interested to read this novel. Larson’s book is nonfiction and full of disturbingly graphic details regarding the true crime events; therefore, I was a little worried, that this novel would be overly graphic as well- but that wasn’t the case at all! Grace Hitchcok, does a great job of building suspense without being overly gruesome. Her unique spin on the 1893 World’s Fair was a delight to read.

I was also huge fan of the protagonist, Winifred.. I can really relate to her overactive imagination and her love of books. Her relationship with Jude is very sweet and it was fun to read about the two of them falling in love.

This book was a solid start to a new series of historical Christian novels and I’m interested to see what other surprises the series has in store. I recommend this book to fans of mystery, inspirational romance, and historical fiction.

Note: I received a free digital copy of this book from Celebrate Lit Tours in Exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

I think I just found one of my favorite literary heroines of the year. She adores books, has a nose for real-life mysteries, and isn't afraid of a little danger. If there was a sequel with this character in it, I'd read it.

For her novel debut, Grace Hitchcock has hit it out of the park. Her storytelling qualities simply shine forth.

I felt though that a little bit of "telling" comes out, instead of "showing", which slightly wavered my faith in that first wonderfully descriptive page in the book. But in actuality, it really did hook me from the first line, to be honest. And it stuck.

Now, it's a very romancey type of story. Of course, it's all kept very sweet, so for that I'm glad. But a big portion of the plot revolves around Winnie's potential suitors. My preference is typically more action, less romance -- but I still enjoyed it.

The best aspect about the book is that it is Christian fiction, and keeps a soft spiritual undertone. It's not heavy, just a few prayers and scriptures, but I'm so glad that Winnie's faith is illustrated, and that good values triumph.

Gory level: 1. (For a book about hunting down a serial killer, at least we don't have to deal with gruesome scenes. I was anxious about how ugly it could get, so that's why I felt like mentioning it here. It's totally fine!)

Minimum age to to enjoy: 13 to Adult.

"...even though she may look the part of a young socialite, she had an adventurous soul."

Five stars.

Will I be reading the next book in the True Colors series? You betcha.

Will I be on the lookout for what Grace Hitchcock will be writing next? You betcha.

This book was an engaging fictionalization of a true historical event. I very much enjoyed the aithor’s debut novel and look forward to reading more in the future. The author tells the story through the eyes of Winnie, an imaginative and resourceful young woman, and Jude, a police officer given the job of acting as Winnie’s body guard during the Chicago World Fair. Winnie is certain she witnessed a woman being abducted and her father allows her to investigate.

I enjoyed the book and when I was finished I wanted to learn more about the serial killer who haunted the World Fair. If you enjoy historical romance fiction this would be a good choice for you to read.

Chicago 1893. Christian Historical Romance. Winnie is a young girl of society who has lost her mother and was raised by her father, an Inspector on the police force. She also reads a lot of romance novels. The World Fair is taking place in the city, bringing crime with it. She is at the fair and sees a young woman being abducted. Although no one really believes her, her detective skills kick in and her father is forced to assign a detective from the force to watch over her. Very well written, a pleasant read that is a page turner as it goes on. Good suspense that isn't totally predictable. Entertaining and satisfying story.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Sooo, Where to start with this one? First off I will mention that this is a romance type novel. Which I did not realize when I started this book, as there was nothing to indicate that this was anything but a historical suspense story.

The White City is based off of a REAL serial killer, H. H. Holmes at the Chicago’s World Fair in 1893. This story hints at his crimes, without going into too much detail about them, from the perspective of the police inspectors daughter, Winnifred Wylde. The real-life crimes were woven into and blended perfectly amongst the plot.

The World Fair in Chicago was terrifically described and made you feel like you were there experiencing the sights, sounds, smells of Chicago for yourself.

I loved the two main character’s Winnifred Wylde and her bodyguard Detective Jude Thorpe. Well, honestly I loved all the characters excepted maybe for H. H. Holmes.

A White City, kind of reminds me of A Proper Pursuit by Lynn Austin, maybe it has something to do with both of them taking place during the Chicago’s World Fair.

An intriguing read. I am eagerly awaiting the next book in this series.

I was a little surprised by this book! But it was a good surprise because I ended up not being able to put this book down. Grace Hitchcock did an excellent job writing this novel and making the story come to life. I loved it!

Wow, this book was an interesting look at history! I did not realize just how messed up H H Holmes was (I should of known there really isn't such a thing as a "normal" serial killer...) until I read this story and then researched some of the story for myself. Grace does a fabulous job of bringing the story to life while sticking to historical facts.

