The Lindbergh Nanny by Mariah Fredricks: Book Review

The Lindbergh Nanny is the latest release from Mariah Fredricks. Scheduled to be released on November 15, 2022, by Minotaur Books, The Lindbergh Nanny is a fictionalized version of a true mystery. In the 1930s, no one is more famous than Charles Lindbergh; by association, his son is the most famous baby. But what happened to little Charlie on that cold, wet March evening? Was Betty Gow, his beloved nanny, involved?

I want to thank Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of The Lindbergh Nanny. All opinions presented here are solely mine.

Synopsis from Goodreads

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. 

Positives

A historical fiction set in a period that is relatively untouched by books.

A fictionalized version of a well-known event-the kidnapping of Charles Lindbergh, Jr.

Negatives

A bit slow to start.

My Opinions

Overall, I enjoyed reading The Lindbergh Nanny, though I have to say the first 100 pages were a bit slow. In those pages, we are introduced to Betty, Charlie, and the staff at the Morrow and Lindbergh houses. I feel these pages were a bit sluggish because I wanted to get to the mystery part of the story. While I understand the need to introduce the players, I don’t understand the need to drag out their introductions.

While this is a fictionalized story of actual events, it must be stated that there is a connection to Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie. How? Christie was inspired to write her book based on the actual kidnapping. And Fredricks was inspired to learn more about the true story after watching an adaptation of Christie’s book.

While reading The Lindbergh Nanny, it is easy to see that the author researched the subject as she gives many detailed descriptions of events. In the author’s notes, she even explains this was a historical event that drew her in when she was younger, and as such knew she wanted to write her own story about it.

If you, too, enjoyed reading Murder on the Orient Express and want to read more like it (without the stabbing), then you will enjoy reading The Lindbergh Nanny.

Looking for some more books to read? Check out my bookish lists, book reviews, and monthly reading wrap-ups.