Herman Webster Mudgett was his true name. He preferred to be known as Dr. Henry Howard Holmes and he confessed to 27 murders, but only a few could be proven. Whatever the true number, Holmes, was a diabolical and bizarre person. Folklore pegs his murders at 200, but by any standard that number cannot be verified. No one doubts Holmes killed. However, he was not just known as a murderer; he was also known as a con man, swindler, and bigamist. As with nearly all legendary characters, his notoriety has grown through the years. Whether he killed a few or 200, his story remains one of the most interesting in the annals of crime. What you are about to read, are the words of H.H. Holmes written while awaiting trial in prison. His story is that of pathological killer. Why he felt it was necessary to write his account, will never be known. However, as a former detective, I saw that some murderers with a high level of intelligence, had a deep-seated need to tell their story. I believe some thought they would convince the detective of their innocence or provide a "valid" reason for their crimes. You will find the following H. H. Holmes essay fascinating while providing a unique and rare window into a serial killer's mind. Without question, you will find his words fascinating and disturbing.I have not edited his essay beyond adding a few comma's and correcting a few spelling errors.Prepare yourself for a frightening journey into the mind of a serial killer. NY Times Bestselling Author and former Detective Mike Rothmiller