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The Lindbergh Nanny
Mariah Fredericks's The Lindbergh Nanny is powerful, propulsive novel about America’s most notorious kidnapping through the eyes of the woman who found herself at the heart of this deadly crime.
When the most famous toddler in America, Charles Lindbergh, Jr., is kidnapped from his family home in New Jersey in 1932, the case makes international headlines. Already celebrated for his flight across the Atlantic, his father, Charles, Sr., is the country’s golden boy, with his wealthy, lovely wife, Anne Morrow Lindbergh, by his side. But there’s someone else in their household—Betty Gow, a formerly obscure young woman, now known around the world by another name: the Lindbergh Nanny.
A Scottish immigrant deciphering the rules of her new homeland and its East Coast elite, Betty finds Colonel 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. Then, Charlie disappears.
Suddenly a suspect in the eyes of both the media and the public, Betty must find the truth about what really happened that night, in order to clear her own name—and to find justice for the child she loves.
When the most famous toddler in America, Charles Lindbergh, Jr., is kidnapped from his family home in New Jersey in 1932, the case makes international headlines. Already celebrated for his flight across the Atlantic, his father, Charles, Sr., is the country’s golden boy, with his wealthy, lovely wife, Anne Morrow Lindbergh, by his side. But there’s someone else in their household—Betty Gow, a formerly obscure young woman, now known around the world by another name: the Lindbergh Nanny.
A Scottish immigrant deciphering the rules of her new homeland and its East Coast elite, Betty finds Colonel 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. Then, Charlie disappears.
Suddenly a suspect in the eyes of both the media and the public, Betty must find the truth about what really happened that night, in order to clear her own name—and to find justice for the child she loves.
309 pages, Hardcover
First published November 15, 2022
1040 people are currently reading
40263 people want to read
About the author
Mariah Fredericks
27 books685 followersMariah Fredericks was born, raised, and still lives in New York City. She graduated from Vassar College with a degree in history. She is the author of the Jane Prescott mystery series as well as The Lindbergh Nanny, which Nelson DeMille called, "a masterful blending of fact and fiction that is as compelling as it is entertaining." The Wharton Plot, was named one of the best mysteries of 2024 by Library Journal. "An Edith Wharton scholar could read Ms. Frederick’s novel with profit and amusement."—Wall Street Journal. Her next novel, The Girl in the Green Dress, featuring Zelda Fitzgerald and New Yorker writer Morris Markey, is out September 2, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,321 reviews
August 13, 2025
The Lindbergh Nanny by Mariah Fredericks
Narrated by Penelope Rawlins
I've known about the Lindbergh baby kidnapping for as long as I can remember but there is really little that I knew about it other than that his father and mother were wealthy and famous and that the story is so very sad. With this audiobook I was thrown into the center of the baby's life via Betty Gow, the nanny of Charlie. The story is told to us by Betty and even though she is flawed she is also well meaning and she loved baby Charlie as if he were her own.
Since listening to the book I have researched the Lindbergh baby kidnapping and I think the author did a fine job with this book. It's easy to understand how hard life was for Betty and the people on the lower rungs of society, especially those who came from other countries, looking for a chance to start over and work toward a better life than they had before. Really though, a servant's life didn't have much chance of turning into something more. It's understandable that Betty would want to find comfort and a feeling of being wanted as the girlfriend of handsome Henry, a Norwegian sailor.
When we meet Betty, so much has already gone wrong for her that the story seems imbued with a sense of dread and foreboding. The strict and hands off way that Charles Lindbergh wanted his baby raised was disconcerting as was the fact that both parents were willing to go off for long periods of time, leaving their in the hands of a brand new nanny who was a stranger to them just a short time earlier. Yet Betty had to walk the tightrope of giving Charlie the love and attention a baby deserves without letting it become evident that the little boy couldn't help but be more attached to the nanny that spent so much time with him than he was to his absentee mother.
Penelope Rawlins does a wonderful job of narrating this story. Betty is living such an emotional roller coaster throughout the book. There are guilt feeling for things in the past, there is hope that this time she can get it right both with her job and with a new beau, temporary as she thinks he'll be for her. There is the love that she feels for baby Charlie and the tightrope she must walk around Charles Lindbergh and his wife. There are all the social pitfalls that come with being seen as too standoffish or two chummy with the other servants. Despite the upsetting subject matter, I enjoyed watching Betty do her best to caretake little Charlie and later to do what she can to ferret out the insider that might have allowed this crime to happen.
Pub Dec 8, 2022
Thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for this ARC.
Narrated by Penelope Rawlins
I've known about the Lindbergh baby kidnapping for as long as I can remember but there is really little that I knew about it other than that his father and mother were wealthy and famous and that the story is so very sad. With this audiobook I was thrown into the center of the baby's life via Betty Gow, the nanny of Charlie. The story is told to us by Betty and even though she is flawed she is also well meaning and she loved baby Charlie as if he were her own.
Since listening to the book I have researched the Lindbergh baby kidnapping and I think the author did a fine job with this book. It's easy to understand how hard life was for Betty and the people on the lower rungs of society, especially those who came from other countries, looking for a chance to start over and work toward a better life than they had before. Really though, a servant's life didn't have much chance of turning into something more. It's understandable that Betty would want to find comfort and a feeling of being wanted as the girlfriend of handsome Henry, a Norwegian sailor.
When we meet Betty, so much has already gone wrong for her that the story seems imbued with a sense of dread and foreboding. The strict and hands off way that Charles Lindbergh wanted his baby raised was disconcerting as was the fact that both parents were willing to go off for long periods of time, leaving their in the hands of a brand new nanny who was a stranger to them just a short time earlier. Yet Betty had to walk the tightrope of giving Charlie the love and attention a baby deserves without letting it become evident that the little boy couldn't help but be more attached to the nanny that spent so much time with him than he was to his absentee mother.
Penelope Rawlins does a wonderful job of narrating this story. Betty is living such an emotional roller coaster throughout the book. There are guilt feeling for things in the past, there is hope that this time she can get it right both with her job and with a new beau, temporary as she thinks he'll be for her. There is the love that she feels for baby Charlie and the tightrope she must walk around Charles Lindbergh and his wife. There are all the social pitfalls that come with being seen as too standoffish or two chummy with the other servants. Despite the upsetting subject matter, I enjoyed watching Betty do her best to caretake little Charlie and later to do what she can to ferret out the insider that might have allowed this crime to happen.
Pub Dec 8, 2022
Thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for this ARC.
October 1, 2022
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This is a story about the kidnapping and murder of Charles Lindbergh, Jr., from the Nanny's (Betty Gow) point of view. It is a very atmospheric tale and the author certainly gives the reader a sense of time and place. The author takes the reader inside the lives of the rich and famous and their help...An upstairs|downstairs kind of situation. I loved the intimate details about Betty Gow's life and how much she cared for and loved that baby.
The book was so interesting and the characters jumped off the page because there was enough backstory to get a real feel for them. Even though I knew the ending, as everyone does, Mariah Fredericks manages to keep the reader engaged through the entirety of the book.
The two sections at the end of the book, about the real Betty Gow and separating fact from fiction was enlightening and I appreciated the author's research for the book and the recommendations for other reads about the case. This was very well done and I recommend it to any historical fiction lover.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Mariah Fredericks, and St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books for the giving of the ARC.
#NetGalley
This is a story about the kidnapping and murder of Charles Lindbergh, Jr., from the Nanny's (Betty Gow) point of view. It is a very atmospheric tale and the author certainly gives the reader a sense of time and place. The author takes the reader inside the lives of the rich and famous and their help...An upstairs|downstairs kind of situation. I loved the intimate details about Betty Gow's life and how much she cared for and loved that baby.
The book was so interesting and the characters jumped off the page because there was enough backstory to get a real feel for them. Even though I knew the ending, as everyone does, Mariah Fredericks manages to keep the reader engaged through the entirety of the book.
The two sections at the end of the book, about the real Betty Gow and separating fact from fiction was enlightening and I appreciated the author's research for the book and the recommendations for other reads about the case. This was very well done and I recommend it to any historical fiction lover.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Mariah Fredericks, and St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books for the giving of the ARC.
#NetGalley
November 23, 2022
In a Nutshell: Liked it enough. It’s not bad but it didn’t dazzle me as much as I had expected. Didn’t enjoy the first person pov.
Note: This review contains spoilers about the actual case this story is based on.
Story Synopsis:
Not being from the US, I had first heard of the Lindbergh case only when I had read Agatha Christie’s ‘Murder on the Orient Express’, which takes inspiration from this kidnapping. As such, I couldn’t resist the chance of trying out this novel, though I am not a great fan of fictionalisations of true stories.
