"A groundbreaking work of narrative nonfiction that investigates Munchausen by Proxy from the host and creator of the award-winning true crime podcast "Nobody Should Believe Me".

I had heard of Munchausen by Proxy before, but I did not know how little the perpetrators are held accountable. Andrea Dunlop does an amazing job with Mike Weber in creating a nonfiction book that reads like a narrative. It follows the stories of three abusers and their victims from the very beginning. They show how the webs that are created by the perpetrators (usually mothers) are sometimes so tangled that even their own families can't see the abuse happening in front of their eyes.

There are committees and special task forces, even special pediatricians, strictly for crimes against children and more specifically for medical abuse of a child, but still MBP is one of the least type of child abuse case to be followed through on and the abusers are more likely to get away with their crimes.

This book hit me and captured me from the beginning and I empower anyone to say something if their gut is telling them that something isn't right. Saying something and being wrong is better than saying nothing and being right.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the eARC.

Munchausen's by Proxy is such a tough topic for me to read about, especially as a mom. This book was hard to read, but easy to get through. And heart wrenching.

The Mother Next Door
A true crime chronicle investigating Munchausen by Proxy, a chilling crime against children.
Andrea Dunlop and Mike Weber explore three cases of MBP highlighting the intricate tangle regarding deception and medical child abuse. Everyone involved found it so hard to believe that “the mother next door” could be responsible for such horror!
This shocking story was very well executed and captivated my heart for the victims of this crime.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this arc

The Mother Next Door by Andrea Dunlop; Mike Weber has written a heart-wrenching book on MBP.
Dunlop and Weber have written an interesting and intriguing story! That kept me hooked till the very end.
The journey on a three high-stakes MPB investigations; through riveting reports and shocking stories from the family members, friends, and doctors caught in the blast zone of these unthinkable acts, a twisted portrait of motherhood and deceit is revealed.

It is so hard to believe any mother would do such horrendous things to their child, but I can only assume this is a mental illness.

Munchausen by Proxy - where a mother thinks her child has a life threatening illness and somehow convinces doctors to do invasive treatments on her child. Author Andrea Dunlop looks at three cases that ended up in court. Often the mother's parents, the child's father, medical personnel and teahers don't see what the mother is doing. Horrific and suprisingly somewhat common.

I couldn't put this book down as I read and listened to it. .

My thanks to Net Galley, St. Martin's Press and Macmilian Audio for an advanced copy of this e-book and audiobook.

⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (3.5/5)

Thanks to Macmillan Audio for my #gifted copy of 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗠𝗢𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗥 𝗡𝗘𝗫𝗧 𝗗𝗢𝗢𝗥.

This was a very insightful book about Munchausen by Proxy and presents info about real cases, some of which I’ve never heard of and it just blew my mind.

The authors are extremely knowledgeable on the condition and how difficult it can be to hold those guilty of it accountable for their actions. It’s amazing to me how many of these cases there are and how many slip through the cracks. It’s truly terrifying.

My only gripe with this book is it’s doesn’t flow well, especially the first chunk of it. I just don’t know that we needed to hear as much about her family or maybe not as much I don’t know. Then learning about Mike although that seemed to flow a bit better. It just jumped around a lot in the beginning. I wasn’t sure if we would be focusing on one author or the other or other cases and the answer was all of the above. I might’ve had an easier time if I read this one rather than listening to it. The format / flow of this one wasn’t my jam. The content and information made up for it though.

I did learn a lot and got more insight into how those with Munchausen by Proxy are able to fool those around them and somehow get medical professionals to perform unnecessary surgeries and treatments.

Many thanks to NetGalley, St Martin's Press and Macmillan Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of this chilling true crime book by Andrea Dunlop and Mike Weber, with the audiobook narrated by the authors. All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

Munchausen by proxy has fascinated and horrified both professionals and the general public since this disturbing form of child abuse was first identified. But widespread misinformation still swirls around these cases, because who could believe that a parent (especially a mother) would intentionally harm their child?

