Munchausen by Proxy, also known as Medical Child Abuse, is far more common than one might think, as evidenced by the title of this book. In narrative non-fiction, Andrea Dunlop, (in collaboration with Texas investigator Mike Weber,) chronicles the cases of several mothers who manipulated the world...including law enforcement and doctors -- into believing that their children were gravely ill and in need of all kinds of medical interventions.

The stories Dunlop, (the host of the podcast "Nobody Should Believe Me,") shares are horrific. It is hard to believe that a mother who loves her children could be capable of such harm, but the stories lend credence to a terrifying mental illness that the perpetrators will go to astounding lengths to perpetuate.

The most famous case that Dunlop recounts is that of Hope Ybarra, who ended up incarcerated for 10 years for not only faking her own cancer, but lying about having lost twins in utero, claiming that her daughter had cerebral palsy, and also faking a diagnosis of cystic fibrosis in another daughter.

Dunlop narrates this audiobook, and it is like listening to a podcast series. I found it to be an interesting read about a subject that is sensitive and appalling, but one that we should be aware of. After all, it could be going on right under your nose.

Thanks to #Netgalley for the audiobook.

The Mother Next Door was a fascinating and disturbing read. The deep dive into Munchausen by Proxy (MBP) was both eye-opening and chilling. The authors did an excellent job of explaining the psychological complexities behind MBP, and it was hard to believe the extent of the manipulation and harm caused by the mothers in the cases discussed. The book examines three separate cases, providing a well-rounded view of the issue, and it was clear that a lot of research went into understanding the psychological and systemic aspects of this form of abuse.

I was particularly drawn to the fact that the book takes place in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, which I’m familiar with having lived there for many years. It added a layer of familiarity to the story, especially as the cases unfolded in real-world settings I could picture. The interviews with family members, doctors, and investigators were heartbreaking and illuminating, offering a rare look at the impact MBP has on everyone involved. The authors' ability to share these stories with sensitivity and clarity was impressive.

The book is an important read for anyone interested in the complexities of child abuse and the failures in our systems to protect vulnerable children. It’s both informative and unsettling, with a unique perspective from a novelist and a seasoned detective. I would rate it four out of five stars. Thanks to McMillan Audio and Galley for the advanced reader copy of the audiobook.

Listening to the audiobook version of The Mother Next Door by Andrea Dunlop and Mike Weber was an absolutely captivating experience. As someone who received an ARC through Netgalley, I was thrilled to dive into this gripping narrative, and the audiobook did not disappoint.

Narrated by Andrea Dunlop herself, the audiobook brings an added layer of authenticity and emotion to the already compelling story. Dunlop’s voice perfectly captures the tension and urgency of the subject matter, making it impossible to pause. Her delivery is both clear and engaging, drawing listeners into the complex world of Munchausen by Proxy (MBP) with every word.

The collaboration between Dunlop and Weber shines through in the meticulous research and powerful storytelling. The audiobook seamlessly blends true crime elements with psychological insights, providing a thorough and thought-provoking exploration of MBP. The personal stories of the victims and the detailed investigations are brought to life in a way that is both informative and deeply moving.

Each chapter is a testament to the authors’ dedication to shedding light on this disturbing form of child abuse. The audiobook format enhances the experience, allowing listeners to fully immerse themselves in the narrative. The pacing is perfect, maintaining a balance between suspense and empathy, and keeping listeners hooked from start to finish.

Overall, The Mother Next Door audiobook is a must-listen for anyone interested in true crime, psychology, or medical ethics. It is a groundbreaking work that not only educates but also challenges listeners to think critically about the complexities of motherhood and deception. I highly recommend this audiobook for its exceptional narration and profound impact.

Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for sending me this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 stars

This book was incredibly well done, however incredibly difficult to listen to. The fact that the stories were true - mothers who actually caused their children to have life threatening health issues is incredibly difficult to hear about. As a mother, I can't imagine doing anything except making life for my children better, not worse. I physically hurt when they are sick or injured, so knowing that people intentionally cause their kids pain and suffering is impossible for me to understand. The stories in this book were incredibly well researched and shared. The writing style sucked me in from the start and made it impossible for me to turn the audio off. I was enraptured and appalled by what I was hearing. This book shines a light on the challenges we face regarding mental illness and child abuse - and just how difficult it is to protect kids in these situations. An incredibly important book focusing on an issue that we have barely touched the surface of. My heart breaks for all children and families impacted by something so horrible as munchausen by proxy.

Thank you netgalley for my advanced reader copy

As a psychology major and graduate I found this book very interesting. It breaks down three cases of this not often caught disorder. Well researched as well.

I am so thankful to Macmillan Audio, the publisher, Andrea Dunlop, Mike Weber, and Netgalley for granting me access to this one before publication day. I really enjoyed this piece and look forward to more from this creator.

The Mother Next Door; written by Andrea Dunlop along with Mike Weber, is a non fictional book that dives into three different cases of mothers with Munchausen by Proxy. Both authors have experience researching and working with individuals with this disease, and the authors look into three cases of mothers with different histories and backgrounds who have hurt their children through their MBP diagnoses.
I really enjoyed this book, and feel like I learned a lot from it. I appreciated how the authors worked together in this book to give the stories a different perspective than the one you would normally hear. I also valued how the authors had different experiences with medical child abuse and MBP, and brought these into their writing.
Thank you to NetGalley and to the authors, publisher, and narrator of this book for an ALC in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: 4.5

Novelist Andrea Dunlop collaborated with Mike Weber, a seasoned investigator with 40 years of experience in child abuse cases, to research her upcoming project. Through their partnership, they discovered a profound connection and authored a groundbreaking book that delves into three case reviews of Medical Child Abuse - Munchausen by Proxy (MBP) in Texas.

It is crucial to recognize that these tragedies present a challenging reading experience due to the inherently disturbing nature of the subject matter. Nevertheless, the paramount importance of sharing this knowledge far outweighs any potential difficulties. The captivating nature of the topic ensures that the content remains engaging and thought-provoking throughout.

I was fortunate enough to acquire this copy in audio formats. The narration is provided by Andrea Dunlop, who is as engaging as listening to my favorite True Crime podcast. Andrea also hosts her own podcast, which is available wherever you listen to podcasts.

Thank you to @netgalley and @macmillianaudio for an advanced audio copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

An informative and eye-opening look at Munchausen by Proxy, disease that often gets overlooked, stigmatized and misunderstood. The author has written a personal, well-researched account of what the disease is like and the effects it can have on children. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review!

I am very interested in this topic. It was interesting to listen to this story. Although hard to rate given the context it did keep my interest. It’s an uncomfortable topic but one that should have the light shine on more.

This was definitely a super interesting listen. I didn't know how deep this went, but wow. It was very disturbing to learn how far parents go to make their children appear sick and how much the justice system doesn't do much about it. These women are so sick and they need to be locked away and receive help. I really praise the authors for bringing light to this de difficult subject and can only hope that more people will be brought to justice.

I really enjoyed this one. Nonfiction isn’t always my go to but the subject matter is one I’ve always found interesting. The authors and their connections to said subject matter helped in allowing them to tell these stories in a way that I appreciated. I do wish it dove a bit more into the “why” of a lot it, at least theories as to why just to sort of beef up an otherwise basic anthology of stories but overall I still thought it was well done and would definitely recommend it!

The Mother Next Door
Medicine, Deception, and Munchausen By Proxy
by Andrea Dunlop, Mike Weber
narrated by: Andrea Dunlop
Macmillan Audio

I listened to Dunlop and Weber's book, The Mother Next Door, on audiobook format. It is a work of narrative nonfiction based on true crime. The narrator of the book is Andrea Dunlop, who is host and creator of the true crime podcast Nobody Should Believe Me. Dunlop narrates with expressive passion about this difficult subject of Munchausen By Proxy.