The White City is the first installment of a new series of books called True Colors, historical fiction based on "strange but true" history. It's strange but true historical basis is the infamous H.H. Holmes and his hotel of horrors.
Although the true story certainly is a horror story, The White City is more of a romance adventure novel. When the chief of police's daughter says that she witnessed an abduction, her father assigns one of his men to become her bodyguard while she pursues what she believes is a big lead. She finds herself working for the possible suspect, and as her entanglement with the suspect grows, so does her feelings for her bodyguard. Unfortunately, her dad is adamant about her not being involved with a policeman. Suspense heats up as Winnifred stumbles upon even more suspicious findings at work. Will they be able to find enough proof to stop him? And will she be able to convince her father to change his rule and pursue a future with the only one who may be able to keep her safe.

I love the premise of this novel being based on a true historical criminal, and I look forward to checking out the next in the series. I could really relate to Winnifred and her love of reading and thirst for adventure. I enjoyed her friends and possible beaus because even side characters were interestingly portrayed with their own little quirks and unique personalities. The White City has a little bit of everything: suspense, romance, a detailed setting; but in my opinion the characters and historical detail were what made this book. If you are looking for a historical romantic suspense, this is the book for you!

From the first sentence, The White City had my attention! Grace Hitchcock’s debut novel is well written with a creative storyline that is filled with historical details from the Chicago World’s Fair. As the suspense builds, a romance wants to bloom. But the next sentence I read had me laughing out loud. Hitchcock’s use of humor is a gift. I gave up sleep to keep turning these pages and it was so worth it! My only complaint is that it wasn’t longer, because I just wanted more of the story and these characters. Needless to say, I am definitely ready for another book by Grace Hitchcock. I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions are mine.

The White City was a delightful surprise for me! I believe it is this authors debut book and it was so much fun! I will definitely be looking forward to reading more by Grace Hitchcock. This book is part of a new series that is written by different authors, but they are all based on true events. The history was really interesting in this book. The main character though, she made this story so much fun to return to ever chance I got! Winnifred was spunky, smart and so much fun! I recommend this entertaining mystery!

I received a copy of this book, all opinions are my own.

Thankfully, this story wasn’t too graphic at all. It was more of a Jane Austen-style suspense. Imagine Austen’s Emma as an amateur detective instead of a matchmaker. The White City main character Winnifred was both charming and a bit annoying as only very young women can be. Her vigilante sense of adventure was fueled by the novels she read. How could I resist liking a bookworm?

The White City is the first in a promising new true crime series. I loved how debut author Grace Hitchcock incorporated a sense of history in its pages while keeping the story fresh and original. It’s a swoony sort of story. Be prepared for lots of sighs, puffed sleeves, and gazing up through lashes. It’s a clean title with very innocent romance. There are some scriptural references as well. I thought it was perfectly balanced.

I’m a fan of suspense and thrillers, but sometimes they can be overly dark. The White City kept the intensity on a slow burn, gradually turning up the heat until it was too late to escape!

I so enjoyed The White City! Winifred was such a fun and enjoyable character. I looked forward to picking up this book every evening to spend a little time reading about her journeys as she tried to solve a mystery.

The author did a great job balancing out the mystery with the romance in this story. The story line with Winifred's two suitors kept my interest as I found myself liking both of the characters...yet definitely wanting her to end up with a certain one. :)

I would definitely recommend The White City and look forward to more books by this author!

I received a free copy of The White City, but was under no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

The White City
(True Colors)
by Grace Hitchcock 

Paperback, 256 pages
Published March 1st 2019 by Barbour Books


Goodreads synopsis:
Mysterious Disappearances Taint the Chicago World’s Fair
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?

***

5 Stars

This book was not what I expected it to be.

I guess I would categorize it as a Historical Christian Romantic Suspense Intrigue. I thought this might be a true crime depiction of a notorious character from the past, more hard-hitting and hard-nosed. What I found instead was a sweet story about Winnifred Wylde, a pretty modern woman for the time turn of the 1900 century. She dreamed of a life of adventure she found in the pages of her books. Her father, a lawman, lost his wife due to the shock of one of his investigations and has forbade his daughter to ever marry a lawman like himself.

Enter Jude Thorpe. He is everything her father doesn’t want for her future. So, of course, he is the man for her. Then her favorite author, Percy, shows up, charming, good looking and wealthy. He is her family’s ideal for her.

