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The Lindbergh Nanny

The Lindbergh Nanny

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  • Create Date：2022-11-13 11:21:41
  • Update Date：2025-09-07
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  • Author：Mariah Fredericks
  • ISBN：1666620742
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Summary

Mariah Fredericks' emotionally charged and propulsive new novel， The Lindbergh Nanny， examines one of the most famous kidnapping cases in America from the lens of one of America's favorite suspects， putting Betty Gow at the center of her own story for the first time。

Betty Gow is known by another name: the Lindbergh Nanny。 When toddler Charles Lindbergh Jr。 is kidnapped from his parents' weekend home in Hopewell， New Jersey in 1932， his parents are frantic， his grandmother devastated， and the media rabid。 Betty， amid the maelstrom and named a suspect herself， is determined to find out who has taken him。

Charles Lindbergh was already famous for his flight across the Atlantic―the golden boy of America， with his wealthy and lovely wife， Anne Morrow Lindbergh， beside him―when Betty joined the household to look after little Charlie。 A Scottish immigrant deciphering the rules of her new homeland and its East Coast elite， Betty finds Col。 Lindbergh eccentric and often odd， Mrs。 Lindbergh kind yet nervous， and Charlie simply a darling。 Far from home and bruised from a love affair gone horribly wrong， Betty finds comfort in caring for the child， and warms to the attentions of handsome sailor Henrik， sometimes known as Red。

But when Charlie is taken from the family home， at a time when no one but a handful of Lindbergh servants could have known he was there， everything changes。 A suspect in the eyes of both the media and public herself， Betty must find the truth in order to clear her own name―and to find justice for the child she loves。

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Reviews

☆☆☆Bibliolatrist Jordan☆☆☆ ，

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 Lindberg 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。 。。。more

Susan ，

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 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。 。。。more

Linda ，

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC！ It’s rare that I read historical fiction and alas， I struggled with this one as a result。 I’m sure most people are familiar with the Lindburg story， yet I recalled little about it prior to this novel。 It was an interesting story， a story about the Lindburg’s nanny， Betty， the last to see the baby alive。 The novel tackles a lot of what if’s and introduces many characters， some of which I had a hard time following。 Overall it was an interesting read but not somethi Thank you Netgalley for the ARC！ It’s rare that I read historical fiction and alas， I struggled with this one as a result。 I’m sure most people are familiar with the Lindburg story， yet I recalled little about it prior to this novel。 It was an interesting story， a story about the Lindburg’s nanny， Betty， the last to see the baby alive。 The novel tackles a lot of what if’s and introduces many characters， some of which I had a hard time following。 Overall it was an interesting read but not something I thoroughly enjoyed。 。。。more

Colleen ，

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 consi 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。I received an ARC from NetGalley for an unbiased review。 。。。more

Ilyssa Wesche ，

As a novel， I liked the framing of the kidnapping and how the story played out from the perspective of the nanny。 And I appreciated how the book explained the public sentiment at the time。 After I read this I did a little research into the actual case and it was interesting how the book reflected the sentiments expressed at trial。 And it was super interesting to learn that this was one of the first cases to use forensic evidence。This book taught me plenty about the Lindbergh baby （yes， I know it As a novel， I liked the framing of the kidnapping and how the story played out from the perspective of the nanny。 And I appreciated how the book explained the public sentiment at the time。 After I read this I did a little research into the actual case and it was interesting how the book reflected the sentiments expressed at trial。 And it was super interesting to learn that this was one of the first cases to use forensic evidence。This book taught me plenty about the Lindbergh baby （yes， I know it's historical fiction but I did look into some actual history）。 First and foremost， Charles Lindbergh was a real dick。 And his wife was so much better off than he was - I wanted her to kick him to the curb。 。。。more

