I loved this book! Lizzie Borden is actually distantly related to me so it’s always interesting to read about her.

Unfortunately, this book was not a good match for me, and I will decline to review. I hope plenty of other readers find it more compatible, and thank you for the opportunity to review!

I received a free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The last two fiction books about Lizzie Bordon that I read, I was really excited to read. And both of them were disappointing to me. I just couldn't get into this book.

The story of Lizzie Borden with fictional flair!
Thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the opportunity to read and review Lizzie by Dawn Ius! Mystery sums up the prologue with the narrator disoriented and seemingly injured. Chapter one opens five years later. Facts about the historical and infamous Lizzie Borden are scattered throughout the story and some are facts that I wasn’t already aware of, even though I have read a few books about the true story of Lizzie Borden and the mystery surrounding her. The present setting threw me off a bit but it’s because I was expecting a setting in the 1800’s. The more I learn about Lizzie, the more interested I become. The contemporary setting allows for more humor and also the addressing of the controversy surrounding sexual orientation. I don’t want to spoil any parts of the story for future readers. Lizzie is a unique book and adds a little flair to the history the story is based on; 4 stars!

I liked the premise of Lizzie, but unfortunately, the book just wasn't for me. I think the book would have been better if it wasn't set in present day. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to suspend my disbelief, and I ended up skim-reading the last 45%. Of that chunk, I think the book was stronger, but it was too little too late for me.

Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read Lizzie in exchange for an honest review.

I was unfortunately not able to download this title due to missing the archive date and I regret this immensely.

Trigger warnings: [verbal, emotional and physical abuse, cutting, homophobia]

When I first heard there was a YA reimagining of the Lizzie Borden, I was so excited! Unfortunately, it didn’t quite live up to my expectations.

“What if my family is right? What if my madness can’t be controlled?”
“We’re not so different, Lizzie.”
My mouth opens in surprise. “How can you say that?”
“Because I love you,” she says, and a ghost of a smile curls up her lip. “And love is a kind of madness, isn’t it?”


Lizzie – Lizbeth – is the cook at her family’s B&B. Things are not well, though – her father and stepmother are verbally, emotionally and physically abusive, and Lizzie suffers from an issue where she passes out every month when she gets her period. Basically, her life sucks, and her only joys are cooking (she sort-of worships Emeril) and teaching at the Catholic church. The story is told in first-person POV, and Lizzie is the definition of an unreliable narrator. Since her sister Emma has left for college, things have been worse for Lizzie, but the arrival of the Star Wars-quoting new maid, Bridget, starts a new page in her life. Lizzie immediately falls in insta-love with Bridget, a world-traveling free spirit, basically everything Lizzie wishes she could be if she could get out from under her family’s thumb. But there are reasons she shouldn’t leave the B&B, good reasons that she hesitates to share with Bridget…

“My traitorous lip curls into a half smile. I push myself up onto my elbows with a grunt. Something inside of me aches. ‘Sure, and I’m Lady Báthory.’
Her head tilts toward the blood smear. ‘Maybe that’s me.’ She grins, and my stomach flips end over end. ‘I’m actually an old hag who keeps her youthful appearance by bathing in the blood of beautiful young women.'”


First off, the book is highly unsettling. It’s gory, and full of maggots, blood, and spiders. While there is some humor, it’s of the variety of the Lady Báthory joke above, grisly and weird. Besides the unreliable narrator aspect, there were some narrative quirks that got old after a few repetitions – the swipe, swipe, swipes, the tap, tap, taps. The pacing felt uneven, and I felt like the big plot twist was very obvious from the beginning. While I think the pacing could be a valid storytelling choice, it just didn’t work for me. I was, however, interested enough to keep reading until the end.

Overall, this was just not my cup of tea. I think someone who’s more into unreliable narrators, modern reimaginings of unsolved murderes, and doesn’t mind a lot of gore would enjoy this!

I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

There are specific types of books I'm drawn to, and because of my long career with police departments (as an employee, not a criminal!) murder mysteries are at the top of my list. When I saw this book about Lizzie Borden, I knew this was a must read. The fictional tale of Lizzie by Dawn Ius was just what I hoped it would be.

The retelling of Lizzie Borden life, and the events that lead to the murders of Andrew and Abigail Borden, is a tale full of lies, abuse, and loneliness on one hand, and love, hope, and passion on the other. It is much more than a novel about murder, it's a love story.

Lizzie's character alone makes this story worth moving to the top of your to-be-read pile. Subtle clues and comments woven throughout the novel gives you a peek into Lizzie's mind, both the innocent and guilty sides. The question is: are you clever enough to see them? Will you recognize what is real and what is all in your mind? (Sorry, a tiny spoiler.)

The other characters in the novel, those who have the biggest impact on Lizzie's life, are just as developed and detailed. Some can be as caring as they are deadly, and I found myself wrapped up in their own issues and lies.

This story is a must read for everyone. Whether you like mysteries, character driven stories, or just great writing, you won't be disappointed!

Unfortunately, I was unable to read this book because the PDF would not work with my device. I would however consider purchasing a copy upon release.

Unfortunately the PDF is not working for me so I am unable to read/review this title. I look forward to reading it once it is published. Thank you.

I'm sorry I just couldn't get into this book. The first chapter alone didn't grab be, it actually really just turned me off of the book. From there I just couldn't really make it much farther and it ended up being a did not finish for me. And I absolutely hate doing that. I had high hopes for this book too, Maybe when it comes out I'll pick it up and try it again, but for now I have to move on.