This story is a mix of the family pushing her to accept the dandy (love that word description) Percy and the investigation of the world’s first serial killer H.H. Holmes wth Jude. I believe this is a story that is inspired by the notorious serial killer, Holmes and told from a Christian romantic perspective.

I thought this was a fun book. I loved all the turn of the century words they used for common items we would use today like purses were called reticules. Great book. The Christian part is not too obnoxious like it is in some books. Very subtle. If you are looking for a sweet historical romantic suspense, check this one out for sure.

I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.

____
Grace Hitchcock is the author of The White City and The Gray Chamber from Barbour Publishing. She has written multiple novellas in The Second Chance Brides, The Southern Belle Brides, and the Thimbles and Threads collections with Barbour Publishing. She holds a Masters in Creative Writing and a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in History. Grace lives in southern Louisiana with her husband, Dakota, and son. Visit Grace online at GraceHitchcock.com.

Give me a novel set during the World Fair in Chicago any day. This has been one of the best that I have read that is set during this period of history with vivid characters, a great mystery plot, and the possibility of finding more than just a killer.

Winnifred is a character that not only charms the others around her but will easily charm the reader. I instantly liked her and her ability to be a penny-dime junkie was a detail that made her an instant friend to me. Winnifred has no fear (okay, she has some) when it comes to finding out all the dark details to the disappearances and the why behind all the mystery.

I really like how the author wrote about the interactions between Winnifred and other characters. I felt like a polite bystander snooping on the conversations and watching in my mind what they would do next. Jude is not only trying to just do his job but Winnifred is making it harder to not fall in love with her (because, hello, she is really loveable) and let me just say I always place Jude Law as the person for a character named Jude and in my mind it worked nicely (not that he fits the description completely, but hey I gave him a chance).

Overall, by this book’s ability to gain the reader’s attention and have you hunting for clues to the end, I can easily say that this debut novel is one for the bibliophiles. Not only is there historical facts, but characters that lead you into the story to be by their sides. I think this series will be successful and I will be seeking to read more by this author specifically.

What an interesting book. A unique look a HH Holmes and the Chicago World’s Fair. It’s a light suspense novel with a side of romance included. Winifred is a detective’s daughter. She enjoys reading and solving mysteries herself. Although her aunt would prefer her to settle down and marry. Jude is assigned as Winnie’s bodyguard after she ‘witnessed’ a kidnapping and chooses to investigate. Debut author Grace Hitchcock does a nice job with this book. I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions stated here are my own.

"The White City," book one of the True Colors series, is a good introduction to Historical Stories of Romance and American Crime. Set in Chicago in 1893, Winnifred Wylde, daughter of a Chicago police inspector, believes she witnesses a kidnapping. She goes undercover for the suspect and has a handsome policemen Jude Thorpe assigned as her bodyguard. Will she expose H. H. Holmes or become his next victim?
I liked the suspense of this book. The romance was a little cheesy for me, but this is a romance story. Author Grace Hitchcock writes clearly and keeps the action moving. If I were a fan of romance novels, I would read the next book in this series.

Loved this book! From the cozy-feeling romantic suspense, to the alignment with historical crime, this genre-busting novel grabbed my attention and kept it all the way through. I look forward to reading more from Hitchcock!

If you want a good love story, here it is! Not only is it a good love story, but it pokes fun at the sappier love stories out there, while being one itself.
This book has it all. A handsome and muscular man, a strong-willed and beautiful woman, a villain based on a real- life criminal, a doting and protective father, a funny best friend, a peculiar and handsome suitor that makes the woman have to choose between the two men, a bit of mystery, a beautiful city setting, and suspense throughout the book.

I loved reading this book because it was kind of a refreshing read. As a reader, you are taken on the journey with this woman as she is forced into a social life when all she wants is to work in a man’s world. You are with her as she falls in love and as she realizes she cannot be with who she wants. And you are with her when her situation turns south and she is fighting for her life.

The author does a great job of pulling us into the story and it was a very fun read! This is a book I would happily read again and again!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an advanced copy to read. All opinions are my own.

Thank you NetGalley, Barbour Books and Grace Hitchcock for a copy of The White City. This is the first time that I read a book from Grace Hitchcock and I am truly now a fan. If you are looking for a book that has romance, mystery, and humor between the two main characters, then this is the book for you. I was captivated from the first page. Grace has a great technique to introducing characters and keeping you interested in them throughout the whole story. This ended up being a cute love story. This book felt like I was watching a movie, instead of reading a book. Can’t wait to read her other books.

