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The Perfect Place to Die
"Fans of true-crime murder mysteries won't want to miss this one."—Booklist, STARRED Review
Stalking Jack the Ripper meets Devil in the White City in this terrifying historical fiction debut about one of the world's most notorious serial killers.
In order to save her sister, Zuretta takes a job at an infamous house of horrors—but she might never escape.
Zuretta never thought she'd encounter a monster. She had resigned herself to a quiet life in Utah. But when her younger sister, Ruby, travels to Chicago during the World's Fair, and disappears, Zuretta leaves home to find her.
But 1890s Chicago is more dangerous and chaotic than she imagined. She doesn't know where to start until she learns of her sister's last place of employment…a mysterious hotel known as The Castle.
Zuretta takes a job there hoping to learn more. And before long she realizes the hotel isn't what it seems. Women disappear at an alarming rate, she hears crying from the walls, and terrifying whispers follow her at night. In the end, she finds herself up against one of the most infamous mass murderers in American history—and his custom-built death trap.
With real, terrifying quotes in front of each chapter, strong female characters, and unbearable suspense, The Perfect Place to Die is perfect for fans of true crime, horror, and the Stalking Jack the Ripper series.
Stalking Jack the Ripper meets Devil in the White City in this terrifying historical fiction debut about one of the world's most notorious serial killers.
In order to save her sister, Zuretta takes a job at an infamous house of horrors—but she might never escape.
Zuretta never thought she'd encounter a monster. She had resigned herself to a quiet life in Utah. But when her younger sister, Ruby, travels to Chicago during the World's Fair, and disappears, Zuretta leaves home to find her.
But 1890s Chicago is more dangerous and chaotic than she imagined. She doesn't know where to start until she learns of her sister's last place of employment…a mysterious hotel known as The Castle.
Zuretta takes a job there hoping to learn more. And before long she realizes the hotel isn't what it seems. Women disappear at an alarming rate, she hears crying from the walls, and terrifying whispers follow her at night. In the end, she finds herself up against one of the most infamous mass murderers in American history—and his custom-built death trap.
With real, terrifying quotes in front of each chapter, strong female characters, and unbearable suspense, The Perfect Place to Die is perfect for fans of true crime, horror, and the Stalking Jack the Ripper series.
192 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 3, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 413 reviews
January 9, 2021
Thanks to the publisher for providing an eARC of The Perfect Place to Die in exchange for an honest review.
This might sound mean, but I'm genuinely unsure of what this book is trying to do which is making it really hard to review. The Perfect Place to Die tells the fictional story of a 17 year old trying to thwart the actual H.H. Holmes but frames it the same way a normal mystery would be told, with the reader following the protagonist as she sifts through false and true leads. It frames Holmes as a twist villain which made sense from a narrative perspective were this a fictional mystery or if the reader didn't know who Holmes was, but the books description makes it very clear that she's trying to solve the H.H. Holmes murders so having a character show up and be like "I'm Henry Holmes! Helpful, good, non-murderer!" was a really weird choice. This story is also really really fictionalized and while I appreciate that it includes an afterword describing what was real and what was fiction, so much of it is fiction that I also don't think this serves as a teaching tool.
Moore is definitely a good mystery genre writing, but they'd be well suited for an adult drama/cozy-mystery, not a YA mystery-thriller. This is shelved in YA because our protagonist is 17, but she reads so much like a 30 year old woman that I had to keep reminding myself that she's a teenager.
I'd love to read a fully adult mystery by the author, but this one just doesn't work.
This might sound mean, but I'm genuinely unsure of what this book is trying to do which is making it really hard to review. The Perfect Place to Die tells the fictional story of a 17 year old trying to thwart the actual H.H. Holmes but frames it the same way a normal mystery would be told, with the reader following the protagonist as she sifts through false and true leads. It frames Holmes as a twist villain which made sense from a narrative perspective were this a fictional mystery or if the reader didn't know who Holmes was, but the books description makes it very clear that she's trying to solve the H.H. Holmes murders so having a character show up and be like "I'm Henry Holmes! Helpful, good, non-murderer!" was a really weird choice. This story is also really really fictionalized and while I appreciate that it includes an afterword describing what was real and what was fiction, so much of it is fiction that I also don't think this serves as a teaching tool.
Moore is definitely a good mystery genre writing, but they'd be well suited for an adult drama/cozy-mystery, not a YA mystery-thriller. This is shelved in YA because our protagonist is 17, but she reads so much like a 30 year old woman that I had to keep reminding myself that she's a teenager.
I'd love to read a fully adult mystery by the author, but this one just doesn't work.
January 28, 2022
I don’t know why I had assumed this book was written by a woman but once I realized a man had written it, it kind of made sense. I don’t think men can write realistic women at all, unfortunately. Zuretta seemed not real but also came off as an old woman. Possibly also because this takes place in the past so that’s why she was written this way? I don’t know but in any case I couldn’t connect to her. It’s an easy read even if it’s a little slow sometimes. It wasn't bad overall but not my favorite! I think it's interesting it is based off real event as well.
December 29, 2021
3.5 stars
This really worked for me, mainly because I’ve already ready the books it’s based on. But still. If you're ALSO obsessed with this era of history, then check this out! Another book to add to the canon of fiction and nonfiction centered on Chicago, the World’s Fair, and H.H. Holmes.
