Lucy

by Erica Schmidt, Brooke Bloom (Narrator), Lynn Collins (Narrator)

Ashling is every busy parent’s dream: a professional nanny with experience and a warm, sunny attitude. But from the moment Mary hires her to look after her young children, things start to feel just a little...off. Are Mary’s stressful work schedule and lack of sleep playing games with her own sanity, or has she welcomed an unstable troublemaker into her home?

A harrowing and hilarious psychological thriller whose sense of disquiet builds with each passing scene, Erica Schmidt’s Lucy is sure to disturb and delight parents and non-parents alike. After all, if you can’t even be sure what’s happening in your home when you’re away, what can you be sure of?

Genres: Audiobook, Fiction, Thriller, Suspense, Horror, Short Stories, Mystery

2 pages, Audiobook

First published September 21, 2023

Reviews

[Nina (ninjasbooks) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the narration, but otherwise there wasn’t much that stood out. A nanny with murky intentions, it’s not the first time I’ve come across a plot like that. Also, the ending?

[Tonya · Rating 2 out of 5]

This story had so much promise, but basically went nowhere. I had read the other unfavorable reviews, but still thought since it was a quick listen, that I would give it a chance. The ending was rushed, and the story basically didn’t go anywhere. It had potential but never delivered.The narration was entertaining and kept me listening, hoping for more from the plot. Nothing happened. Oh well, at least it was short and I didn’t waste too much time.

[Amanda Kelley · Rating 2 out of 5]

The ending made absolutely no sense.

[Shilo Parcel · Rating 3 out of 5]

The audiobook "Lucy" surprised me with its intricate plot and character development. Schmidt weaves a compelling narrative that explores the complexities of relationships and trust. The story is beautifully narrated, bringing the characters to life with vivid emotions and distinct voices.

One of the standout aspects of this audiobook is how it explores the doubts and insecurities that can creep into even the closest of relationships. The tension and suspense kept me engaged throughout, and I found myself eagerly anticipating each new twist in the plot.

While I can't go into too much detail without giving away the story, I can say that the ending left me confused.

[Doug · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up.

I actually read the script and have not listened to the audio - although apparently the initial production was produced BY Audible, just to make the recording. It's an interesting little play, basically a two-hander (with a few cameos by the titular character) about a BZ single mother, who is a radiologist, hiring a new nanny to take care of her 6-year-old daughter Lucy, and new baby Max. The playwright has an unerring ear for dialogue, and her two characters are fascinating. I just wish the play dug a little deeper than it does, and that the ending had more of a payoff. And why is it called 'Lucy', when she really isn't the focus?

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/08/th...
https://www.theatermania.com/off-broa...
https://newyorktheater.me/2023/02/11/...
https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/r...
https://nystagereview.com/2023/02/06/...
https://www.theatrely.com/post/the-ac...
https://www.talkinbroadway.com/page/o...

https://www.broadwayworld.com/off-bro...

[Tess · Rating 1 out of 5]

it was an audiobook. it was free.

It really wasn't a psychological thriller or a mystery, as I was expecting it to be. It just spiked my mom-anxiety.

I think not having any narration did it a disservice as we couldn't really set the scene. I had no idea where they lived, what other social networks they had, where the exchanges took place, etc. Long amounts of dialogue were hard to listen to, as well.

Both the characters were extremely annoying, and the whole solution at the end was oddly rushed and dragged on at the same time.

It was an attempt that sadly fell flat. I hope the author can edit this story into something longer, or take lessons from it and create a better work later.

[Kaia · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 lunatics . I don’t know who was crazier .

[Maryna Zamiatina]

Мне всегда нравились єти миниатюрки Audiblе Original в стиле "Театр у микрофона", но никогда не доходили руки их послушать. Вот теперь дошли. Смысла тут примерно столько же, сколько в видео "Карен оскорбляет толстую продавщицу и оказывается ее подчиненной", которые нам подсовывает фейсбук, если зазеваться и заскроллиться, но вроде как что-то происходит, люди чего-то кричат, хороший фон для домашних дел.

