*received for free from netgalley for honest review* This was a very interesting read, really looking forward to reading more books by this author!

Wow this book was shocking and had my jaw on the floor multiple times!

This book takes a deep dive into Munchausen by proxy (MBP). It was written by a Seattle novelist whose own family was torn apart by it and a Texas detective who has worked on more medical child abuse cases than anyone in the nation. In this book, three high-stakes MBP investigations are discussed and through reporting and shocking stories from the family members, friends and doctors caught in the cross fires of these unthinkable acts, a twisted portrait of motherhood and deceit is revealed.

I was initially interested in this book because I am a healthcare provider, and I thought to myself how could these doctors participate and aid in such heinous acts. But after listening to this book on audio, I have a better understanding of how at times it could be possible that this could happen because with children you go off of the story from the parent, usually the mother (as most kids are brought to the doctor by their mothers). While I do feel there were some instances of malpractice and negligence on the doctors part, the fact that a mother could put her child through these unspeakable things just blows my mind. There were multiple times my jaw was on the floor and I audibly gasped from shock.

This was an eye opening book and it shocked me how hard it is to prosecute these cases. All the legal barriers for these cases and how the perpetrators are charming and can dupe so many people. You would think that the end goal for everyone would be protect the child at all costs, but that is not always the case with these cases. Keeping the family together, appears to be more important, which I don't agree with when the family member is causing the harm to the child.

This is a bingeable story and definitely sheds light on a crime that is not well known, but has grave consequences.

Read if you like:
-legal aspects of criminal cases
-have a heart for injustices against children
-can stomach reading unspeakable things done to children
-medical professional
-true crime lover

I highly recommend the audio version as it is read by Andrea Dunlop.

Thank you to @macmillan.audio and @netgalley for the #gifted ALC.

I have always been interested by Munchausen by Proxy (remember I’m a psychologist) but I will say it really hits different once you’re a mom!

I am so impressed by the way the authors wove clinical content/ diagnostic criteria and real life cases. This is a great read for both those interested from the clinical side or true crime cases. I also think this would be a great assigned reading for college psych classes!

Also, I hadn’t heard of @andreadunlop podcast but I will definitely be checking it out now!!

This book is sad and horrifying, but in a you can't look away type of way.

True stories of three mothers investigated for Munchausen by Proxy. I have heard of MBP and seen stories on it. But this book digs deep. For those that aren't familiary with MBP, it's when a caregiver, usually a parent (and I believe most often it is the mother) fabricates or induces illness in the victim, typically their child, to gain attention and sympathy. As a mother, it's horrifying to me. But also it is a mental condition and I try to keep taht in mind.

The two authors both have experience with this as Andrea Dunlop has a sister who was investigated for medical child abuse, and Mike Weber is a detective whose career has been spent helping children in this type of situation.

Often times the parent appears to be a caring, loving parent and is charming enough to fool medical professionals and other family members. This book also touches on how difficult it sometimes is to prosecute a case such as this.

Andrea Dunlop narrators and you can feel her passion about sharing information on this important topic.

Many thanks to NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for an ALC.

While the cases in this book were horrifying and unconscionable the audiobook production, narration and all the research behind the cases were simply outstanding! This book was so utterly heartbreaking, but a definite must read for people and medical professionals who are in contact with children on a regular basis.

Also I need to start listening to the podcast of this author, read her whole backlist, AND HAVE HER NARRATE MY WHOLE LIFE AND ANY AUDIOBOOK I EVER READ GOING FORWARD!!! Her voice was so caring and comforting!

Thank you so much to Macmillan Audio for the gifted ALC!!! #MacAudio2025

5/5
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Audiobook

Munchausen by proxy is a topic not for the faint of heart. Andrea Dunlops narrates this non-fiction/true crime book in a manner that pulls the listener in. She speaks with heart and brings a passion to the cause that not many can muster the strength for.
The Mother Next Door sheds light on 3 cases involving mothers whom put their own need for attention and control ahead of their child’s best interest and physical/emotional wellbeing.
Describing cases that co-author/police investigator, Mike Weber, has worked on; this book takes the reader/listener on a behind the scenes telling of investigations, revelations, and frustrations that come hand in hand with dealing with some of the worlds most heinous women.
For readers who delve into the true crime genre, or enjoy a true crime podcast, I highly recommend this audiobook.
Thank you to NetGalley and McMillian Audio for early access to this audiobook.

