✨ The Lindbergh Nanny ✨⁣
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⁣In 1932, twenty month old Charles Lindbergh Jr. was kidnapped from his crib- never to be seen alive again. The Lindbergh Nanny tells the story of the young women who was caring for him at the time- Betty Gow. ⁣
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⁣The case soon makes international news- shooting Betty into fame and the intense interest of both the police and the public. Betty must find the truth about what happened that night- both to clear her own name and find justice for young Charlie. ⁣
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⁣While this book blends historical fact with fiction, you can tell the author did a ton of research. It was emotional, gripping and thoughtful. The events surround little Charlie’s disappearance are vividly described and the characters are well developed.⁣
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⁣I enjoyed this heartbreaking tale and recommend it to historical fiction readers! Four stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⁣
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⁣Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book. It publishes tomorrow- November 15, 2022. ⁣
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⁣How’s your weather? It’s cold, snowy and windy here today!

Fascinating topic as I knew very little about the kidnapping of the Lindbergh baby in 1932. The story is told from the viewpoint of the recently hired nanny, Betty. The first half builds up to the kidnapping, introducing the characters, including the Lindberghs, and was interesting to read. The second half focuses on the aftermath of the crime. This is where, for me, it becomes less interesting and slow placed.

The author weaves fact and fiction to describe the police investigation and Betty’s own efforts to find the culprit. Police believed it was an inside job so suspicion falls on the household staff, including Betty. I would have found it more interesting to have seen the story unfold from the point of view of the Lindberghs or indeed, from multiple points of views. Betty is an interesting character with her own secrets and complications but I did not care enough about her to have her be the voice of the story. The story does touch on themes of social power between the classes, Lindbergh’s views on child raising, and his fondness for Hitler’s Nazi views but the overall execution of the novel made this a story that was a just an average read for me.

Thanks to St. Martin’s Press and Netgalley for this ARC. All opinions are my own.

Overall, I enjoyed reading The Lindbergh Nanny, though I have to say the first 100 pages were a bit slow. In those pages, we are introduced to Betty, Charlie, and the staff at the Morrow and Lindbergh houses. I feel these pages were a bit sluggish because I wanted to get to the mystery part of the story. While I understand the need to introduce the players, I don’t understand the need to drag out their introductions.

While reading The Lindbergh Nanny, it is easy to see that the author researched the subject as she gives many detailed descriptions of events. In the author’s notes, she even explains this was a historical event that drew her in when she was younger, and as such knew she wanted to write her own story about it.

Betty Gow, a Scottish immigrant, has been hired to take care of little Charlie Lindbergh. Betty discovers the Lindberghs to be very distant from their child and their home. But, Betty steps into her role and falls quickly for little Charlie. When he disappears, she is the first suspect in the public eye.

I truly did not like Betty Gow at the beginning. She just did not seem like the ideal nanny the Lindbergh’s would pick. But, she did grow on me. And of course, I had to google her. She really had a hard time when Charlie was kidnapped.

This story started very strong. It sort of slowed down a bit in the middle. I felt it had too many everyday mundane details However, it really is captivating in many places because of the catastrophe and the mystery. Plus, I knew about the kidnapping but I really did not know a lot of the circumstances. So, I learned a great deal and that is a huge bonus!

Need a good book about a real life tragedy…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

Historical fiction and true crime mix together in The Lindbergh Nanny.
Author Mariah Fredericks has taken the case of the real-life abduction and murder of baby Charles Lindbergh Jr in 1932 and assigned a new slant of events.
Thank you to Minotaur Books and Netgalley for my e-ARC for review!
Betty Gow recently immigrated from Scotland and joined the Lindbergh family - famed pilot Charles Lindbergh and wife Anne Morrow - in their home as live-in nanny to young Charlie.
I was somewhat familiar with the Lindbergh case prior to this book, but reading it had me flipping back and forth to find out what events were alternate to those in real life.
In other words, I was very much engaged.
It's not only a fictional version of the case, but also a deeper look into the family it affected. Obviously, with a mystery at the core. Recommended!
For release on Nov. 15.

