This was a gripping and devastating story that kept me glued to its pages. Set in the 1930’s, it follows Betty Gow, an immigrant from Scotland, who is hired to be the nanny to the Lindbergh family. Most of us has heard of the Lindbergh kidnapping, about Little Charlie’s fate, but this story is told in the POV of Charlie’s nanny, Betty, whom the 20 month old was under care on that horrific night. This not only shows a deep insight into Betty who was a suspect, but the Lindbergh’s strange relationship, especially Charles odd belief’s about Hitler and the cruel rules they had Betty follow in caring for the baby. This book turned out to be quite interesting by painting the Lindbergh’s in another light! Recommend. 4.5 stars — Pub. 11/15/22

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Before reading this book, I knew the basics of the kidnapping of infant Charlie Lindbergh. Reading about the case in the form of a novel brought so much clarity to the young child’s surroundings and family life. I definitely found myself fact checking and reading up on the archived news articles online. I enjoyed reading about Betty and the role she played in Charlie’s life. It’s a heart wrenching case and it’s a shame how it was handled.

Although this is an interesting topic, I had a hard time connecting to the story, which made it hard to get through this book.

The Lindbergh Nanny by Mariah Fredericks is a moving, relatively accurate account of before, during, and after the Lindbergh kidnapping. There have been many theories about what happened, many wondering if the correct man was captured and accused. This is primarily the story of the nanny, Betty Gow, who had come from Scotland, mostly at the behest of her boyfriend, whom she had joined in Detroit. That had not worked out when she discovered she was not special; that he had many women. She interviewed for and was hired by the Lindberghs to care of their son, Charlie. Col. Lindbergh had many strange ideas about how to treat a toddler and Betty tried to follow his rules, even when common sense told her better. She loved this little boy and respected the Lindberghs. Then tragedy struck. For a while they had hope, even paid a ransom. Then everything fell apart as a body was found, not far from the house. Betty was the first to identify the him, hoping to lessen the Lindbergh’s pain, especially if it was not Charlie. The second part of the book was the investigation, how it focused on the employees, and the misery it caused. Betty’s Norwegian boyfriend was deported, although not involved with the kidnapping, caught up in the investigation. It was a time of misery with the police berating them, individually and as a group. The focus turned to what one of them might have said to someone by accident, not knowing what would happen.

This was a well-written, well-researched piece of Americana. The personalities of each of the players was written in to the story so well, it was almost like reading non-fiction, except it was more readable. The striking difference in the lifestyles of the Lindbergh/Morrow servants, regular people, and the Lindberghs was striking. Such a class system in a country that had struggled to eliminate class. Nearly all of the servants were immigrants, and white. Another amazing fact. The police made no effort to be kind or even fair, most of them. They were rude and accusatory and never forgot who their clients were. It was in interesting historical piece. I enjoyed every moment of it. And I learned so much.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of The Lindbergh Nanny by St Martin’s Press, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #StMartinsPress #MariahFredericks #TheLindberghNanny

This histfic tale on the nanny in the legendary kidnapping case of Charles Lindbergh's son captivated me from page one. I've read much about the infamous story, but focusing on the nanny's character gave deeper insight into the shattering impact on all involved. A tragedy given new life by this compelling retelling, highly recommended for those intrigued by the "trial of the century."

The mystery surrounding the kidnapping and death of the 20-month old baby, Charles, Jr., the child of Colonel Charles Lindbergh and Anne Morrow Lindbergh has haunted the public for close to a hundred years. This book centers around the Nanny, Betty Gow, as she became a suspect in the kidnapping from the beginning. Her life before applying for the position is carefully analyzed by the author, Mariah Fredericks. The staff for the Lindberghs and many from the Morrow household is examined as to their actions before and after the kidnapping. This book also reflects on Charles and Anne’s relationship to the child who seem to not have him as the most important priority in their lives often leaving him for months to enjoy their life in the skies of travel. While they were afraid of the public attention to the child, they live in a remote location with little regard to security. This book with its notes on the research of the subjects involved makes this appealing to history buffs and those interested in crime thrillers and historical fiction. This story will stay with you; yet the mystery continues—so sad. Thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for an ARC of this book; this is my honest review.

Thank you NetGalley and Minotaur Books for this e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Wow! Truly fascinating! @mariahfredericks definitely did her research. I really enjoyed reading this historical fiction thriller based on a true story from the Nanny’s POV. I went in to this book blind because I really didn’t know anything about the Lindbergh kidnapping. It was a treat how Mariah Fredericks added some information at the end of the book about the real Betty Gow. I also had to do some research of my own and looked up some articles on the case. Highly recommend if you enjoy historical fiction or would like to learn more about the Lindbergh kidnapping from a different perspective.

