More Than a Thief

by Beverly Patt

In 1892, in the bustling town of Fall River, Massachusetts, 16-year-old Victoria feels trapped by her high-society, pre-debutante life. Not only is she forced to have a chaperone for anything outside of the house, but she is also stuck playing nursemaid to her mother suffering from an unexplained paralysis.

Victoria’s only escapes are visits with her neighbor Miss Lizzie Borden, reading Sherlock Holmes serials and―when the urge overtakes her―stealing.

When her next-door neighbors Mr. and Mrs. Borden are murdered and Lizzie is accused of committing the acts, Victoria begins crossing paths with apprentice detective Declan Dempsey as they both search for the truth. Victoria doesn’t want to believe that Lizzie committed those murders. Because if her friend has a dark side, what does that mean for Victoria with her own sordid secret?

When Victoria discovers Lizzie also shares her penchant for stealing, Victoria swears off her secret habit for good. In her quest to not become Lizzie Borden, Victoria loses old friends, makes questionable new ones, and finds her fiercest enemy resides within her own skin.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Young Adult

332 pages, Paperback

First published August 29, 2023

Reviews

[Dea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I normally find YA-targeted historical fiction very juvenile in writing and research, so I was really very pleasantly surprised by this! A wonderful book - a mix of cozy mystery, amateur sleuthing, historical fiction based on a true crime, and Sherlock Holmes vibes coursing throughout. The author brings the world to life with vivid, lush descriptions - of peach pie and cemeteries and every nook and cranny of the local general store. Throw in a whimsical town, an interest cast of characters, and a winning young protagonist, and it was a fun ride from start to finish.

[Colleen Dempsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

While this is listed as YA, I found it wholly engaging as a mid-20s reader. In this historical fiction, main character Victoria is coming of age in the late 1800s, and her neighbor Lizzie Borden is accused of murder. Our fictional Victoria works to discover clues in the real life Lizzie Borden case. Throughout the investigation, Victoria meets a handsome love interest, wrestles with her own kleptomania and stresses over societal issues such as her debutante ball. This book felt so, so well-researched, but in a relaxed way with interesting new information about the 1890s woven easily throughout.

It is the perfect New England-set fall read. I’d even recommend it for those interested in true crime.

(I was gifted this ARC and this is my honest review)

[H. Woodward · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5. I really enjoyed this book. I was expecting yet another story about the Lizzie Borden case, which I have studied at length already. However, what I got was a nuanced look at the historical role of women in the late 1800s, an examination of women and mental health struggles, and a well thought out look at society and class differences. Well done! And of course, the Lizzie Borden case as well, because who can resist an ‘unsolved’ murder? Budding true crime fans will love this one. It’s good in so many ways. I like the situational irony of everyone having secrets, not just Lizzie Borden. A minor quibble, I sure would like to see more from Declan’s pov.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

We all think we know the story - Lizzie Borden took an axe and gave her father forty whacks and all that. Beverly Patt doesn't really set out to dismantle any of the popular theories about the Borden murders or Lizzie herself, instead using them as a catalyst for her novel about sixteen-year-old Victoria, Lizzie's neighbor. Despite the age difference, Lizzie and Victoria are friends, and Victoria is shaken by the murders and Lizzie's trial. She's also struggling with kleptomania and her parents' faltering marriage, and that's frankly a lot - both for one girl to cope with and for a single novel. But it does largely work, because Lizzie's trial forces Victoria to think harder about the disparate halves of herself and who she really wants to be. Don't read it strictly for the Borden angle, but if you like busy historical fiction with a mystery edge, this is worth picking up.

[Mary-Terese · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love historical fiction, and this retelling of the Lizzie Borden case grabbed me from the start. I still haven’t decided what I think really happened but this perspective was nuanced and also, of course, not exactly the main point of the story. Victoria’s journey into her own place in the world was equally satisfying, and the Sherlock touches were a delight. Great detail, and a really fun read.

[Kelly Kons · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!!! The unique historical fiction/true crime storyline hooked me from the beginning, the characters are well developed, and the writing is fantastic. I highly recommend and can’t wait for another book by this author!

[Wynne • RONAREADS · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Sara Shacter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Following the flawed main character as she struggles with the mysteries in her own life is compelling enough. Throw in the Borden murders and the subsequent trial, and this becomes a stay-up-late-to-finish novel. Highly recommend!

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was great! The premise is really unique and interesting. I like how this story is unique in it's writing style. I would recommend this to those who enjoy mysteries, historical fiction, and crime fiction. Special Thank You to Beverly Patt, Owl Hollow Pres, and NetGalley for allowing me to read a complimentary copy prior to publication in exchange for an honest review.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was entertained by this story. The case of Lizzie Borden is something that intrigues me, and I think it is an interesting theme for a mystery novel. I also appreciated the Sherlock Holmes references throughout. If you like historical mysteries, you may like this.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.

[Tonja Drecker · Rating 5 out of 5]

While the mystery keeps the tension high, Victoria's own life and inner struggles add surprising depth.

Victoria is sixteen and on the verge of having her Coming Out ball, but that also means her life has become horribly constrained thanks to the rules surrounding what she can and cannot do. It doesn't help that she spends most of her life caring for her mother, who suffers from strange bouts of paralysis. Her father escapes all of it by spending weeks away. When her neighbors are suddenly murdered, everything gets turned on its head, especially when Victoria's own friend, Lizzie, is accused of the murder. Victoria's love for Sherlock Holmes and mysteries isn't the only thing she'll need to prove her friend is innocent. Victoria will need to find a way to handle her own dark secrets.