Shirley Mytnowych ，

Thank you so much to Goodreads Giveaways for an advanced copy of the book "The Lindbergh Nanny" by Mariah Fredericks。 #TheLindberghNanny I love fiction based on fact， especially when it involves a who-dunnit。 I have previously read about this Crime of Century and found it so interesting， I was thrilled to find out I'd won this free copy！ The story reads from the perspective of Betty Gow， the Lindberg Nanny and her life as it was affected by such an important role and ultimately the responsibilit Thank you so much to Goodreads Giveaways for an advanced copy of the book "The Lindbergh Nanny" by Mariah Fredericks。 #TheLindberghNanny I love fiction based on fact， especially when it involves a who-dunnit。 I have previously read about this Crime of Century and found it so interesting， I was thrilled to find out I'd won this free copy！ The story reads from the perspective of Betty Gow， the Lindberg Nanny and her life as it was affected by such an important role and ultimately the responsibility and guilt she felt after baby Charles was kidnapped。 Fredericks exhibits how our own vulnerability and how the slip of the tongue can haunt us forever and even drive some to suicide。 Fredericks brings the characters to life with their strengths and faults。 As I was reading along， I kept wondering what was actually based on fact and what was fiction。 Fredericks answered these questions in a final chapter， "Fact Vs Fiction" which I appreciated。 Beautifully written despite such a sad tragedy。 I would recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of historical fiction and true crime。 。。。more

MeWriter ，

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！

Olivia ，

THE LINDBERGH NANNY is a riveting fictionalized accounting of Betty Gow， a Scottish woman who had been the nanny for Charles Lindbergh， Jr。 Her life was scrutinized when he was kidnapped and turned upside down and opened。 However， it was her eventual testimony and participation in the case that helped during the trial to secure a conviction。 This story follows her from the time when she first meets the Lindberghs， through what her time working with them could have been like - all the way through THE LINDBERGH NANNY is a riveting fictionalized accounting of Betty Gow， a Scottish woman who had been the nanny for Charles Lindbergh， Jr。 Her life was scrutinized when he was kidnapped and turned upside down and opened。 However， it was her eventual testimony and participation in the case that helped during the trial to secure a conviction。 This story follows her from the time when she first meets the Lindberghs， through what her time working with them could have been like - all the way through the kidnapping and what follows。This was a really well-written story that grips the reader in Betty's story。 While the reader will know what is coming， the book does a great job of showcasing Betty's life and job in the time before， which forms the first half of the story。 In this way， the book manages to convey what life looked like for some immigrants during this time period as well as the way women were judged and observed by society， particularly as Mrs。 Lindbergh is also a pilot - but faces harsh criticism of her doing so as a female and a mother。 The story also confronts the way that household staff was treated and the long hours that they are/were expected to work。 These were really compelling themes， and I enjoyed reading about Betty's life in this fictionalized before times。The second half of the book takes the reader through the horror of finding the child missing and then the aftermath with the harsh police interrogations， societal interest and judgement， and the way that the investigation played out for the staff and the family。 This latter half adheres pretty closely to what is known to be true of the missing child and events that followed。 While anyone involved could not be omniscient， the book includes some closure on the events with its own pronouncement of guilt。 Backmatter further expands on the historical context。Overall， THE LINDBERGH NANNY was an absolutely consuming fictionalized accounting of Betty Gow， really bringing her to life in a new way and telling her story with fresh perspective。 Recommend for fans of true crime and mysteries。 Please note that I received an ARC。 All opinions are my own。 。。。more

Susan ，

Like the awful gawkers at the trial I expected more drama。 Lindbergh and the Morrows were very buttoned up。 Only 1 suspect cracked under pressure。 I didn't understand why the ransom exchange failed。 The toddler was angelic and the nanny had a lovely Scottish accent。 Thank you netgalley for my advance audio copy。 I enjoyed it and learned a little。 Like the awful gawkers at the trial I expected more drama。 Lindbergh and the Morrows were very buttoned up。 Only 1 suspect cracked under pressure。 I didn't understand why the ransom exchange failed。 The toddler was angelic and the nanny had a lovely Scottish accent。 Thank you netgalley for my advance audio copy。 I enjoyed it and learned a little。 。。。more