You don’t need to be aware of the actual case. (In fact, I think you will enjoy the book better that way.) But as I already knew some of the details, I chose to read about the complete case before venturing ahead with the book just to see how far the story sticks to the facts. While my online research revealed to me in advance what was to come, it also helped me appreciate the author’s creative decisions better.
Where the book worked for me:
✔ The author has done her research and it shows. Wherever she has stuck to the facts, she has done so with aplomb.
✔ Betty Gow makes for an intriguing main character. Unlike what you would expect, she has not been idealised into a ‘perfect nanny’ but is written as a real person with flaws. She made for a good narrative point of view, though the writing faltered somewhat in this aspect. The Lindberghs too seem to be accurately depicted. I was initially surprised at the negative portrayal of Charles Lindbergh (the aviator, not the baby), but an online search revealed that he had shades of grey in his character. Betty’s connection with little Charlie comes out beautifully.
✔ This book is the perfect mix of fact and fiction. I admired how the author took the bare details of the facts and gave it her own twist. While this does end up vilifying some real people, it doesn’t do so without apparent justification.
✔ The police investigation is well-detailed and reveals a lot about the people who were under their eye of suspicion.
✔ There is a ‘Fact vs. Fiction’ section at the end of the book, which clearly demarcates the elements in the book. I wish all historical fiction writers who write stories based on facts would include such a well-written clarification of the plot points and their writing choices.
✔ For a change, the author’s note about the real Betty Gow and the aforementioned section of ‘Facts vs. Fiction’ were included in my advance audio copy. These two sections bring a new understanding to the story, and I was grateful to have access to these, for once.
Where the book could have worked better for me:
❌ Even without my research into the case, I already knew what was to happen to the baby. This is somewhat of a downer in a novel where the kidnapping doesn’t even happen until about the 40% mark. There was no surprise of discovery. The only positive of this is that there's an added sense of poignancy to Betty's wait for the baby’s safe return since you already know that he won’t be coming home again.
❌ I am never a fan of crime books where the amateur characters discover more information than the police do. I also found it tough to accept how one policeman shared inside details of the case under investigation with Betty.
❌ Barring the scenes where Betty discovers that the child is missing and where she has to identify the body, the rest of the book feels somewhat flat in terms of emotions.
❌ There’s a lot of info-dumping in the final chapters.
❌ Betty’s first person narration includes a lot of inner monologues. This becomes even more grating in the audio version as you listen to her voicing her extended thoughts on everything, even when she has to respond to a question.
❌ The story does wonderfully while depicting the discovery of the kidnapping, the information about the investigation and the finding of the child’s body, and later, the trial. The rest of the book doesn’t match up. It digresses a lot with extended scenes that have no bearing on the main case. This also reduces the pacing of the story. Having the audiobook was a blessing at such times.
The audiobook experience:
The audiobook, clocking at 12 hours 18 minutes, is narrated by Penelope Rawlins. Absolutely no complaints in this section. Loved her narration, loved the way she enunciated the dialogues, loved the accents/voices she used for every character. The audiobook would be a great way to experience this story.
In one way, the story is almost like yet another conspiracy theory about the Lindbergh case. On the other hand, it is more of Betty Gow’s story than that of Charles Lindbergh Jr. Whatever way you look at it, the book is a good one-time read. I might have enjoyed it more had I not kept waiting for the kidnapping to happen. Knowing the fact behind the fiction is detrimental at times.
Recommended to true crime enthusiasts who want to read a different take on the Lindbergh kidnapping.
3.5 stars.
My thanks to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the ALC of “The Lindbergh Nanny”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the audiobook.
———————————————
Connect with me through:
My Blog | The StoryGraph | Facebook | Twitter
Note: This review contains spoilers about the actual case this story is based on.
Story Synopsis:
You might have heard of the famous kidnapping case of aviator Charles Lindbergh's eldest son, twenty-month-old Charles Jr., in the early 1930s. This is a partially fictionalised narration of the events leading up to and beyond the kidnapping & murder, recollected from the point of view of Betty Gow, the child’s Scottish nanny.
Not being from the US, I had first heard of the Lindbergh case only when I had read Agatha Christie’s ‘Murder on the Orient Express’, which takes inspiration from this kidnapping. As such, I couldn’t resist the chance of trying out this novel, though I am not a great fan of fictionalisations of true stories.
You don’t need to be aware of the actual case. (In fact, I think you will enjoy the book better that way.) But as I already knew some of the details, I chose to read about the complete case before venturing ahead with the book just to see how far the story sticks to the facts. While my online research revealed to me in advance what was to come, it also helped me appreciate the author’s creative decisions better.
Where the book worked for me:
✔ The author has done her research and it shows. Wherever she has stuck to the facts, she has done so with aplomb.
✔ Betty Gow makes for an intriguing main character. Unlike what you would expect, she has not been idealised into a ‘perfect nanny’ but is written as a real person with flaws. She made for a good narrative point of view, though the writing faltered somewhat in this aspect. The Lindberghs too seem to be accurately depicted. I was initially surprised at the negative portrayal of Charles Lindbergh (the aviator, not the baby), but an online search revealed that he had shades of grey in his character. Betty’s connection with little Charlie comes out beautifully.
✔ This book is the perfect mix of fact and fiction. I admired how the author took the bare details of the facts and gave it her own twist. While this does end up vilifying some real people, it doesn’t do so without apparent justification.
✔ The police investigation is well-detailed and reveals a lot about the people who were under their eye of suspicion.
✔ There is a ‘Fact vs. Fiction’ section at the end of the book, which clearly demarcates the elements in the book. I wish all historical fiction writers who write stories based on facts would include such a well-written clarification of the plot points and their writing choices.
✔ For a change, the author’s note about the real Betty Gow and the aforementioned section of ‘Facts vs. Fiction’ were included in my advance audio copy. These two sections bring a new understanding to the story, and I was grateful to have access to these, for once.
Where the book could have worked better for me:
❌ Even without my research into the case, I already knew what was to happen to the baby. This is somewhat of a downer in a novel where the kidnapping doesn’t even happen until about the 40% mark. There was no surprise of discovery. The only positive of this is that there's an added sense of poignancy to Betty's wait for the baby’s safe return since you already know that he won’t be coming home again.
❌ I am never a fan of crime books where the amateur characters discover more information than the police do. I also found it tough to accept how one policeman shared inside details of the case under investigation with Betty.
❌ Barring the scenes where Betty discovers that the child is missing and where she has to identify the body, the rest of the book feels somewhat flat in terms of emotions.
❌ There’s a lot of info-dumping in the final chapters.
❌ Betty’s first person narration includes a lot of inner monologues. This becomes even more grating in the audio version as you listen to her voicing her extended thoughts on everything, even when she has to respond to a question.
❌ The story does wonderfully while depicting the discovery of the kidnapping, the information about the investigation and the finding of the child’s body, and later, the trial. The rest of the book doesn’t match up. It digresses a lot with extended scenes that have no bearing on the main case. This also reduces the pacing of the story. Having the audiobook was a blessing at such times.
The audiobook experience:
The audiobook, clocking at 12 hours 18 minutes, is narrated by Penelope Rawlins. Absolutely no complaints in this section. Loved her narration, loved the way she enunciated the dialogues, loved the accents/voices she used for every character. The audiobook would be a great way to experience this story.
In one way, the story is almost like yet another conspiracy theory about the Lindbergh case. On the other hand, it is more of Betty Gow’s story than that of Charles Lindbergh Jr. Whatever way you look at it, the book is a good one-time read. I might have enjoyed it more had I not kept waiting for the kidnapping to happen. Knowing the fact behind the fiction is detrimental at times.
Recommended to true crime enthusiasts who want to read a different take on the Lindbergh kidnapping.
3.5 stars.
My thanks to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the ALC of “The Lindbergh Nanny”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the audiobook.
———————————————
Connect with me through:
My Blog | The StoryGraph | Facebook | Twitter
January 30, 2023
A historical fiction novel based on a real life crime that happened on March 1, 1932.
I had heard of the Lindbergh baby kidnapping, but had limited knowledge of the case or any of the details. There was no DNA, security cameras, or other sophisticated technology in 1932. They did use fingerprinting, but the crime scene had been wiped.
This book is narrated Betty Gow, the nanny to baby Charlie. She was in the NJ home the night Charlie was taken.
What a whirlwind story! How terrifying for anyone to have to endure. I felt for the family, Betty and poor Charlie.
After finishing, I had to google the Lindbergh family, the NJ mansion, the babies precious photos and the nanny. I also saw pictures of the WANTED posters, and a ransom note. What a heartbreaking case!
Really enjoyed the narration by Penelope Rawkins. 12 hours and 18 minutes.
