The White City

WONDERFUL BOOK. TRUE TO LIFE. COULDN'T put it down.

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.