[Blair Hodgkinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disturbing psychological drama.

[Mary · Rating 1 out of 5]

A psychotic 58 yo Valley Girl nanny. OMG! Glad it was ONLY 90 minutes of torture.

[Robin · Rating 1 out of 5]

If I could rate it lower I would. The characters were completely cringe worthy. The story line was ok. I kept hoping it would get better.

[DJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't know why I cannot find the stage play version of this on Goodreads, but that was the version I read. Not audible.

Lucy. Insanity at its best. The story is based on a baby-sitter trope. The nanny, Ashling, versus the mother, Mary. A new baby and the older child, Lucy.

This story starts off with an interview. Mary speaks with Ashling to decide if the nanny will fit what mom's looking for in the perfect caregiver. And we morph into Lucy meeting this nanny. And it changes again with the birth of the baby.

The play progresses through time in an interesting way. As characters leave and enter, the baby grows in age, Lucy is talked about but not really present. It was a very interesting, and unique way to show the passage of time over months and months without so much a break in the story telling.

The story itself reminded me a lot of The Hand the Rocks the Cradle (Rebecca De Mornay movie, 1992). Very creepy on many levels. Sort of unsettling as the nanny is doing things that are "off" for a nanny. The tension was great throughout the story, though I felt it could have been more. The twists to this, though, was great. A side little piece of information that is revealed towards the end to make it turn from creepy to a Grimm's Fairy Tale by the end.

I enjoyed this, but really wanted so much more. Which I understand the limits of stage versus screen. I also get there is a time constraint. This was promoted as a thriller/comedy, but I think it wasn't so much comedy as a disturbing fairy tale... I think that's part of why my lower star rating. It didn't meet expectations in that sense. It was a good story overall, though.

3.5⭐️s!

[Biggest Little Book Talker · Rating 1 out of 5]

This could have had a lot of potential, but fell so flat.
The ending made no sense and was super anticlimactic.
The voice actors did a great job, but that’s about it.

[Kristina W · Rating 2 out of 5]

2⭐️ is generous... WTF? I only kept going to see where it went and then it didn't?????

[Heidi Farley || Booktok Girly · Rating 1 out of 5]

honest to god ass

[Lizzy Seitz · Rating 1 out of 5]

0.25 out of 5 stars

Too quick pace wise. The story made no sense. Why is the book named after the daughter who isn’t a huge part of it? If my nanny said my baby hit their head more than once off the same thing and didn’t do anything about it that would be an immediate firing. But her behavior was wayyyyyy too concerning from the first few “days”. Overall, skip this original.

[Deb Bracewell · Rating 1 out of 5]

I’m not sure what I just listened to. It was a short, audio book described as a psychological thriller—but it was just two adult women arguing for 9 months. It’s weird. Don’t bother.

[Rhonda A. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Strange story. I wouldn’t have hired this nanny based on her interview.

[Marcy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Don’t bother. Grating, annoying, waste of time

[Sarah Nichol · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is literally the worst story and performance I have ever heard. What even was the point?

[Kierstin Carnahan · Rating 1 out of 5]

I’m glad this was short so I didn’t waste much time on it. Why is it even called Lucy? It should have been called Ashling or The Nanny.

[Ericka · Rating 2 out of 5]

What the hello did I just listen to! It started out ok, and then it went foolish! As a parent, she would've been gone! No if, ands or buts. Glad it was included with audible membership.

[Kate Karpus · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m not entirely sure what this was.

[Victoria Tezangi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This may be the best audio book I have listened to...ever.

The audio narration for Lucy by Erica Schmidt (narrated by Brooke Bloom, Lynn Collins, Charlotte Surak0 was some of the best I have come across and boy have I listened to a lot of audiobooks! These narrators brought to life such well written characters with the narration for the nanny added the humour so well and we got given such a clear idea of who these characters were and their personalities through these performances.