Plot: ★★★★
Pacing: ★★★★
Characters: ★★★
Enjoyment: ★★★
1890s Chicago. The World's Fair. All the glitz and glamour in the world focused on the Windy City...and yet something darker lurks the in streets beneath.
Women are disappearing. They're never seen again. And too many signs point to the Castle, a new hotel built near the grounds of the Fair.
Zuretta's sister, Ruby, left their small Utah town to escape to the wilds of Chicago to find a better life. When Ruby's weekly letters stop arriving, Zuretta knows something has happened. She goes to Chicago to investigate.
Once in the city, Zuretta realizes that Ruby is not the only girl lost in Chicago...not by a long shot. And the men of the police force and the famous Pinkerton detective agency have bigger fish to fry than helping one country bumpkin find her naïve sister.
When all signs point to the Castle hotel, Zuretta decides that she needs to infiltrate it from within. She becomes the Castle's new maid, under the watchful eye of the young owner... Henry Holmes.
The Castle's winding, nonsensical architecture entraps Zuretta while the screams in the walls haunt her nights. What's going on at the Castle, and just who, exactly, is behind it all?
Zuretta's going to find out—and hopefully escape with her life.
Ok so right off the bat, this is another one of those books that I think is either going to really, REALLY work for people... or be a huge miss. I think that shows in a lot of early reviews for this story.
It's a huge YES from me, but I think a lot of my enjoyment came from knowing way more about this story's real-life historical roots. If you've already read Erik Larson's Devil in the White City, then you're extremely primed to like this one too as The Perfect Place to Die is a "perfect" (couldn't resist that pun) young adult fictional companion to that story.
However, if you've NOT read any of the supporting works (Devil in the White City, fictional renditions like Kerri Maniscalco's Capturing the Devil, etc.) then you're left with the main plot itself, which does have some quirks/weaknesses as it attempts to follow the historical accuracies. It's not the most dramatic of stories, and it's also not the most complex—but again, it's because it's following the historical blueprint.
An interesting one for sure. I enjoyed the read and will definitely recommend it to the right audience.
Many thanks to the publisher for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
Blog | Instagram
This really worked for me, mainly because I’ve already ready the books it’s based on. But still. If you're ALSO obsessed with this era of history, then check this out! Another book to add to the canon of fiction and nonfiction centered on Chicago, the World’s Fair, and H.H. Holmes.
Plot: ★★★★
Pacing: ★★★★
Characters: ★★★
Enjoyment: ★★★
1890s Chicago. The World's Fair. All the glitz and glamour in the world focused on the Windy City...and yet something darker lurks the in streets beneath.
Women are disappearing. They're never seen again. And too many signs point to the Castle, a new hotel built near the grounds of the Fair.
Zuretta's sister, Ruby, left their small Utah town to escape to the wilds of Chicago to find a better life. When Ruby's weekly letters stop arriving, Zuretta knows something has happened. She goes to Chicago to investigate.
Once in the city, Zuretta realizes that Ruby is not the only girl lost in Chicago...not by a long shot. And the men of the police force and the famous Pinkerton detective agency have bigger fish to fry than helping one country bumpkin find her naïve sister.
When all signs point to the Castle hotel, Zuretta decides that she needs to infiltrate it from within. She becomes the Castle's new maid, under the watchful eye of the young owner... Henry Holmes.
The Castle's winding, nonsensical architecture entraps Zuretta while the screams in the walls haunt her nights. What's going on at the Castle, and just who, exactly, is behind it all?
Zuretta's going to find out—and hopefully escape with her life.
Ok so right off the bat, this is another one of those books that I think is either going to really, REALLY work for people... or be a huge miss. I think that shows in a lot of early reviews for this story.
It's a huge YES from me, but I think a lot of my enjoyment came from knowing way more about this story's real-life historical roots. If you've already read Erik Larson's Devil in the White City, then you're extremely primed to like this one too as The Perfect Place to Die is a "perfect" (couldn't resist that pun) young adult fictional companion to that story.
However, if you've NOT read any of the supporting works (Devil in the White City, fictional renditions like Kerri Maniscalco's Capturing the Devil, etc.) then you're left with the main plot itself, which does have some quirks/weaknesses as it attempts to follow the historical accuracies. It's not the most dramatic of stories, and it's also not the most complex—but again, it's because it's following the historical blueprint.
An interesting one for sure. I enjoyed the read and will definitely recommend it to the right audience.
Many thanks to the publisher for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
Blog | Instagram
August 31, 2022
Overall Rating : A-
"Lately, like the man-eating tiger of the tropical jungle, whose appetite for blood has once been aroused, I roamed about the world seeking whom I could destroy."
It seems serial killers is a popular topic for authors lately, but I got to say this one was a breath of fresh air. I'll even go so far as to say that this is what the Stalking Jack the Ripper series tried and failed to do. That focused more on the relationship between the two MC's, with very little attention on the actual murders. This had the drive and passion of finding and stopping a dangerous man no matter what happens.
Zuretta, coming to Chicago to find her missing sister Ruby, slowly finds her way from country girl with no clue, to hardened, stalwart detective, with the help of her new friends, one even a Pinkerton! I will also let reader's be aware, no romance withing sight of this book, so don't go in expecting a hot, broody man to come to the rescue!! XD
At points in the story, you feel her frustration at being ignored and mocked at for being a woman. And also sorrow over the fact the we all truly know what happened to her sister and all the other missing women. If you know your murder history, you know exactly who it is and what happened, and you get a sense of urgency for Zuretta to find it out before she's next on the killers list.
