Holy smokes, this book ripped my heart out and ate it right in front of me. I cannot believe the lengths people will go to for attention. Before the story of Gypsy Rose went viral (and if you’re old like me, Eminem circa 2002), Munchausen by proxy wasn’t something many people knew about. Unfortunately, there are so many more children and families affected by MBP and the authors have written this narrative nonfiction book not only to tell their stories but show how we can clear the fog surrounding it.

The audiobook is narrated by Andrea Dunlop and it’s clear she knows her way around a story! I was captivated, appalled, heartbroken, and furious but I couldn’t stop listening. The information provided definitely opened my eyes! The authors brought together so much information from various sources but it never felt heavy factually. It reads like a thriller and I had to keep reminding myself that this info is real!

This was an interesting read on a topic I didn’t know a lot about prior to go into it, except about some famous cases. This looks into 3 cases from the detective who worked them and how difficult the task was. You get the background of the details, the perpetrator and the victim and what it takes to collect evidence and then prepare for the trial amd then finally the outcome in each case.
It is truly heartbreaking to see what these poor children endure at the hands of people who are supposed to love and take care of them.
The fact that all 3 cases were worked by the same detective is sad because it shows just how many there are out there, but it also gives good consistency to the narrative. It is not sensationalized in any way. Very cut and dry information but all coming to solid conclusions.
Thanks to St Martins Press and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review.

Sure wish I could leave a 3.5 star rating for this book, so I have rounded up instead. While I found this case study of Munchausen by Proxy to be interesting and incomprehensible, I found Ms Dunlop's Liberal tilt ironic to say the least. Here's a book about medical abuse of children yet she supports transgender surgery of children. I'll let you connect the dots in those two counter thoughts.
The second author is a police detective and his contributions let the reader see the difficulty that must be overcome in the medical and legal system in order to separate children from their abusers. The book was well written albeit a bit repetitive in parts.

An author and a detective have joined forces to craft "The Mother Next Door," an emotionally gripping narrative that delves deep into the chilling realm of Munchausen's by proxy. This unsettling disorder has captivated audiences in books and films for years, yet it remains just as unfathomable as the first time I encountered it.

As a mother, the instinct to protect our children is paramount, making it almost impossible for me to fathom how a mother could inflict harm upon her child. Yet, my enduring curiosity about psychology and the human mind's intricacies pulls me into this subject's dark waters. I find myself drawn to understanding the psyche of serial killers, and the thought of someone intentionally hurting or killing a stranger feels more digestible than the idea of a parent turning against their offspring.

Reading this book was not for the faint of heart; it's a challenging journey filled with harrowing accounts of child abuse. While I am keenly interested in true crime, the reality can be brutal. Typically, I gravitate towards fiction to find solace from the harshness of real life.

However, the authors have excelled in their research and have masterfully woven together the intricate details of these cases. This book promises to be a compelling and eye-opening experience for those passionate about true crime.

Thank you to the authors and St. Martin Press/Macmillan Audio for this ARC provided through NetGalley. All opinions are my own and left voluntarily.

I really enjoyed this book. It was interesting and well researched about a topic that you don't usually find too many books about. The cases were interesting and ones I haven't heard of before.

This book is a combination of three true stories of Munchausen by proxy and the horrible things that these poor children go through and the results that come of some of these are heartbreaking. 💔 It is very educational and a very interesting read

This narrative nonfiction is a compelling look at Munchhausen by Proxy, a form of medical child abuse. While it certainly isn't easy material, it's an important work. The authors have first hand experience, one as an long-time medical child abuse investigator and the other in her own family.

I had heard of Munchhausen by Proxy before, but I was not aware of the commonalities between many cases. The information is presented well, not sensationalized, and will hopefully shine a light on the many challenges in recognizing, investigating and proving medical child abuse.

Thank you to #NetGalley and #StMartinsPress for a free copy of #TheMotherNextDoor by Andrea Dunlop and Mike Weber. All opinions are my own.

A "must-read" for fans of "Anatomy of a Scandal" and "Scamanda"

A surprisingly quick read given the seriousness of the content, Andrea Dunlop's The Mother Next Door explains to readers the case files of three Texas-based Munchausen by Proxy cases, each guaranteed to leave you with a pit in your stomach. Having watched and read a lot of true crime in my time, this is certainly not the first I've heard of MBP. However, Dunlop definitely taught me a few things, specifically that it's not a case of mental illness, MBP is not in the ICD or DSM, and that perpetrators knowingly embark on these acts against their children. Dunlop respectfully approached the relaying of each case, her concern and care for the children involved evident on each page. Detective Mike Weber is the cop we all wished lived in our towns -- his tenacity, bravery, and big heart are what helped save these children, and I am in awe of his resilience in the face of so much bureaucratic red tape. I was heartbroken and incredibly anxious reading every single page of this work, and Dunlop's concluding chapter is a shining example of how to explain such a complicated event as MBP in the context of the political spectrum and how fault can be found on both sides, unfortunately sometimes leaving justice unserved and children in danger.