This is such a disturbing subject, but this book tackled it as sensitively as possible, from the viewpoints of a novelist whose own family experienced MBP and a detective who has worked on more medical child abuse cases than anyone in the country. With most cases where mental illness and crime intersect, it's difficult for the public, medical professionals, and the justice system to understand and treat these perpetrators, but this book should open eyes to the fact that these cases aren't a rarity and something must be done to protect the innocent children. It was an in-depth look into 3 cases as well as the author's own family connection, and it was heartbreaking. I liked the fact that the authors narrated the book, making it feel even more personal. Hopefully this book shines more light on this very dark issue.

The Mother Next Door by Andrea Dunlop and Mike Weber

This was an easily digestible read about a complicated topic, Munchausen by proxy. The authors did a great job with structure and flow. The three cases were focused, walking readers through the entire process from history, to investigation, to trial, and then after. But it didn’t get bogged down in the details.

As far as true crime reads go, this was an engaging narrative that mostly stuck to the facts. It was evident the authors both had personal ties to MBP cases, so occasionally I felt some bias. However, it was evident that the authors’ passion contributed to this well-researched book that highlighted a hard crime and left me feeling like I learned something.

I had previously watched Take Care of Maya on Netflix and ended up feeling very conflicted after watching. This book adds to the conversation.

Fans of books that walk through the entire investigative/legal process, true crime, and books that examine flaws in our systems will find value in this one.

I found this book extremely interesting. I did not know much about Munchausen Syndrome outside of the widely publicized Gypsy Rose Blanchard case. All the facts and other cases from different prospectives and different parties involved was extremely interesting and informative!

Thank you NetGalley, the authors and St Martins Press for an early copy in exchange for an honest review.

This book touches on the unfortunate reality of the difficulties in identifying Munchausen by Proxy abuse, and the faults in our justice system that enable the suffering of children at the hands of the people who are supposed to love them the most—their parents. I found a sliver of hope in the heartbreaking reality that awareness is slowly growing. I would recommend this eye-opening read for anyone so they can be aware and vigilant to what's happening in the world around them.

Excellent examination of an often misunderstood crime -- medical child abuse, otherwise known as MBP or Munchausen by proxy.

As a registered nurse and legal nurse consultant, I've long been fascinated by any crime that involves medical ethics, negligence, malpractice, or victimized patients. There's nothing quite so frightening, however, as an innocent child being deliberately harmed by a parent or guardian under the guise of them being brave and heroic for their care of a sick dependent. That devotion and attentiveness can have another side and this book tells the stories of three separate cases where mothers were actively harming their children through unnecessary medical care and procedures for conditions and diagnoses that did not actually exist. Heinous. Made worse by the difficulty in getting the perpetrator's loved ones and friends to accept that the primary care giver's presence and manipulations are making the child ill. Even more frustrating: the lack of cooperation by protective services and the courts in taking appropriate steps to remove the source and cause of the abuse.

The descriptions of events in the stories were very difficult for me to read. I was so impressed by Mike Weber, the detective who is probably one of the leading investigators into crimes against children and a dogged and faithful crusader in his efforts to protect and save the children who are being abused. He overcame so many discouraging setbacks to help get those sickened children away from the mothers who were actively trying to harm them. I love how the book named names of people in the system who did not actively prosecute and obtain justice for the victims. Shame on them.

I agree that there is an issue with MBP because of the attitude regarding the sanctity of motherhood. This, despite the fact that every day you can read news about mothers abusing and even outright murdering their children. So why is it so hard to accept that a mother could deliberately make her child sick to even the point of death while all the time being hailed as a great selfless, sacrificing saint.

At the heart of all of this is the question of why. What drives someone, almost always the mother, to make her child sick. To tell the lies and distort reality so much that their child receives unneeded medication and treatments or even invasive surgical procedures for conditions they do not have. It's definitely a complex issue as it's not that the mothers are mentally ill -- they know what they are doing. Is it the attention they receive? The respect and admiration of others? The drama? That's not been established and it is likely an amalgamation of many personal needs or issues.