And the killer? He was terrifying, scary real, and even fools you, the reader who knows exactly who he is. Horrifying.
The ending was as tense and exciting as I wanted it to be, even if it went a little cringe after the climax. But definitely a read for all you murder buffs!
"Lately, like the man-eating tiger of the tropical jungle, whose appetite for blood has once been aroused, I roamed about the world seeking whom I could destroy."
It seems serial killers is a popular topic for authors lately, but I got to say this one was a breath of fresh air. I'll even go so far as to say that this is what the Stalking Jack the Ripper series tried and failed to do. That focused more on the relationship between the two MC's, with very little attention on the actual murders. This had the drive and passion of finding and stopping a dangerous man no matter what happens.
Zuretta, coming to Chicago to find her missing sister Ruby, slowly finds her way from country girl with no clue, to hardened, stalwart detective, with the help of her new friends, one even a Pinkerton! I will also let reader's be aware, no romance withing sight of this book, so don't go in expecting a hot, broody man to come to the rescue!! XD
At points in the story, you feel her frustration at being ignored and mocked at for being a woman. And also sorrow over the fact the we all truly know what happened to her sister and all the other missing women. If you know your murder history, you know exactly who it is and what happened, and you get a sense of urgency for Zuretta to find it out before she's next on the killers list.
And the killer? He was terrifying, scary real, and even fools you, the reader who knows exactly who he is. Horrifying.
The ending was as tense and exciting as I wanted it to be, even if it went a little cringe after the climax. But definitely a read for all you murder buffs!
August 3, 2021
Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks Fire for the eARC fore review!
Zuretta's not worried when her sister Ruby runs away from their abusive home. She knows Ruby will be much happier in Chicago, and away from their abusive home. But when Ruby's letters - which, up until then, had been coming reliably every Tuesday - suddenly stop, Zuretta knows something is wrong. So she catches a train to Chicago in the hopes of finding her sister. And this search leads her to the doorsteps of the World's Fair Hotel. Or, as it's more commonly known - The Castle.
If you know the history of Chicago in the late 1800s, and are familiar with the string of grisly murders there, then the Big Bad won't come as a shock to you. I unfortunately read a few reviews before diving into this and had it spoiled for me since I was NOT too familiar with the specifics of the real case, but even so, I enjoyed this book immensely. I am not usually a fan of period dramas, but Moore so wonderfully describes the streets of Chicago, the hotel, and Zuretta's wonder at everything, that I very much enjoyed the setting!
Honestly, even knowing that all the red herrings were just that, I still found myself on the edge of my seat. The suspense of Zuretta trying to investigate the hotel without getting caught, of the secrets she finds, of her tense run-ins with all the suspects - it was all so clear in my head that I didn't even mind that I knew where the story was going. It was still gory. It was still heart-racing. It was still a tense game of cat-and-mouse as you BEGGED Zuretta to see what was really going on.
My only note is that Zuretta wasn't really written like a 17 year old, though I'm okay chalking that up to the fact that people, especially women, had to grow up so much faster during that time. She made one hell of a final girl, regardless of how unrealistic some things were. The way she found her strength through her memory of her sister, the way she went headfirst in to danger even when she was scared, was admirable. Yes, it was a bit mary-sue-ish, but the story kept me so engaged that it really didn't bother me. I enjoyed Zuretta's shift in character. It made me want to root for her.
I loved the real confessions from the killer at the beginning of every chapter, too! It was riveting to connect the names from history to the names in the story. Moore blends the two seamlessly.
Overall, a really quick thriller about one of the most prolific serial killers in American History!
3.75 stars.
Zuretta's not worried when her sister Ruby runs away from their abusive home. She knows Ruby will be much happier in Chicago, and away from their abusive home. But when Ruby's letters - which, up until then, had been coming reliably every Tuesday - suddenly stop, Zuretta knows something is wrong. So she catches a train to Chicago in the hopes of finding her sister. And this search leads her to the doorsteps of the World's Fair Hotel. Or, as it's more commonly known - The Castle.
If you know the history of Chicago in the late 1800s, and are familiar with the string of grisly murders there, then the Big Bad won't come as a shock to you. I unfortunately read a few reviews before diving into this and had it spoiled for me since I was NOT too familiar with the specifics of the real case, but even so, I enjoyed this book immensely. I am not usually a fan of period dramas, but Moore so wonderfully describes the streets of Chicago, the hotel, and Zuretta's wonder at everything, that I very much enjoyed the setting!
Honestly, even knowing that all the red herrings were just that, I still found myself on the edge of my seat. The suspense of Zuretta trying to investigate the hotel without getting caught, of the secrets she finds, of her tense run-ins with all the suspects - it was all so clear in my head that I didn't even mind that I knew where the story was going. It was still gory. It was still heart-racing. It was still a tense game of cat-and-mouse as you BEGGED Zuretta to see what was really going on.
My only note is that Zuretta wasn't really written like a 17 year old, though I'm okay chalking that up to the fact that people, especially women, had to grow up so much faster during that time. She made one hell of a final girl, regardless of how unrealistic some things were. The way she found her strength through her memory of her sister, the way she went headfirst in to danger even when she was scared, was admirable. Yes, it was a bit mary-sue-ish, but the story kept me so engaged that it really didn't bother me. I enjoyed Zuretta's shift in character. It made me want to root for her.
