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Rock-A-Bye-Bye
Zoe Smith thought she was escaping her past. Instead, she walked into a nightmare.
When Zoe Smith accepts a nanny position with the wealthy Stockport family, it feels like the fresh start she’s always a beautiful home, a privileged life, and a sweet little girl who needs her.
But something is off at Stockport Estate. Cece’s mother is distant, her father is cold, and Zoe can’t shake the feeling that she’s the only one truly looking out for the child. Then, a stranger arrives, delivering a cryptic warning before trying to kidnap Cece.
When a neighbor’s nanny is found dead, dressed in Zoe’s hoodie, the message is someone wants her gone.
But in a house full of secrets, who can she trust? And how far will her new employers go to keep the truth buried?
From best-selling authors Nolon King and Lauren Street comes Rock-A-Bye-Bye, the first book in the new The Nanny Problem Thrillers series, a gripping psychological thriller that will keep you guessing until the final page.
When Zoe Smith accepts a nanny position with the wealthy Stockport family, it feels like the fresh start she’s always a beautiful home, a privileged life, and a sweet little girl who needs her.
But something is off at Stockport Estate. Cece’s mother is distant, her father is cold, and Zoe can’t shake the feeling that she’s the only one truly looking out for the child. Then, a stranger arrives, delivering a cryptic warning before trying to kidnap Cece.
When a neighbor’s nanny is found dead, dressed in Zoe’s hoodie, the message is someone wants her gone.
But in a house full of secrets, who can she trust? And how far will her new employers go to keep the truth buried?
From best-selling authors Nolon King and Lauren Street comes Rock-A-Bye-Bye, the first book in the new The Nanny Problem Thrillers series, a gripping psychological thriller that will keep you guessing until the final page.
334 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 24, 2025
13 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
About the author
Nolon King
57 books84 followersNolon King writes smart psychological thrillers designed to leave you on the edge of your seat. His stories are dark, twisty, and often decidedly close to home.
He’s not afraid to explore the darker side of human nature through stories featuring families torn apart by secrets and lies. If you enjoy reading authors like Darcey Bell and Harlan Coban, movies like A Simple Favor and The Hand That Rocks the Cradle, or shows like Ozark and Dead to Me, you’ll love Nolon King.
When not writing you will find Nolon drinking black coffee and observing humans in their natural habitats.
He’s not afraid to explore the darker side of human nature through stories featuring families torn apart by secrets and lies. If you enjoy reading authors like Darcey Bell and Harlan Coban, movies like A Simple Favor and The Hand That Rocks the Cradle, or shows like Ozark and Dead to Me, you’ll love Nolon King.
When not writing you will find Nolon drinking black coffee and observing humans in their natural habitats.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
June 24, 2025
Enjoyed this domestic thriller, it definitely brought the heat in the last third of the book. Although the first part wasn’t action packed, it set the premises of a mysterious story that will keep readers engaged and curious.
Zoe has hit rock bottom, and when an opportunity presents itself to be a nanny for the Stockports, she simply can’t refuse this live in nanny position with a good salary. When she arrives, she begins to immediately think something is very suspicious with this couple, Lili & Brendan Stockport. The truth is eventually uncovered about this wealthy, narcissistic couple.
Overall, a great thriller that makes me want to dive more into Nolon & Lauren’s catalogue. This story was suspenseful, intriguing, and held my attention throughout the entire story. The writing style with sharp, precise and although this was my first read by these authors, it certainly won’t be my last. Thank you Sterling & Stone and NetGalley for this advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.
Publication 🗓️ : 06.24.25
July 16, 2025
The Nanny Problem by Nolan King and Lauren Street is an entertaining thriller.
I was engrossed with this book throughout. Although I did guess the ending, the well written narrative and clever twists made it an enjoyable ride. The suspense was well crafted, and while the pacing started slow, it picked up steam towards the end.
Its an easy to follow book with an engaging plot.
I'd definitely recommend this to fans of thrillers.
