See What I Have Done by Sarah Schmidt

 

On August 4, 1892, an event happened in Falls River, Massachusetts that shocked the world.  Andrew and Abby Borden were found dead, hacked to death, in their locked house, in broad daylight.  Who would do such a thing?  Why? 

The other occupants of the house were Andrew's daughters, Emma and Lizzie, and a maid Bridget.  The daughters were in their thirties and were spinsters, locked into living in a house devoid of love.  They called their stepmother Mrs. Borden and resented her.  Their father had a reputation for a quick and vicious temper.  

Days after the murders, Lizzie was arrested and jailed for the murders.  Nine months later her trial was held and she was found not guilty but the two sisters lived under the guilt of public opinion for their remaining years.  

This is Sarah Schmidt's debut novel.  She is Australian and it is interesting that this murder has reverberated down through the years and around the world, fascinating all that have heard of it.  Schmidt has chosen to tell the story through alternating narrations, Lizzie, Emma, Bridget and a mystery man, Benjamin.  She uses the man to suggest he was on the scene and that was why a weapon was never found.  This book is recommended for mystery readers.