I loved the real confessions from the killer at the beginning of every chapter, too! It was riveting to connect the names from history to the names in the story. Moore blends the two seamlessly.
Overall, a really quick thriller about one of the most prolific serial killers in American History!
3.75 stars.
November 1, 2021
Zuretta (Etta) and her sister Ruby live what appears to be a quiet life in Utah, but underneath it all, they are dealing with an angry and abusive father. When Ruby discovers the extent to which Etta has been beaten and abused, she urges her to run away to Chicago and find a better life. Etta decides not to go, but Ruby leaves with dreams of finding a job in the exciting city that is host to the World’s Columbian Exposition (World’s Fair) in 1893. When Ruby’s letters stop coming and Etta begins to have frightening dreams, Etta decides to go to Chicago to try and find her sister.
This is a fascinating novel that combines the true crime and thriller genres, as well as adding in a touch of magical realism. Fictional and real-life characters combine to tell the story of an actual serial killer in Chicago who ran a “murder house” hotel. Each chapter of the book is headed with a part of the actual confession letter the killer wrote after he was caught, a fascinating and genius addition to the story. We learn a little about the World’s Fair and a lot about the killer and the Pinkerton Detective Agency. It is easy to connect with the serious and determined Etta, who has an admirable ability to focus and analyze events in unfortunate or perilous situations. The two sides of the killer—his public face and his private murderous personality, are shown to great effect. The underbelly of Chicago, waiting to pounce on the unsuspecting young women who have been lured to the city by the famous and popular fair, is almost a character in and of itself. Riveting and sometimes horrifying, this is a combination of true crime and historical fiction that readers will find irresistible.
I received a free copy of this book from Sourcebooks Fire via Historical Novels Review magazine. My review is voluntary and my opinions are my own.
This is a fascinating novel that combines the true crime and thriller genres, as well as adding in a touch of magical realism. Fictional and real-life characters combine to tell the story of an actual serial killer in Chicago who ran a “murder house” hotel. Each chapter of the book is headed with a part of the actual confession letter the killer wrote after he was caught, a fascinating and genius addition to the story. We learn a little about the World’s Fair and a lot about the killer and the Pinkerton Detective Agency. It is easy to connect with the serious and determined Etta, who has an admirable ability to focus and analyze events in unfortunate or perilous situations. The two sides of the killer—his public face and his private murderous personality, are shown to great effect. The underbelly of Chicago, waiting to pounce on the unsuspecting young women who have been lured to the city by the famous and popular fair, is almost a character in and of itself. Riveting and sometimes horrifying, this is a combination of true crime and historical fiction that readers will find irresistible.
I received a free copy of this book from Sourcebooks Fire via Historical Novels Review magazine. My review is voluntary and my opinions are my own.
September 27, 2021
This is not a book for anyone who knows who H.H. Holmes is. If you have even a vague idea of who he is, the entire book is spoiled for you; it borders on parody to read this story when you see a main character spending pages agonizing over whether or not Holmes can be trusted.
Aside from that, just... It wasn't especially well-written, and it had that absolutely aggravating Thing that a lot of historical fiction (especially nowadays) does where it just wastes time whining about the condition of women and women's rights throughout history. I can only take so much self-pitying bullshit before I tune out.
IDK if it's just bad writing, like authors don't know how to talk about gender inequality in any nuanced way and only know how to do it while standing on a soapbox and preaching about it, or if it's a calculated attempt to get a pat on the back from your female audience. Personally, as a woman, it absolutely turns me off, especially since it's a common trend now. Stop telling me how bad I have/had it and tell the murder-mystery story for fuck's sake.
Aside from that, just... It wasn't especially well-written, and it had that absolutely aggravating Thing that a lot of historical fiction (especially nowadays) does where it just wastes time whining about the condition of women and women's rights throughout history. I can only take so much self-pitying bullshit before I tune out.
IDK if it's just bad writing, like authors don't know how to talk about gender inequality in any nuanced way and only know how to do it while standing on a soapbox and preaching about it, or if it's a calculated attempt to get a pat on the back from your female audience. Personally, as a woman, it absolutely turns me off, especially since it's a common trend now. Stop telling me how bad I have/had it and tell the murder-mystery story for fuck's sake.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 28, 2023
Despite knowing the killer at the heart of this mystery, this could have still been an intriguing story to follow. However, the narrative was lackluster, the MC was unremarkable, and that ending was wholly unbelievable. A sad miss.
June 7, 2021
3.5
If you are knowledgeable about serial killers this story will feel extremely familiar. I personally don't have much knowledge of the history of murder in Chicago so I went in blind. I thought it had a great protagonist and good suspense. I do have to admit that I predicted the killer a few chapters in without the historical knowledge. One thing that I think would be a great addition would be to add a map of the hotel. Many of the realizations that something is wrong is related to the building. So having the map slowly filled out throughout the reading could guide the reader. I would have enjoyed a little more gore considering the cover art but I understand this is a YA novel. Overall, great characters, suspenseful, wonderful but predictable plot, and a map would help understand some aspects of the book.
Ps. I haven't read Jack the Ripper but there are many references throughout the book. So if you enjoy it this is one you might want to read this story.
Thank you, NetGalley, Sourcebooks Fire, and Bryce Moore for the arc.