Thanking NetGalley and Sterling & Stone for the opportunity to read and review this book.
I was engrossed with this book throughout. Although I did guess the ending, the well written narrative and clever twists made it an enjoyable ride. The suspense was well crafted, and while the pacing started slow, it picked up steam towards the end.
Its an easy to follow book with an engaging plot.
I'd definitely recommend this to fans of thrillers.
Thanking NetGalley and Sterling & Stone for the opportunity to read and review this book.
August 25, 2025
This was a quick, gripping read. The authors are like magic together. They write relatable characters, gripping storylines, crazy scenarios, and real emotion. I love a good nanny book. I liked how this played the trope in a new and creepy way. I absolutely can not wait until the next book.
July 4, 2025
I’ve seen a few readers compare this story to The Housemaid, but I have to strongly disagree with that. Despite its issues (don't worry, we’ll get to those), I enjoyed this one A LOT more than I did The Housemaid. This one kept me turning the pages, even if I occasionally rolled my eyes while doing it.
Let’s start with the characters. The adult cast feels like it was cut from a very familiar cloth; we have the down-on-her-luck nanny who can’t afford to lose her job, the volatile housewife who flips between extremes (but curiously only when it comes to Zoe or Brenden), and a husband who’s… well, there. The wife, in particular, seems completely apathetic when it comes to her child, except for one oddly intense moment that felt more like a plot device than a genuine reaction.
And speaking of the child. Something is definitely up with Cece. She’s just too chill for a toddler. Like, eerily so. It had me wondering if either of the authors has ever spent more than five consecutive minutes with a young child as she doesn't act like any toddler I’ve ever known, and I’ve raised two of my own.
That being said, even with the thin characters and questionable toddler behavior, the story still managed to hook me. There’s something about the pacing, the atmosphere, or maybe just the general mess of it all that worked. It was entertaining, which, at the end of the day, is exactly what I was looking for.
Until it went completely off the rails for me. Because you see, once the book reaches a certain point it becomes clear that certain people deserve each other, and it really pushes the bounds of plausibility. How was someone able to get away with what they did? How was required testing passed? Why was everyone so in love with Brenden? These were all questions that I needed answers to. At least everyone got what they deserved in the end, so there was that.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
Let’s start with the characters. The adult cast feels like it was cut from a very familiar cloth; we have the down-on-her-luck nanny who can’t afford to lose her job, the volatile housewife who flips between extremes (but curiously only when it comes to Zoe or Brenden), and a husband who’s… well, there. The wife, in particular, seems completely apathetic when it comes to her child, except for one oddly intense moment that felt more like a plot device than a genuine reaction.
And speaking of the child. Something is definitely up with Cece. She’s just too chill for a toddler. Like, eerily so. It had me wondering if either of the authors has ever spent more than five consecutive minutes with a young child as she doesn't act like any toddler I’ve ever known, and I’ve raised two of my own.
That being said, even with the thin characters and questionable toddler behavior, the story still managed to hook me. There’s something about the pacing, the atmosphere, or maybe just the general mess of it all that worked. It was entertaining, which, at the end of the day, is exactly what I was looking for.
Until it went completely off the rails for me. Because you see, once the book reaches a certain point it becomes clear that certain people deserve each other, and it really pushes the bounds of plausibility. How was someone able to get away with what they did? How was required testing passed? Why was everyone so in love with Brenden? These were all questions that I needed answers to. At least everyone got what they deserved in the end, so there was that.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
September 6, 2025
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
The Nanny Problem was a fun, quick read. The prose was simple and to the point, and the mystery part wasn’t confusing or hard to follow. You can pretty much put the pieces together before Zoe does and figure out what’s going to happen next, I think I was only surprised at the very end with how everything hit the fan. I would classify this as a fun beach read that doesn’t distract you from the rest of the day.
I would say the cons are 1) Zoe refusing to leave and 2) all the excitement happening towards the end.
