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Quick answer: The best books on Lizzie Borden examine the 1892 Fall River axe murders and the famous trial that followed. Start with The Trial of Lizzie Borden by Cara Robertson, The Borden Murders by Sarah Miller, A Private Disgrace by Victoria Lincoln, Forty Whacks by David Kent and the novel See What I Have Done by Sarah Schmidt.
On the morning of August 4, 1892, Andrew Borden and his wife Abby were killed with a hatchet in their home in Fall River, Massachusetts. Andrew’s 32-year-old daughter Lizzie was arrested and tried for the murders in one of the most sensational trials in American history. In June 1893 a jury acquitted her after barely an hour of deliberation. She lived the rest of her life in Fall River, shunned by many, and the case was never solved. A children’s rhyme made her a legend. The books below include the best histories of the trial, collections of documents, theories about what really happened and novels that imagine life inside the Borden house.
Table of Contents
Quick Picks at a Glance
| Book | Author | Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Trial of Lizzie Borden | Cara Robertson | History | The definitive account |
| The Borden Murders | Sarah Miller | Nonfiction for teens | Ages 12 and up |
| A Private Disgrace | Victoria Lincoln | History | A classic theory |
| Lizzie Borden: The Untold Story | Edward D. Radin | History | The case for innocence |
| Forty Whacks | David Kent | History | A fresh look |
| Goodbye Lizzie Borden | Robert Sullivan | History | A judge’s view |
| Lizzie Borden: The Legend, the Truth, the Final Chapter | Arnold R. Brown | History | An alternative theory |
| The Fall River Tragedy | Edwin H. Porter | Primary source | Contemporary reporting |
| Lizzie Borden: Past and Present | Leonard Rebello | Reference | Serious researchers |
| Parallel Lives | Fall River Historical Society | Social history | Lizzie’s world |
| See What I Have Done | Sarah Schmidt | Novel | Literary fiction fans |
| Miss Lizzie | Walter Satterthwait | Mystery novel | Mystery lovers |
| Maplecroft | Cherie Priest | Horror novel | Horror fans |
| Lizzie | Dawn Ius | YA novel | Ages 14 and up |
| Saints and Strangers | Angela Carter | Short stories | Literary readers |
1. The Trial of Lizzie Borden by Cara Robertson
Robertson, a lawyer, spent two decades researching the case. Her book recreates the trial day by day and explains why the jury acquitted. It’s gripping and balanced.
2. The Borden Murders by Sarah Miller
Miller tells the story of the murders, the investigation and the trial for young readers, with photos and documents. It’s clear and suspenseful.
3. A Private Disgrace by Victoria Lincoln
Lincoln, who grew up in Fall River, argued that Lizzie committed the murders during an attack of illness. Her 1967 book won an Edgar Award.
4. Lizzie Borden: The Untold Story by Edward D. Radin
Radin argued that Lizzie was innocent and suggested the family maid, Bridget Sullivan, as a suspect. It’s a classic of the case’s literature.
5. Forty Whacks by David Kent
Kent examines the evidence and the many theories in a readable way. The title comes from the famous rhyme.
6. Goodbye Lizzie Borden by Robert Sullivan
Sullivan, a Massachusetts judge, analyzed the trial and concluded that Lizzie was guilty. It’s an interesting legal perspective.
7. Lizzie Borden: The Legend, the Truth, the Final Chapter by Arnold R. Brown
Brown suggests a different suspect altogether. It’s speculative but shows how many ideas the case has inspired.
8. The Fall River Tragedy by Edwin H. Porter
Written by a local reporter and published in 1893, this book was the first history of the case. It’s a fascinating window into the time.
9. Lizzie Borden: Past and Present by Leonard Rebello
Rebello’s huge reference book collects documents, photos and details about the Borden family. It’s essential for anyone who wants every detail.
10. Parallel Lives by Fall River Historical Society
This large book describes Lizzie Borden’s life and the society of Fall River, using the historical society’s archives. It’s rich in detail and photographs.
11. See What I Have Done by Sarah Schmidt
Schmidt tells the story of the murders through Lizzie, her sister Emma, the maid and a stranger. It’s eerie, unsettling and atmospheric. Content note: violence.
12. Miss Lizzie by Walter Satterthwait
In 1921, a 13-year-old girl befriends the elderly Lizzie Borden, and then another murder happens. It’s a clever, entertaining mystery.
13. Maplecroft by Cherie Priest
Priest reimagines Lizzie as a woman protecting Fall River from monstrous forces. It’s a creepy blend of history and Lovecraftian horror.
14. Lizzie by Dawn Ius
This YA thriller reimagines the story with a modern teenage Lizzie. It’s dark and suspenseful.
15. Saints and Strangers by Angela Carter
Carter’s collection includes “The Fall River Axe Murders,” a brilliant, sweltering story about the morning of the killings. It’s short and unforgettable.
Tips for Reading About Lizzie Borden
- Start with Cara Robertson. Her book is the most complete and balanced.
- Read the trial testimony. Robertson and Porter quote much of it.
- Compare theories. Lincoln, Radin and Sullivan reach different conclusions.
- Remember the verdict. Lizzie was acquitted, and no one else was ever charged.
- Visit Fall River. The Borden house is now a museum and inn.
- Choose age-appropriate books. The Borden Murders is a great choice for teens.
Related: best books on the Salem Witch Trials and best books on Jack the Ripper.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best book about Lizzie Borden?
The Trial of Lizzie Borden by Cara Robertson is the definitive modern account of the case and trial.
Was Lizzie Borden guilty?
She was acquitted in 1893, and the murders were never solved. Historians and writers still disagree about whether she did it.
What is a good novel about Lizzie Borden?
See What I Have Done by Sarah Schmidt is the most acclaimed recent novel, and Miss Lizzie by Walter Satterthwait is a clever mystery.