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.

The stories that were described here are true, but it is hard to believe that a mother would do that to their child. I was immediately invested in all of these stories and flew through this amazingly done audiobook. What kind of person would make up medical issues and put their child through hundreds of tests and procedures for no reason. It is one thing to make up issues about yourself, I have heard of people doing this for money and fame, but it is still not OK. It is another thing to do this to your child, someone who has no say. Some of this is on the doctors who perform procedures based on what the mother claims happened and on her demands. I enjoyed the crime podcast style of writing and the visibility to child medical abuse as it is not talked about enough.

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.

Andrea Dunlop narrates and does a great job.

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

This work of narrative nonfiction focuses on three case studies involving cases of Munchausen by Proxy that have been documented in Texas. The three cases were all worked by the same Texas detective who is one of the first medical child abuse investigators in the country.

The way this book is set up is highly approachable. The author opens with a strong introduction setting up the work, we're introduced to the detective who worked these cases as well as some background, and then we dive right into the first case. The cases are told with details surrounding the background of the perpetrators, how the cases were first noticed, the collection of evidence, their trials, and then their outcomes.

The cases all being worked by the same detective gave the book necessary cohesion, and I appreciated the personal notes that were included by the author. it was fascinating to see the similarities between these three cases as well as how different the outcomes can be based on such small factors. There was also a very strong conclusion, which is an added bonus to books like this.

If you're interested in true crime that is informative rather than sensationalist, then this is a must read. My thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for allowing me to read this work. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Munchausen by Proxy, also known as Medical Child Abuse, is far more common than one might think, as evidenced by the title of this book. In narrative non-fiction, Andrea Dunlop, (in collaboration with Texas investigator Mike Weber,) chronicles the cases of several mothers who manipulated the world...including law enforcement and doctors -- into believing that their children were gravely ill and in need of all kinds of medical interventions.

The stories Dunlop, (the host of the podcast "Nobody Should Believe Me,") shares are horrific. It is hard to believe that a mother who loves her children could be capable of such harm, but the stories lend credence to a terrifying mental illness that the perpetrators will go to astounding lengths to perpetuate.

The most famous case that Dunlop recounts is that of Hope Ybarra, who ended up incarcerated for 10 years for not only faking her own cancer, but lying about having lost twins in utero, claiming that her daughter had cerebral palsy, and also faking a diagnosis of cystic fibrosis in another daughter.

Dunlop narrates this audiobook, and it is like listening to a podcast series. I found it to be an interesting read about a subject that is sensitive and appalling, but one that we should be aware of. After all, it could be going on right under your nose.

Thanks to #Netgalley for the audiobook.

The Mother Next Door was a fascinating and disturbing read. The deep dive into Munchausen by Proxy (MBP) was both eye-opening and chilling. The authors did an excellent job of explaining the psychological complexities behind MBP, and it was hard to believe the extent of the manipulation and harm caused by the mothers in the cases discussed. The book examines three separate cases, providing a well-rounded view of the issue, and it was clear that a lot of research went into understanding the psychological and systemic aspects of this form of abuse.

I was particularly drawn to the fact that the book takes place in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, which I’m familiar with having lived there for many years. It added a layer of familiarity to the story, especially as the cases unfolded in real-world settings I could picture. The interviews with family members, doctors, and investigators were heartbreaking and illuminating, offering a rare look at the impact MBP has on everyone involved. The authors' ability to share these stories with sensitivity and clarity was impressive.

The book is an important read for anyone interested in the complexities of child abuse and the failures in our systems to protect vulnerable children. It’s both informative and unsettling, with a unique perspective from a novelist and a seasoned detective. I would rate it four out of five stars. Thanks to McMillan Audio and Galley for the advanced reader copy of the audiobook.

Listening to the audiobook version of The Mother Next Door by Andrea Dunlop and Mike Weber was an absolutely captivating experience. As someone who received an ARC through Netgalley, I was thrilled to dive into this gripping narrative, and the audiobook did not disappoint.

