Historical fiction can be a bit hit or miss for me. The story of the Lindbergh kidnapping itself is very interesting, especially since the details of what exactly happened are still unknown today. I enjoyed this author's telling of it, but the narration was a bit weird at times and the story dragged some for my taste. It seemed like the book could have been shorter. I was also surprised to read in the author's note that he wanted to paint the nanny as a heroine, because I did not get that impression while reading. I didn't find her character to be particularly likeable or heroine-like. I think fans of historical fiction or anyone who is particularly intrigued by the Lindberghs will enjoy this book. Thanks to the author publisher and NetGalley for the ARC!

A heartbreaking story told from a new perspective, I really enjoyed the Lindbergh Nanny. I thought the theory that the story proposed was believable, and Betty was an amazing protagonist. The writing was beautiful, the characters were developed - it gave me a new image of who Charles Lindbergh possibly was - and the story extended beyond where I assumed it would end. I liked that it continued well beyond the kidnapping and we got to see Betty's life after the horrific event. I would definitely recommend this book to any reader of historical fiction.

A well thought out researched novel based on actual events told through the eyes of the nanny who was the last one to see poor charlie alive and even had to be the one to identify his remains. It was intriguing, well told and well documented. I apprecaited the author notes at the end on what was fact and what was fiction and where to find more info on the topic.

I listened to the audio version of this book, and really enjoyed it along with the narrator. Charles Lindbergh, Jr. was kidnapped from his home in New Jersey in 1932. His kidnapping made international headlines. Betty Gow, later known as the Lindbergh Nanny, was caring for Charles the night he was taken. She, along with other staff that night is thoroughly questioned, and Betty was considered a suspect.

This book blends fact and fiction in the telling of the kidnapping and the Nanny that loved him. The author did extensive research, and it shows. Most have heard of the Lindberg kidnapping, and this book takes a fresh look at the kidnapping.

I enjoyed how the author told the story and I also enjoyed the narrator of the audiobook. I enjoy books about real people and events and this one was a winner in my book!

This was beautifully written, and I found it to be well-thought out and researched.

I listened to the audio version of this book, and really enjoyed it along with the narrator. Charles Lindbergh, Jr. was kidnapped from his home in New Jersey in 1932. His kidnapping made international headlines. Betty Gow, later known as the Lindbergh Nanny, was caring for Charles the night he was taken. She, along with other staff that night is thoroughly questioned, and Betty was considered a suspect.

This book blends fact and fiction in the telling of the kidnapping and the Nanny that loved him. The author did extensive research, and it shows. Most have heard of the Lindberg kidnapping, and this book takes a fresh look at the kidnapping.

I enjoyed how the author told the story and I also enjoyed the narrator of the audiobook. I enjoy books about real people and events and this one was a winner in my book!

This was beautifully written, and I found it to be well-thought out and researched.

I'm sure we have all heard about Charles Lindbergh's famous first flight across the Atlantic and, probably outweighing that fame, the kidnapping and murder of his toddler son. But the details of this story are told through the eyes of little Charlie's nanny, Betty Gow. She is from Scotland and comes to America for a better life working as a nanny. The Lindbergh's hire Betty to care for little Charlie soon before they leave for Japan. So, the first third of the book is focused on Betty's life, her love and joy of caring for Charlie, the other people who work at the house and the people she meets. This part of the book was a bit slow for me, but it laid the ground work for the people the police were investigating, including Betty herself! The Author's actual history she shared at the end of the book on Betty Gow and the actual investigation were most interesting. My thanks to Net Galley and Minotaur Books for a copy of this e-book.

Betty Gow is chosen to be the nanny for the most famous baby in America. When Charlie Lindbergh is kidnapped, Betty becomes a prime suspect. This fictional account of the kidnapping from Betty’s perspective shines new light on the adored family and the horrific crime.

💭 I am not a reader of historical fiction in most cases, however this crime has always been fascinating to me. So when offered the opportunity to read this and from the viewpoint of the nanny, I couldn’t pass it up.

