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Architect of Desire

Murder, Scandal, and the Gilded Age Elite: The Love Triangle That Killed Stanford White

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Architect of Desire

By: Eliza Hawthorne
Narrated by: Bruce Cannon
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About this listen

Architect of Desire: Murder, Scandal, and the Gilded Age Elite
The Love Triangle That Killed Stanford White

Step into the opulent yet treacherous world of Gilded Age New York, where wealth, power, and passion collided with deadly consequences. Architect of Desire reveals the shocking true story of Stanford White, whose fascination with the enchanting Evelyn Nesbit led to his tragic end at the hands of her husband, Harry K. Thaw.

This immersive true crime audiobook offers a meticulously researched narrative that brings to life one of America's most notorious scandals. Experience the drama, intrigue, and historical depth through rich storytelling and vivid audio performance.

What you’ll discover:

  • The dangerous obsession that led to Stanford White’s murder.
  • Evelyn Nesbit’s transformation from innocence to scandal.
  • The media circus of Harry Thaw’s trial and its cultural impact.
  • Architectural rivalries and New York’s transformation.
  • The hidden corruption and societal pressures of the Gilded Age.

With captivating narration and an engaging blend of history and storytelling, this audiobook is perfect for fans of historical true crime and those intrigued by the secrets of America's elite.

Download now and let the past come alive through every word!

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2025 Cordova Consulting (P)2025 Cordova Consulting 19th Century Modern Murder Social Sciences True Crime Gilded Age Exciting Inspiring Scary New York Crime
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Listener received this title free

This book reads like a true crime drama set in high society. It dives deep into a scandalous love triangle with sharp storytelling and rich historical detail. I was hooked by the blend of power, passion, and downfall—and how it all led to a shocking murder. If you're into true crime with a historical twist, this gripping account is absolutely worth the read!

A Captivating Glimpse into Gilded Age Intrigue

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Listener received this title free

I loved reading Architect of Desire. This book brought the Guilded Age to life with intense descriptions and scandalous affairs. I really appreciate how the author weaves together true crime, but tells the story as if watching a movie full of twists and turns. The narration was good as well. I was intrigued by the characters and the story. The fact that this is a true crime really makes it like a fun mystery, but teaches you about the time period at the same time. I have read another of the books in this series and love how the author explains how the media sways public opinion. It reads like an exciting soap opera the whole way through. I highly recommend if you love the Guilded Age, scandals, history, dramas, etc. Great read!

I love this series!

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Listener received this title free

Architect of Desire is an absolute gem for any historical true crime fan. The audiobook plunges you into the glittering yet cutthroat world of Gilded Age New York, weaving scandal, obsession, and murder into a story that’s as gripping as it is tragic. The narration is flawless—vivid, emotional, and perfectly paced. I was captivated from the first chapter and couldn’t stop listening. Evelyn Nesbit’s transformation and the explosive trial of Harry Thaw are told with such depth and nuance, it feels like watching history unfold in real time. A must-listen for anyone who loves scandalous history and true crime done right!

A Riveting True Crime Masterpiece!

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Listener received this title free

This pulled me in way deeper than I expected. The mix of scandal, architecture, and obsession made the Gilded Age feel eerily close to today’s world of fame and power. I was surprised by how much I learned about both New York’s skyline and its darker undercurrents. It’s not just a murder story—it’s a window into an era that shaped so much of what came next.

Twisted, Tragic, and Totally Absorbing

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Listener received this title free

I wasn’t sure an old-school true crime story would pull me in, but wow this one was next-level wild. The twists, the murder, the complete chaos of it all had me way more invested than I expected. I threw it on during a weekend gig just for background noise and ended up zoning out of work just to keep listening. The narrator nailed it his voice fit the mood perfectly and made the whole thing feel even more real. If you're into messy, dramatic stories that keep you hooked, this one delivers.

Amazing work!

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Listener received this title free

This is a captivating audio title that takes listeners back in time to 1906 (and before and after) where the jealous acts of a wealthy millionaire led to shock, scandal, and horror in a time where architecture and the progression of the city was more ambitious than ever. And if that doesn’t sound interesting enough for true crime listeners, in addition, Eliza Hawthorne has created an incredibly narrated outline of competitive acts and status-imbued rival feuds that happened during the Gilded age of New York’s history. Listeners will also be very informed within the history of elite of New York and America. They will discover also how many of the architectural phenomenons and skylines came to be.

True crime education

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Listener received this title free

This one had me hooked from the start. It’s got everything—murder, scandal, love triangles, and that over-the-top Gilded Age drama. I didn’t know much about this real-life case before, and now I’m totally down a rabbit hole. The way it’s told makes it feel like you're being let in on some juicy historical secret. The pacing is solid, and the narrator really nails the tone—kind of like a mix between a crime podcast and historical deep dive. If you're into true crime with a historical twist, give this a listen!

DRAMA, HISTORY, AND TRUE CRIME COMBINED

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Listener received this title free

I was completely obsessed listening to this! The mix of scandal, history, and true crime was really well done, and it gave a deeper look into the lives of the elite during the Gilded Age. The story of Stanford White and the love triangle was told in a way that felt both intriguing and totally captivating. It kept me hooked the whole time. If you enjoy historical drama with real-life twists, this one’s definitely worth a listen.

Fascinating!!!! True Story!

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Listener received this title free

I went in expecting a dry retelling, but this had way more energy than I anticipated. It was tense, dramatic, and weirdly personal; like I was eavesdropping on something I shouldn’t be hearing. I didn’t know much beyond the headlines, so hearing how tangled everything actually was kept me hooked. The narrator nailed the vibe too, which made it super easy to stay engaged. Honestly, it felt less like a story from the past and more like a wild tabloid unraveling in real time.

Less History, More Drama

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Listener received this title free

This is a gripping mix of true crime and Gilded Age drama. It dives into the scandalous love triangle between architect Stanford White, model Evelyn Nesbit, and millionaire Harry K. Thaw—ending in one of the most infamous murders of the era. I liked how it blends history with real emotional tension, making the story feel both dramatic and insightful. The narration brings out the high-society glamour and underlying darkness really well. If you're into true crime with a historical twist, this one’s a fascinating and well-told listen from start to finish.

Mystery Awaits

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