Well researched with notes about Betty Gow and a section on Fact VS Fiction. Recommend to those who are curious about the case and enjoy the genre.
Pub on Novemeber 15, 2022/ Listened via Hoopla
I had heard of the Lindbergh baby kidnapping, but had limited knowledge of the case or any of the details. There was no DNA, security cameras, or other sophisticated technology in 1932. They did use fingerprinting, but the crime scene had been wiped.
This book is narrated Betty Gow, the nanny to baby Charlie. She was in the NJ home the night Charlie was taken.
What a whirlwind story! How terrifying for anyone to have to endure. I felt for the family, Betty and poor Charlie.
After finishing, I had to google the Lindbergh family, the NJ mansion, the babies precious photos and the nanny. I also saw pictures of the WANTED posters, and a ransom note. What a heartbreaking case!
Really enjoyed the narration by Penelope Rawkins. 12 hours and 18 minutes.
Well researched with notes about Betty Gow and a section on Fact VS Fiction. Recommend to those who are curious about the case and enjoy the genre.
Pub on Novemeber 15, 2022/ Listened via Hoopla
November 8, 2022
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
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
April 9, 2023
Wow! I listened to The Lindbergh Nanny on audiobook and Penelope Rawlins does a phenomenal job of narration. I was hooked from the very first sentence and highly recommend this book!
Mariah Fredericks, the author, conducted thorough research regarding the kidnapping of Charles Lindbergh, Jr in 1932 when he was 20 months old. Her research included the investigation that occurred.
The book is artfully created from the point of view of Betty Gow, the Scottish baby nurse, who took care of Charlie.
I definitely want to read other books by Mariah Fredericks because the character development, dialogue, scene depiction, and story arc is superb!
Highly, highly recommend!
Mariah Fredericks, the author, conducted thorough research regarding the kidnapping of Charles Lindbergh, Jr in 1932 when he was 20 months old. Her research included the investigation that occurred.
The book is artfully created from the point of view of Betty Gow, the Scottish baby nurse, who took care of Charlie.
I definitely want to read other books by Mariah Fredericks because the character development, dialogue, scene depiction, and story arc is superb!
Highly, highly recommend!
November 16, 2022
A sympathetic and thought-provoking portrait of "she who left unlocked." Betty Gow had a plum job as the nurse for the Lindbergh baby. The narrative takes some time setting the scene and showing us life with the Lindbergh family. There were so many staff members who would have known that Charlie was staying at Hopewell that night. It is unfortunate that Betty was tried and convicted by so many without evidence. The trial scenes were especially revealing. This was fascinating!
Thank you to Minotaur Books and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Minotaur Books and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
November 17, 2022
The Lindbergh Nanny tells the story of the 1932 kidnapping of Young Charlie Lindbergh and the ensuing investigation and trial.
Betty Gow has only been in the US for a few years when she’s hired by the Lindberghs. There’s obviously something in her background that she’d prefer to keep hidden. Neither of the Lindberghs are painted in a flattering light. He’s a firm believer in the Watson method of child rearing, a belief that a child should be independent from an early age. She’s content to follow her husband, leaving her child for months. And in typical fashion of the day, no cares at all for the hired help.
The story is told in the first person. Betty isn’t a very deep character or should I say, Fredericks doesn’t make her a fully developed character. She comes across as flat, except for one brief moment during the trial. The story’s pacing is uneven. Frederick takes too long setting up the situation before the kidnapping. She does a good job of laying out the police investigation - who could have had the knowledge to pull off the kidnapping and who had motives; the means they had of finding out information. The story posits that Betty does her own queries, as it was assumed someone on the inside must have been involved in some way. The author also constructs the story so that one of the police officers shares quite a bit of information with her. As this is fiction, Fredericks comes up with her own theory of who the insider was. It’s a sad truth that even those who are innocent get blamed and their lives ruined.
This was an interesting story but not an overly engrossing one. At the end, she spells out the facts vs. constructed fiction. She admits her theory is just that, a theory with only a single fact to back it up.
My thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advance copy of this book.
Betty Gow has only been in the US for a few years when she’s hired by the Lindberghs. There’s obviously something in her background that she’d prefer to keep hidden. Neither of the Lindberghs are painted in a flattering light. He’s a firm believer in the Watson method of child rearing, a belief that a child should be independent from an early age. She’s content to follow her husband, leaving her child for months. And in typical fashion of the day, no cares at all for the hired help.
The story is told in the first person. Betty isn’t a very deep character or should I say, Fredericks doesn’t make her a fully developed character. She comes across as flat, except for one brief moment during the trial. The story’s pacing is uneven. Frederick takes too long setting up the situation before the kidnapping. She does a good job of laying out the police investigation - who could have had the knowledge to pull off the kidnapping and who had motives; the means they had of finding out information. The story posits that Betty does her own queries, as it was assumed someone on the inside must have been involved in some way. The author also constructs the story so that one of the police officers shares quite a bit of information with her. As this is fiction, Fredericks comes up with her own theory of who the insider was. It’s a sad truth that even those who are innocent get blamed and their lives ruined.
This was an interesting story but not an overly engrossing one. At the end, she spells out the facts vs. constructed fiction. She admits her theory is just that, a theory with only a single fact to back it up.
My thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advance copy of this book.
March 4, 2023
This was an interesting historical fiction novel.
The book is narrated by Charlie Lindbergh's nanny, Betty Gow before he was kidnapped and months later found dead.
in 1939, Betty Gow is taking care of the baby when he disappears from his crib at night. A ramson note is left behind. When the police start investigating the crime, they immediately zoom in on Betty and make her a suspect. She was the last person to see the baby alive, she was a single woman going out with a Norwegian sailor named Henry, and she was a foreigner.
In Betty's words, she describes how she got the position of a nanny. She didn't like Charles Lindbergh. She thought he was an odd man. She especially didn't like the way he treated baby Charlie. The child's mother, Anne Morrow was a nice woman but Betty couldn't understand how she could leave the child for weeks at a time and then wondered why the child would cling to the nanny and not to her when she came back.
The Lindbergh Nanny had my attention from the very first page since it's based on a truly horrible crime with too many unanswered questions. Was it an inside job? Probably. Do I believe Betty had something to do with it? I doubt it.
Cliffhanger: No
4/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by Minotaur Books via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
The book is narrated by Charlie Lindbergh's nanny, Betty Gow before he was kidnapped and months later found dead.
in 1939, Betty Gow is taking care of the baby when he disappears from his crib at night. A ramson note is left behind. When the police start investigating the crime, they immediately zoom in on Betty and make her a suspect. She was the last person to see the baby alive, she was a single woman going out with a Norwegian sailor named Henry, and she was a foreigner.
In Betty's words, she describes how she got the position of a nanny. She didn't like Charles Lindbergh. She thought he was an odd man. She especially didn't like the way he treated baby Charlie. The child's mother, Anne Morrow was a nice woman but Betty couldn't understand how she could leave the child for weeks at a time and then wondered why the child would cling to the nanny and not to her when she came back.
The Lindbergh Nanny had my attention from the very first page since it's based on a truly horrible crime with too many unanswered questions. Was it an inside job? Probably. Do I believe Betty had something to do with it? I doubt it.
Cliffhanger: No
4/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by Minotaur Books via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
November 14, 2022
The Lindbergh Nanny by Mariah Fredericks was a most compelling and gripping retelling of the infamous Lindbergh baby kidnapping. It examined the role that Betty Gow, the baby’s nanny, had in the heartbreaking and awful crime. Marian Fredericks was able to blend enough facts with fiction to make this historical fiction novel believable and suspenseful. I listened to the audiobook that was performed by Penelope Rawlings. She was able to insert just the right amount of emotions and clarity into her performance to make it an enjoyable experience. The story was told from the perspective of baby Charlie’s nanny, Betty Gow.
When Baby Charlie was born to aviators Charles Lindbergh and Anne Marrow Lindbergh, they began to search for a nanny. Betty Gow, a Scottish immigrant, had learned about their search and applied for the position. She had heard about the position from a friend who was working in the Marrow household at the time. Although Betty’s experience of caring for babies was not extensive, she was hired by the Lindberghs. Charles and Anne Lindbergh were insistent that Betty follow the routines and practices they saw as the best way to raise Charlie. Both parents did not want their son coddled. They wanted Charlie to grow into an independent and strong child. Although Betty did not agree with all the instructions she was given, she went along with the parent wishes. Charles and Anne Lindbergh were not willing to give up their flying excursions just because they had a baby now. Betty was left with baby Charlie for long periods of time while his parents were off on their trips. She grew to love and care very deeply for Baby Charlie over time.