Diana N。 ，

An interesting look at the kidnapping case of the Lindbergh baby。 This book is a work of Historical Fiction， but a lot of the real events were used。What I really liked was the adding in of some of the additional details that may have not been given in the actual records（so many conspiracytheoriesout there）， but they give the characters more personality。 This is done well without straying to far from actual documented events。I liked the story from Nanny Betty Gow's perspective since she cared so An interesting look at the kidnapping case of the Lindbergh baby。 This book is a work of Historical Fiction， but a lot of the real events were used。What I really liked was the adding in of some of the additional details that may have not been given in the actual records（so many conspiracytheoriesout there）， but they give the characters more personality。 This is done well without straying to far from actual documented events。I liked the story from Nanny Betty Gow's perspective since she cared so much for the baby， but was also beared the brunt of a lot of accusations。 You really felt for her as a reader when people went digging into her past and every little thing she did。 I could feel her warmth through the writing。Overall， this is a detailed and well researched work of Historical Fiction。Thank you to Dreamscape Media for providing me a copy of this Audiobook for my honest review。 。。。more

Rhonda Struthers-Badour ，

An excellent woven story of the kidnapping of Baby Charlie Lindbergh as told by his nanny。 The novel followed the evidence of the "real" history and writing a very plausible outcome。 I An excellent woven story of the kidnapping of Baby Charlie Lindbergh as told by his nanny。 The novel followed the evidence of the "real" history and writing a very plausible outcome。 I 。。。more

Marilyn ，

Review to follow！

Daniela Arena ，

This was such an interesting perspective of this famous kidnapping and murder。 The story is told from the POV of the Nanny of the Lindbergh family who was the caretaker for Charlie when he went missing。 This book mixes fact and fiction and gives us a glimpse into the lives of the rich and famous。 I especially enjoyed the author's note at the end where she described her research as well where the facts stopped and fiction began。 The narration of the audiobook was performed beautifully and with em This was such an interesting perspective of this famous kidnapping and murder。 The story is told from the POV of the Nanny of the Lindbergh family who was the caretaker for Charlie when he went missing。 This book mixes fact and fiction and gives us a glimpse into the lives of the rich and famous。 I especially enjoyed the author's note at the end where she described her research as well where the facts stopped and fiction began。 The narration of the audiobook was performed beautifully and with emotion。 Recommend for fans of historical fiction or even true crime。 I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook by Mariah Fredericks from Dreamscape Media via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review。 Thank you for the opportunity。 。。。more

Kelly ，

I certainly have heard of the kidnapping of Charles Lindbergh Junior and may even have been able to pick out the kidnapper’s name on a multiple choice question， but I didn’t know much more than that。Betty Gow was Charles Lindbergh’s nanny。 This book uses both fact and fiction to paint a fascinating portrait of Betty and her devotion to the little boy even after he was kidnapped。 It is also an interesting account of the downstairs help in the huge Lindbergh/Morrow homes。The book brought to life I certainly have heard of the kidnapping of Charles Lindbergh Junior and may even have been able to pick out the kidnapper’s name on a multiple choice question， but I didn’t know much more than that。Betty Gow was Charles Lindbergh’s nanny。 This book uses both fact and fiction to paint a fascinating portrait of Betty and her devotion to the little boy even after he was kidnapped。 It is also an interesting account of the downstairs help in the huge Lindbergh/Morrow homes。The book brought to life the every day lives of people living in 1930’s Including how important immigrants were to the running of the country and I found the glimpse into police work at that time quite interesting。 An unreserved 5/5 starsThanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the audioARC of this novel。 。。。more

Brenda ，

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 kidnapp 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！ 。。。more

Lisa Leone-campbell ，

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 j 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。 。。。more

Tina Panik ，

Fredericks does a fantastic job of combining the known historical details of this case with plausible variations， building a solid and sympathetic portrait of Betty Gow。 This was an ARC。

Debra ，

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 kidnappin 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！ Beautifully written， I found this book to be compelling and well thought out。Thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review。 All the thoughts and opinions are my own。Read more of my reviews at www。openbookposts。com 。。。more

