The Trial of Lizzie Borden

By: Cara Robertson

Narrated by: Amanda Carlin

WINNER OF THE NEW ENGLAND SOCIETY BOOK AWARD

In Cara Robertson’s “enthralling new book,” The Trial of Lizzie Borden, “the reader is to serve as judge and jury” (The New York Times). Based on twenty years of research and recently unearthed evidence, this true crime and legal history is the “definitive account to date of one of America’s most notorious and enduring murder mysteries” (Publishers Weekly, starred review).

When Andrew and Abby Borden were brutally hacked to death in Fall River, Massachusetts, in August 1892, the arrest of the couple’s younger daughter Lizzie turned the case into international news and her murder trial into a spectacle unparalleled in American history. Reporters flocked to the scene. Well-known columnists took up conspicuous seats in the courtroom. The defendant was relentlessly scrutinized for signs of guilt or innocence. Everyone—rich and poor, suffragists and social conservatives, legal scholars, and laypeople—had an opinion about Lizzie Borden’s guilt or innocence. Was she a cold-blooded murderess or an unjustly persecuted lady? Did she or didn’t she?

An essential piece of American mythology, the popular fascination with the Borden murders has endured for more than one hundred years. Told and retold in every conceivable genre, the murders have secured a place in the American pantheon of mythic horror. In contrast, “Cara Robertson presents the story with the thoroughness one expects from an attorney…Fans of crime novels will love it” (Kirkus Reviews). Based on transcripts of the Borden legal proceedings, contemporary newspaper accounts, unpublished local accounts, and recently unearthed letters from Lizzie herself, The Trial of Lizzie Borden is “a fast-paced, page-turning read” (Booklist, starred review) that offers a window into America in the Gilded Age. This “remarkable” (Bustle) book “should be at the top of your reading list” (PopSugar).

Worst Narration Ever

Seriously, this narrator has me wanting to scream. The narration is very droll. In addition, there are unfortunate pauses that leave ideas unconnected. The narration is very distracting from the story. I've learned my lesson on buying a new release.

Interesting.

Very interesting comprehensive story. But, the narrator is stiff and lifeless. Very disappointing in her performance.

Great Book, BUT...

I have been fascinated with the Borden case for years, and have always read everything I can find on the subject. This is a case where the book ITSELF is wonderful. It is well-written and researched, and very informative. However, I would recommend reading either the print version or the electronic version. You will get much more out of it. My complaint applies only to this audio version. I must agree with many of the other reviewers that the narration on this audio version RUINS the book! This narrator reads in a flat, lifeless monotone! She sounds like a robot, with awkward and halting speech which is very distracting to the listener!

Final verdict: great book...poor audio!

Great history!

I thoroughly enjoyed how thorough they were in there telling of the story. This was an excellent listen.

Great story, terrible narration

I listened to an interview with the author of this book, and it was so good, I immediately bought the audiobook... unfortunately without looking at the reviews relating to the narration. I don't know if it's the editing or the reader, but the delivery is by turns jerky and with weird pauses, and absolutely robotic and nearly monotone. I actually thought it might be AI! (It's not.) Anyway, the book is really good, and the author is knowledgeable. I wouldn't say there's anything really NEW here, but still a good read. READ, that is, not listen. I gave up the audiobook and just read it myself.

Great Story!

The story was very interesting but the narration was choppy and sometimes slow. Made it difficult to focus on the story at times.

No new info, but compelling all the same

The case and trial of Lizzie Borden has always been one of the upmost fascination. It has everything. For readers well familiar with the case and the trial, no new insights will be gained. It’s very similar to many if the television specials in that way. But that does not make it any Jess interesting.

Many reviewers are hard on Amanda Carlin’s narration. This is too harsh. She’s very good with this material. She’s a very accomplished narrator. Overall, this is a most excellent listen.

too bad the narrator sucks

The information on the trial is great, but the narration is SO lack luster it kind of runs the book

I'm a sucker for a new view of Lizzie Borden, but

Alexa or Siri could do a better job of reading this. The disjointed phrasing actually makes it difficult to follow the narrative.

It’s a struggle

Not sure on the story as I’m and struggling to get past the first couple of chapters. The narrator sounds like a recording so it’s difficult for me to pay attention to the story. I loose interest and have to keep going back to re-listen.