"The Lindbergh Nanny" by Mariah Fredericks - Historical Fiction Book Club - Past Titles

About the Author: Mariah Fredericks

Mariah Fredericks is an American author known for her works in the mystery and historical fiction genres. Here is a brief overview of her biography:

Background: Mariah Fredericks was born in Los Angeles, California, and spent her childhood in the Los Angeles area.

Career: Fredericks is a versatile writer, having worked on various forms of writing, including novels, essays, and short stories. She has gained recognition for her contributions to the mystery genre.

Notable Works: Mariah Fredericks is known for her mystery novels, particularly the Jane Prescott series. The series is set in New York City during the early 20th century and follows the adventures of Jane Prescott, a lady's maid with a knack for solving crimes. One of her notable works is "A Death of No Importance," which introduces readers to Jane Prescott.

Writing Style: Fredericks is praised for her ability to evoke historical settings and bring characters to life in her mystery novels. Her works often incorporate elements of social history, providing readers with a vivid backdrop of the time in which the stories are set.

Jane Prescott Series: The Jane Prescott series, set in the Gilded Age and the Roaring Twenties, explores societal norms, class distinctions, and the evolving roles of women in early 20th-century New York.

Synopsis

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.

Historical Timeline

The Lindbergh kidnapping case was a high-profile and tragic event that took place in 1932. Here is a historical timeline of key events related to the Lindbergh kidnapping:

1932:

March 1: Charles Lindbergh Jr., the 20-month-old son of aviator Charles Lindbergh and Anne Morrow Lindbergh, is abducted from their home in Hopewell, New Jersey.

Investigation and Discovery:

March 2: The Lindberghs receive a ransom note demanding $50,000 for the safe return of their son.
March 6: A second ransom note is received, and negotiations between the Lindberghs and the kidnapper(s) begin.
March 12: The ransom is paid, but Charles Lindbergh Jr. is not returned. His body is discovered on May 12 in a wooded area near the Lindbergh home.

Arrest and Trial:

September 1934: Bruno Hauptmann is arrested after being identified with a marked bill from the ransom money.
January 2, 1935: Hauptmann goes on trial for the kidnapping and murder of Charles Lindbergh Jr.
February 13, 1935: Hauptmann is found guilty and sentenced to death.

Execution:

April 3, 1936: Bruno Hauptmann is executed in the electric chair at the New Jersey State Prison.

Impact:

The Lindbergh kidnapping case had a profound impact on American society, leading to changes in kidnapping laws and law enforcement practices.

It's important to note that the Lindbergh kidnapping case is one of the most famous criminal cases in American history. The investigation, trial, and subsequent execution of Bruno Hauptmann captivated the nation and had lasting effects on issues related to crime, media coverage, and public perceptions of celebrity.

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