The Case Against Lizzie Borden

by William Spencer

It certainly can be argued that the brutal killings of Andrew and Abby Borden in Fall River, Massachusetts on August 4, 1892, was the first nationally reported murder case in the United States, other than presidential assassinations. The case has many parallels to the Lindbergh baby case forty years later and the and Nicole Brown Simpson - Ron Goldman murders sixty years after that.Lizzie Borden is an integral part of the book, but only as to her possible involvement in the crimes. The focus here is on those crimes and the victims. The book was not undertaken with the notion to prove or disprove Lizzie's guilt, but rather to see where the facts might lead us.This book is based on witness statements and the sworn testimonies at the inquest, preliminary hearing and trial. Censuses, birth, marriage and death records, and similar sources are also employed. We look at Fall River itself and how it played a role in the murders and how the ethos of the times affected the subsequent investigation, arrest, and trial. We delve into the lives of the victims, as well as those around them or who had connection to the case.The events of the case are presented in chronological order according to the statements of those involved. We see the natural progression of the case against Lizzie Borden and the drama that began on the day of the murders and only intensified over the subsequent ten months through the end of the trial.The Borden murders will never be solved conclusively. But herein the reader will have the information to be able to make his or her own determinations.

802 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 21, 2020

About the author

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Reviews

[Meg Vanaski · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are new to Lizzie Borden this book is your new Borden Bible. If you are an armchair expert, you will not be disappointed. Spencer’s material is widely regarded as most accurate and supportive of the entire scope of events. There are elements which are contestable and require some additional support and citation but largely speaking this book is authoritative and will be a go-to reference guide for years of sleuthing to come. This case has captured my imagination since childhood and after reading books upon books on this subject, his is arguably one of the best and well worth the investment of time. Confidential material aside (as some pieces of her accounts with her legal team remarkably remain confidential), this collection of material, chronologically ordered, organizes otherwise cyclical thoughts.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an excellent resource for almost anything you would want to know about the Borden murders. The author must have done meticulous research. It is 763 pages of details regarding the people, the setting, the trial, the inquest, the autopsies, even a detailed theory from the author regarding the most likely solution to the mystery and why many other theories are faulty.

The only criticism I would give the book is the huge number of errors that an editor should have caught. The many typos were distracting, but otherwise, this is the book for anyone who wants to know everything they can about Lizzie Borden and the murder of her father and stepmother.

[Hallie Whitley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was almost too thorough for me! Very in depth and the first time I had seen any primary sources from the case. I think Spencer laid it out very well and I agree with his conclusion. It is still fascinating that we have no idea why she did it, or why she decided to escalate to a hatchet rather than poison.

[Elmer Romero · Rating 5 out of 5]

So comprehensive! Finally, a book going into so much detail that needs to be read. So many unanswered questions answered. Even questions I never knew I could have. Using contemporary sources like the coroner’s inquest, the preliminary hearing, witness statements, and newspaper articles from several newspapers. I will probably read it again. The prosecution’s poor performance and the defense’s better cross-examination is a big reason for Lizzie’s victory. [A personal irritant for me is the number of errata sprinkled throughout the book, mostly in the first half. For example, “handleless” and “handless” is toggled several times in the same paragraph. But I don’t blame the author. Spellcheck would be under the purview of the editor/ publisher. Incidentally, both the physical and electronic versions of the book have the same errata. But don’t let that dissuade you. Sorry.]