In "The Devil in the White City," author Erik Larson explores the intertwining stories of the 1893 World's Fair in Chicago and the infamous serial killer H.H. Holmes. As the narrative unfolds, Larson delves into the historical context of the fair, illustrating its grandeur and the innovative spirit of the time. He presents a vivid portrait of the individuals involved, highlighting their aspirations and the dark undercurrents that ran alongside the excitement of the event.

One intriguing moment in the book reveals the physical remnants of communication between key figures, particularly a note from Prendergast to Alfred Trude. The description of the pencil marks digging deeply into the paper underscores the intensity and urgency of the thoughts being conveyed, hinting at the emotional weight and significance of their correspondence in the midst of the fair’s chaos.