I’ve always been interested in the story of Lizzie Borden, but I couldn’t get into this book. It didn’t hold my interest. This was a DNF for me.

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.

This is a true crime, historical fiction novel regarding the murders of Andrew and Abby Borden. Set in Massachusetts during the 1800s, the story follows the daughters, Lizzie and Emma Borden, the former is the primary suspect in her dad’s murder.

The events leading up the murders, the direct aftermath, and the court proceedings were well written and kept our attention. The latter quarter of the book was slower paced with many seemingly ‘filler’ chapters that didn’t add great value to the story. The decades that passed after the trial were are least favorite of the book, and could have done without.

Not knowing anything about the story of Lizzie Borden before reading this novel, I wish we were NOT told immediately whether or not she was the murderer. Knowing the ‘truth’ the entire time gave little for suspense. The crime component of the story could have been more of a mystery to ruminate on if the ‘truth’ had been revealed to the reader after the trial.

A lot of names are introduced throughout the book which made it difficult at times to follow or know whether that person would be of interest to remember. One thing that kept tripping me up was the use of two names for their servant. The daughters (whom are both adults) call her Maggie but her real name was Bridget. That was odd, and though the reason was explained it didn’t seem that important to have been incorporated into the story in the first place.

Overall, it was a decent true crime, historical fiction book. I would recommend to anyone that likes this genre and to those liking women’s fiction.

Review currently posted on Goodreads. I will release my review on Instagram on the release date: March 11.

When first requesting this book, I'll admit I was unaware of the Borden case. The other reviews on this book have made me pleasantly aware in the meantime, and I went down a bit of a rabbit hole researching it.

If I'm honest this book does not do the true case or Lizzie Borden justice. Whilst I haven't and do not think I will ever make my own mind up on whether or not Lizzie Borden was her father and stepmother's true killers, due to the many legal injustices, along with the simple fact that I simply wasn't there, I feel this book simply didn't provide an new angle or clarifying insight that it really could've.

The book had a mass number of historical inaccuracies, many of them even being in things as simple as terms and language used- easy to fix or research things like so. Though I'll admit the case didn't seem well researched either- it seemed as if Fanning had just picked a popular case in her genre to turn a quick coin.
Though the writing was boring and not engaging either.

Please, feel free to take my review one of two ways:
The first: I am new to Fanning, a popular and awarded author's writing. I am new to this case. I have likely missed points.
The second: I am not new to law. Nor am I new to crime thrillers. Nor historical fiction. This book was primarily law, and inaccurate law at that, even if it was for a trial in 1893 (which this book claimed there was no trial). This book can hardly be claimed as a Mystery, nor Thriller considering it imagines the thoughts behind it, and not the ending. And a good historical fiction should plainly not be this bore-inducing.
I may be new to the case, but that means the knowledge is fresh in my mind.

So take my review as you will, but keep it in your mind when making your own decisions about this book.

A terrific fictionalised account of a much-written about crime which continues to fascinate people around the world. The author brings careful research into the details of the time and the crime to bear, while also making it clear that this is just one version of how things may have happened. She has captured the character of Lizzie really cleverly - not sensationalising or being overly sentimental in her interpretation -and this has resulted in a character who seems very real and credible. The dialogue and language sometimes seemed a bit difficult to believe as likely to have happened at that time, but who knows?

We all know the story of Lizzie Borden. This story gave me a different outlook on that horrible day in history. It is a great read and I suggest it.

I really enjoyed this book overall. I liked the characters, the writing style, the way that the story progressed. It was a a super easy read for me! Thank you for letting me read it!

This was objectively a good book and I think that if someone didn’t know much about Lizzie Borden and the Borden murders they might enjoy this more but it’s a story that’s been of interest to me for years so I spent my time waiting for twists and turns turning it into a story that never really came.
Thank you NetGalley for letting me read and review.

I really enjoyed this novel telling of the Lizzie Borden story. It was engaging and kept me interested from beginning to end. The dynamic between Lizzie and her sister was interesting. It was well paced and written.

This book might best be described as a fictional biography of Lizzie Borden. It doesn’t read like a novel—it’s less immersive and more fact-based. At the same time, because some parts are fiction, it’s impossible to know how closely the book aligns with Borden’s life. I wish it had been either a biography or a novel, instead of something in between the two. Still, it’s an engaging read.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

one of the best takes on the Lizzie Borden case that i have ever read!!! this case is absolutely bonkers and the book covered it sooo well!!!

Thank you to netgalley for this ARC copy. I was looking forward to this book. I was a bit disappointed. It seemed more of a statement about the way women are treated in society as second class citizens and less a story about Lizzie Borden.

I’m not sure I enjoyed the concept as a whole - maybe just not for me but adding fiction and speculation to a real life tragedy and not knowing which was which felt disingenuous. Overall the story was engaging and had an interesting perspective focusing on Lizzie’s relationship with her sister and independence in a male dominated world. The writing structure did feel a bit rudimentary.

I was really interested in the remaining of Lizzie and her case & life. I found the writing to be well done, and I enjoyed the glimpses into everyone's perspectives on that infamous day. I found it to be very captivating up until after the trial - towards the end it was a bit slow, but overall kept my attention. If you're a fan of historical fiction, or interested in the Lizzie Borden case - give this one a read!