Zoe isn’t a bad character. She’s strong headed and determined, even in the most intense of situations, which I admired. My main gripe was that in a lot of situations she dismissed the way people acted towards her but Not only that, but Zoe wants to be an investigative journalist, but most of what she finds out is information that’s given to her, not that she's looked for . She doesn’t really ask questions and when people start to gossip she doesn’t seem to like it or try to indulge in it, even if it can give her more info on the people she’s trying to look into.
My other thing is the ending. I liked it, but it happened so suddenly and the motive for everything (the only mystery part I couldn’t figure out beforehand) was summed up in a couple of sentences. And then poof! Resolved. Also, the description mentions Bree’s murder, but that doesn’t actually happen until well into the novel.
Regardless, the description says book 1 and the ending hints at a sequel/series. To be honest, I would read the second installation to see Zoe again and what new mysteries she finds. 3.5/5 stars.
The Nanny Problem was a fun, quick read. The prose was simple and to the point, and the mystery part wasn’t confusing or hard to follow. You can pretty much put the pieces together before Zoe does and figure out what’s going to happen next, I think I was only surprised at the very end with how everything hit the fan. I would classify this as a fun beach read that doesn’t distract you from the rest of the day.
I would say the cons are 1) Zoe refusing to leave and 2) all the excitement happening towards the end.
Zoe isn’t a bad character. She’s strong headed and determined, even in the most intense of situations, which I admired. My main gripe was that in a lot of situations she dismissed the way people acted towards her but Not only that, but Zoe wants to be an investigative journalist, but most of what she finds out is information that’s given to her, not that she's looked for . She doesn’t really ask questions and when people start to gossip she doesn’t seem to like it or try to indulge in it, even if it can give her more info on the people she’s trying to look into.
My other thing is the ending. I liked it, but it happened so suddenly and the motive for everything (the only mystery part I couldn’t figure out beforehand) was summed up in a couple of sentences. And then poof! Resolved. Also, the description mentions Bree’s murder, but that doesn’t actually happen until well into the novel.
Regardless, the description says book 1 and the ending hints at a sequel/series. To be honest, I would read the second installation to see Zoe again and what new mysteries she finds. 3.5/5 stars.
July 8, 2025
Wow! Wow! Wow! Thank you to NetGalley for early access to this book. I was so sad when it came to an end. Easy 5 ⭐️ rating!
Zoe, a young lady desperate for a better job to fund her path to college, stumbles upon an opening as a nanny. Although she’s not familiar with this type of work, she was eager to give it a shot, after recommendations from her best friend.
During her new journey, she finds herself questioning more and more parts of the family she’s been assigned to. Not knowing who to trust, the twists just keep twisting. There were a few times I noticed my heart rate increasing, as the story was unfolding, and I just couldn’t put the book down.
Another part of the story that piqued my interest was Tanya, Zoe’s mom. Sadly, I think many people can relate to having a similar mom and having to figure out life on your own. On a positive side, Zoe’s love for Cece, the child she was assigned to, makes it very clear that she will make a great mom one day.
I wish I could read this book again for the first time. I truly didn’t want it to end. Definitely recommend for a fast paced thriller!
Zoe, a young lady desperate for a better job to fund her path to college, stumbles upon an opening as a nanny. Although she’s not familiar with this type of work, she was eager to give it a shot, after recommendations from her best friend.
During her new journey, she finds herself questioning more and more parts of the family she’s been assigned to. Not knowing who to trust, the twists just keep twisting. There were a few times I noticed my heart rate increasing, as the story was unfolding, and I just couldn’t put the book down.
Another part of the story that piqued my interest was Tanya, Zoe’s mom. Sadly, I think many people can relate to having a similar mom and having to figure out life on your own. On a positive side, Zoe’s love for Cece, the child she was assigned to, makes it very clear that she will make a great mom one day.
I wish I could read this book again for the first time. I truly didn’t want it to end. Definitely recommend for a fast paced thriller!
