Sara Tantlinger
The Devil's Dreamland

The Devil's Dreamland

H.H. Holmes committed ghastly crimes in the late 19th century. Many of which occurred within his legendary "Murder Castle" in Chicago, Illinois. He is often considered America's first serial killer.In her second book of poetry from Strangehouse Books, Sara Tantlinger (Love For Slaughter) takes inspiration from accounts and tales which spawned from the misdeeds of one Herman Webster Mudgett, better known as Dr. Henry Howard Holmes. Fact and speculation intertwine herein, just as they did during the man's own lifetime.There's plenty of room in the cellar for everyone in The Devil's Dreamland."¿chilling poetry¿" -Linda D. Addison, award-winning author of "How to Recognize a Demon Has Become Your Friend" and HWA Lifetime Achievement Award winner"¿morbidly creative and profound crime documentary¿one of the best works of horror poetry I've read in years." -Michael Arnzen, Bram Stoker Award-winning author of Grave Markings and Play Dead"¿fascinating and absolutely riveting¿powerful and vivid prose¿will stay with you long after you've closed the book."-Christina Sng, Bram Stoker Award-winning author of A Collection of Nightmares
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Reviews

Photo of Becca Futrell
Becca Futrell@astoldbybex
5 stars
Oct 5, 2021

Thank you so much, Sara Tantlinger, for providing me with a review copy of The Devil’s Dreamland! This collection of poetry is inspired by serial killer, H.H. Holmes. & that right there is probably why I was so ecstatic to read it. I have a bachelor’s degree in Psychology & had a heavy emphasis on studying the mind of serial killers. For those who are unaware of H.H. Holmes, he is considered to be America’s first serial killer & committed most of his heinous crimes in what is deemed to be the ‘Murder Castle’ in Chicago, Illinois. It’s clear that Sara Tantlinger spent a lot of time doing her research & I definitely give her a lot of props for that. I could only imagine how difficult it would be to spend that much time in the mind of H.H. Holmes. A majority of the poetry is actually written in his point-of-view, which adds points to the uncomfortable factor of this poetry collection. & with that point being made, there are several disturbing and uncomfortable scenes in this collection, but could you expect anything less? I mean, after all the entire thing is inspired by H.H. Holmes. Major props to you, Sara, for actually making me cringe due to being so uncomfortable while reading this. Sara completely nailed it, in terms of placing you within the events of H.H. Holmes’ life. I felt as if I was actually witnessing everything as it unfolded. All of his life events were even ordered in chronological order; meaning, we witness H.H. Homes’ birth, life, death & even afterlife. Although, I have a review e-copy of The Devil’s Dreamland, I intend on buying a physical copy for my book collection — because, listen, it’s a NEED. I feel like not only did I get a good & frightful read, but I even gained more knowledge on one of America’s most notorious serial killers. I strongly recommend this for both readers of horror & those who find interest in the mind.