Debbie Rozier ，

I’ve long been fascinated with the Lindberg kidnapping and this book was a perfect listen for me。 This book does a nice job with making the reader recognize the importance of the staff to this family and definitely gives rise to questions I’ve always had that maybe the kidnapping was the work of more than one person。 I loved the narration and I felt that that the storyline which takes us through Betty’s （The Lindbergh Nanny） life through the trial of the baby’s accused kidnapper was excellent。 T I’ve long been fascinated with the Lindberg kidnapping and this book was a perfect listen for me。 This book does a nice job with making the reader recognize the importance of the staff to this family and definitely gives rise to questions I’ve always had that maybe the kidnapping was the work of more than one person。 I loved the narration and I felt that that the storyline which takes us through Betty’s （The Lindbergh Nanny） life through the trial of the baby’s accused kidnapper was excellent。 The facts and fiction at the end by the author is important and also gives great resources for different nonfiction reading to all those like me that are interesting in this true crime。 。。。more

Jen Shunk ，

This a fictional account of the Nanny who was on duty when the Lindbergh baby was kidnapped。 This is the type of historical fiction that I gravitate to- the story of a woman that time has forgotten。 As a historical fiction， this is your typical format。 It lost me a bit with the content。 I had trouble connecting with the characters。 I found that at times I grew bored with the story。 It was almost too clinical- at times the reading felt as shallow as a case file outlining a timeline of events。 I w This a fictional account of the Nanny who was on duty when the Lindbergh baby was kidnapped。 This is the type of historical fiction that I gravitate to- the story of a woman that time has forgotten。 As a historical fiction， this is your typical format。 It lost me a bit with the content。 I had trouble connecting with the characters。 I found that at times I grew bored with the story。 It was almost too clinical- at times the reading felt as shallow as a case file outlining a timeline of events。 I wish there would have been some more embellishment and creative license to convey how tragic this situation was and how complicated the Lindbergh's were known to be。 。。。more

Carin ，

I do love historical novels， and ones like this that are from the point of view of someone not famous， but famous-adjacent， I do particularly like。 It seems both like the author has more freedom， and also it gives a new perspective on history we already know。And along those lines， here we have the first “Crime of the Century，” the kidnapping of Charlie， the Lindbergh baby， but told by Betty Gow， Charlie’s nanny。 We get hints from the start， that Betty had some trouble go down in Detroit that we’ I do love historical novels， and ones like this that are from the point of view of someone not famous， but famous-adjacent， I do particularly like。 It seems both like the author has more freedom， and also it gives a new perspective on history we already know。And along those lines， here we have the first “Crime of the Century，” the kidnapping of Charlie， the Lindbergh baby， but told by Betty Gow， Charlie’s nanny。 We get hints from the start， that Betty had some trouble go down in Detroit that we’ll get to later， but through a personal reference， she gets an interview with the Lindberghs for the position of nanny。 It’s the Depression and she’s an immigrant from Ireland， but a lot of household staff are immigrants， and I loved that this book shows people during the Depression who had jobs （not everyone was out of work！ At its worst， the unemployment rate was almost 25% which means over 75% of people did have jobs。） It helps to normalize that period， and also it showed–much like the last couple of years during COVID–how everyday people just had to get on with life and cope。 The interview is weird and cold， but they hire her， and she just loves little Charlie （if not always his father。）The details about Charles’s parenting theories were great as I’m sure those were popular at the time， and his “joking” was awful， but I’ve known people like that。 Makes him feel very real and three-dimensional， which I think was a tough thing to do with Charles Lindbergh even when he was alive。 And I love that the author didn’t bring his pro-Hitler opinions into the narrative （yes， the book was probably a too early for that， but other authors would have done it， and the wrong-timing not to mention the emphasis that gets that I’m sure it didn’t merit at the time would have been awful。 But again， didn’t happen。 Nice of Ms。 Fredericks to resist that urge。）Luckily she doesn’t spend a lot of time with him。 More Mrs。 Lindbergh， and of course， all the time with Charlie。 She didn’t get a day off for months， and when they go to Maine for the summer， Betty and Charlie are left there for several extra months， during which time Betty had to spend her own money on buying Charlie winter clothes， and simply more clothes as he grew out of his， with no communication from the Lindberghs or Morrows。 When they finally were brought back with the family， there was no apology， no explanation， no thanking Betty for going above and beyond （and I assume no reimbursement for her either）。 I was most impressed with how Ms。 Fredericks presented Betty playing with the baby in endless scenes， and yet they were tedious or boring or repetitive。 She made them actually interesting。And inevitably， what we know is coming， happens。 And everyone is a suspect。 Even if not of the actual kidnapping， of helping the kidnappers。 After all， how did they know that plans had suddenly changed this week and there would be an unusual opportunity？ They must have been tipped off by someone from inside the household。 Who better placed than the nanny herself？ And doesn’t Betty have that troublesome background， after all？Ms。 Fredericks posits some new ideas of what could have possibly gone down and how and why。 She has a wonderful afterward explaining what she was able to research and what was was fictional （every historical novel should have that！ Every one！） This book was riveting and eye-opening to a crime and an era I had heard of of course， but wasn’t overly familiar with。 Should be a must-read for fans of The Christie Affair and Therese Ann Fowler’s historical novels， and even though it’s a couple of decades forward， even fans of Downton Abbey。 A wonderful read。 。。。more

