Friday Fiction: Mulberry Lane by Colby Van Wagoner (February 2011)
By
Kim Cantrell
– September 9, 2011
Bringing History to Life
Review by Kim Cantrell, truecrimebookreviews.com
It may be nerdish, but I love history; especially historical true crime. And while fiction isn’t my first choice, if I’m going to read it then one that’s based on a historical crime is my first choice.
That’s exactly what author Colby Van Wagoner has... Show more
Friday Fiction: Mulberry Lane by Colby Van Wagoner (February 2011)
By
Kim Cantrell
– September 9, 2011
Bringing History to Life
Review by Kim Cantrell, truecrimebookreviews.com
It may be nerdish, but I love history; especially historical true crime. And while fiction isn’t my first choice, if I’m going to read it then one that’s based on a historical crime is my first choice.
That’s exactly what author Colby Van Wagoner has done with his book Mulberry Lane. Taking the case of America’s first recorded serial killer H.H. Holmes (a.k.a. Herman Webster Mudgett), Wagoner breathes life into a case that has long since become “stiff” in the pages of history. Creating dynamic scenes that give personality to a historical figure, the book grips from page one of the prologue – which, by the way, happens to be a letter from Holmes himself!
If you’re not familiar with H. H. Holmes, let me take a moment to introduce you. H.H. Holmes came to the Chicago area following The Great Fire. With manipulations, Holmes managed to finagle an elderly couple out of their Mom & Pop store. His next project was also a series of schemes that built his home and business which would eventually become known as “The Murder Castle.” Additionally, Holmes would travel many places, leaving nothing but death and mayhem behind him. He wasn’t above murdering anyone for his own financial gain – including children.
Wow, what a character – huh?
Facts are blended with fiction as Wagoner creates scenes and dialogues, while maintaining the reality of many actual occurrences – and some not so much but still entertaining, like the scene between Holmes and Jack The Ripper.
Mulberry Lane is exciting, engaging, and based on fact; everything I love from my fiction. Chances are you’re at this site because you enjoy true crime and landed on Friday Fiction’s segment because you like fiction too, so why not grab a great book that gives you both?
To learn more about this book and author Colby Van Wagoner, visit https://www.colbyvanwagoner.com.