Bloodstains

By: Jeff Mudgett

Narrated by: Kim Estes, Tim Ellis, Jeff Mudgett

Bloodstains is the startling tale of one man’s search for the truth after inheriting the personal diaries belonging to his great-great-grandfather who, he discovers, was America’s first and most notorious serial killer Herman Webster Mudgett. Better known by his alias H.H. Holmes, Mudgett was the mass murderer who struck terror in the nation by being the proprietor of the infamous Murder Castle and stalking the streets of Chicago during the 1893 World’s Fair.

During his incarceration awaiting execution, well over a century ago, Holmes admitted killing 27 innocent victims, but the evidence the author locates indicates hundreds more likely. From his investigation, Jeff Mudgett, the direct descendant, learns that Holmes’ reign of terror was worldwide and not limited to Chicago as has been so widely believed. Based upon never-before-revealed historical facts, Jeff pieces together a dynamic and extraordinary puzzle, including the strong possibility that Holmes was also Jack the Ripper.

Far more than a documentary, Bloodstains is precariously balanced on the very edge between non-fiction and the paranormal, as the author’s research of his evil ancestor quickly takes on a personal aspect. Jeff soon fears that his efforts may have awakened the legendary "Holmes Curse" of the 1890s - the one investigated and written about by most of the nation’s major publications, including The New York Times.

In fact, the deeper he digs into Holmes’ devilish past, the stronger the monster’s hold on him seems to become, testing the limits of his own sanity as well as humanity. Racked by a mysterious and never before experienced epilepsy, Jeff suffers crippling grand mal seizures whenever he disobeys the haunting voices in his head. Finally, with nowhere else to turn, Jeff is forced to make the decisions of his genetic lifetime in a life-or-death struggle in order to win the greatest prize of all: his survival.

©2019 Jeff Mudgett (P)2019 Jeff Mudgett

Best Graphic Psychological Thriller

It is a must read, but not for the faint of heart. Beware all who endeavor upon this gruesome novel, you will not escape unchanged. Mudgett expertly weaves nature, nurture, madness and sanity in this dark work.

Intense, Informative, Creative!!!

This is by far my favorite book. I couldn’t stop listening! The cadence, background music and style was like nothing I have encountered (over 300 audio books). I don’t want to be a spoiler. I hope everyone enjoys this production as much as I have.

Mind = Blown!

The horrific actions of Herman Mudgett were bad enough to place him at the top of this list of all time American serial killers. However, the story that is exposed in this book through the secret diaries of one HH Holmes, aka Herman Mudgett, reveal an even more sinister series of actions committed during the time leading up to and following his own execution!

You will be tempted to doubt the truthfulness of the story that has been uncovered within this book. However, if you pay close attention you will find that there is far too much evidence between the details provided in the diaries, and the historical records and newspaper articles, to disregard the unprecedented account of how Mudgett escaped his own execution amd went on to commit many more heinous acts including murders.

I found the story of how he actually achieved his freedom to be fascinating. I have read Devil in the White City, and still consider it to be one of the most definitive accounts of HH Holmes's life. Nevertheless, Bloodstains will take you beyond his arrest and conviction, and leave you wondering if Holmes truly accomplished his devilish plan to avoid execution, or if he was so truly warped that he created this fantasy as a way to live beyond the grave in people's nightmares.

Although I enjoyed the author's reading, there were times where the music got in the way. However there were other times where I felt the background music/sounds enhanced the experience overall. I would love to meet Jeffrey Mudgett! This book does not seem to be a way to capitalize on ones relation to the prolific killer. The author worked tirelessly, risking his health and sanity to prove the diaries a forgery, only to begrudgingly come to the conclusion that they were legitimate. You be the judge, read with an open mind, and see if you don't start to believe that the original evil doctor managed to outsmart law enforcement and a public eager to put this nightmare into a tangible box and bury it deep. If true, this book changes the history books, if not then it is truly a terrifying story!

Music

What’s with the background music? Only on chapter 3, and quite annoyed by it. Wish I could turn it off and just listen to the narration. I purchased this book to hear the story, not a concert.

My favorite book about H.H. Holmes

I believe at this point I've read everything written on the subject of HH Holmes- every book, the court transcripts, his own writings, and the hundreds of original newspaper clippings I spent years collecting. Bloodstains is my favorite companion book for all of it. No collection is complete without it, because without this, the story itself isn't complete. Read this book and follow us down the rabbit hole... The truth just around the bend.

Fun if taken lightly, awful sound effects

I preferred the audio book on this one, things get a bit silly sometimes and the language used sometimes feels distracting. If you take it all as a fun book about Holmes and his descendents with some history mixed with imagination, you may enjoy it. There are so many parts I wish I knew if they were true or not. Absolutely hated the music and sound effects they sometimes threw in. Completely distracting and didn't always fit the story, overly loud and totally unnecessary. I kept trying to find a setting to turn that off. I did appreciate hearing Jeff narrate Holmes. The main reader did a good job of reading it with the right pace and inflection.

Great book but background music was too much

The story was fascinating. I looked this book up after watching American Ripper on the History channel and I wasn’t disappointed with the content. However, I found the repetitive background music annoying. It detracted from the overall experience, rather than enhancing it. Also, keep in mind this is a fictionalization of a descendant of H.H. Holmes, so if you’re looking for True Crime, you won’t enjoy this book.

Thank you Jeff

I personally love this book. After reading it we had Jeff Muddget on our show. (Journey into the light chapter 3) I ask is you keep an open mind.

I also thought Tim, the narrator, was well-spoken. You could feel a lot of emotion when he was reading it. (my opinion)

Incredibly gripping story

This story was so unlike anything I've read or listened to before. Such a gripping story you won't want to stop. and the music makes it all the more entertaining! those who complained of historical inaccuracies must have not finished the story because it's easily explained by the end. Great story!

Woah!

I appreciate the never ending twists oh this imaginative telling of H.H. Holmes! Great read!