“Erika Mailman writes a page turner of a thriller that will fascinate as well as terrify….Don’t read this at night; it will give you nightmares.” -New York Journal of Books

“Erika Mailman’s kaleidoscopic narrative melds true crime, historical fiction, and elements of a psychological thriller, all hinging on a singular question: ‘Who isn’t a survivor from the wreckage of childhood?’” -Foreword Reviews

“A complex and riveting parallax view of domestic crimes, decades apart.” -Kirkus

“Those interested in the Lizzie Borden tale…will appreciate Mailman’s research and be rewarded with this new perspective.” -Booklist

AMAZON
BARNES & NOBLE
POWELL’S

Winner: IPPY Award, gold medal for historical fiction 2017.
Winner: National Indie Excellence winner.

Key moments in the video:
6:18 recipe for “Lizzie’s Alibi” cocktail
8:10 preliminary Q&A
20:45 performance by Nicole Berry
46:57 concluding Q&A

What’s the plot?

The Murderer’s Maid interweaves the stories of two women: one, the servant of infamous Lizzie Borden, and the other a modern-day barista fleeing from an attempt on her life.

Trapped by servitude and afraid for her own safety, Irish maid Bridget finds herself an unwilling witness to the tensions in the volatile Borden household. As Lizzie seethes with resentment, Bridget tries to perform her duties and keep her mouth shut.

Unknowingly connected to the legendary crime of a century ago, Brooke, the illegitimate daughter of an immigrant maid, struggles to conceal her identity and stay a jump ahead of the men who want to kill her. When she unexpectedly falls in love with Anthony, a local attorney, she has to decide whether to stop running and begin her life anew.

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 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.

Advance praise:

The Murderer’s Maid is a fascinating and deeply chilling tale. Erika Mailman weaves a story that is by turns poignant, compelling and murderously suspenseful.
-Kathleen Kent, author of The Heretic’s Daughter

The Murderer’s Maid is amazing! Fascinating, mesmerizing, and so darkly atmospheric that you keep looking over your shoulder as you read. A truly unique voice.
-Diana Gabaldon, author of the Outlander series

Audio clips

One of my favorite interviews, an 11 minute conversation with Beth Ruyak of Capitol Public Radio on her acclaimed show “Insight.” Take the dog around the block for a listen?

Here’s something fun, a two-minute Bumpers podcast I did with journalist Rich Ehisen, titled “Did Lizzie Do It?” Click here to listen.