Borgia Rose: The Poisoning of Richland County

by K.D. Allbaugh

During the Gilded Age, social standing was paramount, but many times, it came with a heavy price.

One was often defined by public opinion. Any negative opinions, especially from those who were wealthy and powerful, had the potential to ruin a person completely.

Rose came to Richland Center to leave her life of poverty and tragedy behind her.

She would do anything to achieve the social position of her friend, the wife of the small town’s most prestigious doctor.
Would that price include poisoning those who stood in her way?

Inspired by true events, this fictional account of mystery, betrayal, and murder is woven by the author of the acclaimed novel, Face Down in Rising Sun, K.D. Allbaugh.

411 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 31, 2023

Reviews

[Mel · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Borgia Rose” is every bit as good as KD Allbaugh’s first novel “Face Down in Rising Sun.” I honestly couldn't put it down. The characters are engaging and the storyline keeps you turning page after page. Don’t get me started on the ending! This is a wonderful work of fiction based on historical events. From start to finish I had a hard time putting the book down. Highly recommend!

I have family in the Wisconsin area and love to read about the history and genealogy of the area. Allbaugh does a wonderful job of staying true to the history while telling this story.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before reading this, I knew the local story about the infamous poisoning. I love local history and was intrigued to pick up this book. The author did a good job of telling the story, setting the scene of a 1800s Richland Center, and filling in the gaps via this fictionalized telling. Plus, an ending that was unexpected.
My favorite part about reading this book is that I know of all the places that are featured - from the Mitchell home to the stores on Court Street. Very unique to read something that is based in your hometown.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Ms. Allbaugh's first book Face Down in Rising Sun and snagged her second book as soon as it came out on my Kindle. I just finished reading it and wow! The ending was so NOT what I expected! I never saw that one coming!

Want a book you can't put down? Borgia Rose is for you!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing story. Shocking end. So well written, where I walked away from the end and the characters stayed with me for a while. This book was recommended to me by my aunt. We have ancestors in Richland Center/the area and of course after reading the book...a field trip to the area is a must 🌞

[Grace L. Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading K.D. Allbaugh's first book (Face Down in Rising Sun) I couldn't wait for her second book to come out. I was not disappointed! Loved the charactors (some not so much as others). I smiled, I laughed, I cried. Based on a true historical facts that happened in Richland Center, Wi, K.D. takes the story and makes it seem like you are really there. And yes, the ending was a surprise! Only bad thing about this book is finishing it! Can't wait for K.D.'s next page turner!

[Mary Mccauley · Rating 4 out of 5]

An amazing story of a community i have been a part of for many years. Yet I had not heard.
This book makes me sad, not only for Rose, but for the fact a community would turn on a woman like that. It truly reflects an attitude of arrogance and willingness to lie.
It shows how power is equated with money and how that can corrupt people.
Sadly our world, over100 years later, operates much the same.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book in a couple of days. I'm from Richland Center, and my best friend lived a block from where the Mitchell's lived, yet neither one of us had ever heard of this event. I loved it all except the ending. That seemed a little over the top to me--but what do I know. I didn't even know any of this had happened.

I told my friend about these events. Her comment: "that sounds like Richland Center."

[Jessica Gomez · Rating 5 out of 5]

K.D. Allbaugh's second book, Borgia Rose, is a spectacular story that relates to anyone who desires to better their circumstances in life. Full of historical tidbits, including references to Richland County's most well-known residents, this is a book that will captivate you from the beginning to the mind-boggling end.

[Sherry Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

K.D. Allbaugh did it again! Excellent read! This was a book that was hard to put down. I felt like I was walking along with the characters. Several times I thought I had the mystery figured out, but the ending shocked me! I would most definitely recommend reading.

[Danielle Munz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved reading the historical recounting and storytelling-very interesting!
Another great read!

[Rachel Louis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read! I loved the fact that this book was written about the area that I grew up in. Highly recommend this and Face Down in Rising Sun!

[Reader Views · Rating 5 out of 5]

Borgia Rose: The Poisoning of Richland County” by K.D. Allbaugh, is a historical mystery that will haunt you. This exceptionally written novel begins with Rose, a woman who lives in a time and place where appearances and social status mean everything, but what would it mean to lose it, and what do you have to do to keep it? The rich and influential could destroy a person with the whisper of an opinion. Rose is what you would call resourceful and determined, eager to rise above her station in life, laden with a past filled with tragedy and poverty. She admires her friend’s social standing, who is married to the renowned doctor of the small town. The question is, what is Rose willing to do to remove the people standing in her way? Would she go so far as to poison them?

This engrossing novel, taking place in 1800’s Richland Center, Wisconsin, is inspired by actual events. The story is immersive, the characters fully realized, and the execution is irresistible. Allbaugh’s attention to detail makes you feel as if you could reach out and shake a character’s hand, touch their clothing or furnishings, or feel their emotions.

The mystery aspect is a chilling premise, reminding you somewhat of a Lizzie Borden-style true crime account. The plot has staying power to the end, and the conclusion is satisfying. This well-orchestrated novel would make a great film, as it has energy, vivid imagery, and memorable characters. The suspense builds at an even pace and really has the wheels spinning in your mind as you read, as to what really happened with these people.

If you are of the belief that towns are full of mysteries and secrets, this book won’t disappoint. We all know or at least have heard stories of people willing to go to any lengths to keep what they have and appear as if they are something they aren’t. The masks in this story are chilling, and it’s a sober reminder that some of the best fiction is based on true events, like this one. If you’re looking for a well-crafted historical drama that will keep you riveted till the end, “Borgia Rose: The Poisoning of Richland County” by K.D. Allbaugh, is a must-have for your personal library.

[Aaron Dettmann · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid book - I live in Richland Center, so it was really neat reading the street names or landmarks and being able to imagine where the people were talking about. I think my favorite part was actually the trial at the end, wondering what would happen. It's definitely written in a different style from most other books, but I stopped noticing that difference midway through. I also kept wondering if a specific conversation actually happened as written, or if some event actually happened, and eventually I came to the acceptance that this is historical fiction - the big events happened, but everything is is supposition of how it could have occurred. I went to hear K.D. Allbaugh talk about the process of writing her book, and that is also what she said.

Some quotes I liked:

p. 59: "I am sorry you heard those hurtful words. The pain they cause in your heart is read. I'm not telling you to not feel pain but to really the words spoken about you were really about the person who said them."

p. 177: (lol, if only high school students wouldn't vandalize these days): "He asked Rose to accompany him on Bonfire night, as each grou of children were required to have a single young adult as their chaperone to prevent injuries ad vandalism amongst the frenzied mass of youngsters gathering in the darkness."