The author provides some details that make some of the theories of the crime more plausible. For one, the Lindbergh’s were not as likable in private as they were in public. The people surrounding the family all had secrets and reasons to be suspects, including Betty herself.

I kept going back to the actual history to make comparisons and I will be looking for some documentaries to watch. I am even more curious if any of these theories could actually be the truth now that I’ve read this. The author’s note tells what is fact and what is fiction. So well done!

I have always been fascinated by true crime and the Lindbergh case is a notorious one. In this story, Fredericks chooses to tell the story through Charlie's nanny, Betty Gow. A young woman from Scotland, whose love for the boy oozes from the pages. She was the last one to see the little boy, and the first to discover he had disappeared. You are taken through that day as Betty ticks through every person she saw or talked to. The heartbreak and the emotion that Betty goes through as they search for months for Charlie and the years after as they search high and low for the person or people responsible.

Fredericks does a phenomenal job of mixing fact with fiction to bring Betty to life. This is a gripping story that will have you sitting at the edge of your seat.

There are some books that just grip you based on the summary, and Lindbergh Nanny is no different. I love historical fiction that also has elements of true crime in it. In this case, it’s a story of a Scottish immigrant in the 1930s and 40s who is accused of kidnapping Charlie, a young boy she is to take care of. As the story unfolds, Betty is at the center of the media chaos and public scrutiny as she is blamed for the disappearance of her child.

Gripping, immersive, and throughly research, this book is not one to miss! It gives us as readers insight into how in the early 21st century, how immigrants were viewed within America. Being married to someone who has Italian and Irish ancestry, I have often heard stories of the discrimination that these communities faced in early industrial America.

I also find the Nanny as a character recurring in different genres, and this one as a mystery also shows how they are viewed as something threatening perhaps because Betty is a single woman and thus viewed with suspicion. This novel will not disappoint! This novel got me thinking about how single men and women are often discriminated against in many societies just because they are “free” to explore their lives, and almost instantly viewed with suspicion in cities like Mumbai where women (especially) have trouble finding rentable apartments.

This a well researched book that brings the history of the Lindbergh baby kidnapping alive. I knew nothing about the kidnapping and learned so much about it through the impeccable research by this author. There was also very good character development as you tried to find out who kidnapped Lindbergh's son. Explore the world of American royalty and their servants- the book also had a Downton Abbey feel as well.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I thought it was well written and it kept me interested. The author did a really good job using fiction and actual facts to being this book to life. I would definitely recommend this book or others.

"The Lindbergh Nanny" is told from the perspective of Betty, the nanny hired by the famous Lindberg couple to watch their toddler, Charlie. The story is set in 1932, after Col. Lindberg had achieved international celebrity status for his transatlantic flight.

I found Betty to be a likable character and enjoyed her witty observations of the couple and their affluent lifestyle. I think one of the potential pitfalls of writing about a high-profile crime like the Lindbergh kidnapping is that readers essentially know how it ends. That made it difficult for me to get invested in this one. I think readers of historical mysteries would enjoy it, especially those who liked "The Lost Apothecary."

4.5 captivating stars, rounded up
“It doesn’t matter what the police say. Once people have suspected you, they don’t stop. They simply think there wasn’t enough evidence.

Not many works of historical fiction get over 4 stars from me. Fredericks’ well-paced story brings out the emotions in a story I had only a minor acquaintance with. The strong writing stayed true to characters in the kidnapping. The must-read author’s note at the end was excellent.

A one paragraph intro gives the nuts and bolts of the famous Lindbergh baby kidnapping. Good books make you want to learn more. “A man was convicted and executed for the crime. But many believe there were others involved who were never identified or held accountable.”

The book begins with Scottish immigrant, Betty Gow, getting a job as nanny to Charlie Lindbergh. It delves into the details of servant life, Lindbergh’s odd child-rearing preferences, absent parents, Betty growing to love Charlie. It covers the investigation and trial after the kidnapping.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The Lindbergh Nanny was a helpful reminder of this devastating story that happened so long ago. I was young at the time and only had vague memories of the occurances. Thanks for allowing me to read.

