“The Lindbergh Nanny” is a historical fiction book by Mariah Fredericks. Having grown up near where the Morrow family lived, I heard a lot about Anne Morrow Lindbergh and her famous husband, Charles Lindbergh - including “the kidnapping.” So, what I found interesting about this book was the viewpoint from the nurse/nanny Betty Gow, who like so many others was suspected of having something to do with the kidnapping but in the end didn’t. I’ll be honest - I’m not an armchair sleuth (and this book reminded me why I’m not) but how this case was investigated is rather curious. I did like the Author’s Note at the end - where Ms. Fredericks explains what might’ve happened and the issues that people have with what did happen. There’s also a link to sites discussing the case - as I’m sure there will always be questions about “the crime of the century.” I liked how Ms. Fredericks wove together facts and fiction in a manner that easily flowed together. I also liked how, in the end, Betty Gow comes up with her own explanation for what happened - as for what the truth is, we’ll never know. I did have a bit of trouble keeping some of the characters separated - along with who was with which household. I did find the portrayal of the child rearing method Lindbergh insisted upon to be draconian, though I have to remind myself that it was a different era - and not everyone followed the Watson theory.

A compelling read that touches on many contemporary topics such as immigration, class, and privilege, all wrapped in a mystery. Highly recommended for the intersection of. historical fiction and mystery.

Author Fredericks sheds light on the household staff at the Lindberghs' Hopewell, NJ home. Although suspicion was cast on most of the staff for the "inside information" which led to the kidnapping of 20 month old Charles Jr. , no one suffered as much under the harsh questioning as the boy's nurse/nanny, Betty Gow. Desperately needing the job, Betty Gow agrees to go along with the Lindbergh's strange ideas on child raising. This "method" seems cold and uncaring to Betty, no cuddles, no aid to a crying baby at night and leaving the baby alone on the front lawn for hours at a time. Her employer, Charles Lindbergh believes that the child needs to learn to become self-sufficient and should not be taught to rely on others for comfort. But with the Lindberghs constantly on the move across the globe, "Charlie's" care is left to Betty who can't help but bond with the child. When little "Charlie" is kidnapped, it is Betty who is devastated at being accused of arranging the whole affair. Through her letters home to Glasgow, conversations with other staff and her summer boyfriend, Henry, Fredericks lets us into Betty's thoughts, ideas and ultimately her realization of exactly who on the staff betrayed the trust of the family and led to the baby's kidnapping and death. Betty is a believable character who is based on the real Betty Gow. Extensive research into the Lindberghs, the household staff and the media blitz of the time allow the reader to understand the pressure, confusion and lifelong hurt that this woman experienced until the end of her life. A new take on a famous case of the 1930's. Not to be missed.

Historical fiction that reads like an Agatha Christie novel. I would love to think that Mariah Fredericks nailed it— but did she? It was hard to put down, yet I was sorry to finish this!

The Lindbergh Nanny imagines the real-life story of the Lindbergh baby kidnapping through the eyes of Bessie, Charlie's nanny, The author immediately starts the book with a brief summary of the outcome of this event, which may already be known to the reader. However, I went into this novel with no prior knowledge other than about Charles Lindbergh himself.

The story begins with Bessie getting hired by the Lindberghs, and progressing all the way through the trial. What I enjoyed was that the book did not get bogged down with excessive details. The dialogue and character descriptions seemed to be on point, and I felt compelled to see how the different pieces of the puzzle were coming together. My mind was engaged as I started to formulate my own theories and try to predict each person's involvement in what happened.

There are still many theories about who was involved in the kidnapping and whether or not it was a hoax, but the author doesn't seem biased in any way. She does give her personal opinion of the events in the back matter, but this is based on her extensive research she conducted in order to write this work of fiction.

I highly recommend this book; if you feel at all inclined to read it, do not hesitate! Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for providing an advanced e-reader copy of this book.

This book was very well written. The author really did her homework on the Lindbergh case. It feels as if we know what it's like to live with the family as a servant. Even though the story is well known, it was still a page turner.

I have read articles about the Lindbergh kidnapping but haven’t read books (fiction or nonfiction) about it. This was an intriguing story. Made you think about all sorts of possibilities. It was a very well written book.

For any one who is interested in the Lindbergh child kidnapping, this is a must read. Based on historical facts, this book draws you in right from the beginning. However, I did find it a little slow in parts. I w ill recommend it.

The Lindbergh kidnapping is a story known far and wide. Fredericks has written a piece of fiction that is written from the nanny, who was the most obvious suspect in the historical drama.
It is up to her to find the true kidnapper to clear her name.

Evocative of the era and as dramatic as the real events, this is a disturbing and intriguing read

I enjoyed the read and the retelling of a well known story. I would recommend it for fans of historical novels.

The Lindbergh Nanny by Mariah Fredericks is a great historical fiction that kept me engaged and on my toes from beginning to end.

This is an amazing book that 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 in general, but honestly I knew little else. By reading this I have learned so much! 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!

5/5 stars

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.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 11/15/22.