The White City is a Christian historical suspense, romance, mystery. Set in 1893 Chicago during the World’s Fair it was written by a new to me author, Grace Hitchcock. The author has a nice style of writing. She had done her research and it showed in her details.

Her heroine, Winnie, was feisty and made me smile as I read. This lady was a handful. The characters were engaging but I wanted to learn more about them. I felt I chardly knew most of them where in other books they all are like friends.

I found humor in some parts and a great mystery. The suspense was enough that I kept reading and reading. It was a bonus this was based on a real person, albeit a serial killer. The romance was sweet and light.

The faith element grew throughout the book. At first I was frustrated because I didn’t see it, but then it gradually began to make its way. It was worth the wait.

I did notice a thing or two that seemed unrealistic but without a spoiler it is diffficult to explain. However, I will say I was surprised Winnie’s father went along with some of her schemes. Even from this side of the page some seemed dangerous and too risky.

I would recommend this to anyone liking a good suspenseful read. It played out like an old black and white movie in my mind. There is a twist and turn for you to keep you on your toes.

The White City (True Colors)
by Grace Hitchcock40738332

March 1st 2019
by Barbour Books
ISBN 1683228685
(ISBN13: 9781683228684)
Grace Hitchcock takes after her name sake not only in mystery but setting up the suspense. Using the usual suspects she takes over the mystery with a romantic twist. A thrilling story a great adventure and a remarkable love story. The disappearance of several women during the worlds fair has raised the hackles of this high class lady. She believes she has seen this abductor in person. What she does to find the solution of the mystery may be more deadly than adventurous. This is a great story to startle the mystery world.

This was a cute and fun book- a little romance, a little mystery. From the description I was expecting more of a true crime novel, I would say this was a Christian Romance with some crime solving mixed in. However, I really enjoyed it. Of the 3 books in Barbour Publishing's True Colors Series (books about famous crimes in American history, which I think is such a great idea- a change from most christian fiction novels and with different authors), this one is my favorite. This was a great debut novel from Grace Hitchcock and I look forward to her next book which will be the 4th in the True Colors Series.

I enjoyed this book so much! It was mysterious and funny and had some romance! What more could you want? I'm not sure what I was expecting when I started reading this book... I had hoped it would be entertaining! It far exceeded my expectations!


I can't wait to start reading the next book in the series! The Pink Bonnet and The Yellow Lantern!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley on behalf of the Publisher and was under no obligation to post a favorable review.

The White City is Grace Hitchcock’s debut novel. It is also (I think) the first novel in Barbour Publishing’s new True Colors series, fictional accounts of some of America’s most infamous crimes. The White City is set around the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair, and the actions of the man considered America’s first serial killer, Doctor H. H. Holmes. Holmes owned a hotel not far from the fair.

A hotel filled with secret rooms that was later dubbed “Murder Castle”. Winnifred Wylde is a wonderful heroine. She’s clever and funny. She loves reading fiction, especially the thrilling romance novels by Percival Valentine. But she has an unfortunate habit of seeing crimes wherever she looks—possibly the result of being the daughter of a police inspector, but possibly the result of reading too many thrilling novels featuring the noble hero saving the heroine from the clutches of the evildoer.

Winnifred is convinced she saw a man kidnapping a woman from the fair at gunpoint. But even her police inspector father can’t arrest a man simply on his daughter’s say-so. He needs proof. So Winnie decides to get proof, by taking an undercover job as a secretary with the man she suspects is responsible for the kidnapping. Her father appoints Detective Jude Thorpe to watch over her and help in her investigation.

I will admit I was initially a little dubious about reading a novel with such a setting. It had the potential to be far too gruesome for my taste. However, it was not. The humour and light-hearted style were the perfect balance for the less savoury elements of the plot, especially as it became obvious that Winnie was right and her boss was up to no good.

There was also the romance aspect. Jude is attracted to Winnie and thinks she might return his regard, but her father has made it clear that Winnie is not to marry a policeman. Her aunt is trying to set her up with a Mr. Covington, who is a perfectly nice gentleman but who doesn’t make her heart race. As an aside, I’m not usually a fan of the other man/other woman plot, but it worked perfectly in The White City.

Overall, The White City is an excellent historical romantic suspense novel. The mix of fact and fiction reminded me of Elizabeth Camden’s historical fiction, while the light-hearted tone was more reminiscent of Jen Turano or Karen Witemeyer. Recommended.

