I have read a few books and articles that focused on the Lizzie Borden trial. Did she do it or not? This book by Cara Robertson, like the others, does not answer that question. We do not know definitively whether she is the murderer of her father and stepmother. However, this book lays out the trial, the attorneys and their cases are detailed, and the atmosphere in which the trial took place is superbly drawn out. I think the author did meticulous research and while the trial can be tedious to read about at times, I would recommend to anyone who wants to learn about the Borden murder trial.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read and review.

You could probably call the 1893 trial of Lizzie Borden the "trial of the century," much as O.J. Simpson's trial was the focus of the 1990s. When Lizzie's father and stepmother were found murdered in their home, Lizzie and a female servant were the only ones in the house, and they became prime suspects for the double homicide.

Author Cara Robertson's accounting of Lizzie's trial gives the reader a chance to decide for himself whether she was guilty, although her jury found her innocent. Robertson is a lawyer, and her book shows the depth and detail of her research and scholarship.

The book also shows us a lot about society in the 1890s, especially in its treatment of women. Considered "hysterical" and weaker than men, they were hardly thought capable of wielding an ax with force, much less able to commit violent crimes. Unmarried, middle-class women like Lizzie weren't expected to have careers or accomplish important work, but to stay home and manage domestic affairs. At 32, Lizzie was described as an "old maid" and a "spinster."

After reading Robertson's book, I think Lizzie was acquitted because the male jurors were sympathetic to her (although the public was said to believe in her guilt, and she was ostracized in later years). I'm also convinced she was the murderer.

I would have liked more insights into Lizzie's personality, but she was an enigmatic person who kept to herself, I don't think the author was able to tell us more about her because there wasn't much more. More than a century later, the crime has gone unpunished.

Recommended for true crime and social history fans.

As someone who has read just about everything I could about Lizzie Borden I still found this book to be a well-written account of the times, the murder, the trial and its aftermath. The author has done a fine job of placing the in Victorian Falls River in the middle of an oppressive heat wave. Even better, I’m still left with the feeling that while she probably did commit the murder, it also seems impossible that Lizzie could have done it.

As someone from the Boston area I was extremely excited to read this take on the lizzie Borden trials. This is such a huge part of Boston history and I loved being able to read historical fiction style about this event. This is also something I had researched during school so I had knowledge of the events and this was a very well written story.

It is fascinating to me that Lizzie Borden has remained in the public consciousness all these decades. Why the many books, movies, and other art forms dedicated to this one individual? Very odd, but then again I also find myself reading more than my fair share of books about her so I guess I should be asking myself that question, eh?

Anyway, this book is takes an in-depth look into her trial, with detailed information about the witnesses, the attorneys, the judge and to Lizzie's demeanor throughout. It's very interesting and well-written and makes the reader feel as if you are sitting right there witnessing the events as they happen.
I'm sure everyone that reads it will come to their own conclusions about the verdict, but I for one am astounded that they found her innocent. There is no doubt in my mind that she did it, I always come to that decision and this book with all the evidence spelled out only confirms my opinion.
Very good book.

This book is about to gruesome murders of Andrew and Abby Bordan. It is well written and it was described well. This is my first time reading about Lizzie Bordan. I would highly recommend it to anyone and everyone.

I’ve known of Lizzie Bordon for as long as I can remember because of the popular rhyme. This is by far the most comprehensive and well researched book that I’ve read on the case. The author gives a vast amount of information, and it was a slow read for me. I liked that she included background details about all of the “characters” of the trial, as well as the impact of the media. I recommend this book to true crime and history buffs. Thanks for the ARC Netgalley and publisher.

Wow. This was SO detailed, and yet at the end of the day, I don't feel like I know anything more than I did before... Which is, of course, almost entirely the point.

This was a minute-by-minute covering of the infamous trial of Lizzie Borden. I'm a lawyer, and I probably enjoy a courtroom procedural more than the next guy. The nuance, the order in which things happen/are revealed, the decisions over legal minutiae that seem insignificant but turn out to have unimaginable importance - these fascinate me.

But even I found them a bit overwhelming after a while.

Perhaps it's because I already knew that there was no magic bullet or mysterious "AHA!" moment coming; this isn't my first foray into Lizzie Borden's world. Perhaps it's because so much of litigation is, in fact, repetitive - generally by design. And perhaps it's the somewhat dry reportage style of the book (which was entirely appropriate - even if I sometimes wanted it to be a little more narrative because of the drama of it all). Regardless, I found it a slower-going read than I thought it would be. Although I never considered putting it down for good, I found myself eager to set it aside after a day's (sometimes even an afternoon's) testimony.