What a well researched, thought out book! The story highlights the Lindbergh Nanny and her relationship and emotions during the famous kidnapping of Charles Lindbergh Jr in the 30s. Emotions are high in this story - and Fredericks does an incredible job of showing the destruction and heartbreak, as well as the love, between the family and those closest to them. A wonderfully well written book. A must read for anyone interested in history and historical fiction.
Thank you netgalley for my advanced reader copy

As in all historical novels The Lindbergh Nanny is born from fact and interspersed with fiction, Mariah Fredericks gives the reader a well known story about a famous kidnapping while focusing on the nanny and the rest of the hired help. It is well told and engaging.

I decided this would be the first book I read for nonfiction November. I would venture to say most people my age knows the story of the Lindbergh baby. In 1932, Charles Lindbergh Jr was kidnapped from his bedroom in his home in New Jersey, while his mother and nanny and some other servants were downstairs. The story immediately made international headlines. This book is from the viewpoint of Betty Gow, known as the Lindbergh Nurse, and what she endured because of it. The aftermath of his kidnapping and subsequent death affected all those who surrounded him. Betty herself was questioned and considered a suspect as well as several of the other servants on staff.

It is clearly obvious that the author of this book did extensive research into this topic and is able to blend fact and fiction in a way that is believable but not over the top. The story takes us on a journey into the lives of not only the help but also the rich and famous. Betty loved Charles Jr and was just as distraught as his family was but was not able to express it openly. Even though this is a famous story, and we all know how it ends, I felt the author was able to keep me engaged throughout the story and the telling from Betty's point of view made it personal and intimate.

I rather liked the ending of the book where the author gave information about the real Betty Gow, how her story came about and was told, how she lived and died. She also goes into detail about the fiction parts she put into the story and why. I always enjoy a good true crime novel, and this was no exception. A fascinating story with so many moving parts and of course the topic of many theories as to what really happened that fateful night. I received this book free from NetGalley for an honest review.

Dear The Lindbergh Nanny,
You are one of the reasons I love historical fiction. I didn't really know much about the kidnapping of Charlie Lindbergh. I didn't know that his body was found, that his death was deemed accidental, or that his killer was even caught. All I knew was that Lindberg was famous, and that his baby was kidnapped. You taught me so much about the infamous case, and how muddied all of it was for those closest to the Lindbergh family. I loved getting to know Betty Gaow and her struggles with responsibility and guilt related to the crime. I was angered, but sadly not surprised, at the treatment of both Betty and Violet by the police and the media, villanizing them both because of lifestyle choices. I have stayed away from historical fiction for a while, but you got me over my slump and I am looking forward to diving back into the genre

I received an ARC of The Lindbergh Nanny in exchange for an honest review. This is a historical fiction about the Lindbergh baby kidnapping. While based on a real event, the book reads like a you expect a fiction book to read. The investigation of the case is covered, as well as who possible suspects were. The nanny, Betty Gow, is considered one of the suspects early, even though the Lindbergh's never suspected her. This is a very good retelling of the Lindbergh kidnapping.

Fascinating story of one of the most publicized kidnappings in history. It is historical fiction and the author does a wonderful job explaining at the end of the book what is real vs fiction and how it was determined. I loved this because after enjoying a beautifully written story, I could understand the history.

The story spans the entire kidnapping beginning from when the nanny was hired through the trial. The nanny is the main character and I liked her. She is strong minded and loves the child. I recommend this book if you want to learn about the kidnapping or read historical fiction from 1930’s.

I’ve read various accounts of the kidnapping and death of the Lindbergh baby, but never considered the servants angle of the story. I knew nothing nothing about Betty Gow I’d her story, until now.
Telling much of the story from the hired help’s perspective adds a compelling dimension. I felt sorry for Betty who had to bear intense scrutiny and accusations while she lived with the immense guilt for the rest of her life.
I appreciated the author’s notes at the end.
There have always been facets to the Lindbergh crime that have just never added up for me, but this book was not meant to “solve” the crime anew.

The Lindbergh Nanny is a fascinating read that includes intriguing facts and dispels rumors that have surrounded the case for many years. This novel is a must-read for history buffs!

Thank you so much to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Mariah Fredericks for the opportunity to read this e-arc in exchange for my honest review.