Sandy Fauser ，

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers。 To view it， click here。 This was a pretty good book。 It was interesting to see the authors perspective on what could of happened。 Learned a little bit about the kidnapping。

L。A。 ，

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 m 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。 。。。more

Courtney ，

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review。 All opinions are my own。 While I knew very little about the Lindberghs beyond their connection to aviation， I was at least vaguely familiar with the circumstances surrounding the kidnapping and murder of their son。 Thus， The Lindbergh Nanny piqued my interest， especially in its focus on a perspective I had never heard in passing， who was a figure who many were suspicious of at the time。 Betty Gow’s story is a I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review。 All opinions are my own。 While I knew very little about the Lindberghs beyond their connection to aviation， I was at least vaguely familiar with the circumstances surrounding the kidnapping and murder of their son。 Thus， The Lindbergh Nanny piqued my interest， especially in its focus on a perspective I had never heard in passing， who was a figure who many were suspicious of at the time。 Betty Gow’s story is a truly compelling one， especially in terms of exploring the circumstances that led to her working for the Lindberghs and the complex power dynamics at play when she was under suspicion。 She was a Scottish immigrant working to support herself， and she takes on the position of caring for baby Charlie。 While readers know what will become of him， I couldn’t help but become invested in her day-to-day interactions with him， only for things to switch to fear when he ends up missing。 I truly felt for her in how she blamed herself for what happened， even as she tried to clear her name of more direct wrongdoing。 This book is well-researched， with a lot of real people and events being true to life and any inconsistencies and liberties explained in the author’s note。 While Betty and her own experiences with the case are the most central part to the story， there’s also an attempt to provide justice and closure to the Lindberghs with regard to Charlie’s fate， with the narrative also following the trial of the perpetrator once he’s caught。 This is an engaging read about a shocking historical event， seen through the eyes of a person whose perspective has been obscured for too long。 If you’re a fan of historical true crime， I recommend checking this out！ 。。。more

Gerry Durisin ，

Mariah Fredericks's long fascination with the Lindbergh kidnapping led her to do extensive research about the case， with a particular emphasis on the Morrow and Lindbergh household staffs。 She centers her story on Betty Gow， the young Scottish immigrant hired by the Lindberghs to care for their son， but also delves into the lives of other staff members in the two households， searching for clues to which of them might have been the "insider" long believed to have provided information， whether wit Mariah Fredericks's long fascination with the Lindbergh kidnapping led her to do extensive research about the case， with a particular emphasis on the Morrow and Lindbergh household staffs。 She centers her story on Betty Gow， the young Scottish immigrant hired by the Lindberghs to care for their son， but also delves into the lives of other staff members in the two households， searching for clues to which of them might have been the "insider" long believed to have provided information， whether wittingly or not， to the kidnapper。 The story is a compelling one， full of clues and red herrings; at different times， I was sure I had figured out where she would be casting blame， only to leap to a different conclusion in a subsequent chapter。 In addition to the mystery， Fredericks also gives her readers a detailed portrayal of the lives of this wealthy and famous family， seemingly impacted not at all by the depression that gripped the country in this period。 。。。more

