One August Morning: The True Story of Lizzie Borden

By: Troy Taylor

Narrated by: Charles Huddleston

Length: 11 hrs and 31 mins

Publisher's Summary

One August Morning: The True Story of Lizzie Borden by Troy Taylor

Lizzie Borden took an axe...or did she?

Lizzie Borden is a name that has lived in infamy. As everyone knows, she’s the young woman who “took an axe and gave her mother 40 whacks” and then “gave her father 41”. Everyone seems to know the rhyme, but most people don’t know the truth behind the grim story of one of America’s most famous unsolved murders. In this new entry in the “Dead Men Do Tell Tales” series, author Troy Taylor delves into the true story of the Borden Murders, revealing what really happened on that morning in August 1892, how Lizzie was hounded by the police, prosecutors, and reporters, and then finally acquitted - yet always believed to be guilty. Was she a murderer or truly innocent? Did she swing the hatchet that killed her parents, or was Lizzie simply part of a plot that accidentally led to murders committed by a madman? You’ll have the chance to decide for yourself as the suspects are revealed, the conspiracies unveiled, and the strange circumstances of this haunting case are presented.

Forget everything you already think you know about this compelling case and discover what did - and what did not - happen in the story of Lizzie Borden! What dark secrets have never been told? What happened in the grim aftermath of the murder trial? Do the spirits of the dead still linger in the house where the Bordens were killed? You’ll find these answers and more and you’ll never look at this chilling story in the same way again!

©2015-2020 Troy Taylor (P)2020 Troy Taylor

Finally on Audible

As a resident of the St. Louis Metro area I have read several of Troy's books, and have met him and visited his shop. I am so happy to see at least one of his books finally on Audible. I have been strangely drawn to the Borden murders since I was a child, and Troy presents a very well researched story. After listening, I have a new perspective as to who could have done it, at least in my opinion. Charles Huddleston does an excellent job reading it as well.

Excellent! Finally a theory that makes sense!

Finally a theory that makes sense of ALL the facts! I still need to do my own research as to some of the aspects mentioned in the book but it gives a lot of information which is often not mentioned. Especially when it comes to the incriminating facts. For example, one of the most damning pieces of evidence in my mind was Lizzie's claim that she had been in the barn's hayloft at the time her father was killed but an inspecting police officer found evidence in the hayloft suggesting no one had been up there for a long time as there was a considerable layer of dust up there that was undisturbed. What I didn't know was that this officer was proven to be lying on the stand at the trial. In fact two officers were! The book offers a theory on who really killed the Bordens and as far as I can see the theory takes into account ALL of the facts. While it can't be proven the theory IF true leaves very few if any unanswered questions. If the theory is true Lizzie was in fact NOT GUILTY of the murders but she was also NOT INNOCENT in that she knew who had committed the murders (and likely so did Emma) and was protecting him as he was her half brother who suffered from mental illness, William Borden. Did you you Andrew Borden had an illegitimate son whom he refused to acknowledge? William Borden was not only Andrew's son and not only was he mentally ill, but he also was known to always carry a hatchet! In fact he was observed by others to even talk to it! Anyway, the author explains everything better than I do, go check it out.

Circular logic abounds

Narration is great, but the author has a clear confirmation bias and uses some questionable, self-contradictory and circular logic throughout. For example, he asserts that Lizzie couldn’t have done the murders, as Bridget heard her laughing upstairs. (A murderer wouldn’t be laughing so carelessly or joyfully.) He goes on to say that it was actually the true murderer upstairs laughing, so it couldn’t have been Lizzie who committed the crime. It gets pretty frustrating.

THE END WAS BORING....

TO MUCH REPEATING OF THE SAME DETAILS WAS ... OK NOT GREAT... DID NOT KEEP ME AT THE EDGE OF MY SEAT

I guarantee this is what you're looking for

The case is clearly explained with great detail. The family and all victims and suspects are examined, as well as a multitude of theories are broken down. Great book.

Love it!

I felt like it was well researched and brought to light the full story. He also presents a compelling case for the real killer through the fog of city corruption and bias. Very interesting take on history.

Lots of details

I have seen the movies and heard the poem of whacks, however this story goes into much more depth. I like to call myself a completist where once a subject has gripped my attention, I need all pieces of documentation. I am intrigued with this theory and indeed will do more research!! I highly recommend this!!

Very slow and the Narrator Zzzzzz

I had a very tough time not only finishing this but staying awake. The narrator was very monotone and the story was way too drawn out. I would say skip.

Wonderful voice; informative storytelling

I love historical true crime. I finally took the time to listen to what history has to say about the Borden murders. I listened first to a book recommended by a quick google search. The speaker was robotic and the storytelling hard to follow. However the chosen reader for this particular book was amazing. The story was easier to follow. I’m thinking of picking up a hard copy if it has diagrams of the house layout and of the property. I think it would help me understand the reason for such a small window of time. It’s still amazing to me that such a thing occurred in broad daylight with all the people in the house at the time. After years of pop culture swearing Lizzie was the murderer, upon hearing the entire story, I’m not as convinced. I think any suspect could have done it. Stranger or acquaintance. The house seems to have a lot of hiding places. I doubt the truth will ever come out and I think if it did it would shock everyone. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who is interested in the Borden’s story. It’s nice to have facts instead of opinions.

What about bridget

Pretty good book. I especially love books about old crimes.This is one of the better ones. I've never understood why moor suspicion didn't fall on Bridget. She certainly had the opportunity to commit the murders. If I were ask ill I had to interior my morning chores to throw up in the yard and my mistress told me to clean the windows on a very hotday, I'd be hunting for an ax

Entertaining story, but.....

I bought this to ‘flesh out’ the trial transcripts I’m reading, but found some of the theories, and treatment of the prosecution a bit too ‘personal’. I found myself shouting at the reader, “but, you missed....” or “you’re putting too much emphasis on...” not forgetting “how do you know they thought that”.

As a read, yes, it is worthwhile, but I felt there was too much surmising going on, and a tad ‘massaging’ of facts, with some of the alternative scenarios feeling just over complicated.

Old case with fresh insights

A very solid retelling of a renowned US case. It delves into the evidence and considers the timeframe in a way that highlights the most probable series of events. If I had a criticism it would be the brief amount of time spent detailing the prime suspect. However, I suspect this was due to the lack of source material. Certainly the author offers a very plausible argument for who wielded the axe and why. It was also interesting to hear the details of what happened after Lizzie Borden’s trial and the lives people led afterwards. Solid narration as well.

Persecution of a innocent woman

This is a sad, gruesome and cruel story of Lizzie Bordan and her persecution over her father and step mothers brutal murder. The true story of police misconduct, fake news by the tabloids and the general crualty of a town that ostracized a woman even though she was completely cleared off any crime.