I had heard about the kidnapping of the Lindbergh baby but knew very little about the details of what really happened. This well researched novel about the Lindbergh family is told from the perspective of the baby's nanny Betty Gow. We learn about the family, the way the parents wanted the baby treated and the servants who made up the staff at the Lindbergh's home. After the kidnapping, we learn about the investigation and how Betty quickly becomes one of the suspects and gains the anger of the American public during what the media referred to as the crime of the century.

Betty is an immigrant from Scotland and takes a job as the nanny for the Lindbergh baby, Charlie. At this time, Charles Lindbergh was revered in America because of his nonstop solo flight to from New York to Paris in 1927. He's married to Anne Morrow Lindbergh, a very wealthy member of high society. Their son Charles was born in 1930. The kidnapping of young Charlie happened on March 1, 1932. The family complied with the ransom notes and tried to do whatever they could to get their young son back. The baby's body was discovered in May, 1932.

Betty is a very attentive nanny to the baby and they become very fond of each other to the point that Charlie's mom is jealous when the baby reaches for Betty instead of his mom. Betty starts dating a sailor who has recently immigrated. Life seems to be going well for the Lindbergh family until the night that Charlie disappears from the second floor of the house. Betty quickly became one of the main suspects in the kidnapping and was interviewed extensively by the police and FBI. She is devastated at the child's disappearance and tries to figure out on her own who was responsible for the crime. Even after the trial when a man is tried and found guilty, the American public still believes that Betty had some part in the crime.

The author did extensive research and her characters are all based on real people. Of course, since this is historical FICTION, there are situations and conversations that only exist on the pages of the book. I read a lot about the kidnapping after I read the book and was impressed with how closely the book followed the actual events and people. The entire story had a different feel since it was told by the nanny and was more emotional since she was close to the child. Be sure to read the author's notes at the end of the book about the research that went into this story. This book is a well written interesting part of our American history.

Such a heartbreaking and terribly sad story of the infamous kidnapping of Charles Lindbergh and his wife's son, Charlie. This fiction version takes us in the back room, the servants and the nanny and all they know or know and don't share. I flew through it to get some closure toward the end. So devastating for this family and those how loved them. Thank you! #NetGalley#MinotaurBooks#TeLindberghNanny

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I had absolutely no clue about this case until reading this. It made me do my own research.

I loved hearing the story told through Betty's point of view. The character development was great. This book made me realize that I need to make time to read more historical fiction.

phew, this one took me quite some time to read. I've heard about the background to this story, but never knew the details in depth. This was my first true crime novel and it won't be my last - the author did an incredible job at differentiating the facts from fiction at the end of the book and offered additional information in case one wanted to gain more knowledge.

This book revolves around the famous case in America of the Lindbergh child being kidnapped in New Jersey of 1932. I LOVED being in the POV of the nanny to get a feeling of what she was experiencing and why she may have reacted and thought a certain way during this event. I was REALLY into the story, until about 60% through when I wanted it to end. I didn't know what else could have been talked about at this point, but was proven wrong when the later chapters described the trial.

Overall, I really liked the main character (Betty) and could understand her perception of the situation through this novel. what an odd concept to have a nanny 24/7 to watch your child while you work consistently and set strict guidelines of how you'd like them to parent your only child. I guess it was the way the rich worked, but personally I could never.

DNF - I truly thought that I would be the target / ideal reader for this book but, as it turns out, I was not. I can appreciate what others have found to be so enjoyable within this story. Therefore, I am not leaving a public review & leaving off here.

I knew very little about the Lindbergh baby going into this book. I have heard about the kidnapping but didn’t know any of the players involved in this crazy story. So going in completely blind, I had no idea what to expect from this one. But what I found was a book I could not put down! The way this book showed the before, during and after was what made it flow really well. And the character development was really well. You felt the emotions of the kidnapping and the distress from Violet while she was being questioned. I also kept guessing about Ellerson. I was so sure he was involved somehow! But in the end I was glad that Gow was able to move on with her life and show the world that she wasn’t just “The Nanny” but someone who really loved that little boy and had a right to be known as that and not the one who failed.