THE LINDBERGH NANNY by Mariah Fredericks

I had misgivings about this book, as there is so much bad historical fiction out there.  However, I found myself engrossed in this story and wondering how factual it was.  (The author distinguishes fact from fiction in a section at the end.)  Plus, Charles Lindbergh’s admiration of Hitler and embrace of Fascism make him an unsympathetic historical figure.  However, this is not his story.  This is the very personal story of Betty Gow, the nanny who had to fight suspicion of her involvement in the abduction and death of a child she adored.  The first half of the novel, prior to the kidnapping, drags a bit, and, honestly, we don’t know how many pages we are going to have to read before the crime occurs.  The author wisely provides as much shock value as possible, given that we know what’s coming sooner or later.  She takes us on a twisty ride afterwards, with many seemingly innocuous events, such as phone calls prior to the kidnapping, suddenly becoming clues to the mystery of how it happened.  The Lindbergh’s household staff, as well as those working for Anne Morrow Lindbergh’s parents, all come under scrutiny during the investigation, as does Betty’s boyfriend.  Doubts as to any character’s innocence are sometimes put to rest and then resurrected.  Ultimately, everyone’s life is adversely affected, but none more than Betty Gow’s.