The Mother Next Door

Medicine, Deception, and Munchausen by Proxy

De: Andrea Dunlop, Mike Weber

Narrado por: Andrea Dunlop

This program is read by the author.

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 devoured this chilling yet critically important book in 48 hours, unable to believe what I was reading. Dunlop and Weber have written a powerful, unflinching deep dive into our country’s systemic failure to protect children from medical abuse."—Stephanie Wrobel, bestselling author of Darling Rose Gold

No bond is more sacred than that between a mother and child. And no one is more sympathetic than a mother whose child faces a life-threatening illness. But what if the mother is the cause of the illness? What if the sympathy is the point?

Munchausen by proxy (MBP) has fascinated and horrified both professionals and the general public since this disturbing form of child abuse was first identified. But even as the public has been captivated by these tales of abuse and deception, there remains widespread misinformation and confusion about MBP. Are these mothers unfeeling psychopaths, or sick women who need help? And more important, how can we protect the children whose lives are at stake?

The Mother Next Door offers a groundbreaking look at MBP from an unlikely duo: a Seattle novelist whose own family was torn apart by it, and the Texas detective who has worked on more medical child abuse cases than anyone in the nation. Listeners ride along on three high-stakes MPB investigations; through riveting reporting 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.

With help from some of the top MBP experts in the world, Dunlop and Weber uncover the complex maze of psychological, systemic, and cultural issues that compound MBP and offer solutions for how we might find our way out.

A Macmillan Audio production from St. Martin’s Press.

©2025 Andrea Dunlop and Mike Weber (P)2025 Macmillan Audio

Reseñas de la Crítica

"I have been an admirer of Andrea Dunlop’s fiercely original work for years. Rarely is someone able to strike such a perfect balance of rigorous research, courageous fact-finding, and compelling narrative storytelling. I have no doubt that this book will be known as the canonical Munchausen by Proxy text."—Amanda Montell, New York Times bestselling author of The Age of Magical Overthinking and host of "Sounds Like a Cult"

"I was hooked from page one until the very end. A page-turning, jaw-dropping examination of MBP, our healthcare system, and the ways that perpetrators hide in plain sight."—Nora McInerny, bestselling author of Bad Vibes Only, and host of "Terrible, Thanks for Asking"

"A truly vital, groundbreaking, and riveting contribution to the literature on child abuse. This immensely readable book is the most important literary work since the MBP term was coined fifty years ago. The Mother Next Door shines like a beacon."—Marc D. Feldman, M.D., coauthor of Dying to be Ill: True Stories of Medical Deception

Great listen!

I've been listening to the podcast from the first season, so I had this audiobook on pre-order. It was a great read with the same tone as the pod (and the audiobook is read by the author.) Some parts are a bit repetitive if you've already listened to those seasons of the podcast, but there was still plenty of new material. The parts about the internal politics of the police department were a bit boring to me (felt a bit like the detective was using the book to settle some personal scores.) But overall a really interesting topic presented in a more responsible way than a lot of true crime.

Important Topic

Complicated material shared through actual accounts of real cases. Good introduction to system responses. Will hopefully lead to better outcomes.

Compelling handling of maternal abuse

My knowledge of Medical Child Abuse has certainly increased thru this brilliant telling of true life legal cases.

Captivating!

I thoroughly enjoyed this audio book! It was hard to take a break from listening to it.

Excellent research and narration

Thoroughly enjoyed this book about some thing I did not know very much about. I have the upmost respect for the author and Mike Weber, who are fighting the good fight!

Excellent

As a professional in the field of child abuse, MBP is rarely discussed. This was extremely eye opening and helpful.

Great book

Glad to see such a great book in this topic! Maybe it will help some to realize that this happens more than some people are willing to admit.

the unrelenting pursuit by Detective Mike. Helping these kids who do not have a voice.

incredible storytelling, the overall vulnerability the author brings to each story including her own and her ability to research and get all the facts on both sides is pretty remarkable considering it's such a personal issue in her life.

Great narrator felt like listening to a novel

So interesting and does not drag you down in details. Great storytelling for a nonfiction never lost my interest.

The gravity of this

Loved the information given. The reader has a pleasing voice. More awareness MUST be given so that these children do NOT slip through the cracks. Gypsy Rose appears to be an advocate for those who cannot speak out.