I found this book interesting but it started off rough. The book did improve as I read it. I have not read anything else about Lizzie Borden and found myself looking up information as I read so it did engage me. The dialog and reactions after the killing were so awkward and fake feeling. They lacked emotion.

Sometimes it seemed like the book didn't know whether it wanted to be a non-fiction or fictional retelling of the LIzzie Borden story. I've read quite a few Lizzie Borden books both fiction and nonfiction and I am always interested in discovering new details, theories and perspectives about the case through both types of books but I never felt like there was that much insight into Lizzie's mindset besides the occasional mention of women's independence. Everything felt like it was being told from an outsiders point of view as if it we were reading an article rather a fictional retelling. A little more nuance to the story and how Lizzie was feeling as well as the perspectives of the people around her who were also involved with the case would have made for a bit more of a well-rounded story. Even though the Lizzie Borden story has been told many times before in different ways, there's usually a hook to the story or theory that drives the story along and it felt like this story was missing that unfortunately. I think the author did a great job at researching the Borden story but the actual storytelling fell a bit flat for me.

As someone who used Lizzie Borden as a research topic in high school, and took a trip to Fall River a few years ago, I was excited someone had taken the story and novelized it (is that a word?). The story is intriguing and given that it is one of those mysteries that will likely never, ever be truly solved, it really lends itself to a potentially exciting book.

It is very, very clear this author did a ton of research for this book. However, that research has not been molded into a cohesive story. I wanted to give it the benefit of the doubt, but the story relies so heavily on the research done that it felt like I was reading a textbook, kinda. The writing was very formulaic while also feeling like one giant ramble/tangent. It was like the author felt like every single bit of research they did absolutely had to be included - often at the detriment of story. In order to turn the Borden saga into a novel, there are obvious liberties that will have to be taken (dialogue, for example), but everything felt so stilted that I just could not continue.

DNF @ 30%

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Lizzie by Dianne Fanning

True crime fictional novel based on the Borden Murders in Massachusetts 1892.

I went into this book knowing nothing about the Borden murders, which actually helped me enjoy the novel without any preconceived notions.
The beginning of the book, up to the trial, was really engaging. I thought the story was well-written, and the author did a great job of highlighting the societal injustices and gender biases that women like Lizzie faced during that era. The author highlighted the patronising attitudes and double standards that relegated women to secondary status.
However, I felt the post-trial section dragged on a bit - there was a lot going on, and it could have been wrapped up earlier. Overall, though, the ending was well-done.
Worth a read.
Thank you netgalley and Level Best Books for the chance to read and review this book.

The author has clearly done a lot of research for this book, which shows. The issue is that the book has not been able to combine that true history and facts into a cohesive novel. The book comes across as more of a series of facts stated rather than a story telling. The occasional dialogue feels forced and placed to remind you this is a work of fiction rather than a true crime non fiction work. I hope with revision, this story can really find its place. As it is now, it is trying to straddle the line between fiction and non fiction, attempting to blend the two, and it is not working.

I grew up a true crime girlie like watching Americas Most Wanted at the age of 5, and listening to unsolved murder podcast. My biggest critique of this book was that it read very informative almost lecture like at points because the author was trying to get the history and the facts into the story which I get but it also kind of took me out of the fiction side of it (Also unpopular opinion but I’m not sure Lizzie did it which may have swayed my rating) i originally rated it 2 stars because I was being biased over that but looking back at it as a work of fiction instead of nonfiction I think 3 stars is a fairer rating.

This book for me was great re-imagining of the tale of Lizzie Borden by taking the historical facts and adding a very plausible back story. I enjoyed the how the author used the woman's right movement and the lack of autonomy for unmarried women as both Lizzie's motivation and her defense strategy. On one hand, is she a cold-blooded killer or an advocate for herself, albeit amidst blood and violence. I previously only knew the bare bones of her story so I enjoyed learning more about the whole case including her sister and the trial and what happened after she was exonerated.
I have to say I ended up rooting for Lizzie by the end and I did look up the case after I finished the book. I like how the author used just enough reality in crafting this clever adaptation of the Lizzie Bordon story.

Lizzie, by Diane Fanning, offers an interesting perspective on Lizzie Borden's story. This presentation of details is well-researched and presented in an interesting and informative way. Though your theory on who committed the murders is probably not going to be changed by Fanning, there is still that shadow of a doubt that does not allow a guilty sentence. I appreciate NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with the ARC ebook I read and reviewed. All opinions are my own.

The novel is another historical fiction view of the story of Lizzie Borden, the murder of her parents, the trial, and aftermath. Parts of the retelling make it sound like Lizzie was a victim, while others made it seem like she was a crafty killer who got away with the brutal murders of her father and stepmother. She was also determined to not need a man or be placed under his thumb, while understanding her sister needed to find love.

I did enjoy this version of her story, up to and during the trial. Her life after the trial seemed rushed and just an add on. It was interesting, and at parts I felt for her and her sister being made to feel like they lived in a fishbowl with others wanting to look.

I know I have some students who will be interested in reading. I recommend the book to those interested in true crime, Lizzie's story, and/or historic fiction, or women's fiction.

I was given the opportunity to read this novel by NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.