As for the story and the plot I again have to say I was impressed. The story made for a good thriller that kept me hooked and interested but I have to say that I did feel at times it felt rushed and a few extra chapters could have added more to the story and given it more depth. Overall I did really enjoy this book. It was an easy read and one I got through in no time that kept me guessing and entertained and I would recommend if you're looking for a fast paced quick read that leans on both the thriller and comedic side.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was just an hour and a half long audible book that was performed as a skit. It was good but the characters super annoying lol. A mom is looking for a nanny for her 2 children and woman with a lot of past childhood experience. But once she starts working for her, there seems to be a lot of problems. The mom is totally neurotic, and every little thing the nanny does is wrong. But the nanny also overstepped her boundaries some and in my opinion, has a fake politeness to her. Towards the end, the behavior of the nanny seems to be a real issue, and she keeps gaslighting the mom. I felt like it could go a lot longer, and the story being called Lucy is a little strange. Lucy is the daughters name, but I feel like they don’t refer to her as much as they do the nanny, which is what I would have named the book. Other than that it was a pretty intense hour and a half of listening.

[Phyllis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this play by Erica Schmidt...
I am the eldest daughter of my family and I have had years of nannies like Ashling. I consoled with Mary coz all of this is quite relateable, overwhelmed single mother wants to make it in life and ensure her kids get the best upbringing, and to ensure all this works out for her and her family she seeks out a permanent nanny.
But of course, insanity is not what she bargained for, nor was child neglect, endangerment, and mistreatment, nor was lack of following schedules for toddlers as well as infants basically a fear that runs through every mother. Ashling basically represents a nanny who tries to replace an infant's mother masking it as co-parenting.
It is definitely must read.

[Orsayor · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lucy by Erica Schmidt didn't meet my expectations. I thought it would be an exciting and suspenseful story, but it turned out to be a letdown.

The story is about Mary, a stressed-out working mom who hires a nanny named Ashling. Ashling seems perfect at first, but something feels off about her.

The problem with the book is that it lacks the suspense and excitement it promised. Instead, it's filled with annoying and whiny characters that made it hard to enjoy. There were a few funny moments, but they couldn't make up for the overall disappointment.

The ending, rather than providing closure, only adds to the confusion, leaving readers with more questions than answers and a desire for a more fulfilling conclusion.

[Cassie Marks · Rating 2 out of 5]

Both leads were completely psychotic. The goal of the piece is to make you feel bad for the mom, but honestly, I couldn’t stand her. The nanny was a complete nutter, trying to cause mayhem and make the mom’s life a nightmare, but the complete lack of empathy for Lucy just made me want to scream. Let the poor child sleep in your bed once in a while when she’s clearly struggling. Give her the damn snuggles she’s asking for. It takes nothing to provide comfort, which seemed more of an inconvenience to her mother than anything, as the “almighty” schedule was far more important to her than her child. And the ending… huh?? Too brief and rushed, even for a short story. Honestly, the voice acting is the only thing worth salvaging here.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this story! I was on the edge of my seat the whole time, anticipating something dramatic. There’s so much internal tension and quiet suspense throughout.

At first, I wasn’t sure what to think when it ended—I felt a little confused. But the more I reflected on it, the more I appreciated how powerful it was without needing anything explosive.

It reminded me that not every story needs to be wild, over-the-top, or filled with nonstop twists. Sometimes the ones that stick with you are the ones that make you feel uneasy, leave you with questions, and linger long after they end. This one did exactly that.

[Magdalena Ramirez · Rating 3 out of 5]

This had me intrigued from the start. Both main characters (mom and nanny) gave major red flags, though I do side with the mom on a lot of points. Really would have like some more backstory on the nanny and more development in the mom’s character. It almost seemed like she did suffer from postpartum depression and/or postpartum anxiety during her first pregnancy and is still experiencing some of that.
I just wish the ending was more concise. And I swear the little girl, Lucy, says “Mom, you’re the witch” in the final scene. Did anyone else hear that?