If you are knowledgeable about serial killers this story will feel extremely familiar. I personally don't have much knowledge of the history of murder in Chicago so I went in blind. I thought it had a great protagonist and good suspense. I do have to admit that I predicted the killer a few chapters in without the historical knowledge. One thing that I think would be a great addition would be to add a map of the hotel. Many of the realizations that something is wrong is related to the building. So having the map slowly filled out throughout the reading could guide the reader. I would have enjoyed a little more gore considering the cover art but I understand this is a YA novel. Overall, great characters, suspenseful, wonderful but predictable plot, and a map would help understand some aspects of the book.
Ps. I haven't read Jack the Ripper but there are many references throughout the book. So if you enjoy it this is one you might want to read this story.
Thank you, NetGalley, Sourcebooks Fire, and Bryce Moore for the arc.
May 11, 2021
SPOILERS BELOW
The Perfect Place to Die is an adequate novel. Bryce Moore commits to telling Zuretta's story, even if some parts are a bit too outrageous to believe. Zuretta reads like a historic fiction version of the manic pixie dream girl, starting out shy and awkward, unable to stand up for herself, and ending the novel as a detective so perfect that the Pinkertons are basically begging her to join their agency., and her development feels forced and artificial. I didn't feel personally connected to any of the characters, and I wish I could've seen more of Zuretta's relationship with her sister. There was so little background between the two of them that Zuretta's stubborn passion to find her didn't make sense.
Overall, I had a decent time reading this. I wouldn't read it again, but I didn't hate it.
The Perfect Place to Die is an adequate novel. Bryce Moore commits to telling Zuretta's story, even if some parts are a bit too outrageous to believe. Zuretta reads like a historic fiction version of the manic pixie dream girl, starting out shy and awkward, unable to stand up for herself, and ending the novel as a detective so perfect that the Pinkertons are basically begging her to join their agency., and her development feels forced and artificial. I didn't feel personally connected to any of the characters, and I wish I could've seen more of Zuretta's relationship with her sister. There was so little background between the two of them that Zuretta's stubborn passion to find her didn't make sense.
Overall, I had a decent time reading this. I wouldn't read it again, but I didn't hate it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 23, 2024
A good story, but a slightly annoying MC. Zurretta is so naive in this. She makes a lot of rookie mistakes one minute but then tries to carry her weight around with more pride than she deserves. I like the slight paranormal aspect to this. It underlines the story but doesn't take away from the legend or true horror. This has re-sparked an interest in studying more ab out HH Holmes and the Castle. I can imagine this is how one might feel in such a situation. I admire her determination and willingness to risk herself for the truth but when her cockiness and pride show up she drove me a bit crazy! I wish the ending was a bit more accurate just a bit but I get that would be harder to wrap up perhaps. Creepy moments, mystery and yet knowing who the villian is in advance makes this such a curious story of cat and mouse.
May 18, 2021
The Perfect Place to Die is full of horror and mystery. I enjoyed the writing style and character development, and the story was entertaining. The pacing had a few hiccups, and I would have liked more involvement from Thomas. I had hoped for a bigger plot twist but I was not aware the story was founded from fact until I read the Author's Note at the end. Interesting, indeed. Thank you to NetGalley for offering an e-ARC.
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**Check me out on Bookstagram/Instagram! I'm @Iheartya311
**Looking to make new book friends? Join LiterALLy BOOKiSh on Facebook to read reviews, play games, join discussions and more!
August 13, 2022
The main reason this wasn’t an interesting read is we know who the killer is the entire time. I mean, it’s based on a real historical event. Sooooo it’s not really an interesting mystery when the readers know everything the whole time. There was no element of surprise or intrigue.
September 8, 2021
LOVED THESE VIBES & THE ENDING & THE OVERALL FEMALE EMPOWERMENT WOW. 👏👏👏
October 2, 2021
I picked this one up very spontaneously one day when I was browsing through my library's ebook collection. It sounded very interesting and the cover drew me in, so I decided to give it a try. Unfortunately, it just fell completely flat for me.
First of all, the mystery wasn't much of a mystery. If you knew the story this book was built around, you knew exactly who the killer was. And even if you didn't know the real life inspiration Moore had, it really wasn't hard to figure out anything. (And I say this as someone who technically knew the story but didn't remember the name of the murderer until I read the author's note.) Like, why would you write a story like this? Absolutely everyone who has ever heard of will know immediately what is up. I reckon it would probably be frustrating to read the book with that knowledge, because while the main character agonizes over whether or not she could trust him, you already knew the truth. That takes all the suspense out of the story immediately.
It also bothered me that Etta barely did anything investigation-related? She met the infamous Pinkerton detectives literally in her first week in Chicago, which was unrealistic enough; but then, everything that happened before she found the Castle, the hotel her sister had disappeared in, was presented to her on a silver platter? And the scenes of her working at the Castle were just so tedious to read about. She just explored the hotel all the time and had nightmares and suspected people. I was constantly hoping for something to happen, but that moment never came.
I think what made it so boring was also the fact that I never really cared about Ruby, the missing sister? Moore didn't really try to build her as a character, and her relationship with Etta was also barely developed. I never really sat here, hoping that Etta would find her or at least find out what had happened to her.
Speaking of characters, Moore did not a good job with any of them in the first place. Etta was a very frustrating character to follow. She constantly failed at doing the things she wanted to do (while simultaneously thinking she was a badass who could do those things in her sleep), kept trusting people she had no reason to trust in the first place, and had absolutely no character development. But you were supposed to believe she had gone through changes, even if you didn't see any of them yourself. It made the ending seem even more ridiculous; almost a little like wishful thinking.
