All In One
Reviewed by Katherine Ramsland, Ph.D., Author of The Human Predator

In addition to making the first DVD about H. H. Holmes available to viewers, John Borowski has done a great service by also publishing the four principle works by and about Holmes during the time of his arrest, as he awaited trial. Previously, one had to go to a place like the newspaper archives in Philadelphia to get access to these papers. Now they're all in one bound volume, along with provocative illustrations of the case and the infamous Chicago castle. In addition to Holmes's various "confessions," the volume includes the book penned by Detective Frank Geyer, as well as Robert Corbitt's description of the castle before it was destroyed and the analysis of evidence there - including bones and fine hair found in the stove. Holmes was so clever, it seems, that he would hire and discharge workmen each day so that no one could see what he was up to. It's fortunate that Borowski has been so interested in the case as to produce both a DVD and a bound collection of 19th century publications. Despite the availability of two excellent books devoted to Holmes in recent times, it's always valuable to read the documents from the relevant era.

A Must-Have
Christine Filipak, Dark Realms Magazine, April, 2006

This book follows the release of John Borowski’s acclaimed film H.H. Holmes: America’s First Serial Killer, and contains several historical accounts of the mass-murderer who plagued Chicago while Jack the Ripper stalked London. Whereas the Ripper’s identity and motives remain a mystery to this day, The Strange Case of H.H. Holmes allows us a detailed look into the mind of a mass-murderer. The book is divided into four parts. In the first part, Holmes’ Own Story, penned while in prison awaiting trial, he vividly describes his schemes and offers reasonable excuses for his claim of innocence. The Holmes-Pitezel Case by Detective Frank Geyer covers the events leading to Holmes’ arrest for fraud, the exhaustive investigation which led to the discovery of even more heinous crimes, and Holmes’ trial and conviction. The Confession of H.H. Holmes wraps things up with the killer likening himself to the Devil and coldly describing the deaths of 27 people, while The Holmes Castle offers a tour of the house of horrors where many poor souls met grisly ends. In the words of the judge who presided over Holmes’ trial, “Truth is stranger than fiction.” As each perspective is presented and layer upon layer of deception is peeled away, an awful truth becomes evident, and with that the horror finally sinks in - this really happened! This is a fascinating and chilling tale, and a must-have for fans of true crime stories.