I’d like to thank netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. I have always been fascinated by Lizzie Borden, her life, the trial and just overall the time period she was alive, I know those book takes liberties being fiction and all, but overall I still enjoyed the storyline and the writing.

I have always been so drawn to this case. I’ve wanted countless documentaries and listened to a handful of podcasts. I was so excited to see this book because I’ve never actually read a book about Lizzie Borden and the case. The author did a great job telling the story. I have my own thoughts on what actually happened in this case and this book definitely made my thoughts more solid. The storytelling and the facts were all actuate as far as everything I’ve watched and listened to. If you’re a fan of true crime or this case in general, I would definitely recommend reading this.

As someone who enjoys true crime and has watched/listened to many different things about the murder case, I found it interesting to see someone write a fiction book about the event. I overall enjoyed the book. Fanning did a great job of bringing the characters to life and giving an interesting view into the story. However, I feel like once the trial was over, the story felt too long. It was cool to read about the after but it just felt like it was dragging on with not a lot going on. Again, I overall enjoyed this book and do recommend that lovers of true crime give it a read.

I don't think I have ever met someone who doesn't know who Lizzie Bordon is or who isn't fascinated by her I know I am. This book was really well written and really kept me hooked all the way through. I loved it

Lizzie by Diane Fanning is as a retelling of a great trey crime story that I enjoy. I don’t feel like this book gave any new looks on the already manic story of Lizzie Borden however since I am a fan of the Lizzie Borden History I did enjoy this book and retelling

Lizzie by Diane Fanning is a gripping and meticulously researched exploration of one of America’s most infamous murder cases: the trial of Lizzie Borden. Fanning, known for her true crime expertise, delves into the chilling story of the Borden family and the brutal axe murders that shocked the nation in 1892. With a sharp eye for detail and a narrative style that balances factual rigor with compelling storytelling, Fanning brings this historical mystery to life in a way that is both haunting and thought-provoking.

The book focuses on Lizzie Borden, the enigmatic figure at the centre of the case, who was accused of murdering her father and stepmother in their Fall River, Massachusetts home. Fanning paints a vivid portrait of Lizzie, examining her upbringing, her strained relationships within the Borden household, and the societal pressures that may have shaped her actions. The author does not shy away from the darker aspects of the case, including the gruesome details of the crime scene and the sensationalized media coverage that followed.

One of the strengths of Lizzie is Fanning’s ability to contextualize the events within the broader social and cultural landscape of the late 19th century. She explores the rigid gender norms of the time, the class tensions within Fall River, and the limitations of the legal system, all of which played a role in shaping the trial’s outcome. Fanning’s research is thorough, and she presents multiple perspectives on the case, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions about Lizzie’s guilt or innocence.

The pacing of the book is deliberate, reflecting the methodical nature of the investigation and trial. While some readers may find the level of detail overwhelming at times, it ultimately serves to immerse the reader in the era and the complexities of the case. Fanning’s prose is clear and engaging, making even the most intricate legal and forensic details accessible to a general audience.

What sets Lizzie apart from other accounts of the Borden case is Fanning’s ability to humanize the individuals involved. She portrays Lizzie not as a caricature of evil but as a complex and deeply flawed individual, shaped by her circumstances and the expectations of her time. The book also sheds light on the lives of the other members of the Borden household, as well as the investigators, lawyers, and townspeople who were drawn into the case.

Lizzie is a must-read for true crime enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Diane Fanning has crafted a narrative that is as informative as it is engrossing, offering a fresh perspective on a case that continues to fascinate and horrify more than a century later. Whether you’re familiar with the story of Lizzie Borden or encountering it for the first time, this book will leave you questioning the nature of justice, truth, and the human capacity for violence.

Enjoyment aside, Lizzie is more than just a true crime book; it is a multifaceted text that can enrich an English literature curriculum. By exploring themes of gender, narrative construction, and historical context, the book invites students to engage critically with both literature and history. Its blend of factual rigor and storytelling makes it an accessible yet thought-provoking resource for classroom discussions and assignments. Whether used as a standalone text or in conjunction with other works, Lizzie offers a unique opportunity to examine the ways in which stories—real and imagined—shape our understanding of the world.

A meticulously researched and compelling account of one of history’s most enduring mysteries, Lizzie is a true crime masterpiece that will keep you hooked until the very end.

As someone who grew up in Massachusetts, I was familiar with the infamous story of Lizzie Borden from an early age. However, Diane Fanning’s Lizzie offers a fresh and compelling perspective on this well-known case, and I truly appreciated the nuanced approach she took in retelling it.

Fanning dives deep into Lizzie’s life, offering insights and details that challenge the traditional narrative we’ve all heard. The book not only delves into the events surrounding the tragic deaths of Andrew and Abby Borden, but also explores Lizzie’s personal struggles and societal pressures. This made the story feel more complex and multifaceted than the typical portrayal we’ve been handed over the years.

The writing is both engaging and thought-provoking, and Fanning’s research shines through in the way she builds her narrative. Whether you’re familiar with the case or coming at it fresh, Lizzie gives you something new to think about. I found myself questioning assumptions I had previously taken for granted.

Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the Lizzie Borden case, especially if you want to look at it from a different angle. Fanning’s perspective was a refreshing and insightful addition to a tale that has been told many times before.