Chantale Canadian Book Addict ，

This one was a good one。 I recommend

Nikki | graciouslybooked ，

This was a very slow story and didn’t really capture my attention。 The majority of the book is focused on the nanny。 ARC received in exchange for an honest opinion。

Kathy ，

Mariah Fredericks blends facts and fiction seamlessly in this highly readable and interesting novel based on the kidnapping of the twenty month-old Lindbergh baby in March of 1932。 All of the characters are written with depth and complexity which bring them， and the story， to life in a vivid way。The story is told from the point of view of young Betty Gow， a real person， who served as the nanny of the kidnapped child。 From Scotland， she had been in America only a few years when the crime occurred Mariah Fredericks blends facts and fiction seamlessly in this highly readable and interesting novel based on the kidnapping of the twenty month-old Lindbergh baby in March of 1932。 All of the characters are written with depth and complexity which bring them， and the story， to life in a vivid way。The story is told from the point of view of young Betty Gow， a real person， who served as the nanny of the kidnapped child。 From Scotland， she had been in America only a few years when the crime occurred。 It is fascinating to read her inside view of one of America's most famous families of the time， have that contrasted with the lives of the people who served them， and see the relationships in and between each group。Betty adored her young charge， but became a suspect following the kidnapping （as did each servant）。 Although there was a conviction in the case， there have always been doubts surrounding the case。 Fredericks brings a new perspective and possibility to light。I highly recommend this novel which captivated me throughout。 I appreciate the research the author did as well as the sections the real Betty Gow， and The Lindbergh Nanny: Fact vs。 Fiction placed at the end of the book。My thanks to Minotaur Books for allowing me to read an e-ARC of the book via NetGalley。 It is scheduled for publication 11/15/22。 All opinions expressed in this review are my own and are freely given。 。。。more

Kimberly Barnes ，

The Lindbergh Nanny is an amazing work of historical fiction， blending fiction with fact。 The story of the kidnapping of young Charlie Lindbergh is well known however， Mariah Fredericks brings it to life again in an interesting way， with good character development and presentation of the thoughts and feelings of all of the main characters in the event。 The book focuses on Betty Gow， the Lindburgh nanny。 The book is told by Betty， as a first person narrative， giving it a real life feel for the ev The Lindbergh Nanny is an amazing work of historical fiction， blending fiction with fact。 The story of the kidnapping of young Charlie Lindbergh is well known however， Mariah Fredericks brings it to life again in an interesting way， with good character development and presentation of the thoughts and feelings of all of the main characters in the event。 The book focuses on Betty Gow， the Lindburgh nanny。 The book is told by Betty， as a first person narrative， giving it a real life feel for the events and Betty's perspective and involvement。 Although this book is fiction， there is so much real history involved， that I learned so many details that I never knew。 It made learning about this historical event， engaging， and I couldn't put the book down。 I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in historical events， and historical fiction。 Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance review copy in exchange for my honest review。 。。。more

Marge Keller ，

I like it when a historical fiction book has me researching to find out more about the the topic being written in the book。 This book did that not because I didn’t find the details of the story to be correct but because i want to know more or have questions in terms of what I thought I already knew。 。 One of my favorite ways to read historical fiction is through different points of view or perspective - this book checked all the boxes for me。 This book would make a great book club book for peopl I like it when a historical fiction book has me researching to find out more about the the topic being written in the book。 This book did that not because I didn’t find the details of the story to be correct but because i want to know more or have questions in terms of what I thought I already knew。 。 One of my favorite ways to read historical fiction is through different points of view or perspective - this book checked all the boxes for me。 This book would make a great book club book for people of all ages， races， nationalities and social classes。 The characterizations of the Lindbergh’ family was interesting。 。。。more

Reference

google book https://www.google.com/search?tbm=bks&q=The Lindbergh Nanny

hathitrust digital library https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/ls?q1=The Lindbergh Nanny&field1=ocr&a=srchls&ft=ft&lmt=ft

The British Library https://bll01.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/discovery/search?query=any,contains,The Lindbergh Nanny&tab=LibraryCatalog&search_scope=Not_BL_Suppress&vid=44BL_INST:BLL01&lang=en&offset=0