Herman Webster Mudgett (or as he would come to be known later, Dr. Henry Howard Holmes or simply H.H. Holmes) was an infamous American serial killer who was active during the last quarter of the 19th century. Often referred to as ‘America’s first serial killer’, Holmes confessed to having committed 27 murders, while different estimates claim that the number could be anything between 20 and 200. Although only nine of the 27 murders could be confirmed by the police and local authorities at the time, he is one of the most talked about serial killers in history. Due to several inconsistencies and repeated alterations in his confession, the actual number of his victims and the exact procedure of the murders remain shrouded in mystery to this day. His notorious career came to a halt when he was finally taken into custody by the police in 1894. He was later hanged to death by the order of the Court of the land. Although it is impossible to state the exact number of his victims, Holmes’ case has terrorised and fascinated the world at the same time.