Scan barcode
Reviews
The Borden Tragedy: A Memoir of the Infamous Double Murder at Fall River, Mass. 1892 by Rick Geary
jaborch's review against another edition
4.0
In the past few years, I've taken to telling my friends I'm going to get married at the Lizzie Borden B&B in Fall River - and make my bridal party spend the night before the wedding in this haunted little inn. So it should come as no shock that I thoroughly enjoyed Geary's adaptation of this sensational Victorian murder.
The book is surprisingly balanced view of the days leading up to and preceding the murders of Andrew and Abby Bordern in their home on August 4, 1892. Those convinced of Lizzie's apparent guilt, might change their mind when they discover how little evidence there was (the back cover goes so far as to draw comparisons between Lizzie and OJ Simpson).
Told from the perspective of a "childhood friend" of the Borden sisters, Geary uses facts and images to walk us through what is known of the murders. Favorite new fact I learned: Andrew Borden considered hallways wasted space! The Borden house was (is?) a maze of rooms leading from one to another through a series of interconnected doors. The book concludes with clippings from period newspaper articles, reporting on the murder, speculating on the assailant, and covering the trial and acquittal.
Certainly a fast and Halloween appropriate read! Next I'll track down Geary's look at H. H. Holmes - America's first serial killer and owner of his own murder castle. Oh October, you bring out the best and worst in me. :)
The book is surprisingly balanced view of the days leading up to and preceding the murders of Andrew and Abby Bordern in their home on August 4, 1892. Those convinced of Lizzie's apparent guilt, might change their mind when they discover how little evidence there was (the back cover goes so far as to draw comparisons between Lizzie and OJ Simpson).
Told from the perspective of a "childhood friend" of the Borden sisters, Geary uses facts and images to walk us through what is known of the murders. Favorite new fact I learned: Andrew Borden considered hallways wasted space! The Borden house was (is?) a maze of rooms leading from one to another through a series of interconnected doors. The book concludes with clippings from period newspaper articles, reporting on the murder, speculating on the assailant, and covering the trial and acquittal.
Certainly a fast and Halloween appropriate read! Next I'll track down Geary's look at H. H. Holmes - America's first serial killer and owner of his own murder castle. Oh October, you bring out the best and worst in me. :)
shell132001's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed this but kinda wished it had ten more cases. Then I would be really into it.
aidencub13's review against another edition
5.0
You can't go wrong with the tale of Lizzie Borden and her case. You also can't go wrong with Rick Geary!
mybluepants's review against another edition
3.0
Damn Girl. Give me a sign. Did you do it? Don’t actually. That would be frightening to hear from a deceased Lizzie Borden.
puddingtaco's review against another edition
4.0
Nice book in a series by Rick Geary on various infamous murders. The art was cool and fitting. The story was told in an easy to understand manner and was compelling. I loved the map included. I could find my house! (I could walk to the Borden house and have visited the Oak Grove cemetery plot.) Sparked my curiosity a bit more for the unsolved case that happened so close to me. Rick Geary does great work!
florapants84's review against another edition
4.0
Had a little trouble sleeping after I finished this...appreciated the facts being presented without the theories though.