The mysterious story of the Borden family intrigues me just as much as Jack the Ripper so when I saw Lizzzie by Diane Fanning, I couldn't...wouldn't...resist. The author did a spectacular job incorporating fiction with facts. Her writing is lovely and details are very believable. I was mesmerized the entire time and did a further bit of research as a result. Though I'm nearly certain who the murderer was, there is still that niggling sliver of doubt. True crime stories of the era are endlessly fascinating to mull over!

In Massachusetts in 1892, Andrew Borden and his second wife Abby lived in a large home with his daughters, Emma, 43, and Lizzie, 32. He was wealthy but lived frugally. The girls did not like their step mother but had a close sister relationship. Their world changed when Andrew and Abby's butchered bodies were discovered and the only person at home at the time was Lizzie who said she was in their barn a few meters from the house. Lizzie was the main suspect for several reasons and stood trial but was acquitted. The author describes the atmosphere in the family home, the crimes, suspicious actions, the servant "Maggie" and Uncle John, the trial and life after, the sisters' huge new house, Lizzie's philanthropy and their deaths nine days apart.

If you are a true crime and historical fiction fan, this is unmissable! Well worth reading.

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.