In March of 1932, Charlie had turned twenty months. The Lindberghs were staying in their new home in New Jersey. Betty had been on a vacation but was called back to help Mrs. Lindbergh. Mrs. Lindbergh asked Betty to return a little earlier than planned because she was feeling ill from a bad cold and she was pregnant with the couple’s second child. The Lindberghs had decided to stay in their new home a little earlier than they had planned. Betty was more than happy to return and help Mrs. Lindbergh. On that particular night, Betty and Mrs. Lindbergh together had put Charlie in his crib for the night. It was cold in Charlie’s bedroom so Betty had devised something warmer for him to wear. It was discovered that the window in Charlie’s bedroom had been left open. When Betty tried to close it she discovered that the wood around the window was warped and prevented the window from being closed completely. Betty and Mrs. Lindbergh left little Charlie in his crib. Betty returned to Charlie’s bedroom to check on him at approximately ten o’clock that evening. When Betty entered Charlie’s room she discovered that Charlie was not in his crib. After a frantic search of the entire house, it was determined that little Charlie had been kidnapped. A ransom note was later discovered demanding a great sum of money for Charlie’s return. The local police were called in and everyone was questioned. It was the start of a criminal investigation. No one was exempt from being put under scrutiny or from the grueling and unending line of questioning. Betty Gow was under suspicion. After all, she spent the most time with Charlie and was the last to see him in his crib. The detectives were relentless in their questions that they asked Betty. They probed into her questionable past. Betty knew she was under investigation and had to try and figure out who had orchestrated this horrific crime. Would Betty be able to navigate her way around all the possible suspects in time to discover who the kidnapper was? Could someone that had been employed by either the Lindberghs or the Morrows have been involved? Betty was determined to figure it out.
The Lindbergh Nanny was fast paced and well plotted. The characters, both real and fictional, were well developed and believable. Mariah Fredericks brilliantly blended just the right amount of fact with fiction to make The Lindbergh Nanny an enjoyable read. Her research was impeccable. I really enjoyed listening to the audiobook of The Lindbergh Nanny and highly recommend it.
Thank you to Dreamscape Media LLC for allowing me to listen to The Lindbergh Nanny by Mariah Fredericks through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
When Baby Charlie was born to aviators Charles Lindbergh and Anne Marrow Lindbergh, they began to search for a nanny. Betty Gow, a Scottish immigrant, had learned about their search and applied for the position. She had heard about the position from a friend who was working in the Marrow household at the time. Although Betty’s experience of caring for babies was not extensive, she was hired by the Lindberghs. Charles and Anne Lindbergh were insistent that Betty follow the routines and practices they saw as the best way to raise Charlie. Both parents did not want their son coddled. They wanted Charlie to grow into an independent and strong child. Although Betty did not agree with all the instructions she was given, she went along with the parent wishes. Charles and Anne Lindbergh were not willing to give up their flying excursions just because they had a baby now. Betty was left with baby Charlie for long periods of time while his parents were off on their trips. She grew to love and care very deeply for Baby Charlie over time.
In March of 1932, Charlie had turned twenty months. The Lindberghs were staying in their new home in New Jersey. Betty had been on a vacation but was called back to help Mrs. Lindbergh. Mrs. Lindbergh asked Betty to return a little earlier than planned because she was feeling ill from a bad cold and she was pregnant with the couple’s second child. The Lindberghs had decided to stay in their new home a little earlier than they had planned. Betty was more than happy to return and help Mrs. Lindbergh. On that particular night, Betty and Mrs. Lindbergh together had put Charlie in his crib for the night. It was cold in Charlie’s bedroom so Betty had devised something warmer for him to wear. It was discovered that the window in Charlie’s bedroom had been left open. When Betty tried to close it she discovered that the wood around the window was warped and prevented the window from being closed completely. Betty and Mrs. Lindbergh left little Charlie in his crib. Betty returned to Charlie’s bedroom to check on him at approximately ten o’clock that evening. When Betty entered Charlie’s room she discovered that Charlie was not in his crib. After a frantic search of the entire house, it was determined that little Charlie had been kidnapped. A ransom note was later discovered demanding a great sum of money for Charlie’s return. The local police were called in and everyone was questioned. It was the start of a criminal investigation. No one was exempt from being put under scrutiny or from the grueling and unending line of questioning. Betty Gow was under suspicion. After all, she spent the most time with Charlie and was the last to see him in his crib. The detectives were relentless in their questions that they asked Betty. They probed into her questionable past. Betty knew she was under investigation and had to try and figure out who had orchestrated this horrific crime. Would Betty be able to navigate her way around all the possible suspects in time to discover who the kidnapper was? Could someone that had been employed by either the Lindberghs or the Morrows have been involved? Betty was determined to figure it out.
The Lindbergh Nanny was fast paced and well plotted. The characters, both real and fictional, were well developed and believable. Mariah Fredericks brilliantly blended just the right amount of fact with fiction to make The Lindbergh Nanny an enjoyable read. Her research was impeccable. I really enjoyed listening to the audiobook of The Lindbergh Nanny and highly recommend it.
Thank you to Dreamscape Media LLC for allowing me to listen to The Lindbergh Nanny by Mariah Fredericks through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 2, 2023
Charles Lindbergh was an American military officer, inventor, and aviator who made the first nonstop flight from New York City to Paris in 1927. Lindbergh's daring trip made him an instant celebrity, and the pilot became a world-famous hero.
Charles Lindbergh
Lindbergh's wife was Anne Morrow - of the immensely wealthy and powerful Morrow family - and the duo was dubbed 'the couple of the age.'
Anne Morrow Lindbergh
The Lindberghs' affluence and fame made them a target, and the couple's 20-month-old son Charles Jr. was kidnapped in 1932.
Anne Morrow Lindbergh with Charles Lindbergh Jr.
Ransom demands followed, and the incident - called 'the crime of the century' - was investigated by a large number of law enforcement officials.
Sadly, baby Charles' body was discovered a couple of months or so after the kidnapping, and authorities speculated that the boy was probably (accidentally) killed during the abduction.
The 'crime of the century' has been dissected, discussed, and written about ad infinitum. In this novel, author Mariah Fredericks takes a different approach, depicting the events from the viewpoint of young Charles' nanny, Betty Gow.
Betty Gow
Though the book is fiction, Fredericks did her research, and much of the story is based on real people, and actual accounts of the abduction and investigation.
*****
Scotswoman Betty Gow followed her boyfriend Rob Coutts to America, in hopes of getting married. That didn't work out and Betty got the job of nanny to Charles and Anne Lindbergh's son Charles Jr. (Charlie). The Lindberghs were raising their son to be self-sufficient and independent, and Betty was instructed not to coddle the boy. Still, the Lindberghs would be away for months at a time, and Betty formed a strong bond with Charlie, who would cling to his beloved 'Beddy.'
Charles Lindbergh Jr.
Then on March 1, 1932, Charlie was taken from his room in the Lindberghs' Hopewell, New Jersey house that was under construction. At the time the Lindberghs rarely stayed at the unfinished home, preferring to remain at the Morrow mansion in Englewood, New Jersey.
Lindbergh house in Hopewell, New Jersey
Morrow Mansion in Englewood, New Jersey
Thus the kidnapper(s) had to KNOW the family was in residence at Hopewell, and had to KNOW where Charlie slept. A ladder was used to access Charlie's bedroom - whose window shutter didn't close properly - and the child was spirited away.
The crime was immediately seen as requiring inside information, and many people came under suspicion, including the Lindberghs' and Morrows' staff: butler, chauffeurs, maids, cooks, housekeeper, handyman, gardener, and so on. Unfortunately for nanny Betty, she was the last person to see Charlie AND she discovered the toddler was missing. Thus Betty was questioned relentlessly, as was her boyfriend, Norwegian sailor Henrik Johnson.
Henrik Johnson
The police speculated that - even if the staff members were innocent - their loose lips and carelessness may have aided the kidnapper(s).
The book, narrated from Betty's point of view, explores the crime; the steps taken by investigators; the ransom demands and payments; the assistance offered by gangsters and others; the effects of the inquiries on the people interrogated; the finding of the body; and more. Betty was especially vilified by the press and public, though the Lindberghs insisted their staff was innocent. Nevertheless, the ongoing suspicion ruined many lives and Betty - who returned to Scotland - was viewed askance and never married.
In real life, German-born Bruno Richard Hauptmann was hanged for the abduction and murder of Charles Lindbergh Jr.
Bruno Richard Hauptmann
In the novel, Betty - who dearly loved little Charlie - tries to suss out who helped Hauptmann. The book names the probable suspect(s), but of course this is speculative.
It's interesting to see 'the crime of the century' from the perspective of the nanny who was so intimately involved with young Charlie. For people interested in the Lindbergh incident, this is a book well worth reading.
The audiobook is narrated by Penelope Rawlins, who does a fine job.