I was interested to read this book because it was based on the well-known historical event of the missing Lindbergh baby back in 1932. I had, of course, heard of the crime but knew little about it. This story is a blend of fiction and fact that tells the story through the eyes of young Charlie's nanny, Betty Gow.

The story is set within the months leading up to Charlie's abduction, during the hunt for the child and the aftereffects. The first half of the story was intriguing, and readers get a look into the Lindberghs' posh lifestyle, their (odd) family dynamics and Charles Lindbergh Sr.'s stance on issues like eugenics.

But the second half was a struggle for me. I put the book down a few times in the hopes that I'd come back to it with renewed interest, but the pacing was too slow and had a muddled feel as many characters and theories of 'whodunnit' are introduced and tertiary, unnecessary plot lines (ie. Lindbergh teaching Betty to drive) are included. I liked the idea of telling the story through the eyes of 'the help', but the story becomes more about Betty than the crime. Her life is rather dull and with only her perspective, readers are stuck in her head as she comes up with theory after theory of who could have kidnapped the child. The actual kidnapping (which has never been solved) felt glossed over and not as emotional as I was expecting.

I wanted to enjoy this book more than I did. It is clear that this book has been well-researched, and I appreciated the author's notes in the back of the book where she details the historical facts she included in her fictionalized story. But, unlike the many four- and five-star reviews, I am in the minority and found the story underwhelming and missing that personal element or a sense of urgency.

Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to Minotaur Books for the complimentary digital copy of this book which was provided to me in exchange for my honest review.

I didn’t know much about the kidnapping of Charlie as a baby from the very famous Lindbergh family. Betty was the nanny for the baby when he went missing and this book is told from her view. She was a suspect as she was the last to see him that night and. She was very fond of Charlie and struggled with his disappearance and tried to figure out what happened exactly. The book is pretty true to what happened during this time and I learned a lot reading it.

I very much enjoyed reading and learning about this event in history. It was well written and I enjoyed getting to know Betty’s character. If you’re a fan of historical fiction based on true events I definitely recommend this one.

Thanks to @netgalley and the publisher for an eARC for an honest review!

Wow, what a read. OMG, I was hooked on this from the moment that I started reading and had to finish it in one sitting. I could not put it down. This story will drag you in and keep you reading. This book moves along at a really great pace which is perfect for the story. You feel s though you are there experiencing everything that is happening. You have to read this book, you will not be sorry that you did.

Overall: ☆☆☆☆ (3.6)
Writing style: ☆☆☆
Entertainment ☆☆☆☆
Characters ☆☆☆☆
Plot: ☆☆☆☆
Ending:☆☆☆

First and foremost, I would love to thank Net-Galley, the author, and publishers for allowing me the opportunity to obtain an ARC copy of this novel for my honest opinion and review.

Lets start with the plot. Is anyone else fascinated by the kidnapping of this high profile babe? Who gave the information to the kidnappers? Who had knowledge? Was everyone hired and trusted by both the Morrows and the Lindbergh's not to be trusted?? So many questions that surround this kidnapping and murder of this baby. Was it supposed to end in murder? Did the baby fall when the kidnapper's ladder broke? Was the ransom money split between the insider who released the information and the kidnapper. Or was the person who was convicted truly as innocent as they claimed? Was it a set up? Could his own father have facilitated it, in a hopes to hiding potential disabilities his son may have had, when he strongly supported Eugenics?

So many conspiracies' surrounded the kidnapping of Charlie Lindbergh, and this author takes the leap to make it as plausible as the mind can fathom.

While most people are aware of the cloud of suspicion that fell over Violet Sharpe, many do not know the scrutiny that the other household help endured at the hands of the police and society. At the end of the novel, the author relays why she chose to weave the story in the perspective of Charlie's nurse/nanny, who was one of the few people who were involved in most aspects of the investigation; including suspicion of herself, suspicion of her boyfriend, identifying the body, and testifying at trial. Writing from the Nanny's perspective was a great choice by this author and truly interesting.

Not to mention, the ending excerpt of what is true and a work of fiction was very interesting and much needed to truly appreciate this authors abilities.