Narrated by Andrea Dunlop herself, the audiobook brings an added layer of authenticity and emotion to the already compelling story. Dunlop’s voice perfectly captures the tension and urgency of the subject matter, making it impossible to pause. Her delivery is both clear and engaging, drawing listeners into the complex world of Munchausen by Proxy (MBP) with every word.

The collaboration between Dunlop and Weber shines through in the meticulous research and powerful storytelling. The audiobook seamlessly blends true crime elements with psychological insights, providing a thorough and thought-provoking exploration of MBP. The personal stories of the victims and the detailed investigations are brought to life in a way that is both informative and deeply moving.

Each chapter is a testament to the authors’ dedication to shedding light on this disturbing form of child abuse. The audiobook format enhances the experience, allowing listeners to fully immerse themselves in the narrative. The pacing is perfect, maintaining a balance between suspense and empathy, and keeping listeners hooked from start to finish.

Overall, The Mother Next Door audiobook is a must-listen for anyone interested in true crime, psychology, or medical ethics. It is a groundbreaking work that not only educates but also challenges listeners to think critically about the complexities of motherhood and deception. I highly recommend this audiobook for its exceptional narration and profound impact.

Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for sending me this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 stars

This book was incredibly well done, however incredibly difficult to listen to. The fact that the stories were true - mothers who actually caused their children to have life threatening health issues is incredibly difficult to hear about. As a mother, I can't imagine doing anything except making life for my children better, not worse. I physically hurt when they are sick or injured, so knowing that people intentionally cause their kids pain and suffering is impossible for me to understand. The stories in this book were incredibly well researched and shared. The writing style sucked me in from the start and made it impossible for me to turn the audio off. I was enraptured and appalled by what I was hearing. This book shines a light on the challenges we face regarding mental illness and child abuse - and just how difficult it is to protect kids in these situations. An incredibly important book focusing on an issue that we have barely touched the surface of. My heart breaks for all children and families impacted by something so horrible as munchausen by proxy.

Thank you netgalley for my advanced reader copy

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 am so thankful to Macmillan Audio, the publisher, Andrea Dunlop, Mike Weber, and Netgalley for granting me access to this one before publication day. I really enjoyed this piece and look forward to more from this creator.

The Mother Next Door; written by Andrea Dunlop along with Mike Weber, is a non fictional book that dives into three different cases of mothers with Munchausen by Proxy. Both authors have experience researching and working with individuals with this disease, and the authors look into three cases of mothers with different histories and backgrounds who have hurt their children through their MBP diagnoses.
I really enjoyed this book, and feel like I learned a lot from it. I appreciated how the authors worked together in this book to give the stories a different perspective than the one you would normally hear. I also valued how the authors had different experiences with medical child abuse and MBP, and brought these into their writing.
Thank you to NetGalley and to the authors, publisher, and narrator of this book for an ALC in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: 4.5

Novelist Andrea Dunlop collaborated with Mike Weber, a seasoned investigator with 40 years of experience in child abuse cases, to research her upcoming project. Through their partnership, they discovered a profound connection and authored a groundbreaking book that delves into three case reviews of Medical Child Abuse - Munchausen by Proxy (MBP) in Texas.

It is crucial to recognize that these tragedies present a challenging reading experience due to the inherently disturbing nature of the subject matter. Nevertheless, the paramount importance of sharing this knowledge far outweighs any potential difficulties. The captivating nature of the topic ensures that the content remains engaging and thought-provoking throughout.

I was fortunate enough to acquire this copy in audio formats. The narration is provided by Andrea Dunlop, who is as engaging as listening to my favorite True Crime podcast. Andrea also hosts her own podcast, which is available wherever you listen to podcasts.

Thank you to @netgalley and @macmillianaudio for an advanced audio copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

An informative and eye-opening look at Munchausen by Proxy, disease that often gets overlooked, stigmatized and misunderstood. The author has written a personal, well-researched account of what the disease is like and the effects it can have on children. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review!

I am very interested in this topic. It was interesting to listen to this story. Although hard to rate given the context it did keep my interest. It’s an uncomfortable topic but one that should have the light shine on more.