Hello. On these pages I will present some of the fascinating background stories I encountered while researching my novels.
A Predatory Mind is set in the past and present. It follows the eccentric inventor, Nikola Tesla and his interactions with the multi-murderer, Henry H. Holmes. A Predator’s Game continues the story of Tesla and Holmes, this being set entirely in the 1890s.
Simply put, Tesla is one of the most fascinating individuals in history, his fame second only to Edison among inventors in the 1890s. A short introduction to Tesla can be found here which describes his inventions and his myth. A deeper look at Tesla, his phobias, his mania and successes.
Further topics regarding Tesla are explored on my blog pages:
Tesla versus Edison.
Tesla versus Einstein.
Tesla versus Adrian Monk.
Tesla versus the Martians.
Tesla versus Hitler.
Was Nikola Tesla gay?
Introduction to Dr. Henry. H. Holmes
Henry H. Holmes (1861–1896) was the arch-fiend of the late 19th century in part due to the way that press mythologized his story. This introduction to Holmes is my researched account of his life, deeds and infamy, presented in five parts.
The Arch Criminal of Our Age
Holmes career of hideous crimes does not find a parallel in the history of the country. He was not only a multi-murderer, but a bigamist, seducer, resurrectionist, forger, thief and general rascal, villain and fiend. (from: Holmes Hangs. Rock Island Argus, May 7, 1896)
Why the Legend of Holmes Endures
In reality, few serial killers fit the popular conception provided by fiction: that of the intelligent hunter. Most are misfits who prey on the vulnerable.
Holmes wore the mask of success: an entrepreneur, a small town kid made good. He was a medical doctor, a stylish dresser, well-spoken and literate, a charmer, a veritable ladykiller.
He was fiendish, devising his tortures with the methodical precision and unchained imagination. He fancied himself as an inventor, promoting perpetual motion machines and a cure for alcoholism. When a stretching rack was found in his basement he claimed he wanted to experiment on creating a race of giants.
He built a Torture Castle as demented and diabolical as his own mind. Odd angles, dead ends, killing chambers, disposal rooms.
Although his murders displayed a wit in their sadism, his cruelty was so depraved and bestial it can not be romanticized, even by a nation who makes anti-heroes out of vicious killers such as Bonnie and Clyde. He strung along his victims, torturing them with the hope of freedom. The detectives assigned to his case regularly underestimated his viciousness. The greater the innocence, the crueler his crimes, with children counted among his victims. He often killed for no apparent reason.
Holmes was the genuine nightmare.