I was a little hesitant to dive into a tale surrounding the famous Borden murders but am glad I did. While the basic murder remains the same, the author uses the facts to spin a fresh and interesting tale. The time period is rich and well-laid out, and not only in the details and daily life. This book takes a look at the society and, especially the rules and habits surrounding women. The attitudes and expectations come across clear while flowing naturally into the happenings and scenes. It even goes a step further as it shows how women, who suffered from mental illness, were seen and treated. So, there's plenty of information and food for thought.

The mystery end is enjoyable and holds a bit of a cozy flair while diving into the timeframe. Victoria has a good nose for clues, and it's easy to root for her as she tries her best to help her friend, while dealing with her own problems. The situation keeps the reader guessing the entire way through as each character seems to harbor secrets. Victoria grows in several ways as she steps past her comfort zone and faces the obstacles one by one. There's a hint of romance, but it's light and never overpowers the main mystery. Rather, it weaves with a hint of secrets and surprises too.

Fans of Sherlock Holmes, historical settings, and characters, who push back against societal rules, are sure to enjoy this one. I received a DRC and enjoyed it.

[K.J. Sweeney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unlike many of the other people who read this book, I assume, I didn't really know about Lizzie Borden or what she was famous (infamous) for. I gather that this is one of those crimes that has sparked the interest of many Americans and almost become part of their folk law. It didn't really matter though, I did do a bit of reading around the basic facts once I was into the story, but as the story unfolds it tells you everything that you need to know. I do wonder if someone who was familiar with the case read it, they might get even more out of it.
Alongside the true life mystery of what happened to Lizzie Borden's parents (or rather her father and step mother) we also have an interesting character in the form of Victoria. A Sherlock Holmes fan, she is always going to want to get to the bottom of the mystery. She has her own secrets to keep though, as well as the question of what it means to be a young woman in this changing world.
I loved this book from start to finish, both the historical setting and the actions of the various characters. It was a gripping read and one that I would highly recommend.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily.

[Shayna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn’t put it down! I’m an avid true crime fan, so of course I thought I knew all about the Borden murders. However, despite knowing generally how the trial ended, the author was somehow able to keep me on the edge of my seat, awaiting the outcome of Lizzie’s verdict.

Something I really loved about this book was that it wasn’t focused just on Lizzie Borden. It was a story about life for a young woman who has her own struggles and worries, and how she handles all that life throws her way.

I also really enjoyed getting to know all of the characters- both real and fictional. The interwoven storylines of Victoria, her family, her friends, and- of course- Miss Lizzie Borden, came together seamlessly to tell a much broader and more poignant story about class, societal expectations, and even mental health, rather than just a “whodunit” regarding an unsolved murder.

If you like a bit of mystery, flawed/complex characters, and beautifully written depictions of life in a time gone by, you’ll love this book.

[Midge Mountin · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like historical fiction, look no further. This is a delightful read that will keep you on the edge of your seat while you await the results of Lizzie Borden's trial. Her neighbor and friend, Victoria, tries very hard to help out her friend, Lizzie, who is accused of killing her own father and step-mother. But did she really do it or was she set up? The author does a wonderful job of telling the story using the specific time period and bringing in the importance of the debutante era. Poor Victoria has no patience for needlepoint and getting ready for her coming out party that all of her friends are interested in. She would much rather be solving mysteries. The author does a great job of also including a little love interest for Victoria! The book is very well researched and enjoyable read! I highly recommend this book!

[Lydia W · Rating 5 out of 5]

More Than a Thief by Beverly Patt is a must read. It is beautifully written to capture all forms of imagery. It almost feels like you could put yourself in Fall River, Massachusetts ghostly experiencing every event and moment for yourself. I fell in love with this book from the beginning and would pain me to put it down every time. I gave this book 5 stars because it has a great story line and lots of mystery throughout the story. Each chapter ends in suspension to start reading another one and another one. You will not be disappointed picking up this book!!

[Rita Hoke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved how this book drew me in and made me want to know more about the characters, their flaws, their perspective, and their relationships. "More Than A Thief" is more than a story about America's greatest unsolved murder, it's a sage chronicle of the times. The author brings a cast of characters to life and makes the reader care about vibrant experiences of the late 1800's.

[Carol Craig · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I still don’t know if Lizzie Borden was guilty, but I have a brand new opinion of her. I don’t know if Lizzie Borden was a thief, but I have gained tolerance for kleptomaniacs. I now have sympathy for girls and women who lived during the late 1800’s.
I look forward to more books written by Beverly Patt.

[Kristin Hearld · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book!! Bev’s writing is so captivating I could not put it down. I loved the little twist at the end, i was not expecting that! I’ve listened to a few podcasts about Lizzie Borden but it was so fun to read/think of it from a “friends” perspective.

[Owl Hollow Press · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're interested in the Lizzie Borden murders, historical fiction, Sherlock Holmes, true crime, and amateur sleuthing, this is the book for you!

[Rose Mancini · Rating 4 out of 5]

June 2024 Bodacious Book Babes. Park Ridge author came to Sherri’s to discuss the book.
VG book. Easy Read