Thanks to Barbour Publishing and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.

My Thoughts:
The White City is a historical fiction piece. I love historical fiction but especially when some murder and mystery are included. This book gives me all three! It’s the World’s Fair in Chicago but women are missing, women are turning up dead! Who’s to blame? What’s to be done? Who will be the next victim?

I love how the author weaved in the truth with the fiction. This really is a crime that happened. I had no idea who H. H. Holmes was so I had to take a quick Google search of him. Yes, he really existed and he really did have a castle. And yes unfortunately the crimes really did happen. Okay. So we’ve established she took truth and made it into fiction.

Now let’s chat the fiction aspect of this book. It’s riveting! I could not put the book down. Which thankfully I had a feeling after the first chapter this was going to be the case and had my husband take our sleeping infant. You see, I read while I rock our little one to sleep while she nurses at night. Once she falls asleep I get a few hours where I can stay up and read before she wakes and needs me again. Power reading is what I call it! And I’m so glad for this session as I would have been loathe to put the book down!

The White City definitely keeps you reading on and wanting more. I cannot wait to see the rest of the series come out. Grace is a wonderful author and I’m going to have to search and see what else she has written so I can binge read them. I tend to do this with authors I enjoy.

Winnifred is now a best friend of mine and I’m so pleased with how the book ended though I shan’t tell you the ending. Let’s just say there is a good dose of nail biting and a good sigh at the end.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

This is an amazing mystery!

I absolutely love both Winnifred Wylde and Jude Thorpe! They are incredible characters and I connected with both of them from the very beginning.

The plot of this book is fantastic! I was caught up in the mystery and kept trying to figure out all of the details. I lost track of how many times I readjusted my thinking about who the culprit was and how the crimes were being committed.

The details of the World’s Fair were great. I actually found myself looking for a book with pictures from it so that I could see what was being described.

I will definitely be looking for any future books by this author. I’m so glad that I started with her debut novel. I won’t have to be trying to catch up.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All of the opinions expressed are my own.

I love the old murder mysteries, so when I saw that this one was based on the H.H. Holmes case, I jumped on the opportunity to read it. Mix in the right amount of romance and The White Castle had me gripping the book in anticipation of what was next.

The romance was slow and stirring as the bodyguard struggled to remain professional in regards to his precocious charge. Her desire to dig deeper in an effort to save an unknown soul was harrowing. While Miss Wylde searched for clues, the dashing Mr. Thorpe stands guard just out of sight. Or, so he thought.

I couldn’t help but think, male or female, every hero needs someone to watch their back. She was no simpering female and he was perfectly galant in a way that any strong willed woman could appreciate.

There wasn’t a single thing I could find fault with in The White City and I look forward to more from Ms. Hitchcock (The correlation between the name and the genre did not go un noticed 😉)

I was provided a copy of this book so that I might leave an honest review

This was a great start to the True Colors series. If this is how it starts, then I am in for a real treat!

The White City follows the mystery of H. H. Holmes during the 1893 World's Fair in Chicago. It follows avid mystery/romance reader Winifred Wylde, who is the daughter of a police investigator. After being at the Fair and seeing what she thinks is a kidnapping, Winifred's mind starts reeling, and she HAS to solve it. When she tells her father about what she saw, which he highly questions due to her reading of many novels, he allows her to investigate into this kidnapping, but only if she has a bodyguard, the newly transferred (and extremely handsome) Jude Thorpe. As with society she also had her melding aunt who tries to fix her up with every eligible bachelor in the area, this time her sites are on Percival Covington. Percival is dashing and charming, but it is his way of life that really catches Winifred's interest. Once Winifred is working for Mr. Holmes she does start to question some of his business dealings, which may or may not put her in harms way.

I loved the premise of this book. I love the mystery of H. H. Holmes. This brought it to life for me and added life to the mystery that may never be solved.

Thank you to Netgalley and Barbour Publishing for an advanced copy. I was not compensated for my review.

This was a highly anticipated read. It certainly did not disappoint! Anything to do with the Chicago's World Fair is going to be a hit with me!

Thank you to Barbour Books and Net Galley for the chance to read and review this book. It was so well-written, and I liked the fact it was based on a real crime. It kept my attention and I couldn't wait to read and find out how this story ended. Highly recommend!

I have loved the True Colors series but had missed this one. World’s Fair history is intriguing to me. This story had little more romance with the page turning suspense than the others in the series. I liked it.