I should point out that some people think Hauptmann was wrongly convicted, and there's much speculation about who REALLY committed the crime. Author William Norris explores this possibility in A Talent to Deceive. My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com
December 31, 2022
The Lindberg Nanny by Mariah Fredrick’s was a fascinating story of the famous kidnapping and murder of Charles Augustus Lindberg, Jr March 1, 1932. I grew up hearing about this story. Everyone knew bits and pieces but no one knew very much. Of course this was long before 24 hour news, the internet and social media. The Lindberg nurse or Nanny, Betty Gow was a primary suspect. It seemed only by the police. The Lindberg’s did not appear to feel the same. Media was a circus and the police and FBI unkind. Betty Gow was sad over this tragic situation. Over the cold murder of this precious 20 month old sweet child.
September 13, 2022
The Lindbergh Nanny, by Mariah Fredericks (5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)
For those who still wonder who kidnapped Charles Lindbergh Jr. on March 1st, 1932, we may never know the full story. The Lindbergh Nanny by Mariah Fredericks offers a new perspective on the case. Despite being historical fiction, the author incorporates fresh ideas into this highly researched and controversial mystery.
Synopsis:
Betty Gow was the nanny in charge of Charlie Lindbergh on the night he was taken from the Lindbergh family home. Betty and the entire staff at the Lindbergh's sprawling estate are subjected to intense scrutiny and persecution as the investigation ensures. The media and the public are misinformed about the facts. Charlie was so dear to Betty. She must clear her name and find justice for baby Charlie, but who is responsible for the horrendous crime?
The Lindbergh Nanny is a fascinating book. Mariah Fredericks includes intriguing facts and dispels rumors that have surrounded the case for many years. Through Fredericks' honest retelling, I was captivated by the details of the story. As a result of her in-depth study, the author lays out her findings. The results are brilliant and riveting. Be sure to read the Author's Notes included at the back of the book. This novel is a must-read for history buffs!
The Lindbergh Nanny by Mariah Fredericks is available on November 15th.
Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, for this outstanding look back at history. Your kindness is appreciated.
#TheLindberghNanny
For those who still wonder who kidnapped Charles Lindbergh Jr. on March 1st, 1932, we may never know the full story. The Lindbergh Nanny by Mariah Fredericks offers a new perspective on the case. Despite being historical fiction, the author incorporates fresh ideas into this highly researched and controversial mystery.
Synopsis:
Betty Gow was the nanny in charge of Charlie Lindbergh on the night he was taken from the Lindbergh family home. Betty and the entire staff at the Lindbergh's sprawling estate are subjected to intense scrutiny and persecution as the investigation ensures. The media and the public are misinformed about the facts. Charlie was so dear to Betty. She must clear her name and find justice for baby Charlie, but who is responsible for the horrendous crime?
The Lindbergh Nanny is a fascinating book. Mariah Fredericks includes intriguing facts and dispels rumors that have surrounded the case for many years. Through Fredericks' honest retelling, I was captivated by the details of the story. As a result of her in-depth study, the author lays out her findings. The results are brilliant and riveting. Be sure to read the Author's Notes included at the back of the book. This novel is a must-read for history buffs!
The Lindbergh Nanny by Mariah Fredericks is available on November 15th.
Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, for this outstanding look back at history. Your kindness is appreciated.
#TheLindberghNanny
November 17, 2022
We’ve all read/heard of the Lindbergh kidnapping/murder of Charles Lindbergh Jr. that took place on
March 1, 1932. It was truly heartbreaking for the family, but I’ve never read the story from the perspective of the Lindbergh nanny, the last person to be with baby Charles before his disappearance and considered to be a suspect in the investigation. This book shares the story of the nanny, Betty Gow, and how this tragedy changed her life.
I love it when a historical fiction story is based on facts and some mystery thrown in. The fact that this is also a true crime story, checks off the true crime junkie box for me.
I knew of this historical case, but not the details. Mariah Fredericks does a remarkable job of mixing facts with fiction through research to present us with a true page-turner. Included in the author’s notes, she differentiates between the facts and her added fiction element.
Betty Gow was a devoted nursemaid, taking care of Charlie day and night. While grieving herself after his disappearance, she had the added horror of being considered a suspect in the police investigation. When the baby’s body was found, it was Gow that the police asked to identify the child’s decomposing corpse. The horrific experience/tragedy along with the guilt that Gow felt because the kidnapping happened under her watch changed her life forever.
After doing some research of my own, I realize that there are many conspiracy theories out there as to who committed this crime. A man was convicted and executed for the kidnapping/death of Charlie, but many still have doubts as to whether he did it and/or who else was involved.
Overall, The Lindbergh Nanny is a captivating, well-researched and passionately written story based on the real-life events of this unforgettable tragedy. Recommended for any historical fiction, mystery, or true crime lover.
March 1, 1932. It was truly heartbreaking for the family, but I’ve never read the story from the perspective of the Lindbergh nanny, the last person to be with baby Charles before his disappearance and considered to be a suspect in the investigation. This book shares the story of the nanny, Betty Gow, and how this tragedy changed her life.
I love it when a historical fiction story is based on facts and some mystery thrown in. The fact that this is also a true crime story, checks off the true crime junkie box for me.
I knew of this historical case, but not the details. Mariah Fredericks does a remarkable job of mixing facts with fiction through research to present us with a true page-turner. Included in the author’s notes, she differentiates between the facts and her added fiction element.
Betty Gow was a devoted nursemaid, taking care of Charlie day and night. While grieving herself after his disappearance, she had the added horror of being considered a suspect in the police investigation. When the baby’s body was found, it was Gow that the police asked to identify the child’s decomposing corpse. The horrific experience/tragedy along with the guilt that Gow felt because the kidnapping happened under her watch changed her life forever.
After doing some research of my own, I realize that there are many conspiracy theories out there as to who committed this crime. A man was convicted and executed for the kidnapping/death of Charlie, but many still have doubts as to whether he did it and/or who else was involved.
Overall, The Lindbergh Nanny is a captivating, well-researched and passionately written story based on the real-life events of this unforgettable tragedy. Recommended for any historical fiction, mystery, or true crime lover.
March 1, 2023
I went into this book blind. When I was a little girl I only heard of " The Famous Lindbergh Kidnapping." I never heard any details or if the baby was found alive, dead or was found at all. Now I know!!
I know that this is an Historical Fiction book. As an Historical Fiction book, it was good! I really learned a lot of information about the Lindbergh's, Charlie ( the Lindbergh's baby),Betty Gow and the rest of the family and staff. It was very interesting and informative. This book started out great and then the last few chapters were, honestly boring. I couldn't wait to finish it! It started not making sense, the situations were getting confusing 🙃 and this made a fantastic story take a downward turn. Now please remember that this is my point of view, I recommend reading this book and honestly hope you will enjoy it!!! I really believe that you will! You'll learn much more than you ever knew before!
Happy Reading and enjoy your day 💐📖🌹
I know that this is an Historical Fiction book. As an Historical Fiction book, it was good! I really learned a lot of information about the Lindbergh's, Charlie ( the Lindbergh's baby),Betty Gow and the rest of the family and staff. It was very interesting and informative. This book started out great and then the last few chapters were, honestly boring. I couldn't wait to finish it! It started not making sense, the situations were getting confusing 🙃 and this made a fantastic story take a downward turn. Now please remember that this is my point of view, I recommend reading this book and honestly hope you will enjoy it!!! I really believe that you will! You'll learn much more than you ever knew before!
Happy Reading and enjoy your day 💐📖🌹
October 30, 2022
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: November 15, 2022
Betty Gow left her home in Scotland to follow a man to Detroit, a man who ultimately ended up betraying her. Now, Betty is desperate to find herself again and stand on her own two feet, so she takes a job as a nanny for Charles and Anne Lindbergh, providing care for their young son, Charlie. Thrust into sudden infamy as the “Lindbergh Nanny”, Betty finds herself fitting in with the young family, and completely adoring baby Charlie. But one night in 1932, young Charlie is snatched right from his bed and everyone, including Betty, is a suspect. Betty knows she is innocent, even though it doesn’t look that way, and she is forced to examine all of her colleagues and friends in a new light, in order to save herself.
“The Lindbergh Nanny” by Mariah Fredericks is, for all intents and purposes, a fiction novel. It is, obviously, based on real events and is even based on real people (including the nanny named Betty, who served the Lindberghs and was investigated when young Charlie went missing) but Fredericks admits to taking liberties with certain events and characters.
“Nanny” is told entirely from the perspective of Betty, and the reader learns about her upbringing, and the disastrous relationship that brought her to the United States, which ultimately thrust her into infamy. Betty is spunky, likable and completely charming, and I was instantly captivated by her. Fredericks ensures that all of the characters are equally suspicious (even though the real culprit has long since been found out), which provided intense intrigue and drama to an already rich plot.