However, I did at times feel confused by what the author was trying to convey throughout the story, or to develop a mind's image as to what she was trying to describe. One such area was at the trial. At one point the defense attorney is talking, and without a descriptive scene indicating that the defense was done and prosecution was now talking, the prosecuting attorney began talking. I found myself rereading it over and over trying to determine what was happening. Trying to determine if I missed a sentence or 2 that would of shown a different character was now talking. It almost felt like an error in the writing. I eventually just moved along.

Other areas were very "foggy" in the descriptive area, and I would of preferred more attention to details.

Otherwise, I was entertained and enjoyed this portrayal of what is known and speculated to have occurred to one of America's most infamous babies. I hope this novel gets the credit it deserves, because it is a true work of art to take the facts of this crime and create a story that is beautiful and so tragic at the same time. The author did an amazing job showing the love and compassion that the nanny had for her little Charlie, as well as the uphill battle she had to face when suspected of having a hand in his kidnapping.

I have enjoyed the Jane Prescott historical mysteries by Mariah Fredericks, she really does her research. When I saw this title I knew I wanted to read it. I wasn't disappointed. Going in I had a general knowledge of the case of the Lindbergh kidnapping but that was straight forward true crime. Mariah Fredericks comes at the case from the POV of Betty Gow, his nurse/nanny. How tragic to have to deal with the loss of little Charlie but then to be one of the prime suspects and hounded by the press. Forensics didn't exist as we know even the basics and people were swarming all over the Lindbergh property from the get go. We will never know if Hauptmann really was guilty because of that. Seeing the investigation evolve from Betty's perspective was a new take on the case and I found it even more intense and heartbreaking that what I had read previously. I would not hesitate to recommend this well written and thoroughly researched book to friends who read historical mysteries, true crime or historical fiction.
My thanks to the publisher Minotaur and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

The Lindbergh Nanny is the story about the kidnapping and murder of Charles Lindbergh, Jr., told from the Nanny's point of view. It is a compelling tale wrapped up in fiction and well documented historical facts.

Betty Gow, was hired to be Nanny caring for Charles. It is hard not to believe that she didn't bond with the baby. The grief and guilt she must have felt that he was taken while he was her charge must have overwhelming. All of the staff that night was thoroughly questioned and were considered suspects. It hard to believe that she could overcome all the finger pointing and doubt of everyone. People can be cruel and so judgmental.

I really enjoyed how the story was told from Betty's point of view. The characters are so lifelike it is hard not to feel like a fly on the wall eavesdropping on the events. The story builds with information and the whole time you know that the baby will be kidnapped but you don't know all of what leads up to it. It made it so believable and thrilling.

Although classed as historical fiction, this is a riveting read with much of the truth at its base. Very well written, it engages from the beginning all through till the end. A very good read!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for this ARC!

We’ve all read/heard of the Lindbergh kidnapping/murder of Charles Lindbergh Jr. that took place on
March 1, 1932. It was truly heartbreaking for the family, but I’ve never read the story from the perspective of the Lindbergh nanny, the last person to be with baby Charles before his disappearance and considered to be a suspect in the investigation. This book shares the story of the nanny, Betty Gow, and how this tragedy changed her life.

I love it when a historical fiction story is based on facts and some mystery thrown in. The fact that this is also a true crime story, checks off the true crime junkie box for me.

I knew of this historical case, but not the details. Mariah Fredericks does a remarkable job of mixing facts with fiction through research to present us with a true page-turner. Included in the author’s notes, she differentiates between the facts and her added fiction element.

Betty Gow was a devoted nursemaid, taking care of Charlie day and night. While grieving herself after his disappearance, she had the added horror of being considered a suspect in the police investigation. When the baby’s body was found, it was Gow that the police asked to identify the child’s decomposing corpse. The horrific experience/tragedy along with the guilt that Gow felt because the kidnapping happened under her watch changed her life forever.

After doing some research of my own, I realize that there are many conspiracy theories out there as to who committed this crime. A man was convicted and executed for the kidnapping/death of Charlie, but many still have doubts as to whether he did it and/or who else was involved.

Overall, The Lindbergh Nanny is a captivating, well-researched and passionately written story based on the real-life events of this unforgettable tragedy. Recommended for any historical fiction, mystery, or true crime lover.