I really enjoyed this book! I had heard of the Lindbergh kidnapping but didn't know many of the details so this book was fascinating and heartbreaking to me. I loved the authors writing style, and she hooked me into the story right away and I couldn't put this one down. If you are a true crime or history fan, I highly recommend checking this one out!

THE LINDBERGH NANNY
Mariah Fredericks

I don’t know what I expected, but it wasn’t this.

THE LINDBERGH NANNY written by Mariah Fredericks is a historical fiction mystery that is not wholly fictitious and inherently not mysterious. The book is loosely based on the 1932 Lindbergh kidnapping case, specifically the Lindbergh’s nanny-Betty Gow, and her involvement.

It took me a good amount of time to latch on to the story.

The first thing I noticed was a lack of connection with the characters. It was almost as if you were reading from behind a veil. I cannot imagine anything more emotionally driven than the situation these characters were in, yet they were tepid, flat, emotionless, and seemed to be going through the motions. I can only assume that it was intentional that we interpret their behavior this way.

However intentional it was, it read like it was researched and came across at first as a rather dry and boring reading experience. Once I caught on to the writing style and reconciled with the fact that I’d be questioning my memory of the case throughout the duration of the book, I settled into a groove and enjoyed the rest of my time.

In conclusion, I felt that the author struggled with the constraints of writing a fictional novel about historical people. Knowing what to keep true to fact and what details to fictionalize for effect is key for this kind of material. I don’t know that the author was 100% successful.

Thanks to Dreamscape Media, Netgalley, and St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books for the advanced copies!

THE LINDBERGH NANNY...⭐️⭐️⭐️

I just finished the Lindbergh Nanny by Mariah Fredericks and here are my musings

Betty Gow is desperate for a job so when an interview becomes available to nanny for the famous Lindberghs, it’s too good an opportunity to pass up. Charles Sr, Americas golden boy with his lovely family makes headlines wherever he goes and his son, Charlie, is almost as famous as he is.

Becoming overly attached to young Charlie, Betty navigates the perils of being the nanny to the world's most famous baby and outsiders need to see him. After a love affair gone sour leaves her heartbroken, Betty finds solace in caring for Charlie and accepts the attention of Red, a sailor… Then one night, Charlie is just gone.

All eyes turn to betty. How can she clear her own name and find out what really happened to the child who stole her heart?

I found this book quite lovely. I actually didn’t know much about the Lindbergh case so it was interesting to see how this book unfolded around such a massive historical event. It did send me down the google rabbit hole. I have questions that obviously cannot be answered but I am not satisfied with the official story.

I found the Lindberghs to be quite a weird couple and not just because they left their baby for months without providing money to cover new clothing but there was something very odd in their demeanors as well. I have to admit that I kind of wonder if Charles Senior didn’t have something to do with the death of his son. I can’t shake the feeling.

The author did a fantastic job of humanizing Betty but I am not going to lie, it was a little boring in places. Not enough that it made the book unenjoyable but enough that they could have probably taken those parts out.

Solid writing and I love the flow of the book and for the most part it was well paced but like I said, there were definitely things I would have removed personally.

4 stars! Calling historical fiction fans! This book is a must for you, especially if you like true events in your HF!

Thank you to #Netgalley and st martins press for my review copy!!

Easily one of my favorite reads of the year. This is historical fiction exactly the way I like it best: detailed, authentic, and most of all, respectful of the actual human beings who were involved in the tragedy of Charles Augustus Lindbergh Jr's abduction.

If you enjoy reading historical fiction, I highly recommend you pick up The Lindbergh Nanny by Mariah Fredericks. This is a well written, very well researched story of the kidnapping of the Lindbergh baby back in the 1930’s. It is told from the perspective of the Nanny or Nurse as they sometimes called her back then. An inside look of Betty Gow, she tells us her point of view of what actually happened and just how much she loved that child. This is a captivating story with secrets, mystery, tragedy, and all the sadness and heartbreak that surrounded that kidnapping. Ms. Fredericks does a wonderful job with this one, her research is very deep and detailed. Based on real life events, this tragic story touched many lives and ruined some also. Kudos to Ms. Fredericks for the added note at the end of the book, it was a definite added plus!

Thank you NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and Mariah Fredericks for allowing me the honor to receive an advanced copy of this fascinating book. I love to read and learn. My opinions are my own.
#netgalley #thelindberghnanny #stmartinspress #mariahfredericks #stmartinsinfluencer #arc