While interesting, this book was just not very satisfying, in the end. If it was supposed to be a story of the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair, then I would have wanted a lot more of the first person experiences of those who attended it and more of how it impacted daily life in the century that followed. If it was supposed to be a story of H.H. Holmes and his murder castle, then I would have wanted a little more in depth about his victims and the society and atmosphere that allowed him to operate as he did. Instead, it was both stories, sort of folded into one another, but not really meshing. Plus another superficially told story of the Chicago mayor’s murder. Altogether, it was an okay read, but tbh I skimmed a lot of the parts detailing all the politics and finances and schmoozing that went into getting the Fair built.

One thing was clear, and that is that the targeting and victimizing of vulnerable women is the same as it ever was:

Rather, the trick lay in choosing a woman of the correct sensibility. Candidates would need a degree of stenographic and typewriting skill, but what he most looked for and was so very adept at sensing was that alluring amalgam of isolation, weakness, and need. Jack the Ripper had found it in the impoverished whores of Whitechapel; Holmes saw it in transitional women, fresh clean young things free for the first time in history but unsure of what that freedom meant and of the risks it entailed. What he craved was possession and the power it gave him; what he adored was anticipation – the slow acquisition of love, then life, and finally the secrets within.

Hardcover edition. I read this for the 2018 Halloween Bingo square Creepy Carnivals: horror/mystery/supernatural/suspense set in or concerning a carnival, amusement park, or other party/festival. This book fits as the setting is the Worlds Fair, even including the first ever Ferris Wheel.

Another fun collection of essays by Sedaris. I think my favorite, and most relatable, was the story of his mother locking the kids out of the house after days of being shut up together by snowstorms had driven her a little crazy. The author certainly doesn’t spare himself in examining the failings of human nature, but read in his own deadpan voice is somehow funny even when people are behaving very badly.

Audiobook, borrowed from my public library via Overdrive. As always, the reading by Sedaris is terrific.

I am loving this series so much that I almost hate to read the last volume I have. I know it will take forever for my library to get Volume 4. This installment continues the Allen family saga. The children are still trying to convince their parents to start ghost hunting again and Lucas, the werewolf family friend, seems to be hanging around waiting for a decision. Dante, the monster who was adopted in the first volume, remains my favorite. He is like a 10 year old in an adult body and he is enjoying having a family for probably the first time in his life. The only reason this got 4/5 instead of 5/5 like the first is because something happens to Mr. Allen in this volume which I think isn't explained very well and which is wrapped up too quickly. As always though, the artwork remains as some of my favorite amongst all of the graphic novels I read. If you love horror, you have to give this series a try. 

I am using this for my werewolf square for 2017 Halloween Bingo.

I have accidentally found a new horror graphic novel to love on and the timing couldn't be better. I had to run into my library to pick up a hold the other day and an usual, caught myself in the "new" section. I saw the first three volumes of "The October Faction" and all I needed was to look at one of the covers and I knew all three were headed home with me! "The October Faction" tells the story of a family of misfit/orphan monster hunters. The books provides with witches, warlocks, werewolves and some other characters I am still learning about. The two children in the book want nothing more than to follow in their retired father's footsteps except he is now a renowned professor of monstrumology and wants nothing to do with his old business. Does that change? You betcha! However, you have to read to find out. 

The artwork in this book is dark, creepy and glorious. And the writing just strikes a cord with me. At one point, someone in the book is killed rather unexpected and the perp's comment was something to the effect of "I was going to have to kill him eventually so why drag it out?" An attitude I can understand - not that I'm a killer or anything :) 

So basically everyone - go get this book. NOW!!!!!

I am using this as the Monster square on my 2017 Halloween Bingo Challenge.  

Red Faction Armageddon: Command and ze torrent Recon Edition est l’édition pré-commande du jeu qui comprend des armes et des tenues supplémentaires qui vous permettront outil votre personnage afin que vous puissiez régner l’enfer sur l’ennemi.