Jeff Mudgett

“Bloodstains” by Jeff Mudgett is a disturbing account of the author’s discovery of his family history. After learning his great-great grandfather was America’s first acknowledged serial killer, H.H.Holmes, Mudgett begins to question what impact that relationship might have on his own life. Holmes, whose real name was Herman Webster Mudgett, confessed to the killings of 27 individuals primarily during the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. Eventually he was executed for the murders but as Mudgett delves deeper into history he comes to believe the killer may have actually done away with hundreds, some in other countries. At times he was suspected of being Jack the Ripper although this has been largely disproved by the research of other’s. Diaries left by the senior Mudgett tell tales of torture as well as murder drawing Jeff into a downward spiral of horror. He questions if he has inherited the madness that possessed his great-great grandfather.
As he delves more deeply into the mind of the monster he begins to experience epileptic seizures when he refuses to obey the voice in his head which he believes is the voice of H.H. Holmes. Struggling with resisting the orders of the Voice and following his own moral compass he is driven to the brink of disaster.
Although written as factual I experienced a degree of disbelief as I read Mudgett’s story. While the history of Holmes has been recorded in newspapers and other literature there are portions of the story which could only have come from the killer’s own pen. Whatever the truth is the story is compelling and terrifying. This is a fascinating if sometimes difficult story to follow but well worth the read for anyone interested in crime and history.
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Based on a true story, "Bloodstains" by author Jeff Mudgett is one of the most captivating, mesmerizing and chilling books that you will ever read on the subject of notorious serial killer Dr. H.H. Holmes. H.H. Holmes was the murderer who built his famous "Murder Castle" near the entrance to the Chicago World's Fair in the late 1800's. He is rumored to have murdered hundreds of people, most of them women. Crafted in a hypnotic and intoxicating style by first time author, Jeff Mudgett, the book delves into the dark, scary and spellbinding psyche of one of the most evil men to ever roam the earth. The author discusses the possibility that Holmes may have been Jack the Ripper, escaped his execution and was responsible for the deaths of people that were considered part of the 'Holmes Curse.' Mudgett's prose is hypnotic. While reading the book you feel as if Holmes has put you under his spell. I have heard of some people being unable to finished reading the book because they were too scared to continue. If you're into a dark tale and brave enough to venture into the wold of H.H. Holmes this is for you.… (más)