And maybe that's the brilliance of Robertson's style for this particular courtroom melodrama after all...

She does an incredible job making you feel the weight of it all - the monotony, the heat, the circularity, the odd mixture of old-fashioned social beliefs and legal/criminal methodologies. There were salacious tidbits, sure - but they were buried in a chaotic mess of inconsistencies, questions, fumbling "detective" work and confusion, and Robertson's presentation made the harsh reality of all of that mess feel palpable. It's not the easiest or fastest story to read, but as a means of learning about the early days of criminal justice, it's marvelously informative. And I, for one, enjoyed that.

If you are looking for a book along the lines of the contemporary "true crime" or "courtroom drama" genres, you will be quite surprised - and probably a little disappointed. There are no big reveals here - no plot twists or deus ex machina moments, no twins or fake deaths or last minute witnesses coming out from the woodwork. But there's tremendous drama inherent in the tale itself, as well as in the mysterious obsession that surrounds it.

I would have liked to see a little more about Lizzie's post-trial life; that felt a bit rushed and cobbled together, although it is possible it's because there wasn't in fact all that much more to say. In an age in which every thought, moment, and action wasn't memorialized on a screen or device, it is possible that there wasn't anything much to be found about post-trial Lizzie. My wish for more isn't a criticism, as such, as much as an observation. I'd be fascinated to have heard more about her - but we never really did hear much directly about Lizzie, even in the trial for her life. She appears to have been intensely private, and the era in which she lived was one in which women (or anyone, really) were not public with their lives.

Without a way to turn back time, we'll never know what truly happened that fateful day; speculation is rife and there are a host of books (fiction and non-fiction) demonstrating our obsession with that mystery. Robertson offered us a window, but it's shuttered and screened; courtroom testimony only reveals so much, as does the news reporting of the time. It's difficult to imagine that now - a time before the "tell-all" or the tearful confessions of any- and everyone even tangentially involved in such a monumental event. Perhaps it's this sense of possibility that intrigues us so - the idea that we'll never know, and anything was possible because so many questions were never asked let alone answered. Robertson does a very nice job laying out that ambiguity without ever making it feel overwhelming or obfuscating what we do know.

Though greatly researched and inclusive, i did not find much NEW information on the case. Not to say it's not an interesting read, especially if one is new to Lizzie Borden research. Alas, i doubt the case will ever actually be entirely solved.
I would point my students toward this book if they're researching the case.
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

While at times this book was intriguing, the bulk of it read as a history book. Nonfiction isn't my typical genre, but I've always loved the Lizzie Borden story. I've read some books regarding it, I've watched all of the shows they've made about it. I had hopes this would keep my interest and it did... Except sometimes it felt like it dragged on.
I did enjoy the photos that were added, that gave it a bit more enjoyment for me. If you aren't one to read about history and such, this probably isn't the book for you. If you're looking for a sensationalized account of the Lizzie Borden story, again this probably isn't the book for you. However if you're looking for a more historical telling of the story, this is the book for you!

Thanks to Cara Robertson, Simon & Schuster and Netgalley for the ARC this review is based on.

If you really want to get into the most minute case details of the Lizzie Borden case, this is the book for you. Most of us have at least a passing familiarity with the 1892 murders, as there is even a nurse rhyme on the subject. But this is an exhaustively researched deep dive into the entirety of the case. Robertson spent 20 years working on this and it shows. I'm something of a true crime enthusiast, but I will admit I found the book more dry and academic than I usually enjoy. It is relentlessly thorough, and doesn't attempt to sway the reader on favor of guilt or innocence. I couldn't even get a read on how Robertson felt about the verdict.
Coming out the other side, I'm still not sure. But I do feel very informed about the culture of Fall River, and how criminal proceedings worked in 1892.

3.5 stars, rounded up to 4.

Robertson proffers up the latest examination of the grisly murders of Andrew and Abby Borden. She meticulously recounts the heinous murders, the investigation and the trial. She highlights Lizzie's inconsistent statements and the other witnesses' testimonies. The only new aspect she mentions is the fact that Lizzie had been menstruating which supposedly accounted for the pail of bloody towels in the cellar. Other than that, the author doesn't add anything significantly new to the canon of this oft told story. Personally, I think Lizzie was guilty and was smug with the fact that she got away with murdering her father and stepmother. Robertson's recount is a good place to start for first time readers of the most famous crime in Falls River, Massachusetts.

"The trial of Lizzie Borden, according to the Providence Journal, would be 'one of the greatest murder trials in the world's history' The New York World more modestly declared it 'the trial of the most extraordinary criminal case in the history of New England.'"