The authors are Dunlop, a Seattle novelist and Weber, a Texas detective with a high level of work on child abuse cases. The book details three investigations of cases involving Munchausen by Proxy. I would recommend this well-written and researched book to those who read this genre.

Thank you Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for an advance listener's copy. My review is my own.

#MacAudio2025

WOW. W O W.

Even two days after finishing this, I am still struggling with reviewing this amazing book. On one hand, I want to just do a huge emotional info dump and hash out just ALL I think about feel about what I just read [and it is serious feels folks, S E R I O U S feels], and on the other hand, I hardly want to share even a tiny bit because 1. I HATE spoilers, and 2. I honestly feel it is best to go into books like this blind [I knew it was a book about Munchausen by Proxy and that is about it when I started it] so you CAN feel all the feels without having any real preconceived notions.

So I have tried to compromise...This IS a fantastic book/read. It is excellently written, has been expertly researched [including some what must have been seriously troubling interviews], and the result is three stories that will take you on the wildest ride of your life. You will be angry, you will want to yank your hair out as you YELL at the book [I cannot even remember now how many times I stopped the audiobook to yell "HOW HOW HOW" and then inundate my poor mother with all the CRAZINESS I was reading], and then you will be finished with the book and you will be left deeply sad, moved to tears, and FULL-BLOWN angry as so many people [including many "professionals"] who have let so much of what you just read continue, no matter the cost, and I will tell you this - the cost is extremely high.

I applaud Mike Weber for his continued work for these children who have suffered from medical abuse and at the hands of people who are supposed to love you; I cannot even imagine what that must be like, diving into that world day in and day out [and NOT losing your mind and very soul], and in my opinion, he deserves all the awards.

Andrea Dunlop is able to take all she has learned from her own personal tragedy with Munchausen by Proxy and channel that into writing a concise, fact-filled [but never dry or boring] book, and her voice, through her podcast, the books she writes, and her nonprofit work helps bring this story to full fruition. Kudos also to her in some of the interviews she has to chase; she is a better person than I am.

Ms. Dunlop also narrates the audiobook for this book and she does an excellent job. She reads in a clear, concise manner [and when her voice occasionally breaks, it's just a reminder of all she herself has gone through and just adds to the overall listening experience], which sucks you in from page one and keeps you completely engaged until the very end. I highly recommend this audiobook!!

Thank you to NetGalley, Andrea Dunlop, Mike Weber, St. Martin's Press, and Macmillan Audio for providing the eBook and audiobook ARC's in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Hearing about cases of MBP has always fascinated and appalled me. When we think of mother, we think of someone you can trust to love and care for her children. The three mothers discussed in this book are not those mothers at all. These women not only made their children sick, but they did it on purpose! That is one of the biggest things that I learned from this book - MBP is not overly worried or anxious parents - they are knowingly hurting their children, often for attention and sympathy.

The cases discussed were intriguing and horrifying at the same time. It amazes me that there are so few professionals in the country that are solely dedicated to this type of child abuse when it cases of it seem to be on the rise.

Whoa, this one was a ride. Like, absolutely unsettling but in that "I can’t look away" kinda way. It dives into some seriously twisted cases of moms fabricating or causing their kids' illnesses for attention, and yeah, it's as wild as it sounds. True crime junkies, this is definitely up your alley.

The mix of personal experience and investigative work makes it super compelling, and I learned a ton about just how hard these cases are to prove. The legal system? A mess. The medical side? Absolutely baffling. And the people who do this? Honestly, I still don’t get it.

That said, the structure felt a little all over the place, and sometimes it assumed I already knew certain details, which threw me off. But overall, it was eye-opening, horrifying, and definitely made me think twice about taking people at face value.

Huge thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion!

Thanks to NetGalley for an ALC. I’ve always found Munchausen by proxy to be fascinating and this was a really well-researched account of multiple cases from a man who investigated them and tried to rescue the victims.

What a powerful work! Anyone who had television in the '80s and '90s should be aware of the made-for-tv-movie-of-the-week sensationalism of Munchausen by Proxy. Medical child abuse, as I have learned from the courageous Andrea Dunlop, is far more common than one would hope. While The Mother Next Door: Medicine, Deception, and Munchausen by Proxy focuses on three families (four if you count the author's own), the statistics are chilling.