What a fantastic book! The first one I have read by this author but definitely can't wait to read more! The characters stay with you long after you finish the book. Highly recommend!

Historical fiction about the Lizzie Borden case/scandal. It was ok. Thanks to Level Best Books and NetGalley for this advanced copy.

‘Lizzie’ - Diane Fanning

4 stars

“Lizzie Borden took an ax and gave her mother forty whacks. When she saw what she had done she gave her father forty-one.”

I grew up hearing this rhyme. I’ve been fascinated ever since. I’ve read several books and watched movies spinning the gruesome tale of the brutal ax murders that took the lives of Lizzie Borden’s father, Andrew Borden, and step-mother, Abby. I was half expecting yet another version of the same books and movies that I’ve seen. I was so very wrong. ‘Lizzie’ by Diane Fanning is a fresh take on this subject.

Diane Fanning’s masterful account includes a new theory as to how Andrew Borden’s coat was found folded/rolled up behind his head as he was said to be fastidious and wouldn’t have done so. This book includes an intriguing possibility of how and why.

This telling also delves deeper into the aftermath of Lizzie’s life following the trial. Ms. Fanning seems to have researched more thoroughly the events surrounding and following the murders.

Thank you NetGalley and Level Best Books - Historia for the ARC I received. This is my unbiased, honest and voluntary review.

This is a very well researched and painstakingly detailed account of the life of Lizzie Borden, through the death of her parents and her murder trial and her life after. I enjoyed this, and this is perfect for a true crime aficionado.

Wondering about the LIzzie Borden case has always been a favorite past-time of mine. She is probably THE reason I love true crime today, so when I saw this gem of a book I knew I had to get into it!

This book is written in third person and goes over the well-researched events of the infamous murder and what life may have looked like for The Borden family beyond that. Women were basically to be seen and not heard in 1892. Lizzie didn't quite fit that mold and you can see her struggle all through the book. The courtroom scenes were very vivid in my mind's eye - you can imagine the stuffy room, filled with bystanders and hushed murmurs. I won't spoil the book for you all, but this was one good read! If you're into historical fiction, true crime, and women's rights ... give it a go!

Diane Fanning presents an in-depth reinterpretation of the infamous Lizzie Borden case in "Lizzie", the story of a woman accused of brutally murdering her father and stepmother in 1892. The novel stands out for its solid historical foundation and meticulous reconstruction of the era, immersing the reader in an America still bound by rigid social conventions and stark gender disparities.

One of the book’s strengths is its psychological portrayal of the protagonist. Fanning paints a complex Lizzie—neither fully a victim nor entirely a perpetrator—highlighting the familial tensions and the suffocating environment in which she lived. The writing is fluid and engaging, particularly in the first half of the novel, where the gradual build-up of tension is well executed. However, this approach to Lizzie's character can at times be slightly misleading for the reader.
That said, the novel has its drawbacks. The narrative loses momentum in the second half, with chapters that seem to stretch the story rather than further develop its themes. Additionally, the decision to reveal certain aspects of Lizzie’s position early on deprives the reader of a true sense of suspense, shifting the focus from an investigation of the events to a contextual analysis. This might disappoint readers expecting a more enigmatic approach or one that leaves room for interpretation.

Overall, "Lizzie" is a well-researched and compelling novel for those who enjoy real-life crime stories adapted into fiction. However, its development does not always sustain the tension it initially promises. It is a recommended read for true crime and historical fiction enthusiasts, with the understanding that it is not a fast-paced thriller.

I thought this book would be super fun because I already knew the story going into it. It was just ok. I liked the fictionalization to an extent because it helped the story not be 100% predictable. Overall, not bad

"As someone who only had a superficial knowledge of the Lizzie Borden case, I was intrigued by the promise of a deeper insight into the murder and the trial that followed. However, this book wasn't what I expected; it was much denser and harder to follow.

Ultimately, while it wasn’t for me, I believe there's a huge audience for it within true crime and history enthusiasts.

This was such a good book. I loved the story and the writing so much. The characters were great and the story flowed smoothly. Will definitely read more books by this author in the future.

thank you netgalley and level best books for access to this arc.

i know of lizzie borden but wasn't super familiar with her story so i was super excited to jump into this book!

this book read slightly like a history textbook at times (which was not necessarily a bad thing for someone who studied and loves history), but overall it was an easy and interesting read. fanning included LOTS of commentary on the society and the treatment of women during the late 1800's and early 1900s and Lizzie's character shows much disgust at the society she was apart of, which i did find a tad repetitive at times.

i felt that there were a lot of characters introduced at once and i did find it confusing to keep track of them all, especially as they would be mentioned at different times throughout the book and i got confused with who was who. i did find myself getting slightly bored around the 75% mark but overall i thought this was an interesting depiction of such a well known women.

I have mixed feelings. I love historical fiction and was looking forward to what I thought would be a fictionalized account of the Borden murders. This book felt like a rambly combination of a HF book and a memoir. When the author stayed in track- it was an enjoyable story. However, there was so much repetition and fluff, and so many tangents about the evilness of men, that it got frustrating and difficult to follow. At times, I got the distinct impression that the author was simply trying to meet a word count. As a positive, I enjoyed the humanization of a woman who is often reduced to a folk tale. All in all not a bad story, but it could’ve been written much better.