August 6, 2025
From the moment Zoe steps into the sprawling Stockport Estate, there’s a lingering sense that she’s walked into something far more complicated than a job. The home may be luxurious, the child sweet, but beneath the surface is a hush of tension that never quite lifts.
Nolon King and Lauren Street craft a taut, psychologically charged thriller that unspools like a dream on the brink of becoming a nightmare. The characters are quietly unnerving — Cece’s emotionally distant parents, the eerie neighbours, and the mysterious stranger who turns up with chilling intentions. Every chapter slides deeper into unease, making it hard to know who to trust — and impossible to stop reading.
Zoe's determination and empathy anchor the story, giving us a protagonist we can root for even when the walls seem to be closing in. And as secrets unravel and danger closes in, the authors keep a tight grip on suspense right to the last page.
Sleek, smart, and deliciously tense, The Nanny Problem is perfect for fans of domestic thrillers with a dark edge.
Thank you to Nolan King, Lauren Street, the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.
Nolon King and Lauren Street craft a taut, psychologically charged thriller that unspools like a dream on the brink of becoming a nightmare. The characters are quietly unnerving — Cece’s emotionally distant parents, the eerie neighbours, and the mysterious stranger who turns up with chilling intentions. Every chapter slides deeper into unease, making it hard to know who to trust — and impossible to stop reading.
Zoe's determination and empathy anchor the story, giving us a protagonist we can root for even when the walls seem to be closing in. And as secrets unravel and danger closes in, the authors keep a tight grip on suspense right to the last page.
Sleek, smart, and deliciously tense, The Nanny Problem is perfect for fans of domestic thrillers with a dark edge.
Thank you to Nolan King, Lauren Street, the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.
June 25, 2025
The Nanny Problem by Nolan King and Lauren Street is a gripping domestic thriller packed with secrets, lies, and emotional intensity. From the very first chapter, the authors create a slow-burning sense of unease that builds into a thrilling, twist-filled unraveling of truth and betrayal.
The heart of the story lies with Zoe, a character who is both relatable and compelling. As layers of deception begin to peel away, the emotional weight of her journey becomes palpable. Her vulnerability, confusion, and determination are portrayed with depth and empathy, making the revelations all the more impactful.
The pacing is well-executed, with tension mounting at just the right moments. When the truth is finally revealed, it hits hard, delivering not only shock but emotional resonance that lingers long after the final page.
With its well-crafted plot and emotionally charged storytelling, The Nanny Problem is a standout psychological drama. King and Street have delivered a taut, addictive read that will satisfy any fan of twisty, character-driven suspense.
The heart of the story lies with Zoe, a character who is both relatable and compelling. As layers of deception begin to peel away, the emotional weight of her journey becomes palpable. Her vulnerability, confusion, and determination are portrayed with depth and empathy, making the revelations all the more impactful.
The pacing is well-executed, with tension mounting at just the right moments. When the truth is finally revealed, it hits hard, delivering not only shock but emotional resonance that lingers long after the final page.
With its well-crafted plot and emotionally charged storytelling, The Nanny Problem is a standout psychological drama. King and Street have delivered a taut, addictive read that will satisfy any fan of twisty, character-driven suspense.
July 28, 2025
I absolutely lovedddd this book. It was suspenseful throughout and when I had to go to work it’s all I could think of there. When I was able to get back to it I flew through the rest. I loved the plot. It definitely had a Desperate Housewives feel to it. The secrets and twists and turns in it were shocking and things I never saw coming. Lili was a great, absolutely diabolical character. I loved how Brendan seemed like the logical, caring, and honest person throughout until his true self was revealed. I thought the character development was great and I felt like I knew the characters very well and could even picture what they looked like. The ending was shocking and unexpected in a great way. The endings are always important to me and can make or break a book for me sometimes so this ending was definitely 10/10. This was extremely well written and is definitely one of my top reads so far this year. I will definitely be reading more from this author and highly recommend this to readers who enjoy suspenseful and fast paced psychological thrillers.