Most people have heard the rhyme:

Lizzie Borden took an axe
And gave her mother forty whacks.
When she saw what she had done,
She gave her father forty-one.
**In reality Abby was hit 19 times and Andrew hit 10 or 11 times.

“Someone’s killed Father”
Lizzie Borden was the one who reported that her father had been killed and later the body of her Step Mother was found upstairs. Her Stepmother, Abby, was killed first and then her father, Andrew was killed while he was lying (asleep) on the sofa. Thus, an investigation ensued. An investigation that would consider many people to be possible suspects - John V. Morse, Andrew's brother in law, Bridget, the housekeeper/maid, Lizzie, and strange men seen walking through the neighborhood.

As Lizzie and Bridget were the only two home at the time of the murders, they were interrogated. Neither reported seeing or hearing anything amiss that day. Bridget had been ill that morning, was then told to wash the windows and sent on an errand by Lizzie. Thus, making Lizzie the one person in the home with the opportunity to kill. But she informed investigators that she was in the barn "looking for iron." How long does it take to look for iron? Did she not hear anything? Any cries for help?

This unsolved murder has been the subject of curiosity and debate since it occurred. Lizzie often gave strange and contradictory responses which frustrated investigators and later the prosecuting attorney. She often claimed she did not understand questions when confronted with giving differing statements. Many did not like her attitude and felt she was too clam and poised. During the trial she was noted as being flushed and was often seen biting her lip.

Lizzie Borden was acquitted for the murders and the murders remain unsolved. Many still believe she was the killer, and some have other theories as well. Slightly before the trial another person was killed in their town with an ax. Jurors noted this. Plus, there were inaccuracies with the investigations. If the murders took place today, forensics would have solved the case. Many people were in and out of the crime scenes. There were questions about the axes found in the basement, etc. After an hour and a half deliberation the jury acquitted Lizzie and she was free to go. Was she the killer or was she not guilty?

The book cannot shed led on her innocence or quilt, but it does show the investigation and the testimony of those who were part of the trial. I found this book to be well researched. The book ends around the 65% mark and the remainder of the book is footnotes. This book fells very academic and dry. It's not a page turner, but a book about the murders, and provides in depth testimony. It is very informative, and most fans of true crime should enjoy this. The facts are impressive as was the research that went into this book.

Like many people, I’ve been fascinated by Lizzie Borden for as long as I can remember. Did she or didn’t she brutally murder her father and stepmother on an August morning in 1892? There is no question that Abby and Andrew Borden were murdered, but, over a hundred-and-twenty-five years later, the identity of the killer remains a mystery. Between books, research papers, movies, and documentaries, countless people have put forth their theories and opinions on who murdered the Bordens and why. Some are plausible. Others are laughable. All are interesting. But none of them can answer the question of whether it was Lizzie Borden – the thirty-plus year-old spinster who still resided in her father’s unhappy home along with him, her stepmother, and her sister – or someone else who picked up an axe and hacked her father and stepmother to death. In 1892, Lizzie made the best suspect considering she was home during the murders, had no alibi, and had motive. The case and trial weren’t just a local curiosity in Massachusetts; the world was fascinated with Lizzie’s trial. The jury acquitted Lizzie, but no one else was ever arrested for the murders.

THE TRIAL OF LIZZIE BORDEN is a thoroughly researched recounting of the murders, the police investigation, and the trial. Cara Robertson put in over twenty years of research – and it shows. She quotes from the trial transcripts, newspaper reports, and Lizzie’s personal letters. Robertson states the facts as they are known, laying out a detailed retelling of the entire drama from the murders through acquittal. She also presents the facts within historical context – giving the reader a better of idea of how life was during the Gilded Age and what it was like to be a woman back in the late 1800s. Because Robertson relies so much on the facts, the book can get a bit dry and tedious at times, but it is still an interesting, readable book. THE TRIAL OF LIZZIE BORDEN is a must read for anyone interested in Lizzie Borden. Robertson won’t convince you either way on Lizzie’s guilt or innocence, but she lays out the facts and lets the readers decide.

As for me, I can’t say Lizzie Borden did it. But I can’t say she didn’t do it either.

(ARC / NetGalley)

While I of course knew who Lizzie Borden was I really didn't remember any details about the trial. I found this to be really interesting, especially from a legal perspective. The author points out that each generation seems to put their own biases and experiences into the motives behind the Borden murders since it can never be TRULY solved. If you have any interest in social histories or true crime this is a fun read.