More attention is being focused on Munchausen thanks to recent scandals just as Anatomy of a Scandal and the tragic Gypsy Rose story, but the reality is that Munchausen and MBP is still widely misunderstood and explained away because, as Dunlop mentions in her conclusion, people are more comfortable believing a lie and accepting someone they admire, care about, or respect has lied to them. So prevalent in today's society and metaphorically contagious thanks to social media. The Mother Next Door is an important read for medical field personnel, educators, parents, caregivers, and anyone who cares for children.

**Thank you, NetGalley and publishers, for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.**

This was a really interesting and well written book! I enjoyed the writing style and learned about cases I didn't know anything about previously . If you are interested in true crime, I would highly recommend this! Special Thank You to Andrea Dunlap, Mike Weber, St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for allowing me to read a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

The Mother Next Door by Andrea Dunlop and Mike Weber is an absolutely riveting and eye-opening read. I was immediately drawn into the complex and harrowing world of Munchausen by Proxy (MBP). This book is a masterful blend of true crime and psychological exploration, shedding light on a deeply disturbing form of child abuse that is often misunderstood.

Dunlop and Weber’s collaboration is nothing short of brilliant. Their narrative weaves together the chilling stories of three MBP offenders with expert insights, creating a compelling and informative read. The authors’ ability to humanize the victims while also delving into the psychological and systemic issues surrounding MBP is truly commendable.

The writing is both engaging and thought-provoking, making it difficult to put the book down. Each page is filled with suspense and empathy, drawing readers into the lives of those affected by this form of abuse. The detailed investigations and personal stories provide a comprehensive understanding of MBP, making this book an essential read for anyone interested in true crime, psychology, or medical ethics.

Overall, The Mother Next Door is a groundbreaking work that not only informs but also challenges readers to think critically about the complexities of motherhood and deception. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a powerful and enlightening read.

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for sending me this ebook in exchange for my honest review.

It breaks my heart to know this actually exist. The one person on earth puts their own flesh and blood through this type of abuse blows my mind. Is it really mental illness of the parent or some demonic selfish twisted scheme?

Dunlop and Weber shares stories of how MBP can be investigated, and how important it is for both law enforcement and medical communities to commit to fact-based pursuit of justice so that children can be protected from these monsters. Dunlop experienced this disease in her own family and she shares that story in her book We Came Here To Forget.

We meet three very different women; Hope, Brittany, and Mary. 3 cases of medical child abuse. Two authors. One baffling criminal deception: Munchausen by Proxy (MBP).

THE MOTHER NEXT DOOR is a compelling exploration of three mothers investigated for MBP. Many victims start with legitimate medical needs, often prematurity, that become exaggerated by their mother’s to the point of placing the child in grave danger.

The author’s passion for these perplexing cases was so evident; Dunlop’s sister was investigated for medical child abuse several times, and detective Mike Weber has spent his career devoted to helping vulnerable children avoid unnecessary medical procedures. This book is hard to imagine but a necessary read.

After reading the last page I'm left still wondering about the doctors? Why did they believe...the author mentions we see what we want. What do you think?

In exchange for my honest review I received a Galley copy exchange for my review.

As a psychology major and graduate I found this book very interesting. It breaks down three cases of this not often caught disorder. Well researched as well.
I enjoyed the audiobook version as well.

Wow, what crazy stories! This is well written, page turning, and very compelling. I would have appreciated a little more background on Munchausen by proxy itself, so something about the context, as well as the author's own family experience but I suspect there is a legal implication there. It was wonderful that she included some of the legislative changes that one victim is fighting for!

It's so hard to recognize the signs of Munchausen that the victims have been abused for many years before help intervenes. Conventional wisdom saya parents take care of children, not use them or hurt them. Andrea Dunlop and Mike Weber profile three cases that have been prosecuted. The information shared is very hard to reconcile with "the mothers next door" but is true. This is heavy reading, but the more people who can recognize the signs, victims can be identified sooner and damage lessened.

**Thank you to Net Galley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with an Advanced Reader Copy**

This is an incredibly well researched book on Munchausen by Proxy and how it slips through the cracks of our medical and political systems. It is also an easy, organized read; I was glued to the pages and wanted more information on EVERYTHING.

It is remarkable how well researched this novel is. Dunlop and Weber present each case comprehensively, from the perpetrators, to the victims, to the medical and justice system. MBP has been in the public's view for a while, but there are few publicized stories and those out there are pretty sensationalized. This book eschews that and systematically dives into the ways that MBP manifests and slips through the cracks.