June 25, 2025
I absolutely loved this book. Not only is our FMC deeply relatable and personable, following her POV while going through the twists and turns of the plot was both thrilling and hilarious. The plot itself was captivating and although some of it was predictable, plenty of it was not. I highly recommend for anyone who wants to get started in the mystery/thriller genre without anything too graphic or heavy. The only reason why i didn’t give this five stars (and i really considered it) was the use of dramatic effect that was either out of place or had no payout. Phrases like “they were a minefield of secrets” when nothing remotely suspicious had actually happened yet were so out of context it jolted me out of the story. Thankfully this didn’t happen often, but it left me expecting bigger things to happen than what actually did.
See my instagram review + related prompts here:
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See my instagram review + related prompts here:
https://www.instagram.com/pagetoachap...
August 8, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Sterling & Stone for this ARC!
My review (vague in parts to avoid spoilers):
This was an ending I really didn't see coming. I thought I had it all figured out until it turns out I was even further from the truth than I had been at the start of the book. The story was gripping enough to keep me reading it quickly and all the characters were portrayed well and appropriate to the plot. I very quickly liked the main character Zoe, and I was rooting for her throughout the story to be able to follow her dreams of still going to college in the fall. Her bond with CeCe seemed natural and progressed well throughout the book with her love for her seeming genuine. At times I did wonder if perhaps their relationship was more than the bond of a nanny and more of what she wished she had had with Tanya.
Overall I really enjoyed this read and give it a solid 4/5.
My review (vague in parts to avoid spoilers):
This was an ending I really didn't see coming. I thought I had it all figured out until it turns out I was even further from the truth than I had been at the start of the book. The story was gripping enough to keep me reading it quickly and all the characters were portrayed well and appropriate to the plot. I very quickly liked the main character Zoe, and I was rooting for her throughout the story to be able to follow her dreams of still going to college in the fall. Her bond with CeCe seemed natural and progressed well throughout the book with her love for her seeming genuine. At times I did wonder if perhaps their relationship was more than the bond of a nanny and more of what she wished she had had with Tanya.
Overall I really enjoyed this read and give it a solid 4/5.
July 5, 2025
The Nanny Problem by Nolon King and Lauren Street is the first book in the new The Nanny Problem series This is a domestic thriller, which was full with secrets and big lies, which made it a rollercoaster ride. However, the first few chapters was slow paced and I was going t give up on it, But then Bang it all started to happen and became fast paced and became a good read. So don;'t give up on it. I only stayed with it as I love the way Nolon King and Lauren Street write and I have loved their other books I have read, as they are my must read authors.
I am looking forward reading the next book within this series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Sterling & Stone for this ARC!
I am looking forward reading the next book within this series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Sterling & Stone for this ARC!
July 8, 2025
Even though the beginning of the book was a bit slower paced than I typically like in my reads, halfway and beyond had a tight grip on me. Filled with action, suspense, secrets, and "who done it's," I cannot recommend this book enough to those readers that enjoy thriller, twists and surprise ending. While this was the first book I have read by Nolon King and Lauren Street, I can assure you, it will not be my last.
Thank you NetGalley, Sterling & Stone, and authors for the eArc. Please go get your copy today! A must add to any collection.
Thank you NetGalley, Sterling & Stone, and authors for the eArc. Please go get your copy today! A must add to any collection.
August 5, 2025
I really enjoyed this book!
It was twisty and turny and left me wondering what was truth and what was lies.
I started to sort things out closer to the end but the way it's written you still don't quite know who to believe and yet somehow it wraps up perfectly at the end. I'd like to read more about Zoe and hope this book isn't the last we've seen of her!
I definitely recommend this book!
Thank you, Netgalley, Sterling & Stone, and to the authors for a copy of this book in return for my honest review.
It was twisty and turny and left me wondering what was truth and what was lies.