I do not know much about the Lindbergh case, so this novel provided me with previously unknown information, which I always appreciate. “Nanny” starts from Betty’s employment, and continues through the kidnapping and trial of the assumed suspect, so not a single event is missed. Fredericks is a talented writer, and the fact that “Nanny” is only her second adult novel was a shock to me. She definitely has the writing chops to go a long way and I hope she continues writing in this genre. Fredericks brings a fresh new voice to the Lindbergh trial, providing compassion and humanity to such a devastating crime.
Expected publication date: November 15, 2022
Betty Gow left her home in Scotland to follow a man to Detroit, a man who ultimately ended up betraying her. Now, Betty is desperate to find herself again and stand on her own two feet, so she takes a job as a nanny for Charles and Anne Lindbergh, providing care for their young son, Charlie. Thrust into sudden infamy as the “Lindbergh Nanny”, Betty finds herself fitting in with the young family, and completely adoring baby Charlie. But one night in 1932, young Charlie is snatched right from his bed and everyone, including Betty, is a suspect. Betty knows she is innocent, even though it doesn’t look that way, and she is forced to examine all of her colleagues and friends in a new light, in order to save herself.
“The Lindbergh Nanny” by Mariah Fredericks is, for all intents and purposes, a fiction novel. It is, obviously, based on real events and is even based on real people (including the nanny named Betty, who served the Lindberghs and was investigated when young Charlie went missing) but Fredericks admits to taking liberties with certain events and characters.
“Nanny” is told entirely from the perspective of Betty, and the reader learns about her upbringing, and the disastrous relationship that brought her to the United States, which ultimately thrust her into infamy. Betty is spunky, likable and completely charming, and I was instantly captivated by her. Fredericks ensures that all of the characters are equally suspicious (even though the real culprit has long since been found out), which provided intense intrigue and drama to an already rich plot.
I do not know much about the Lindbergh case, so this novel provided me with previously unknown information, which I always appreciate. “Nanny” starts from Betty’s employment, and continues through the kidnapping and trial of the assumed suspect, so not a single event is missed. Fredericks is a talented writer, and the fact that “Nanny” is only her second adult novel was a shock to me. She definitely has the writing chops to go a long way and I hope she continues writing in this genre. Fredericks brings a fresh new voice to the Lindbergh trial, providing compassion and humanity to such a devastating crime.
November 25, 2022
Many of us are well aware of the tragic true story of the kidnapping and killing of Charles Lindbergh's first born, Charlie. It was a sad tale, that drew the world into compassion and sorrow for the Lindbergh's loss. Charles Lindbergh, (Lindy) was world famous, the man who accomplished death defying feets, that made him a name known far and wide.
The taking of his child, drew his staff, friends, and family, into a world of possible hope and then terrible loss. This story is told through the eyes of baby Charlie's nurse, Betty Gow, who of course becomes a suspect, but then is drawn into the eventual court scenes that follow. Betty is a Scottish immigrant who takes on the job of being a nanny to Charlie. She loves him, but in her times with the family, she finds Charles the elder, to be cold, and stoic. Mrs Lindbergh, Anne Morrow, to be a good mother. quiet reserved and of course devastated by the loss of her son.
The country and the Lindberghs were anxious for the murderer to be brought to justice and as the supposed culprit is brought to trial, Betty is brought back to America, and is grilled by the attorney pushing the idea that she and Scotty Gow (her supposed brother) were the perpetrators of this heinous crime. Riley, the lawyer, grills Betty for over two hours but Betty is able to hold it together and is strong for she knows she is telling the truth.
This was such a sad story and very well researched by the author, but the bottom line was even though a man was convicted of the crime, there is still much conjecture about his involvement. Bruno Hauptmann, is eventually convicted and put to death.
The story still leaves many unanswered questions and the author skillfully manages to combine fact and fiction. Thank you to Mariah Fredericks, with the narration of Penelope Rawlins, Dreamscape Media, and NetGalley for the audio and written book.
The taking of his child, drew his staff, friends, and family, into a world of possible hope and then terrible loss. This story is told through the eyes of baby Charlie's nurse, Betty Gow, who of course becomes a suspect, but then is drawn into the eventual court scenes that follow. Betty is a Scottish immigrant who takes on the job of being a nanny to Charlie. She loves him, but in her times with the family, she finds Charles the elder, to be cold, and stoic. Mrs Lindbergh, Anne Morrow, to be a good mother. quiet reserved and of course devastated by the loss of her son.
The country and the Lindberghs were anxious for the murderer to be brought to justice and as the supposed culprit is brought to trial, Betty is brought back to America, and is grilled by the attorney pushing the idea that she and Scotty Gow (her supposed brother) were the perpetrators of this heinous crime. Riley, the lawyer, grills Betty for over two hours but Betty is able to hold it together and is strong for she knows she is telling the truth.
This was such a sad story and very well researched by the author, but the bottom line was even though a man was convicted of the crime, there is still much conjecture about his involvement. Bruno Hauptmann, is eventually convicted and put to death.
The story still leaves many unanswered questions and the author skillfully manages to combine fact and fiction. Thank you to Mariah Fredericks, with the narration of Penelope Rawlins, Dreamscape Media, and NetGalley for the audio and written book.
November 19, 2022
I found that this story was a bit slow in parts, but I was interested to see where it would go. I thought that Fredericks had an interesting take on what may have happened. I particularly enjoyed her author's note that explained what was true, what was made up, and what was based on rumor. It is always difficult to create a work of fiction that includes real people as character, particularly when you are guessing at who may have been involved in the kidnapping of a real life baby.
Overall, I thought the story was good. I really enjoyed the audio narration by Penelope Rawlins. I thought she did an excellent job bringing Betty and the story to life. I would recommend the audio of this one.
3.5★ rounded up for the narration.
#TheLindberghNanny #NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for providing me with a complimentary electronic copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Overall, I thought the story was good. I really enjoyed the audio narration by Penelope Rawlins. I thought she did an excellent job bringing Betty and the story to life. I would recommend the audio of this one.
3.5★ rounded up for the narration.
#TheLindberghNanny #NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for providing me with a complimentary electronic copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
November 16, 2022
Did you know who the Lindbergh nanny was?
I had never heard her name nor of the nanny herself.
In this detailed, thoughtful book, we learn of the nanny as she narrates her days and months with the Lindberghs before and after the kidnapping and during the trial.
We also learn how the Lindberghs lived, how they endured the investigation and outcome, and about their servants and the world that held out hope along with them.
Betty Gow, the nanny, was perfect for telling the story.
You could feel her emotions from the minute she arrived for the interview, her love for Charlie, her sadness, her fear, and her anguish when she finds his crib is empty, and how much she gave up in her personal life for this job.
THE LINDBERGH NANNY is an excellent, well-researched, fictionalized account of this tragic event.
The author notes at the end give additional information. 4/5
This book was given to me by the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.
I had never heard her name nor of the nanny herself.
In this detailed, thoughtful book, we learn of the nanny as she narrates her days and months with the Lindberghs before and after the kidnapping and during the trial.
We also learn how the Lindberghs lived, how they endured the investigation and outcome, and about their servants and the world that held out hope along with them.
Betty Gow, the nanny, was perfect for telling the story.
You could feel her emotions from the minute she arrived for the interview, her love for Charlie, her sadness, her fear, and her anguish when she finds his crib is empty, and how much she gave up in her personal life for this job.
THE LINDBERGH NANNY is an excellent, well-researched, fictionalized account of this tragic event.
The author notes at the end give additional information. 4/5
This book was given to me by the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.
August 6, 2022
Mariah Fredericks’s latest book centers around the 1932 kidnapping of 20-month-old Charles LIndbergh from the family’s New Jersey home. An emotional and compelling story, this book reveals the real loss by a real family and those who served them. It also reveals the destruction experienced by those close to the Lindbergh family.
I knew absolutely nothing about this kidnapping case, so I patiently and carefully read the arduous lead up in order to garner facts to help me with my process of deduction. Was it someone in the inside? The author skillfully unveiled facts at just the right time and I found myself having to reevaluate my suspect list. I enjoyed the building suspense and believe that the author’s expert choice of first person contributed to the anxiety and suspense I felt.
Not only did Fredericks show us that in the midst of a terrible loss is a great love, but also showed us the real Betty Gow and did her story justice.
The author’s notes tied up any remaining questions I had and raised the quality of the novel for me.