Regardless of what makes a mom do this, it has to be caught. Everyone who is suspicious needs to take a stand and report. Despite the fact that MBP , or factitious disorder imposed on another, has existed in the literature for years, it needs greater attention and understanding so that this complex form of abuse can be identified and stopped.

I was able to listen to the audio book while also following along in the e-book, both provided by the publishers. The narrator, also the book's co-author, Andrea Dunlop, alludes to having dealt with MBP within her own immediate family as apparently a sister of hers was accused. Details of that were not given, but she references her true crime podcast for further information. I plan to check it out. I always enjoy the experience of listening while reading as it adds to my appreciation of the book.

This book follows author Andrea Dunlop and detective Mike Weber as they examine the complex world of Munchausen by proxy, or factitious disorder imposed on another. Dunlop finds healing and understanding after her own experience with the illness within her family, while Weber offers critical insights as a longtime investigator of child abuse who found a niche in medical child abuse cases.

The book homes in on three notable Texas cases: Hope Ybarra, Brittany Phillips, and Mary Welch. Dunlop and Weber deftly explore the nature of the Aillness, its pipeline to criminal abuse and behaviors, and the challenges of achieving justice within the existing criminal justice system.

Overall, a solid read for true crime readers interested in this poorly understood, underreported disorder.

I'm not going to lie...I went into this thinking I was settling in for a domestic thriller. What I got was a shocking (and informative) non-fiction about the horrors of Munchausen by Proxy. I saw the first part of the title but apparently missed the words after the colon. Obviously, as a healthcare professional, I know what MBP is but I've never been faced with a case of it so my knowledge is pretty superficial. This book breaks down three cases, all similar but with their own nuances. I felt that this book did a good job of breaking down these cases and showing the patterns that are likely present in people with MBP. I think the most shocking revelation to me was just how many people in the medical and justice fields were so apathetic about it. I don't know if it is indifference or ignorance but both are equally scary. I was also equally horrified by how unjust the justice system can be especially when the victim is a child. I'm not sure why I am surprised by this but I just can't believe how many people just brushed some of these cases aside. If you work in either the medical or the justice field, for the love of God, educate yourself!! These victims are children and they don't deserve to be mistreated by those expected to protect them and then have their trauma marginalized by those who should be advocating for them.

Holy smokes Batman !!! 😐😳🙀
What in the world did I just read ....
I mean I know these stories are sadly out there more than they should but this book tells you of 3 insane Munchausen by proxy cases that you HAVE to read to believe.. I just cannot wrap my head around this .
I was TEARS reading some of the things these mothers allowed to happen to their children. 💔

I myself have a lot of medical issues going on & have since I was 5 so 31 years now. I cannot fathom at 5 years old my mother doing this to me ... & Worse my family backing her up !!!!
Faking epilepsy makes my blood boil as I suffer with epilepsy & it's because of people like these 3 women that I'm questioned so hard & most of the time I feel in going to court when I go to a doctor's appt so yes I'm completely flabbergasted that just because these women were " good liars" any of this was able to happen.
&& also I just can't wrap my head around doctors doing anything & I mean prescribing an anactaid without proof.
My brain is 1000% boggled after reading this madness ...
The last story was so heartbreaking & I felt Mikes anger & hopelessness whole sharing that story.
I pray anyone suffering because of women like this get the help they truly need & hopefully medical professionals will read this book & never let even 1 more case like this happen ever again .
It's just unacceptable

Ok that was my sad book quota for the year.
I do recommend this book even though it's definitely a tear jerker & honestly makes you hate the world for a minute.

This book was absolutely fascinating. Mike Weber is a true hero for all that he has done for abuse victims. The amount of research that went into this book is astounding. I felt so many emotions reading about the absolutely horrifying stories of abuse and tried to wrap my head around how they happened. Highly recommend for true crime fans.

