The Murderer's Maid: A Lizzie Borden Novel

Written by Erika Mailman

Narrated by Stacy Gonzalez

A True Crime Thriller
“Fascinating, mesmerizing, and so darkly atmospheric that you keep looking over your shoulder as you read.” ―Diana Gabaldon, internationally-bestselling author of the Outlander series

Winner of Two Historical Fiction Awards in 2018 (IPPY Gold Medal Award and National Indie Excellence Award)
#1 Bestseller in Historical Ireland

In this historical murder thriller, author Erika Mailman (also winner of the 2007 Bram Stoker Award for her novel The Witch’s Trinity) brings the true story of the brutal murder of Lizzie Borden’s father and stepmother into new focus by adding a riveting contemporary narrative.

With historical detail and taut, modern storytelling, Erika Mailman writes a captivating novel about identity, choices, freedom, and murder. She offers readers a fresh perspective on the notorious 19th century crime and explores the trials of immigrants seeking a better life while facing down fear and oppression, today and throughout history. Intelligent and detailed, The Murderer’s Maid is a gripping read from beginning to bloody conclusion.

The Murderer’s Maid interweaves the stories of two women, the 19th century servant of infamous Lizzie Borden and the other a 21st century modern-day barista fleeing from an attempt on her life. Irish maid Bridget Sullivan, trapped by servitude and afraid for her own safety, finds herself an unwilling witness to the tensions in the volatile Borden household. In 2016, Brooke, the illegitimate daughter of an immigrant maid, is unknowingly connected to the legendary 19th century crime. Brooke struggles to conceal her identity and stay a jump ahead of the men who want to kill her.

If you have read and enjoyed Lizzie Borden books such as The Life and Trial of Lizzie Borden, A Private Disgrace, The History and Haunting of Lizzie Borden, Parallel Lives, The Secrets of Lizzie Borden, or The Fall River Tragedy; you will love Erika Mailman’s award winning true crime thriller The Murderer's Maid.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Everand Productions
• Release date: Jun 20, 2023
• ISBN: 9781094455686

Erika Mailman

Erika Mailman is the author of The Witch's Trinity, a San Francisco Chronicle Notable Book and Bram Stoker Award winner, and Woman of Ill Fame, a Pushcart Press Editor's Book Award nominee. She's a Yaddo fellow and lives in Northern California with her family. www.erikamailman.com

Reviews for The Murderer's Maid

[Michael AP · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

I’m sure you put an enormous amount of effort into writing this. But it was dreadful.

[Lucia Garcia · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

*** SPOILERS***
Ok, so Lizzie Borden, sure... but where is the point of these two stories told together? I mean, Lizzie Borden's story has been retold already several times, and while I found the history side interesting, I did not enjoy the lack of connection of Lizzie's story with Brooke's, why they are told together, and also the failure to explore more about Brooke.
I thought the story line of a love child left in Belgium was super flimsy and lazy. No elaboration on it, nor basis for that tidbit of fan fiction.
It would have been a lot better if the story line with Brooke had been her own, it could have been strong enough as a stand alone.

[Eliza-Mariah Chamberlain · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Original. Although I had heard the name Lizzy Borden, not being American I did not know much about her. Further, unlike most novels, I had no idea where the story was going so could not begin to guess the end. Well worth reading/listening to.

[Maja · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Fantastic books! I rarely leave reviews but this one deserves it. Great stories of the times and people, engaging characters and building of suspense.

[Karen Chandler · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This was a great inactant of the Lizzie Bordan murders. There was a lot of info I hadn't heard. If she didn't kill them, it is sad to go through life branded as a murderer.

[Samantha Bergeron The queen · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Such a captivating book! I thought I would like it even tho it's a little out of my normal read, but I love it! The reader has such a mesmerizing voice as well, I could listen to her talk all day

[Jamie Elizabeth Morse · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Such a great story teller - the kind of book you think about when your not reading!

[Kim Ring · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Loved this book. The secondary murder mystery is a little far fetched but it was the secondary murder so it was ok

[Maureen Armstrong · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Immersing myself in the story of Lizzie Borden has been a journey through horror and truth. Thank you.

[Mandi Stroud · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This was a great book. I'm not even sure how I came across it but I really enjoyed the how it all came together. The modern spin on an old story was a nice touch.

[Nancy Reyes OConnor · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I stopped at the caricature of Mexicans. And a fentanyl overdose years before it was used. If the author didn't get the present correct how could I trust the historical part.
Presumably the muders are linked, but the cliches of the present made me stop reading

[Joyce Harout · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Long, drawn-out, pointless, story. Makes no sense! It builds up to a fabulous potential, and then it just fizzles off to nothing. What the heck happened????

[Khadijah · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Didn’t realise at first that this was based on a true story. Reality is much wilder than fiction.

Extremely well written, thought the different perspectives would be difficult to follow but it was written masterfully. The narration was also spectacular and the clear differentiation between characters made it easy to follow.