All of the side characters were simply caricatures. The men who didn't believe women (which, btw, was something you got hit over the head during the entire book. We get it, misogyny sucks! Men are assholes! Now give me some semblance of a plot, please!), the helpful side characters who were completely underdeveloped and barely ever showed up unless it was convenient for Etta to have them show up, everyone in general being complete assholes. No one really had a personality or stood out in any shape or form.
Honestly, the only things I liked about this book were a) the synopsis in and of itself, and b) the atmosphere at certain points in the book. I did get scared sometimes, though I think that was also just because of my personal circumstances? I only recently moved to a new apartment (aka who knows what dead bodies were cemented into my walls?), and I was home alone yesterday evening and kept hearing sounds. Maybe, under different circumstances, I wouldn't have found the story so creepy at times.
First of all, the mystery wasn't much of a mystery. If you knew the story this book was built around, you knew exactly who the killer was. And even if you didn't know the real life inspiration Moore had, it really wasn't hard to figure out anything. (And I say this as someone who technically knew the story but didn't remember the name of the murderer until I read the author's note.) Like, why would you write a story like this? Absolutely everyone who has ever heard of will know immediately what is up. I reckon it would probably be frustrating to read the book with that knowledge, because while the main character agonizes over whether or not she could trust him, you already knew the truth. That takes all the suspense out of the story immediately.
It also bothered me that Etta barely did anything investigation-related? She met the infamous Pinkerton detectives literally in her first week in Chicago, which was unrealistic enough; but then, everything that happened before she found the Castle, the hotel her sister had disappeared in, was presented to her on a silver platter? And the scenes of her working at the Castle were just so tedious to read about. She just explored the hotel all the time and had nightmares and suspected people. I was constantly hoping for something to happen, but that moment never came.
I think what made it so boring was also the fact that I never really cared about Ruby, the missing sister? Moore didn't really try to build her as a character, and her relationship with Etta was also barely developed. I never really sat here, hoping that Etta would find her or at least find out what had happened to her.
Speaking of characters, Moore did not a good job with any of them in the first place. Etta was a very frustrating character to follow. She constantly failed at doing the things she wanted to do (while simultaneously thinking she was a badass who could do those things in her sleep), kept trusting people she had no reason to trust in the first place, and had absolutely no character development. But you were supposed to believe she had gone through changes, even if you didn't see any of them yourself. It made the ending seem even more ridiculous; almost a little like wishful thinking.
All of the side characters were simply caricatures. The men who didn't believe women (which, btw, was something you got hit over the head during the entire book. We get it, misogyny sucks! Men are assholes! Now give me some semblance of a plot, please!), the helpful side characters who were completely underdeveloped and barely ever showed up unless it was convenient for Etta to have them show up, everyone in general being complete assholes. No one really had a personality or stood out in any shape or form.
Honestly, the only things I liked about this book were a) the synopsis in and of itself, and b) the atmosphere at certain points in the book. I did get scared sometimes, though I think that was also just because of my personal circumstances? I only recently moved to a new apartment (aka who knows what dead bodies were cemented into my walls?), and I was home alone yesterday evening and kept hearing sounds. Maybe, under different circumstances, I wouldn't have found the story so creepy at times.
December 30, 2021
Historical & based on true events
Mentions of gruesome death and death of a sibling, physical abuse
If you have no idea who HH Holmes is then by all means read this book. However, for most of us that are aware, this barely gets 3 stars and a review. I went into this with no idea about the plot or setting (big mistake) but the cover compelled me. Let's see...the main character is contradictory and unreliable, there is suspense even after I realized what this was about back in the first section and the ending was questionable (moreso than the meat of the book). You will feel a way about this but barely enough to continue. Reiteration that if you know Mr. Mudgett's bground then don't even bother. I enjoyed this until I didn't and since it's so short, I had to finish it.
Mentions of gruesome death and death of a sibling, physical abuse
If you have no idea who HH Holmes is then by all means read this book. However, for most of us that are aware, this barely gets 3 stars and a review. I went into this with no idea about the plot or setting (big mistake) but the cover compelled me. Let's see...the main character is contradictory and unreliable, there is suspense even after I realized what this was about back in the first section and the ending was questionable (moreso than the meat of the book). You will feel a way about this but barely enough to continue. Reiteration that if you know Mr. Mudgett's bground then don't even bother. I enjoyed this until I didn't and since it's so short, I had to finish it.
February 1, 2021
3.5 stars
March 16, 2022
It was really good at the end. If I had to say the book was split into 3 parts. the first part went by pretty fast and caught my attention. The second part slowed down a little bit and took me a little bit longer to read. The final part was the best and I didn't want to put it down once the final part started.
March 10, 2022
*4.5 stars - oh this book was ✨addicting✨
February 2, 2022
This was the perfect book to get me out of what felt like a never ending reading slump. YA and historical fiction are not my usual go-tos but I am so glad that I picked this up.
The Perfect Place to Die follows 17 year old Zuretta from small town Utah as she travels to Chicago during the 1893 World’s Fair. Her sister had left for Chicago months before but has recently stopped writing and though she fears her father’s wrath, Zuretta must do what it takes to find out what happened to Ruby.
In her search to find her sister, she is robbed, mocked, and seen as nothing more than a hysterical woman. However, through hard work, determination, and new friends Phebe and Thomas, Zuretta learns of the last place her sister was. She applies and is hired on as a maid at this place; a strange hotel known as the Castle. What better way to learn what happened than walking in Ruby’s steps?