An extremely well done nonfiction book about Munchausen syndrome and Munchausen by proxy. The research and compilation of information was spot on. This is a must read for anyone who is morbidly curious!

Wow. This book is about three cases, in particular, about Munchausen syndrome and munchausen by proxy. It is absolutely maddening to me that the laws do not protect these children by now. It is 2025 and attorneys and judges just don't want to hear these cases, regardless of the amount of damning evidence against a parent, usually the mother. My heart broke throughout this book, but it also angered me that so many just look the other way, rather than doing their job and protecting the children from abuse. This book is difficult to read at times, but it's a book that NEEDS to be read. More people NEED to know this happens way more than we ever hear about. Eyes NEED to be opened!

Aptly titled The Mother Next Door is about manipulation, deception, mother/child bonds, roles of healthcare providers, government policies, (in)justice, and unprotected children in Munchausen by Proxy which is medical child abuse.

Novelist Andrea Dunlop shares glimpses into her family which has experienced this horror. She also describes three cases elsewhere in the United States with the help of co-author Detective Mike Weber who has been instrumental in more cases than anyone. This disturbing yet compelling book gave me goosebumps and filled me with disgust for the perpetrators as well as frustration for the innocent children who suffered at the hands of their mothers, those they should feel safest with. The focus is investigating the families and providing protection for the children. There are so many gaps which need to be filled in. Sadly, Munchausen Syndrome and Munchausen by Proxy are more common than we think.

Told in an unflinching and raw manner, the stories are powerful and impactful. My eyes were opened to learn more about what drove these mothers to gain attention and sympathy. The levels of deceit of these spin doctors are through the roof! From feigning university degrees to convincing family they had cancer to deceiving physicians to making up medical histories for their children, they must have had to use spreadsheets to keep track of their numerous deliberate lies. The Hope Ybarra case struck me most in its complexity and the lengths Hope went to are mind boggling.

Are these mental health issues or crimes? After lies upon lies are revealed, what does one believe? The "separation test" is telling. Imagine intentionally putting your child through unnecessary surgeries for your selfish motives! Fascinating, yet heartbreaking.

My sincere thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of this engrossing and informative book.

4.5 stars. I don’t know that I know enough powerful adjectives to describe this book. It’s accessible, spelling everything out in a clean and concise manner, while being absolutely heart-wrenching and anger inducing.

I, like many people I’m sure, know about MBP from the highly sensationalized accounts that hit the mainstream. This book pulls back the curtain on it and centers the story back where it should be (and always should be): the children who suffer at the hands of caregivers who want more.

Thank you to NetGalley, Andrea Dunlop & Mike Weber, and St. Martin’s Press for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

The Mother Next Door is my latest true crime reqd. This book took me down the rabbit hole in an examination of medical child abuse, or as it is better known, Munchausen by proxy. This book recounts three cases of the syndrome that took place in the Fort Worth area of Texas in the 2000s. These were the cases that made detective, Mike Weber one of the leading authorities on Munchausens in the nation.

Each case is examined in detail, from the crimes, to the investigation to prosecution. Every step of each case was fascinating, heartbreaking and infuriating. Most Munchausen cases are perpetrated by women and therein lies the biggest problem with prosecuting these crimes. People just don’t want to believe a mother could inflict that kind of abuse on their child. Weber met with pushback as he investigated what amounted to attempted murder over and over.

The crimes themselves in this book were bizarre. It is hard to imagine having unnecessary medical procedures inflicted on your own child, much less poisoning them to induce symptoms to aid in your deception. Each case looked at here is similar in the perpetrator’s methods of abusing their child, there is definitely a pattern to this disorder. But the first case looked at in the book, took deception to a level rarely seen in crimes of any type. I was left in shock at the ways and number of people that she managed to deceive.

I highly enjoyed this book. It is certainly disturbing, but the fact that there are people like the author’s in the world working as advocates for the victims is inspiring. This was a fascinating read. Thank you to @netgalley @stmartinspress for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.