For me, a non fiction book succeeds when I learn something new and I learned a LOT. I really enjoyed learning about how pediatrics works, and specifically, how perpetrators of MBP manipulate doctors and family members. I also really appreciated the formatting of the novel with the three distinct stories, but with references being made to the others throughout. It made following the behavior patterns and catching similarities much easier.


tldr; holy shit

This was a wow read for me. The levels that some women will go to, honestly, just astounds me.

As a mother, there were parts of this book that horrified me, and knowing that is, in part, based on a true story made it worse. But, it was a good read, and will give those who enjoy true crime a shiver or two.

In these pages, you are going to feel all the emotions. Anger, hate, bitterness, horror for the antagonist, and overwhelming sadness for the victim.

Highly recommend!

WOW. W O W.

Even two days after finishing this, I am still struggling with reviewing this amazing book. On one hand, I want to just do a huge emotional info dump and hash out just ALL I think about feel about what I just read [and it is serious feels folks, S E R I O U S feels], and on the other hand, I hardly want to share even a tiny bit because 1. I HATE spoilers, and 2. I honestly feel it is best to go into books like this blind [I knew it was a book about Munchausen by Proxy and that is about it when I started it] so you CAN feel all the feels without having any real preconceived notions.

So I have tried to compromise...This IS a fantastic book/read. It is excellently written, has been expertly researched [including some what must have been seriously troubling interviews], and the result is three stories that will take you on the wildest ride of your life. You will be angry, you will want to yank your hair out as you YELL at the book [I cannot even remember now how many times I stopped the audiobook to yell "HOW HOW HOW" and then inundate my poor mother with all the CRAZINESS I was reading], and then you will be finished with the book and you will be left deeply sad, moved to tears, and FULL-BLOWN angry as so many people [including many "professionals"] who have let so much of what you just read continue, no matter the cost, and I will tell you this - the cost is extremely high.

I applaud Mike Weber for his continued work for these children who have suffered from medical abuse and at the hands of people who are supposed to love you; I cannot even imagine what that must be like, diving into that world day in and day out [and NOT losing your mind and very soul], and in my opinion, he deserves all the awards.

Andrea Dunlop is able to take all she has learned from her own personal tragedy with Munchausen by Proxy and channel that into writing a concise, fact-filled [but never dry or boring] book, and her voice, through her podcast, the books she writes, and her nonprofit work helps bring this story to full fruition. Kudos also to her in some of the interviews she has to chase; she is a better person than I am.

Ms. Dunlop also narrates the audiobook for this book and she does an excellent job. She reads in a clear, concise manner [and when her voice occasionally breaks, it's just a reminder of all she herself has gone through and just adds to the overall listening experience], which sucks you in from page one and keeps you completely engaged until the very end. I highly recommend this audiobook!!

Thank you to NetGalley, Andrea Dunlop, Mike Weber, St. Martin's Press, and Macmillan Audio for providing the eBook and audiobook ARC's in exchange for an honest review.

The Mother Next Door is a true crime book discussing three high profile Munchausen's by proxy cases, and the authors own personal experiences with this crime. She also interviews Mike Weber, a detective who has investigated so many of these cases that he is now considered an expert on Munchausen's by proxy cases.

This is one of the best true crime books I have ever read. This book was incredibly well researched and well written. It never gets dry or boring, and reads like a novel. I thought the author did a wonderful job explaining such a complex phenomenon, and never makes excuses for the perpetrators; she makes it very clear these people know exactly what they are doing. Dunlop does a great job at centering victims and their stories, and clearly illustrates the harm they are left with when the crimes are over. I wondered how much the authors own experiences with this type of crime would be in the book, and the answer is, not much. She references how her own family was affected by Munchausen's by proxy, but lets the other victims stories take center stage. This book is obviously hard to read because of its subject matter, but I think it is a really important read, as this is a very little understood and under reported crime. I highly recommend this book.

By now, we've all heard of Munchausen by Proxy. Gypsy Rose, Sixth Sense, heck it was even mentioned on the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills years ago! I started and finished the book in a matter of hours.

We know it is a complicated issue but one that is ultimately disgusting. We wonder how someone could do this to another person let alone their child.

I have never read anything by Andrea Dunlop but I'm interested now! Though I was hoping for more info on her own personal issue with her sister but I'm guessing legally that is still a mess. This book contains the true accounts of several recent cases involving Munchausen by Proxy. Each one is tragic and baffling. How have we failed these children so much?

If you are interested in finding out more by the disorder, the authors do a great job of explaining it all. Thank you to NetGalley, Andrea Dunlop, Mike Weber, and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read the book. I have written this review voluntarily and honestly.

As someone in the legal field, I loved this book! I enjoyed diving into the issues prosecuting a case like this and felt so much anger for the victims. The authors were so knowledgeable and clearly did a lot of research. I took one star off because I didn't think the book flowed well.