I loved the description of this book so when it was approved I was so excited to read it! The Lindbergh Nanny is a great historical fiction was very engaging from the first page to the last. This book centers around the true existence of Betty Gow, the nanny (or nurse) of Charlie Lindbergh, the young child kidnapped and murdered in the 1930s. This is her story. I knew of the case but not the details - this book was great educating too! The author does a fantastic job creating a fictional story based on true elements, facts, and people. Her ability to weave fiction into fact, and make it real, raw, and evoke such emotions, is beyond impressive. I loved the information at the end regarding the end of Betty’s life and the author’s use of fact vs fiction. It added a lot of important detail to the novel. I highly recommend this gem!

Thank you NG and St. Martin’s Press for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

The heartbreaking and arresting story of the Lindbergh kidnapping was only a glimmer of a memory in my mind and to avoid spoiling the story went into it without prior researching it for a fresh look. Author Mariah Fredericks writes true accounts from copious studies and research (see her fascinating notes at the back) and is careful to differentiate between fact and her version of fiction. The Lindbergh Nanny is told from the perspective of the nanny Betty Gow who came under suspicion of kidnapping...and worse. I carefully gathered snippets of information to form my own views as the story is enshrouded in conspiracy theories.

Betty, a Scottish immigrant secures the position of nanny to Charles (Charlie) Lindbergh II, a curly-haired cherubic toddler who lived in America. His parents raise him using the Watson (hands off) method but Betty quickly falls in love with the adorable boy and is careful to show him love in tender touches and encouragement. Charles Lindbergh Sr. was the first to fly across the Atlantic and so garnered the world's attention. His shy wife Anne Morrow Lindbergh was also an aviator. Their passion for travel took them all over, leaving their wee son in the care of his nanny for months.

The family, Betty and staff were all at home at secluded Hopewell (Highfields) at the time of the 1932 kidnapping. The kidnapper sent ransom notes, demanding money, some of which was discovered later. Betty was Suspect #1 at first and with some remained that way. Her life after the tragedy was difficult as she was bombarded with threats and known as "that" nanny for several years, even after she left New Jersey. I like that the author includes this information as well as the stories of Violet and others.

If you are a fan of True Crime (especially if questions remain as to resolution) and Historical Fiction written with plenty of thought and consideration, do read this gripping and fascinating story. The author's words whisked me away immediately.

My sincere thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for providing me with an early digital copy of this thought-provoking unputdownable book. Some questions were answered yet many more are swirling in my mind which prompted me to do research of my own. Talk about fascinating!

So much has been written about the 1932 kidnapping of Charles Lindbergh, Jr., son of aviator Charles Sr. and his wife Anne Morrow Lindbergh. But, because she kept an extremely low profile for the rest of her life, not much is really known about Charlie’s nurse (nanny) who was the last person to see the baby alive, as well as the person who had the difficult duty of identifying his remains.

Although after the baby died, she went back to her home in Scotland, she found it difficult to get another job anywhere doing anything. She was looked at as a monster because the media had dubbed her as someone suspicious in the death. The experience affected her in so many ways. She never married or had children. It was only much later in her life that she decided to an interview to tell her story as she absolutely knew it.

Betty Gow came to the United States to be with a man she had been dating back home in Scotland. Unfortunately, that did not work out. Desperate to find a job, someone suggested her to the Lindbergh’s who were looking for a nurse for their baby Charlie. When she got the job, she couldn’t believe her luck.

Although the Lindbergh’s were a bit different, traveling frequently and leaving the baby at home, and Charles Sr. whom she dubbed as odd with “different” views, she adored the baby and got along well with the other staff. She enjoyed going out with the others from the household for drinks and even started dating a sailor named Henrik. She was very cautious with everyone, not wanting to overstep her boundaries for fear of being fired.

But everything changed the night Charlie disappeared. Suddenly she was thrust into the media and Betty became the Lindbergh Nanny forevermore. The media, suspicious of her from the start accused her of having something to do with the kidnapping. She could not fight back. And then her boyfriend was arrested.

All the while, Betty is grieving the loss of a child she adored, while suffering intolerable guilt blaming herself. If only…what if I had done… .