I started to sort things out closer to the end but the way it's written you still don't quite know who to believe and yet somehow it wraps up perfectly at the end. I'd like to read more about Zoe and hope this book isn't the last we've seen of her!
I definitely recommend this book!
Thank you, Netgalley, Sterling & Stone, and to the authors for a copy of this book in return for my honest review.
August 22, 2025
Thank you Netgalley for my copy.
This book was okay, but it's quite forgettable.
Some thing(s) I liked:
✅Writing was okay
Some thing(s), not so much:
⭕Very slow, took ages for anything to happen
⭕Hired for a job and you're treated like crap at every turn? No, only a fool would stay. It was clear even without that that it was a dangerous situation and she still chose to stay? nah. Also, they put her in the basement when they had 40 guest rooms? Cut and run.
⭕ Completely unbelievable to the point it might as well have been a fantasy book.
This book was okay, but it's quite forgettable.
Some thing(s) I liked:
✅Writing was okay
Some thing(s), not so much:
⭕Very slow, took ages for anything to happen
⭕Hired for a job and you're treated like crap at every turn? No, only a fool would stay. It was clear even without that that it was a dangerous situation and she still chose to stay? nah. Also, they put her in the basement when they had 40 guest rooms? Cut and run.
⭕ Completely unbelievable to the point it might as well have been a fantasy book.
August 17, 2025
This book was exactly what I was wanting to read, a fast paced psychological thriller. Zoe takes a job with a Nanny agency in order to raise fast cash for her college tuition. What seems to good to be true, leds Zoe to be smacked dabbed in middle of a series of questionable and fatal events. Zoe must protect baby CeCe from those who should be protecting her most, her parents.
Thanks to NetGalley for the prerelease read
Thanks to NetGalley for the prerelease read
August 27, 2025
What does one do when they are down and out? How does a desperate situation push people to do certain things, like acting recklessly or taking bold decisions? Perhaps, there are going to be a few lingering questions in your mind when you read the gripping tale of Zoe, who accepts the role of nanny and gets more than she agreed to.
Click here to read the full review: https://charantiandchai.com/3059-2/
Click here to read the full review: https://charantiandchai.com/3059-2/
October 1, 2025
The Nanny Problem by Nolon King & Lauren Street
Zoe thought she was starting over—but stepping into the Stockport Estate plunges her into danger. With secrets, cryptic warnings, and a kidnapping attempt, no one is who they seem. A gripping psychological thriller that will keep you on edge until the very last page. 😱📚
For fans of suspense, twists, and edge-of-your-seat drama.
#PsychologicalThriller #SuspenseReads #TwistyReads #EdgeOfYourSeat #Bookstagram #MustRead #TheNannyProblem
Zoe thought she was starting over—but stepping into the Stockport Estate plunges her into danger. With secrets, cryptic warnings, and a kidnapping attempt, no one is who they seem. A gripping psychological thriller that will keep you on edge until the very last page. 😱📚
For fans of suspense, twists, and edge-of-your-seat drama.
#PsychologicalThriller #SuspenseReads #TwistyReads #EdgeOfYourSeat #Bookstagram #MustRead #TheNannyProblem
June 24, 2025
I really enjoyed this suspenseful thriller. The character development was great and I found myself relating to Zoe. The ending left me satisfied. I've read several books by this author team before and I hope they continue to write many more books together. Can't wait for the next installment in this series. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC!
September 27, 2025
The story follows Zoe Smith, a young woman trying to escape her troubled past by taking a nanny job with the affluent Stockport family. At first, it looks like the perfect getaway: a lavish home, a life of luxury, and the sweet Cece to look after. But from the moment Zoe arrives at the Stockport estate, an unsettling feeling hangs in the air. The parents, Mr. and Mrs. Stockport, are distant and aloof, making Cece the only person Zoe can truly connect with.
The plot thickens when a mysterious stranger shows up, issuing a disturbing warning and attempting to kidnap Cece. Shortly after, the body of a neighboring nanny is discovered under suspicious circumstances, wearing one of Zoe's hoodies. The implications are deeply unsettling: it's clear someone wants to hurt Zoe, but why?
