Lizzie Didn't Do It! by William L. Masterton Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Lizzie Didn't Do It!
Book Review: If I can save one person...
Summary: 1 Stars
I was taken in by the reviews, but being a Lizze Borden "fan", this is by far the worst book I have ever read about her. Mr. Masterson comes off as someone who has deciphered this most perplexing puzzle, when all he is really doing is commentating on other books and resources. He has found the answer! I think not. He seems to harp away (one can only suppose this is his strongest belief) on the fact that Abby was killed at the same time or AFTER Mr. Borden. Coagulated blood, cool body and stomach contents mean nothing to Mr. Masterson, for he does not believe it! And if she killed both victims at the same time, she must not be quilty! Huh? Save yourself money and let this self-published "eureka" stay where it is...presumably lining Mr. Masteron's shelf. If I can save one person the cost and time wasted reading this drivel, I will consider it my contribution to "Lizophiles" everwhere.Book Review: Lizzie Borden: Lizzie Didn't Do It!
Summary: 5 Stars
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Lizzie Borden was acquitted by the superior court, but hung by public opinion for the hatchet murders of her parents around the turn of the century. It's been a sensation for true-crime junkies ever since. This particular book does not present a far-fetched or ridiciulous explanation of what really happened that day. The explanation he gives is entirely plausible... and, yes, he does suggest who the murderer was.Book Review: Masterton Didn't Do It! (Solve the Crime)
Summary: 1 Stars
The author is a retired chemistry professor who wrote many textbooks on chemistry. He had been interested in the Borden Murders for decades. After he retired, he began his research by reading the microfilmed Fall River newspapers from that time, and other sources. His book is his solution to the mystery; but you can "come to your own conclusions". The index has an entry for "Simpson trial", but not one for "Eagan, Ellan". His sources do not list Edmund Pearson's 1935 book (which is not generally available); it was the first book to renew interest in this unsolved crime. The book contains some reproductions from those newspapers, but some of the photographs are of low quality. He imagined a "simple logical explanation" for the missing note to Abby. In Chapter 14 he created a new theory: Andrew was killed first, then Abby! This goes against all known facts of the case, and the testimony of those who were present. He did not explain the purpose of his theory; could it have been caused by a more recent event where the time of death could be calculated by the fresh red liquid blood of the victims? The author attempted a solution to the mystery; I think he should have done more research.
Arnold R. Brown's book is still the best solution; he did more research, and had the hometown advantage. A number of minor spelling mistakes suggest that this book was rushed to publication.
Book Review: Most enjoyable Lizzie book I've read
Summary: 5 Stars
I have read most of the books on the trial and murder of Lizzie Borden's parents (including Porter's reprint). I have to say this is the most enjoyable of all. Reason? Well, it's not boring. I liked the authors tongue and check style. He does a great job in cutting through a lot of hoopla. I suggest reading another book on the Murders first, like Forty Whacks, or watch the A & E or History Channel special on the murders first. I just think you will enjoy this book more, if you read a cut and dry version first. I wish this book had been printed in hardback, and not such a silly name for the book and cover art work, but that is really the only complaint I have..... Still five stars!!! Bottom line - If your interested in the Borden murders you have got to have this.Book Review: She really didn't do it!
Summary: 5 Stars
This was an excellent book! I have always been interested in this case and it was thorough in examining all of the evidence and testimony presented at the inquest and trial. The books leaves you with several suspects to choose from that could have committed the crime, none of them Lizzie or her immediate family members. There are plenty of newspaper clippings and excerpts from historical documents to substantiate Masterston's findings. Definitely an enjoyable read.