Lizzie Borden Society Forum

Has anyone read Maplecroft by Cherie Priest? I found it at the library (rather hubby pointed it out to me) in the horror section. It's fiction but so far, the characters are: Lizzie (who experiments on something- not sure yet, what), Emma (is suffering from consumption), Nance is mentioned, Abby, Andrew, and William (Andrew's son) and Dr. Seabury.

It's not something I'd read before bed! But here's what the back of the book says:

The people of Fall River, Massachusetts, fear me. Perhaps rightfully so. I remain a suspect in the brutal deaths of my father and his second wife despite the verdict of innocence at my trial. With our inheritance, my sister, Emma, and I have taken up residence in Maplecroft, a mansion near the sea and far from gossip and scrutiny.
But it is not far enough from the affliction that possessed my parents. Their characters, their very souls, were consumed from within by something that left malevolent entities in their place. It originates from the ocean's depths, plaguing the populace with tides of nightmares and madness.
This evil cannot hide from me. No matter what guise it assumes, I will be waiting for it. With an axe.

Goodness, Mystery, that sounds very intriguing!
I've never heard of it, but then, I've no knowledge really, about Lizzie Borden fiction. So Lizzie is experimenting. Some sort of formula to keep this entity away that's threatening her family, I suppose. You'll have to keep us informed about this one!

I have to admit I'm a sucker for good, well-made horror films, especially ghost stories, like 'The Others,' with Nicole Kidman, which remains one of my favourites, and 'The Woman in Black,' which I've seen on the stage and in the film version with Daniel Radcliffe, of Harry Potter fame. I also like reading the occasional Victorian ghost story.

So far, it's some sort of creature that appears to be taking over people's bodies- in fact, in the beginning, Lizzie is writing in her journal and says something like 'I believe it took over father's and step-mother's bodies before they were found dead.'

I'll have to get the exact quote. And yes, she does use her axe to kill them. Apparently, the creatures don't like iron.

OK. So it's a sort of alien-type of horror story. Is that what Lizzie's experiments have been about, to try and get the better of this thing or entity'? It's been hereditary in her family, correct? What part does Emma play in the story? Does Lizzie confide in her, or is she too ill? I suppose Lizzie goes on trial for using the axe? Are you enjoying this story or is it a bit boring?

It was interesting but now, it's kinda boring. Lizzie is trying to get the better of this thing. What I found amusing is Emma is suffering (dying?) of consumption but she's writing scientific articles under the name L.A. Borden.

Sounds interesting, Mystery. I found a web site which gives the rest of us a peek inside this book. Here is the link: http://tinyurl.com/qyys6fy

Thanks for posting that Twins!

I can't finish it. I scanned through it though but it's not as interesting as I thought it'd be.

You're welcome, Mystery.

I understand and can appreciate it when you say you can't finish the book. I hope you don't mind, but I have a question for you: Do you feel this book seems to be a lot like The Lizzie Borden Chronicles series?

I don't know as I've never read or heard of The Lizzie Borden Chronicles until recently. But probably so.

Thanks. Mystery. I think people who enjoy far-out, over-the-top, blood and gory fictionalized accounts of Lizzie Borden and her life after her acquittal will find both the Maplecroft book as well as The Lizzie Borden Chronicles series to their liking. To each their own.