I was gifted this advance copy by Mariah Fredericks, St. Martin’s Press, and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
I knew absolutely nothing about this kidnapping case, so I patiently and carefully read the arduous lead up in order to garner facts to help me with my process of deduction. Was it someone in the inside? The author skillfully unveiled facts at just the right time and I found myself having to reevaluate my suspect list. I enjoyed the building suspense and believe that the author’s expert choice of first person contributed to the anxiety and suspense I felt.
Not only did Fredericks show us that in the midst of a terrible loss is a great love, but also showed us the real Betty Gow and did her story justice.
The author’s notes tied up any remaining questions I had and raised the quality of the novel for me.
I was gifted this advance copy by Mariah Fredericks, St. Martin’s Press, and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
August 20, 2022
This is an entertaining, well-written, engaging, historical fiction novel which is based on actual persons and events. It vividly describes the secrets, intrigue, mystery, sadness and heartbreak surrounding the Lindbergh kidnapping. The characters portrayed are well developed, and the conclusion is satisfying. The author's notes are interesting and informative, and are truly appreciated. They invite the reader to delve deeper into this fascinating and tragic event.
NetGalley and St. Martin's Press kindly provided me with an ARC of this novel, and this is my honest opinion.
NetGalley and St. Martin's Press kindly provided me with an ARC of this novel, and this is my honest opinion.
November 28, 2023
There is always a risk an author takes when they decide to write historical fiction based on real persons.
Why?
Because...
The question becomes what is truly fiction and what is fact?
And...
How much is to be believed and how much can be fictionalized without taking away from the story.
Consider this...
It appears that the author wanted us to get to know Betty Gow, the Lindbergh nanny.
And...
She has done a relatively good job in helping us as readers to understand her, and to know what it must have felt like for her to come to love Charlie the child, as well as feel the grief and loss of him.
But...
She also experienced the suspicion of the world of possibly being involved in his kidnapping.
We as readers feel this as we step through each page and watch the world respond to Betty.
And...
The author has also done a good job of giving us some insights into who could have helped Bruno Hauptmann (the one eventually tried and convicted and electrocuted for his kidnap and murder).
Because...
As a reader, we are given a sense that he couldn’t have done it alone.
Could he?
And...
What of Lindbergh? What of his character?
Yes, this is fiction, but…again, I go back to my original question – what is truly fiction and what is fact?
Take time to read the author’s note at the end.
Why?
Because...
The question becomes what is truly fiction and what is fact?
And...
How much is to be believed and how much can be fictionalized without taking away from the story.
Consider this...
It appears that the author wanted us to get to know Betty Gow, the Lindbergh nanny.
And...
She has done a relatively good job in helping us as readers to understand her, and to know what it must have felt like for her to come to love Charlie the child, as well as feel the grief and loss of him.
But...
She also experienced the suspicion of the world of possibly being involved in his kidnapping.
We as readers feel this as we step through each page and watch the world respond to Betty.
And...
The author has also done a good job of giving us some insights into who could have helped Bruno Hauptmann (the one eventually tried and convicted and electrocuted for his kidnap and murder).
Because...
As a reader, we are given a sense that he couldn’t have done it alone.
Could he?
And...
What of Lindbergh? What of his character?
Yes, this is fiction, but…again, I go back to my original question – what is truly fiction and what is fact?
Take time to read the author’s note at the end.
November 16, 2022
This was a gripping and devastating story that kept me glued to its pages. Set in the 1930’s, it follows Betty Gow, an immigrant from Scotland, who is hired to be the nanny to the Lindbergh family. Most of us has heard of the Lindbergh kidnapping, about Little Charlie’s fate, but this story is told in the POV of Charlie’s nanny, Betty, whom the 20 month old was under care on that horrific night. This not only shows a deep insight into Betty who was a suspect, but the Lindbergh’s strange relationship, especially Charles odd belief’s about Hitler and the cruel rules they had Betty follow in caring for the baby. This book turned out to be quite interesting by painting the Lindbergh’s in another light! Recommend. 4.5 stars — Pub. 11/15/22
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 15, 2022
Written in the first person from the perspective of the nanny, Betty Gow, the book is aptly named “The Lindbergh Nanny”. This is the nanny’s story.
At least the first 100 pages details the rather odd family dynamics of the Lindbergh and Morrow families, the staff in their households and the nanny’s history and how she came to be the nanny.
The author constructed the book in an Agatha Christie-like mystery scenario where every character is a suspect. Intended or not, the author has made a case that every staff member could have had a hand in the kidnapping. Not an outrageous way to go since the subject is still, so many years later, still open to debate.
Sorry to say I got bored with the book and skipped to the end.
Note: If you get bored as I did just go to the end and read: “The Real Betty Gow” and “The Lindbergh Nanny: Fact Versus Fiction”.
At least the first 100 pages details the rather odd family dynamics of the Lindbergh and Morrow families, the staff in their households and the nanny’s history and how she came to be the nanny.
The author constructed the book in an Agatha Christie-like mystery scenario where every character is a suspect. Intended or not, the author has made a case that every staff member could have had a hand in the kidnapping. Not an outrageous way to go since the subject is still, so many years later, still open to debate.
Sorry to say I got bored with the book and skipped to the end.
Note: If you get bored as I did just go to the end and read: “The Real Betty Gow” and “The Lindbergh Nanny: Fact Versus Fiction”.
October 24, 2022
Betty Gow has taken a job to nanny for one of the world’s most famous family, The Lindbergh’s. She is a Scottish immigrant living in New Jersey in 1932. Soon after she takes on the new job, Charles Lindbergh, Jr’s (Charlie) parents take an extended vacation and Betty has all the responsibilities to stay back and watch the young baby.
Betty has also met a young sailor Henrik, known as Red. Soon after Charlie is kidnapped. Betty and Henrick become suspects. Betty must find out what happened to clear their names.
Such a gripping story, taken from the headlines. We all know how the real story ended.
Available November 15th.
Betty has also met a young sailor Henrik, known as Red. Soon after Charlie is kidnapped. Betty and Henrick become suspects. Betty must find out what happened to clear their names.
Such a gripping story, taken from the headlines. We all know how the real story ended.
Available November 15th.
November 13, 2022
2.5 STARS - I was interested to read this book because it was based on the well-known historical event of the missing Lindbergh baby back in 1932. I had, of course, heard of the crime but knew little about it. This story is a blend of fiction and fact that tells the story through the eyes of young Charlie's nanny, Betty Gow.
The story is set within the months leading up to Charlie's abduction, during the hunt for the child and the aftereffects. The first half of the story was intriguing, and readers get a look into the Lindberghs' posh lifestyle, their (odd) family dynamics and Charles Lindbergh Sr.'s stance on issues like eugenics.
But the second half was a struggle for me. I put the book down a few times in the hopes that I'd come back to it with renewed interest, but the pacing was too slow and had a muddled feel as many characters and theories of 'whodunnit' are introduced and tertiary, unnecessary plot lines (ie. Lindbergh teaching Betty to drive) are included. I liked the idea of telling the story through the eyes of 'the help', but the story becomes more about Betty than the crime. Her life is rather dull and with only her perspective, readers are stuck in her head as she comes up with theory after theory of who could have kidnapped the child. The actual kidnapping (which has never been solved) felt glossed over and not as emotional as I was expecting.
I wanted to enjoy this book more than I did. It is clear that this book has been well-researched, and I appreciated the author's notes in the back of the book where she details the historical facts she included in her fictionalized story. But, unlike the many four- and five-star reviews, I am in the minority and found the story underwhelming and missing that personal element or a sense of urgency.
Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to Minotaur Books for the complimentary digital copy of this book which was provided to me in exchange for my honest review.
September 10, 2025
I enjoyed listening to this on audio and thank NetGalley, the publisher, Dreamscape Media, and author, Mariah Fredericks, for this Arc.
It’s always both sad and intriguing to read about such a heinous crime of this notorious child abduction in the early 1930’s. I grew up hearing about this horribly sad event in the news and in book clubs overtime. It’s definitely important to read this novel and learn about this story in honor of the missing boy Charlie Lindbergh. I was surprised at how calm the mother (and talented author and aviator) Anne Morrow Lindbergh appeared bc I would have been a raving, crazy lunatic. I’ve read several of Lindbergh's books and highly recommend her. I also wondered how on earth she ended up marrying CL bc they seemed vastly different in personalities and generosity.
This was a highly researched and detailed book that included numerous characters, including the Scottish nanny, Betty, who became a prime suspect, to numerous staff members, acquaintances, and people involved with the Lindbergh’s in the slightest way possible.
I enjoyed the Scottish, female, narrator Penelope a lot and felt very immersed in the story through her eyes and lovely accent. Less so when she was channeling male characters.
It’s a very compelling and enlightening read regardless and I highly recommend both the audio and print. As I mentioned, it’s a very detailed story that is based on true facts, but dappled with fictional details.