What really makes The Nanny Problem stand out is its ability to keep you on the edge of your seat. The story moves quickly, constantly building tension with every turn. Zoe's growing paranoia heightens the suspense, and as the story goes on, the atmosphere inside the Stockport estate becomes increasingly oppressive. Just when you think you've figured out who did it, a sudden twist turns everything you thought you knew upside down.
The Nanny Problem is a gripping psychological thriller that will keep you guessing. If you enjoy domestic thrillers filled with high stakes and complex characters, this is definitely a book you won't want to miss.
The plot thickens when a mysterious stranger shows up, issuing a disturbing warning and attempting to kidnap Cece. Shortly after, the body of a neighboring nanny is discovered under suspicious circumstances, wearing one of Zoe's hoodies. The implications are deeply unsettling: it's clear someone wants to hurt Zoe, but why?
What really makes The Nanny Problem stand out is its ability to keep you on the edge of your seat. The story moves quickly, constantly building tension with every turn. Zoe's growing paranoia heightens the suspense, and as the story goes on, the atmosphere inside the Stockport estate becomes increasingly oppressive. Just when you think you've figured out who did it, a sudden twist turns everything you thought you knew upside down.
The Nanny Problem is a gripping psychological thriller that will keep you guessing. If you enjoy domestic thrillers filled with high stakes and complex characters, this is definitely a book you won't want to miss.
July 7, 2025
The Nanny Problem was an exciting thriller that kept me guessing until close to the end. Once a certain plot point was mentioned, I figured out what was going on and I enjoyed watching the story unfold.
A basic summary of the story, without spoilers, involves a young woman named Zoe who, out of desperation, takes a job as a live-in nanny for a wealthy family. This family in particular has a lot of sordid secrets they’re trying to keep buried, which comes as a surprise to absolutely nobody.
The story has lots of build-up towards the finale and I wanted to keep reading, even when I was frustrated at Zoe for some of her choices. Speaking of Zoe, one thing I would have liked was a deeper development of her character. Her history and past trauma could have been integrated into the overall story more; she came across as kind of a blank slate for a lot of the book. Overall, this was a fun, easy read for anyone in the mood for a quick thriller!
A basic summary of the story, without spoilers, involves a young woman named Zoe who, out of desperation, takes a job as a live-in nanny for a wealthy family. This family in particular has a lot of sordid secrets they’re trying to keep buried, which comes as a surprise to absolutely nobody.
The story has lots of build-up towards the finale and I wanted to keep reading, even when I was frustrated at Zoe for some of her choices. Speaking of Zoe, one thing I would have liked was a deeper development of her character. Her history and past trauma could have been integrated into the overall story more; she came across as kind of a blank slate for a lot of the book. Overall, this was a fun, easy read for anyone in the mood for a quick thriller!
December 7, 2025
The Nanny Problem was a quick, uncomplicated read that will make readers' turn the pages. Zoe is a new nanny and the family she is placed with is odd and full of secrets. There really is no one she can trust in the house or even in the neighborhood. Fun read.
I received an ARC from NetGalley
I received an ARC from NetGalley
June 30, 2025
Hard to put down, the pages were constantly being turned. I do wish there was more detail as to the outcome.
July 13, 2025
This was a quick paced thriller that had a few twists I didn’t see coming. It proved to be an interesting read and I was quite surprised at the ending. The characters were well developed by the authors who made them come to life. I’ll be looking for their other books to read and enjoy.
July 28, 2025
The Nanny Problem has the bones of a good thriller.
It will feel familiar for fans of The Housemaid. An unstable wealthy household, a desperate outsider nanny, a too-perfect family hiding a mess of secrets, and an undercurrent of danger.
However, it left me wishing for sharper prose, more thoughtful characterization, and a faster pace. With tighter editing and non-robotic dialogue, this story could have been a banger.
