I am not sure how to review this book, I cannot say I loved it. It seemed a bit too choppy at times to me but maybe the choppiness is there for a reason (remember what Lizzie Borden is famous or should I say infamous for). Did she brutally kill her father and stepmother or hire someone to do it or what? I could not say for certain-she was acquitted after a trial among her peers right?.. But this book raises suspicions and that is the main reason I would recommend it... especially to people intrigued by Lizzie Borden.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read and give an honest review.

It's hard to believe that this is a first novel, so assured is the storytelling and the use of multiple voices.

I was vaguely familiar with Lizzie Borden and the murders, so thought a fictionalized account of the true life murders of Andrew and Abby Borden would make an interesting read. The novel was written in different point of views of several characters including the Borden family maid-Bridget, a violent stranger-Benjamin, Lizzie's sister-Emma, and even Lizzie herself. It did prove to be interesting reading, but was a little slow for my taste. Despite this, it was very well written and extremely descriptive which at times set the creepy tone of the novel. This wasn't exactly my cup of tea, but I'm sure there are many others that would enjoy it for the descriptive prose alone. Thank you to the publishers and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.

I thought I would like this; I usually love novels based on real events. They make people we can never really know come alive. All of it may not be true, but are any retellings whether fact or fiction true to anyone but the teller?

I gave up on this book. I do not have to like characters to enjoy a story, and I am not put off by depressing stories. I knew the actual event and the uncertainty of Lizzie's part in it and hoped to get a better picture of what led up to the harrowing day. This book is so dark and so filled with blood of many kinds besides ax wounds! The characters were all, save the maid, so despicable. I simply could not find any reason to finish this book.

This mystery is Sarah Schmidt's reimagined account of the famous 1892 axe murders of Andrew and Abby Borden by Andrew's youngest daughter, Lizzie Borden. The eldest daughter, Emma, was away at the time of the murders and returns home to find Lizzie and the grizzly scene. The only other occupants home at the time were the longtime maid, Bridget, and the girls' uncle, John Morse, who stopped for an overnight visit.

Every chapter alternates between the perspectives of four character's, Lizzie, Emma, Bridget, and Benjamin, offering very interesting tidbits of the family's dysfunction, it's many secrets, hidden hostilities, sibling rivalry, and what led up to the murders. I wasn't very familiar with the details of this true-crime story and therefore enjoyed the many plot twists and turns immensely. Definitely add to your "want to read" list. I rate it 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Thank you NetGalley and Grove Atlantic Monthly Press for providing a copy of this novel in exchange for a fair review. https://moesbookblog.wordpress.com/

Reviewed: February 11, 2017. Novel Publish Date: August 1, 2017.

Link to purchase: Goodreads

Where to begin with this one. Sarah Schmidt is an insanely talented writer, She puts you right there with Lizzie as the story unwinds. Thing is I did not want to be there. To be fair I am not a fan of true crime and though this is a fictional account it is based on actual events. very descriptive so much so that reading about the mutton broth and sickness within the family made me queasy. The book is obviously well researched and the characters vividly come to life. If this is your cup of tea I urge you to read this. It is extremely realistic. Although I was very uncomfortable with this subject Sarah Schmidt is such a brilliant writer I could not give this a bad review.

At first I was a little reluctant to pick up a story based on the events of Lizzie Borden--I have read many accounts--fact and fiction, but I was quickly swept in. This is a wonderful piece of storytelling that manages to keep the characters intact yet somewhat mysterious while seamlessly shifting perspectives to keep you guessing. Lovely writing, engaging, and very well done.

I initially thought I was not going to enjoy this book, as I found the Lizzie narrator incredibly irritating and kind of contrived. Hers is not the only voice in the book though, and the balance is about right between more sensible, straightforward characters and the more eccentric ones. Interesting take on a real-life mystery that's had a lot of fiction written around and about it, with a real sense of creeping dread and wrongness throughout. Enjoyed this a lot in the end, I'm glad I got the chance to read it.

See What I Have Done is captivating right from the beginning. The story and life of Lizzie Borden is already a telling that has several of us intrigued and this book does the same. As a child we have all jumped rope to the Lizzie Borden song. It was nice to see the story laid out in front of you. Good Job

A historical novel about the murder of Mr and Mrs Borden. The prime suspect is Mr Borden's daughter Lizzie. Very atmospheric and well written. There are several possible suspects. I expected this book to be longer and more detailed especially about Lizzie's trial.

Maybe I didn't give the book a chance long enough, but I could not continue past 30%. I was very bored with the book.