Will she find the killer? Will she be killed herself?
I REALLY enjoyed this book. It was a quick read for me and although I already knew who the killer was, as this book is loosely based on factual events, I found myself unable to put it down. Moore’s writing style flowed smoothly and he really built up the characters well. I only wish that there was more detail about the killer himself, although there are direct quotes from the real-life killer’s confession at the beginning of each chapter. Definitely a fun and interesting take on America’s first serial killer.
The Perfect Place to Die follows 17 year old Zuretta from small town Utah as she travels to Chicago during the 1893 World’s Fair. Her sister had left for Chicago months before but has recently stopped writing and though she fears her father’s wrath, Zuretta must do what it takes to find out what happened to Ruby.
In her search to find her sister, she is robbed, mocked, and seen as nothing more than a hysterical woman. However, through hard work, determination, and new friends Phebe and Thomas, Zuretta learns of the last place her sister was. She applies and is hired on as a maid at this place; a strange hotel known as the Castle. What better way to learn what happened than walking in Ruby’s steps?
Will she find the killer? Will she be killed herself?
I REALLY enjoyed this book. It was a quick read for me and although I already knew who the killer was, as this book is loosely based on factual events, I found myself unable to put it down. Moore’s writing style flowed smoothly and he really built up the characters well. I only wish that there was more detail about the killer himself, although there are direct quotes from the real-life killer’s confession at the beginning of each chapter. Definitely a fun and interesting take on America’s first serial killer.
January 20, 2022
The main character spent a little too much time in her thoughts for me. However, the book was really good.
September 7, 2021
I live and breathe true crimes so I knew who the book was based on immediately.
July 26, 2021
*Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy in exchange for an honest review*
The Perfect Place to Die by Bryce Moore follows 17-year-old Zuretta as she takes a job at the notorious house of horrors after traveling to Chicago to find out what happened to her sister, Ruby. Zuretta takes a job at The Castle, the employment place of Ruby, to try and figure out what happened to her in the last days that she was seen. Women disappear in the middle of the night, she hears crying and yelling from within the walls, whispers follow her at night, and she has recurring nightmares. In the end, she finds herself against one of the most infamous mass murders in American history, and his custom made death-trap.
Okay so if you know anything about me, I am a sucker for thrillers. And this did not disappoint. I did not see any of the twists coming, but that could be because I suck at guessing them.
Each chapter began with a quote from the murderer himself. It gave it the extra mystery factor to me, and I really liked it.
The plot itself was good. I found the beginning a little confusing with the quotes at the beginning of each chapter, but it soon becomes clear it’s from the murderer.
Zuretta is a strong willed young woman, and I love that. She has qualities similar to Audrey Rose from Stalking Jack the Ripper, and it’s great. Both women are set in the 1800s, and they both want to be more than a ‘lady’.
If you are looking for a fast paced short YA thriller, this is for you!
The Perfect Place to Die by Bryce Moore follows 17-year-old Zuretta as she takes a job at the notorious house of horrors after traveling to Chicago to find out what happened to her sister, Ruby. Zuretta takes a job at The Castle, the employment place of Ruby, to try and figure out what happened to her in the last days that she was seen. Women disappear in the middle of the night, she hears crying and yelling from within the walls, whispers follow her at night, and she has recurring nightmares. In the end, she finds herself against one of the most infamous mass murders in American history, and his custom made death-trap.
Okay so if you know anything about me, I am a sucker for thrillers. And this did not disappoint. I did not see any of the twists coming, but that could be because I suck at guessing them.
Each chapter began with a quote from the murderer himself. It gave it the extra mystery factor to me, and I really liked it.
The plot itself was good. I found the beginning a little confusing with the quotes at the beginning of each chapter, but it soon becomes clear it’s from the murderer.
Zuretta is a strong willed young woman, and I love that. She has qualities similar to Audrey Rose from Stalking Jack the Ripper, and it’s great. Both women are set in the 1800s, and they both want to be more than a ‘lady’.
If you are looking for a fast paced short YA thriller, this is for you!
March 2, 2021
I LOVED this book. This book was marketed as perfect for fans of Stalking Jack the Ripper and this was such a great comparison, as it had a lot of things I loved about the other book. Strong female characters, a great mystery, a sense of tension that builds slowly throughout the plot. I love that Etta had agency over herself and her choices, I loved that there were female friendships in this book and there wasn't a heavy sense of romance. This was a really great historical fiction read!
July 6, 2022
Some good research on the Chicago Worlds' Fair in 1893, but the rotting corpses stuff and the endless nightmares of the heroine went beyond horror into just plain bad taste. Definitely not a book I'd recommend to Young Adults!
September 2, 2022
How do you make bland a horror story?
November 24, 2021
Thank you so much to Sourcebooks Fire and Bryce Moore for my copy of The Perfect Place to Die. The cover sucked me in immediately and I couldn’t wait to read it. This book is about Zuretta, a girl who’s sister disappears during the 1890’s Chicago World Fair. Zuretta goes to hunt down Ruby, and takes a job in a hotel that is not what it seems. Women are disappearing, she hears crying in the walls, and whispers follow her at night. Then she comes to face with one of the most infamous murderers in American history and his death trap.
Thoughts: The idea behind this book was very interesting. I like that it surrounds the true story of H. H. Holmes and the history there. In a way this book was a mix of a thriller and a historical fiction book. It mixed a lot of fiction with history though, which can be confusing as a reader. I did like Zuretta as a main character- she was bold, fearless, and strong.