If you’re willing to go along for the ride, you’ll be waiting until the pacing picks up in the final third to enjoy any pay off.
I really don’t care how authors want to use AI to help them write their books, but I certainly shouldn’t be able to tell that they used it through the glaringly AI-driven sentence structure, repetition, and lack of creative figurative language.
The middle of the book drags a bit. For 30+ chapters, almost nothing happens beyond vague marital tension, tense social interactions, and clunky Zoe inner monologues. The book also weirdly reminds you of its own mysteries multiple times, even going so far as to list out clues and recap big plot questions as if it doesn’t trust the reader to keep up.
Where The Housemaid succeeds in creating character arcs grounded in trauma and survival, The Nanny Problem falls pretty flat in the depth department. The narrative leans more into soap opera tropes than anything else. There is some exploration of classism, but it’s primarily focused on being underdressed and feeling judged rather than the real effects of classism or its power dynamics.
If you’re looking for something tightly written with vivid characters and a twist that feels earned, you’re better off rereading The Housemaid. Worth a read if you don’t mind unimpressive prose and just want a twisty plot.
Thank you to NetGalley who provided an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
📖 Read the full review on my blog: www.amandareadshorror.com
📸 Follow along on Instagram: www.instagram.com/amanda.reads.horror/
It will feel familiar for fans of The Housemaid. An unstable wealthy household, a desperate outsider nanny, a too-perfect family hiding a mess of secrets, and an undercurrent of danger.
However, it left me wishing for sharper prose, more thoughtful characterization, and a faster pace. With tighter editing and non-robotic dialogue, this story could have been a banger.
If you’re willing to go along for the ride, you’ll be waiting until the pacing picks up in the final third to enjoy any pay off.
I really don’t care how authors want to use AI to help them write their books, but I certainly shouldn’t be able to tell that they used it through the glaringly AI-driven sentence structure, repetition, and lack of creative figurative language.
The middle of the book drags a bit. For 30+ chapters, almost nothing happens beyond vague marital tension, tense social interactions, and clunky Zoe inner monologues. The book also weirdly reminds you of its own mysteries multiple times, even going so far as to list out clues and recap big plot questions as if it doesn’t trust the reader to keep up.
Where The Housemaid succeeds in creating character arcs grounded in trauma and survival, The Nanny Problem falls pretty flat in the depth department. The narrative leans more into soap opera tropes than anything else. There is some exploration of classism, but it’s primarily focused on being underdressed and feeling judged rather than the real effects of classism or its power dynamics.
If you’re looking for something tightly written with vivid characters and a twist that feels earned, you’re better off rereading The Housemaid. Worth a read if you don’t mind unimpressive prose and just want a twisty plot.
Thank you to NetGalley who provided an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
📖 Read the full review on my blog: www.amandareadshorror.com
📸 Follow along on Instagram: www.instagram.com/amanda.reads.horror/
December 30, 2025
THE NANNY PROBLEM - A joint effort between Nolon King and Lauren Street, one of my must read authors. I was not disappointed and really enjoyed the meaty last quarter of the book especially. Interesting story lines, a variety of characters, some giveaways - in my opinion, and a good pace. Good twists here and there. I'm ready for the next book, although the gist appears as the nanny is sorta set up like an unwilling agent as in a Thriller genre. Source: Netgalley. 4*
February 1, 2026
Ahhh! I LOVED THIS BOOK!
I was pulled in from the prologue and it kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time! Just when I thought I had things figured out, another twist came!
The authors did an AMAZING job at the FMC’s growth throughout the story! I loved her fight!
I give this read 4.5 stars!
I look forward to reading more books by Nolan & Lauren!
I was pulled in from the prologue and it kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time! Just when I thought I had things figured out, another twist came!
The authors did an AMAZING job at the FMC’s growth throughout the story! I loved her fight!
I give this read 4.5 stars!
I look forward to reading more books by Nolan & Lauren!
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