Sarah Schmidt’s debut novel, “See What I Have Done,” is a fascinating look back at one of America’s most infamous unsolved mysteries—the axe murders of Andrew and Abby Borden in 1892. Schmidt deftly weaves together fact and fiction through the perspectives of four individuals: Lizzie and Emma Borden; the Borden’s maid, Bridget; and a lowlife vagabond named Benjamin.

Though you are probably familiar with the story of Lizzie Borden and the Borden tragedy, you have never heard it told quite this way. The book reads like a psychological thriller with writing that is believable and captivating. Schmidt does a brilliant job using descriptions involving all five senses to draw the reader into the narrative. The book is creepy in a way that keeps you turning the page to see what happens next with this cast of dysfunctional characters. I dare you to read it and not walk away unnerved!

Thank you to Grove Atlantic/Atlantic Monthly Press and NetGalley for a complimentary digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Lizzie Borden took an axe, And gave her mother forty whacks. When she saw what she had done, she gave her father forty-one.

Most of us are familiar with that eerie little rhyme, maybe not being completely aware of the meaning. Some of us even know the story behind it, knowing that it's based on a true crime occurring in the late 1800s. But have you ever wondered about the dynamics behind the family tragedy?

When Lizzie discovers first her father and then her stepmother brutally murdered, everyone immediately feels sympathy and concern for her. To have witnessed the aftermath of such a gruesome scene surely must have been a shock. As time goes on, however, events come to light casting doubt on her innocence. And the family itself surely wasn't a happy little group. There's enough suspicion to go around. Was it Lizzie? Or was it the mysterious man sent by her uncle? Or maybe one of her father's business associates?

The story weaves itself back and forth between the day of the crime, the days leading up to the murders, and the aftermath. It's fascinating for the criminal investigation procedures of the time if nothing else. The author does a great job of creating an entirely believable story that very well could be the true story behind an unsolved crime. And it absolutely made me want to read more about it!

On the 4th August 1892 the mutilated bodies of Andrew and Abby Borden were found in their home, an 'unseen' intruder had allegedly gained entry into the heavily locked house and took an axe to the couple, that is what their daughter Lizzie claimed however there was another obvious suspect.......

See What I Have Done is a fictionalised account of what went on within the Borden home. By using multiple narrators and a plotline which jumps about in time, we are offerred suggestions as to the reasons behind the murders, the weeks and years that led up to the murders and the interactions between all of the participants of this horrendous crime. Schmidt plays with us, she toys with our instincts whilst sticking to the historical details of this case. Her character studies of Lizzie, her sister Emma and the occupants and visitors to 92 Second Street are incisive and reveal a dysfunctional side to this well respected family.

Full of wonderful prose, characters who leap off the page, fascinating relationships and reads like a dream. A fantastic debut novel, great for fans of Burial Rites and The Miniaturist.

I found this book hard to get into. Once I started getting a feel for the rythem of the story I thought it might grab me, but not as much as I'd hoped.

I haven't read much about the Lizzie Borden case so I enjoyed this novel immensely. I loved that Sarah Schmidt told Lizzie's story from the perspectives of all those involved and because I'm new to the topic I wasn't fact checking it. I was able to lose myself in terrifically paced richly psychological writing along with the mystery and horror of the crimes. I wish my book club had finished it with me-- I have much to discuss.! Love the cover design, too! Thanks, Net Galley for an ARC! (Posted on Good Reads 2/3/17)

I was intrigued by the premise of this book. Lizzie Borden is someone who I knew only a small bit about, but enough to know that a reimagined story surrounding the murders of which she was accused would likely be interesting. Sadly, it didn't work out that way. The atmosphere in the book is strong. That is usually good in my opinion, but in this book, it was such an unpleasant atmosphere that I just didn't want to go back into it each time I picked up the book. It was unpleasant in an unexpected way. Not in a dark, twisted, violent way like one might expect, but in a subtley, weirdly gross way. That might have been bearable if the plot had kept me interested, but it was so slow. It seemed like nothing really happened. I was just not a fan of this one. Thank you to Netgalley and Grove Atlantic for the chance to read this book.

Wonderful story! Looking forward to reading more by this author!

A really interesting take on historical events. I found myself researching the characters, which I think is always a good sign!

In this "script of loathing", the final days of Andrew Borden and his wife, Abby, are narrated by various players in this tragedy: their daughters Lizzie and Emma, the maid Bridget, Uncle John, and a ne'er-do-well named Benjamin who will do anything for money.

Lizzie was tried and acquitted for the 1892 murders of Andrew Borden and "Mrs. Borden", but this novel shows us that the Bordens were not particularly well-liked, and that any number of suspects might have actually swung the axe.

This DEBUT novel was an engrossing read, as events led to the final outcome.

I read this EARC courtesy of Grove Atlantic, NetGalley and Edelweiss. Pub date 08/01/17