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.