Here is a blurb from the publisher Dreamscape Media:
A Scottish immigrant deciphering the rules of her new homeland and its East Coast elite, Betty finds Colonel Charles Lindbergh eccentric and often odd, Mrs. Anne Lindbergh kind yet nervous, and young 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 attention of handsome sailor Henrik, sometimes known as Red. Then, Charlie disappears.
Suddenly a suspect in the eyes of both the media and the public, Betty must find the truth about what really happened that night, in order to clear her own name—and to find justice for the child she loves.
If you don't know this story, you just have to read it!
It’s always both sad and intriguing to read about such a heinous crime of this notorious child abduction in the early 1930’s. I grew up hearing about this horribly sad event in the news and in book clubs overtime. It’s definitely important to read this novel and learn about this story in honor of the missing boy Charlie Lindbergh. I was surprised at how calm the mother (and talented author and aviator) Anne Morrow Lindbergh appeared bc I would have been a raving, crazy lunatic. I’ve read several of Lindbergh's books and highly recommend her. I also wondered how on earth she ended up marrying CL bc they seemed vastly different in personalities and generosity.
This was a highly researched and detailed book that included numerous characters, including the Scottish nanny, Betty, who became a prime suspect, to numerous staff members, acquaintances, and people involved with the Lindbergh’s in the slightest way possible.
I enjoyed the Scottish, female, narrator Penelope a lot and felt very immersed in the story through her eyes and lovely accent. Less so when she was channeling male characters.
It’s a very compelling and enlightening read regardless and I highly recommend both the audio and print. As I mentioned, it’s a very detailed story that is based on true facts, but dappled with fictional details.
Here is a blurb from the publisher Dreamscape Media:
A Scottish immigrant deciphering the rules of her new homeland and its East Coast elite, Betty finds Colonel Charles Lindbergh eccentric and often odd, Mrs. Anne Lindbergh kind yet nervous, and young 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 attention of handsome sailor Henrik, sometimes known as Red. Then, Charlie disappears.
Suddenly a suspect in the eyes of both the media and the public, Betty must find the truth about what really happened that night, in order to clear her own name—and to find justice for the child she loves.
If you don't know this story, you just have to read it!
August 8, 2022
First sentence: I can see the house. But not all of it and certainly not how you get there from here.
Premise/plot: The Lindbergh Nanny is historical fiction. It opens in February 1931 and closes shortly after the trial (and conviction) of carpenter, Bruno Richard Hauptmann. It follows (closely) the events through the nanny's perspective; her name is Betty Gow.
My thoughts: This is FICTION. It is important to remember that. Yes, it is inspired by a real event. Yes, some amount of research was done. But this is a blending of fact and fiction. And sometimes the line between the two--fact and fiction--get very blurry. Facts can be embellished and changed.
The perspective makes sense. Who better to tell the story than the child's nanny? Who better can "give" us readers a behind the scenes glimpse into the whole story--before the kidnapping, the day of the kidnapping, the immediate days following the kidnapping, the weeks, months, years of aftermath as the kidnapping/murder case is investigated. The nanny would know all the major players--both upstairs and downstairs, if you will--and be an eyewitness to all the great dramatic scenes. So the perspective does make perfect sense.
The protagonist's point of view is that Bruno Richard Hauptmann was guilty. The author crafts a couple of scenes where the Nanny sees HIM, recognizes him, even interacts with him. This is pure fiction. The author does point out in a note that she also believes that Bruno Richard Hauptmann is guilty. She says she is no conspiracy theorist and that justice was done.
I do disagree. I don't violently disagree. (Enough to throw a book against the wall.) But there are hundreds if not thousands of holes in the case and how it was handled from day one through the appeal process. There are legitimate questions that don't have satisfying answers. Enough questions that it is easier to say I DON'T KNOW.
This one was a difficult read because of the content. It was a heartbreaking tragedy. This book does make the players in this tragedy feel more 'real' or 'human.'
Premise/plot: The Lindbergh Nanny is historical fiction. It opens in February 1931 and closes shortly after the trial (and conviction) of carpenter, Bruno Richard Hauptmann. It follows (closely) the events through the nanny's perspective; her name is Betty Gow.
My thoughts: This is FICTION. It is important to remember that. Yes, it is inspired by a real event. Yes, some amount of research was done. But this is a blending of fact and fiction. And sometimes the line between the two--fact and fiction--get very blurry. Facts can be embellished and changed.
The perspective makes sense. Who better to tell the story than the child's nanny? Who better can "give" us readers a behind the scenes glimpse into the whole story--before the kidnapping, the day of the kidnapping, the immediate days following the kidnapping, the weeks, months, years of aftermath as the kidnapping/murder case is investigated. The nanny would know all the major players--both upstairs and downstairs, if you will--and be an eyewitness to all the great dramatic scenes. So the perspective does make perfect sense.
The protagonist's point of view is that Bruno Richard Hauptmann was guilty. The author crafts a couple of scenes where the Nanny sees HIM, recognizes him, even interacts with him. This is pure fiction. The author does point out in a note that she also believes that Bruno Richard Hauptmann is guilty. She says she is no conspiracy theorist and that justice was done.
I do disagree. I don't violently disagree. (Enough to throw a book against the wall.) But there are hundreds if not thousands of holes in the case and how it was handled from day one through the appeal process. There are legitimate questions that don't have satisfying answers. Enough questions that it is easier to say I DON'T KNOW.
This one was a difficult read because of the content. It was a heartbreaking tragedy. This book does make the players in this tragedy feel more 'real' or 'human.'
February 5, 2023
I was quickly drawn into this work of historical fiction about the infamous 1932 kidnapping of young Charlie Lindbergh son of Charles Lindbergh and Anne Morrow Lindbergh.
The family employed about 30 servants, and this story is told by Betty Gow the young, naive, recent Scottish immigrant who was employed as the nanny at the time the child was abducted from the nursery at the families recently built estate Hopewell House in New Jersey.
When both the media and the general public label Betty a prime suspect in the case, and she is disdained in both America and her homeland Scotland, she must find out the truth about what really happened that fateful night to both clear her name and to obtain justice for Charlie her beloved charge.
This book is very well written with impeccable blending of facts and well imagined characters who may have been involved in America’s most famous kidnapping case.
4.5 stars- read for Retired Bookworms club Feb.
The family employed about 30 servants, and this story is told by Betty Gow the young, naive, recent Scottish immigrant who was employed as the nanny at the time the child was abducted from the nursery at the families recently built estate Hopewell House in New Jersey.
When both the media and the general public label Betty a prime suspect in the case, and she is disdained in both America and her homeland Scotland, she must find out the truth about what really happened that fateful night to both clear her name and to obtain justice for Charlie her beloved charge.
This book is very well written with impeccable blending of facts and well imagined characters who may have been involved in America’s most famous kidnapping case.
4.5 stars- read for Retired Bookworms club Feb.
November 20, 2022
Whoa, what a page-turner!
Fascinating, and heart-rending, this is historical fiction about the “Crime of the Century.” That was the kidnapping and the murder of Charles Lindbergh, Jr. The story is told through the eyes and voice of Charlie’s nanny that was caring for him at the time he was taken. The readers will smile as Bettie’s relationship with the child develops into love, they will feel teary and gasp as the events of the kidnapping and murder unfold. And they will mentally cheer for this young woman as she endures being a witness at the trial of the kidnapper…
Such a beautiful little life cut short…I wonder what Little Charlie would have been like as he grew up…
I learned a lot from this novel that I hadn’t known before. Such as, the rather harsh method of child-rearing that the Lindbergh’s ascribed to; no coddling or excess attention allowed, so the child will grow up to be independent. And I was not aware that the Lindberghs had another baby afterwards.
Excellent, unputdownable, historical fiction.
*I received a digital copy from Netgalley in return for an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.*
Fascinating, and heart-rending, this is historical fiction about the “Crime of the Century.” That was the kidnapping and the murder of Charles Lindbergh, Jr. The story is told through the eyes and voice of Charlie’s nanny that was caring for him at the time he was taken. The readers will smile as Bettie’s relationship with the child develops into love, they will feel teary and gasp as the events of the kidnapping and murder unfold. And they will mentally cheer for this young woman as she endures being a witness at the trial of the kidnapper…
Such a beautiful little life cut short…I wonder what Little Charlie would have been like as he grew up…
I learned a lot from this novel that I hadn’t known before. Such as, the rather harsh method of child-rearing that the Lindbergh’s ascribed to; no coddling or excess attention allowed, so the child will grow up to be independent. And I was not aware that the Lindberghs had another baby afterwards.
Excellent, unputdownable, historical fiction.
*I received a digital copy from Netgalley in return for an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.*
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