I LOVED how the chapters were started with part of Holme’s actual confession letter. That was such a fun twist. I didn’t know much about the World’s Fair either, so that was fun to read about. It was predictable, especially if you know the history, but an interesting and engaging read. This is like a YA version of Devil in the White City, and I think it was a fun read. 4-stars!
Thoughts: The idea behind this book was very interesting. I like that it surrounds the true story of H. H. Holmes and the history there. In a way this book was a mix of a thriller and a historical fiction book. It mixed a lot of fiction with history though, which can be confusing as a reader. I did like Zuretta as a main character- she was bold, fearless, and strong.
I LOVED how the chapters were started with part of Holme’s actual confession letter. That was such a fun twist. I didn’t know much about the World’s Fair either, so that was fun to read about. It was predictable, especially if you know the history, but an interesting and engaging read. This is like a YA version of Devil in the White City, and I think it was a fun read. 4-stars!
August 1, 2021
The Perfect Place to Die by Bryce Moore. Thanks to @sourcebooksfire and @netgalley for the gifted e-Arc ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Zuretta’s sister Ruby escaped from the family farm to the city of Chicago, during the World’s Fair. When Zuretta stops receiving her weekly letters, she knows something is wrong and leaves to investigate.
This was a very exciting and creepy suspense. I really like what was done here. I’m trying to keep this vague because I don’t want to spoil anything. I knew from the beginning exactly what was going on and if you are a true crime fan, you will as well. But that’s okay. In fact, it may even make it more enjoyable because you are living through the experience we’ve only read sensationalized historical pieces about. This was pretty gory at times.. and creepy! I really enjoyed it and the main character.
“I haven’t seen the girl, but I know of a hotel that swallows girls like that for lunch. One after the other. All of them pretty. All of them gone.”
The Perfect Place To Die comes out 8/3.
Zuretta’s sister Ruby escaped from the family farm to the city of Chicago, during the World’s Fair. When Zuretta stops receiving her weekly letters, she knows something is wrong and leaves to investigate.
This was a very exciting and creepy suspense. I really like what was done here. I’m trying to keep this vague because I don’t want to spoil anything. I knew from the beginning exactly what was going on and if you are a true crime fan, you will as well. But that’s okay. In fact, it may even make it more enjoyable because you are living through the experience we’ve only read sensationalized historical pieces about. This was pretty gory at times.. and creepy! I really enjoyed it and the main character.
“I haven’t seen the girl, but I know of a hotel that swallows girls like that for lunch. One after the other. All of them pretty. All of them gone.”
The Perfect Place To Die comes out 8/3.
August 3, 2021
Thank you so much to the publisher for sending me an early copy of this book. I am a huge fan of true crime, love learning about serial killers (weird? I know *insert nervous laugh*). This book kept me guessing, totally a whodunit type of read. The atmosphere is eerie, definitely great for a spooky season read. The mystery kept me on my toes, the descriptions of the whereabouts and landmarks was very well detailed. I walked along with the character as she visited these places. The main character was definitely likable, the character development was well built and the plot had a great pace.
I do suggest to keep in mind of any trigger warnings that may affect the reader, this should be directed to an older audience. We see the evolution of a serial killer, a real one you could do some research on, HH Holmes. I hardly ever read thrillers/ scary books or historical fiction for that matter. I look forward to reading more by this author, their writing is captivating!
I do suggest to keep in mind of any trigger warnings that may affect the reader, this should be directed to an older audience. We see the evolution of a serial killer, a real one you could do some research on, HH Holmes. I hardly ever read thrillers/ scary books or historical fiction for that matter. I look forward to reading more by this author, their writing is captivating!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 23, 2021
I've been interested in the stories of HH Holmes since reading Devil in the White City with my daughter taking AP Lang years ago. Then there was the American Horror Story season that touched on him. So I was excited to find the fictional account. There were some areas where I wish there had been more detail, but overall a good story.
"Zuretta never thought she’d encounter a monster—one of the world’s most notorious serial killers. She had resigned herself to a quiet life in Utah. But when her younger sister, Ruby, travels to Chicago during the World’s Fair, and disappears, Zuretta leaves home to find her. But 1890s Chicago is more dangerous and chaotic than she imagined. She doesn’t know where to start until she learns of her sister’s last place of employment…a mysterious hotel known as The Castle. Zuretta takes a job there hoping to learn more. And before long she realizes the hotel isn’t what it seems. Women disappear at an alarming rate, she hears crying from the walls, and terrifying whispers follow her at night. In the end, she finds herself up against one of the most infamous mass murderers in American history—and his custom-built death trap."
"Zuretta never thought she’d encounter a monster—one of the world’s most notorious serial killers. She had resigned herself to a quiet life in Utah. But when her younger sister, Ruby, travels to Chicago during the World’s Fair, and disappears, Zuretta leaves home to find her. But 1890s Chicago is more dangerous and chaotic than she imagined. She doesn’t know where to start until she learns of her sister’s last place of employment…a mysterious hotel known as The Castle. Zuretta takes a job there hoping to learn more. And before long she realizes the hotel isn’t what it seems. Women disappear at an alarming rate, she hears crying from the walls, and terrifying whispers follow her at night. In the end, she finds herself up against one of the most infamous mass murderers in American history—and his custom-built death trap."
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