One of the first things Andrea Dunlop does is attempt to describe MBP, both clinically and as laypeople use the term. She explains how it bookends with other similar conditions such as hypochondria or malingering. This was of particular interest to me because I currently live in an area with a culture of what my partner and I call "health talk." From the neighbors whose social media feeds are filled with photos of family members in hospital beds hooked up to who-knows-what to the inability to have a conversation without it veering into "why you know so-and-so, her feet's hurtin' her awful bad" territory, this book prompted many a conversation as to whom might have exactly what (if anything other than a lack of a filter).

Getting into the case studies, I was amazed to learn how easy it is for a caregiver to convince a doctor to perform invasive medical procedures. It makes sense-- the patients can't properly advocate for themselves and the doctors don't have the time to perform an extensive record review and test battery for every presentation. Besides, what kind of a person would voluntarily put their child through unnecessary brain surgery? Through any surgery? Through anything that would cause them a moment of even slight discomfort?

Circling back to the psychology of MBP, Andrea Dunlop makes it perfectly clear that, while these people are mentally ill, they are still 100% culpable for their actions. The example I would use (Andrea Dunlop doesn't) is that of use disorder. Alcohol use disorder is a mental disorder. But, if someone suffering from alcohol use disorder drives under the influence, causing an accident that injures someone, we don't say that they need to be set free back into society, completely forgiven because of their mental disorder. Neither do the suffers of MBP deserve to be coddled and swathed, either. They don't love their victims, entirely the opposite.

I would like to personally thank Andrea Dunlop for putting these stories, including her own and the courageous work of Mike Weber out there. Listening to her read the audiobook was especially powerful, the moments you could hear her voice catch... it's one thing to read powerful words, it's another to hear them. If you can't listen to the audio version of The Mother Next Door: Medicine, Deception, and Munchausen by Proxy, you should at least check out Andrea Dunlop's Nobody Should Believe Me podcast. You see, my family hasn't been touched by medical child abuse. Tragically, we've experienced the real thing-- children with terminal illness and life-threatening conditions requiring invasive surgery. It takes a special kind of sick evil to want to be in our shoes, and I applaud Andrea Dunlop and Mike Weber for working to protect these innocent victims.

I would like to thank Macmillan Audio for allowing me to experience this NetGalley audiobook. It's a must-read for anyone with children in their life. If we all know what to look for, we may be able to help stop future abuse.

The Mother Next Door by Andrea Dunlop and Mike Weber is a chilling exploration of Munchausen by Proxy (MBP), a disturbing crime in which mothers intentionally harm their children for attention. The book examines three cases of medical child abuse, shedding light on the psychological manipulation and legal complexities behind these crimes. As her sister was investigated for MBP, Dunlop's connection to the topic brings an authentic depth to the narrative. Co-author Mike Weber, a seasoned detective, adds valuable insight into the investigation process, highlighting the challenges of prosecuting such cases. Written in a binge-able, accessible style, the book offers a deep dive into a little-known but devastating crime, making it a must-read (or listen!) for those interested in true crime and the complexities of child abuse. It’s both uncomfortable and eye-opening, leaving readers with a greater understanding of the horrifying reality behind MBP.

Andrea Dunlop was an enjoyable narrator and brought genuine emotion to the narrative.

Thank you to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, Andrea Dunlop, and Mike Weber for an audio ARC.

I was hooked - deep diving into this dark world of of Munchausen by Proxy (MBP). I initially thought this would be the author's personal story but it turns out that was a different book. This one was a collection of cases with this podcast vibe like storytelling. Dunlop’s personal connection and Weber’s law enforcement experience create a compelling narrative that is both informative and chilling. At times, it felt like I was there. It’s undeniably eye-opening. A must-read for true crime fans, though not for the faint of heart. Thank you to @macmillan.audio and @netgalley for this audiobook in exchange for my honest opinion