Mystery/Thriller -- 4 stars
In 1915 Chicago, a killer is stalking young girls at the Riverview amusement park. Pin, a young woman who dresses like a boy and picks up a few coins doing odd jobs for park employees, finds herself in the middle of the mystery. When she sees a man enter a park attraction with a young girl and exit without her, she tells the carnies what she saw. Some believe her, most don't. She is suspicious of a man who comes to the park every day and spends his time watching young girls. The man claims to run a detective agency, though his strange mannerisms and disjointed speech make Pin doubt that this is true. But with no one else to turn to, she gives him a chance. ----- If you like Eric Larson's books, particularly Devil in the White City, you will love this book. Atmospheric and filled with sideshow hustlers and early silent film stars in the heyday of Chicago film studios, all of whom lend a feeling of authenticity that adds to the chill up your spine. Early 20th century artist Henry Darger, in particular, has been meticulously researched. The skill with which Ms. Hand works his true life story into this piece of fiction is seamless.
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