Truly horrifying. The Mother Next Door follows three real-life cases of Munchausen by Proxy (MBP) as viewed through the lens of Andrea Dunlop—novelist and podcaster personally touched by MBP—and Mike Weber—Texas detective with countless child abuse cases under his belt. Told with rigorous research and a riveting storyline that makes non-fiction feel like fiction, The Mother Next Door is like watching a train wreck in slow motion; it's impossible to look away. I have never interacted with any of Dunlop's work but I find her narrative voice refreshing and I really enjoyed—is enjoyed the right word?—reading through this. Each co-author—Dunlop and Weber—bring their unique experience with MBP to the table to tell this story and pull back the curtain on medical child abuse. These cases and these stories will have readers thinking 'wtf'. Dunlop knocked it out of the park with her narration.

Thank you Macmillan for the early copy in exchange for an honest review. Available Feb. 04 2025

Andrea Dunlop and Mike Weber deliver a harrowing and thought-provoking exploration of Munchausen by proxy in The Mother Next Door. This chilling and emotionally charged book offers an eye-opening look at a deeply troubling disorder, emphasizing how it can hide in plain sight—perhaps even behind the picket fence of the seemingly perfect family next door.

The narrative is a rollercoaster, immersing readers in the complex dynamics of families affected by Munchausen by proxy. Through real-life accounts and vivid storytelling, Dunlop and Weber unravel the disturbing psychology of perpetrators and the devastating consequences for their children. The book not only captures the emotional toll on the victims but also sheds light on the systemic failures in the medical and social services fields, where red flags are often missed.

What sets this book apart is its ability to balance gripping storytelling with a call to action. It doesn’t just tell a story—it demands awareness and reform, urging readers to consider how society and the medical community can do more to protect vulnerable children. The authors’ compassionate yet unflinching approach keeps the pages turning while leaving readers deeply unsettled and introspective.

Verdict:
The Mother Next Door is a powerful, unsettling, and essential read for anyone interested in true crime, psychology, or child advocacy. It’s a stark reminder that these cases could be happening closer than we think and a call for vigilance and systemic change. Highly recommended for readers who appreciate stories that inform, provoke, and linger long after the last page.

As a fan of the Nobody Should Believe Me podcast, I was eager to read The Mother Next Door, and it certainly lived up to my expectations. It offers a fresh perspective on MBP, revealing both the sad realities and the intriguing cases Mike Weber had to investigate. As a mother, I find it hard to fathom how anyone could deliberately make their child ill. I’m grateful for those shining a light on this issue and raising awareness. This is a book that everyone should read, as it may help identify signs in someone they know.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the audio ARC!