As much as the sensationalism of the kidnapping caused her anxiety, the trial of the kidnapper was an even greater worry as she played out different scenarios in her mind as to perhaps someone from the household possibly aiding with the kidnapping, knowingly or unknowingly. But her strength and intelligence were certainly on display as she aptly answered all questions thrown at her.

The story told by Betty is one of terror, horror, unresolved questions and dreadful guilt which lasted until the day she died.

Although most of the book is based on actual interviews, etc., Frederick’s does take liberties with some of her storytelling which she makes sure to tell the reader in the Afterward.

Although someone was brought to justice for this appalling murder, to this day there are still conspiracy theories as to who else could have been involved. But through it all no one ever really rallied around Betty, the Lindbergh Nanny whose only crime was loving and taking care of a baby in her charge. Until now.

Thank you #NetGalley #MonotaurBooks #MariahFredericks #TheLindberghNanny for the advanced copy.

Captivating, atmospheric, and immersive!

The Lindbergh Nanny is a fascinating, absorbing novel set in the early-1930s that sweeps you away to New Jersey and into the life of Betty Gow, a Scottish immigrant whose life is irrevocably changed when, after being hired by aviator Charles Lindbergh and his wife, heiress Anne Morrow Lindbergh to be the caregiver for their first child, Charles Lindbergh Jr., she becomes one of the prime suspects in his kidnapping when it becomes apparent that the twenty-month-old toddler was abducted through a window she left open.

The prose is smooth and fluid. The characters are multi-layered, secretive, and troubled. And the plot builds nicely to create tension and suspense as it unravels all the histories, motivations, personalities, and relationships within it.

Overall, The Lindbergh Nanny is an insightful, well-written, tragic tale by Fredericks based on real-life events that does an exceptional job of highlighting her impressive research and knowledge into what is undoubtedly one of the most famous kidnapping cases of all time.

I liked that this book is told from the perspective of the nanny. I don't know a lot about the Lindbergh kidnapping but this book encouraged me to find more non-fiction to learn more. The author introduces many characters from the household staff and it is through them that we learn the details. I am a big fan of historical fiction and I loved learning more about this time period.

4.5/5 (rounded up to 5 stars on here)

Thank you NetGalley and Minotaur books for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!

A historical fiction set int the 1930s that focuses on the most famous kidnapping of Charles Lindbergh, Jr, Yes please! I haven’t heard much about this story but it is now something that I am definitely more interested in. You can definitely tell the amount of time that the author put into the research of this book and I loved the end section that discussed the fact vs. fiction at the end. I thought it was a nice touch and definitely helped provide the readers with additional information on this case.

I also loved that his book followed the nanny throughout the events. You could feel all the details that came through the pages and I feel like it just helped bring the story to life more. There were a few parts in the middle that dragged just a little but overall I would highly recommend this book. I loved the characters and how much thought went into them and just felt like they made the book. If you like historical fiction books, then you are going to LOVE this one!
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This review will be posted to my Instagram blog (read_betweenthecovers) in the near future!

A great historical mystery about the dynamic Lindbergh family and the kidnapping of their 20 month old son, Charles, Jr. . The author, Mariah Fredericks, does an excellent job in gathering facts, dispelling rumors and allegations. This is so well articulated with the inside story from the Lindbergh nanny, Betty, that I had not read. I like the way she compiled court documents, letters, diary entries and testimonies to create the atmosphere of what it was like for each character. I have read so many depictions of this controversial mystery, but never have I felt it was enough until I read this one. I felt the pain of all and can't imagine how the not knowing or the finger pointing did not tear them apart.

With each chapter, I felt we were closing in to the real killer. The characters introduced left imprints of how the police would accuse them then regroup to attack someone else. Some were released as justice served, but others were haunted by the newspapers depicting them having a part in this horrible crime and conspiracy against one of the wealthiest families in America in the 1930's.

It is still a mystery, but you will want to know what was uncovered in the end. Well-researched and indoctrinated with real people and how could anyone forget those adorable pictures of the Lindbergh baby with his blond tousled curls. Betty's love for the baby was real and how she cared for him appeared sincere. To know her testimony lives on and the unquestionable doubt she carried to her grave, she would be honored by this retelling.
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.