Depraved (1994)

Writer: Harold Schechter

Publisher: Pocket Books, Simon & Schuster, Inc.

Sub-Title: The Shocking True Story of America’s First Serial Killer

Category: Book, Killer

Synopsis: True crime author Harold Schechter chronicles the life and times of America’s first serial killer: H. H. Holmes a.k.a. Herman Webster Mudgett. Following his life from his arrival to Chicago, through his continental meanderings, through his trial, and finally to his death on May 7th, 1896.

When Holmes had come to Chicago, he employed himself with the local druggist. He then proceeded to purchase the store and run it himself. Finally getting up enough money, he built what had been known as “The Castle”, a three-story, odd-shaped building right on the corner, and across the street form his drug store. During the days of the Chicago World’s Fair, he had rented out rooms in his “Castle” to many-a-traveler who wished to stay. The police and detectives have no way of knowing just how many of those poor sight-seers he had done away with. Holmes had run piping throughout each of the rooms in The Castle, which connected to valves located in his room. These valves released a noxious gas into the room, incapacitating or even killing unsuspecting tourists.

With the help of his side-kick Benjamin Pitezel, Holmes had a brilliant idea of scamming an insurance company. They would take out a large life insurance policy out on Pitezel’s life and then fake his death. After the accomplishment of said task, he successfully moved Carrie Pitezel, Benjamin’s wife, and two of her children, from city to city without ever knowing that, while moving them, he was also coordinating the movement of Carrie’s other three children, and Holmes’ wife Georgiana. Over about four or five different cities across the nation and into Canada, Holmes had successfully moved three separate families, all the while keeping each one oblivious to the other two’s whereabouts.

Once the police finally caught up with him, Holmes stood trial for the death of Benjamin Pitezel, and insurance fraud. After what could only be described as a desperate attempt, Holmes and his on-again off-again lawyers finally lost the battle. And on May 7th, 1896, at 10:25 in the a.m., Herman Webster Mudgett, alias H. H. Holmes was pronounced dead. And the whole world let out a simultaneous relaxing breath.

Review: I thought that this book was fantastic. It gave boat-loads of information and pinpoint accuracy. From my knowledge, I could not think of a better author to tackle such a prolific individual than Harold Schechter. I love his writing style and his vocabulary.

The story itself is amazing. The beginning of the book was a little boring but it was necessary. The whole first half of the book was a background story about Chicago and an insight into its history. But all of that information, although not as exciting as catching a serial killer, was very, very necessary. But once the story picked up a bit, I couldn’t put this book down. And when they got into the moving around of the three families, I was completely hooked. It is just amazing that Holmes was able to pull some of this stuff off.

I have said this many times before and I think it bears repeating; that no matter how good or evil a person is…that does not stop them from being a great person. Take this into context now; the word “great” does not always mean “good”. Like, let’s say, Hitler. I can feel some of you pulling away from me now…but wait, I have a point. Hitler was one of the world’s most horrible tyrants and one of the most evil men to walk the earth…but there is no denying that he did great things. Those things may have been evil and horrible on levels that we can never even fathom, but great indeed. Stalin, Hussein, Bonaparte, Khan…all terrifying men with evil in their hearts, but great men none the less. It is a tough concept to wrap around but it’s true. Anyone can be a great person...it’s up to them if their greatness will come from love or hate.

I have digressed.

The other thing that baffles me about this man is his innate sense of self. I have never witnessed such confidence in a man as this one. The things that he tried and accomplished throughout his murderous years continue to stick in my mind. He had such overwhelming confidence that he was able to art around three separate parties of people from city to city without any of them knowing about the others. He was able to elude the authorities from many years and hide many of his victims. Although the law did finally catch up with him, he still displayed his over-confidence; by acting as his own attorney during much of his trial. I have never heard of confidence like that! His arrogance knew no bounds. It just goes to show you that if you put your mind to it, you can accomplish anything…I guess.

Rating: 22. I liked the book a lot but there just was not enough gore for me. Although this does not sway my rating at all, I just felt I should note that. The story was very compelling and the information was very precise. Harold Schechter really captured the essence of this man and was able to place me right into the pages of the book. Not necessarily my favorite book, but definitely a worth-while read. (22of25).