Thanks to Cara Robertson and Simon & Schuster for an advanced reader's copy of this book for my opinion.
Everyone has heard the story of Lizzie Borden. She was accused of killing her father and step-mother with an ax. We have all heard the rhyme as children. We only thought we knew the story of Lizzie Borden. The author does a great job of delving in to the details of the Borden household, Lizzie's life in her parents home, the killing, other suspects, the jury, trial and the verdict. You can tell that a great amount of research and hard work was put into this book. I found it fascinating to learn about the Borden home life and what may have driven Lizzie to kill her parents. (if in fact, she did kill them). Even after reading the book, you can't really tell whether the author believes her guilty or not. That is a testament to the research and writing of not including her own bias or "verdict" but presenting the evidence for us to make up our own minds.

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

On August 4, 1892, Andrew and Abby Borden were both brutally murdered in their home in Fall River, Massachusetts. After an investigation and inquest, which included her own testimony, Lizzie Borden was arrested and charged for the murder of Andrew Borden only. (This was later amended to add Abby Borden). What followed was the biggest US trial to date. Reporters were everywhere, people were clamoring to enter the courthouse to see the proceedings, and amateur sleuths were attempting to solve the mystery themselves. Ultimately, Lizzie was found not guilty by the jury of men.

Robertson gives a carefully retelling of the entire saga – the murder, the trial, and the verdict. She outlines the family dynamic, including not only what daily life was like for the family, but also the issues between Abby and her step-daughters. She shows what life was like in Fall River in the 1890s – industry, religion, the nationality/heritage of the people. She also talks about the role of women at the time, which undoubtedly had some bearing on the outcome of the trial. Throughout the trial, Robertson quotes both the transcripts and news reports. It is amazing some of the quotes regarding women, Lizzie and/or the crime: “there was something ‘effeminate’ about the hacking;” “‘if any girl can show you or me, or anybody else what could interest her up here for twenty minutes, I would like to have her do it’” (regarding the barn loft); and with regards to hysteria “in young married women, doctors initially claimed that hysterical symptoms resulted from a wandering womb.”

That amount of research that went in to this book was staggering. Except for a few places where I sensed a bit of bias, it is given in a very straight-forward matter. I can see how some people would view it as dry, as legal proceedings can be rather monotonous to even the interested parties. The multiple expert witnesses crossing (and recrossing) their T’s and dotting (and redotting) their I’s would make anyone’s eyes cross. I am used to reading caselaw and even I grew a bit bored. But this is the way trials proceed. Overall, this is a relatively complete telling of the entire story. I was particularly excited to see some information of which I was unaware: the existence of the original trial notes of ex-governor George Robinson, one of Lizzie’s attorneys. Imagine reading that file. I wonder if they are hiring…?

I received an e-arc of this book from Simon & Schuster in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.

This read was definitely a step out of my comfort zone. I don't usually read nonfiction, and once again I'm reminded why. Don't get me wrong, the subject matter is something I'm very interested in. It's why I requested the book in the first place, I've always been interested with the Borden murders and what really took place.

Reading it form the nonfiction, factual standpoint made it feel very stiff. It read more like a term paper, going into every detail about everyone involved in the case, from the detectives, to the jurors and the men who worked with Andrew Borden.

For what it was, a nonfiction book based on the murders and trial of the Borden family, I would rate it a 4/5 stars. But based on my personal enjoyment, I'd give it a 2/5 stars.

Anyone who is interested in the story of Lizzie Borden will love this book. Although the story has been told and re-told many times, the author's engaging writing style and comprehensive research elevate this story to a "must read." Whether you are new to the story, or an amateur Lizzie expert, you will be fascinated.

***Thanks to NetGalley for providing me a complimentary copy of THE TRIAL OF LIZZIE BORDEN by Cara Robertson in exchange for my honest review.***

I’ve been a Lizzie Borden aficionado since 1975 at age eleven, when I saw the movie with Elizabeth Montgomery (aka Bewitched). I’ve probably read every book ever written about her and seen every movie and TV show. I even saw an opera on PBS about her. In 2008, I stayed at her bed and breakfast in Fall River, Massachusetts, the home where her father and step mother were murdered. This means, when I recommend THE TRIAL OF LIZZIE BORDEN as the best I’ve ever read, I’ve read a boatload in comparison.

I love the way Cara Robinson incorporated photos, articles and transcript into this very readable account of THE TRIAL OF LIZZIE BORDEN into a book that read as easily as any novel. I wish I could sit down with Robinson and discuss her extensive research.

If the Borden murders interest you, THE TRIAL OF LIZZIE BORDEN is a must read.