The Nanny: A Psychological Thriller

by A.J. Rivers

“The first rule of Grey Manor is you don’t ask questions.
You take care of the kids and keep your mouth shut.”

Growing up, I dreamed of having a loving family. A place to call home.
This new job was my chance at a fresh start.
A place where my past could never catch me.

That was what I thought, until the day I arrived at Grey Manor.
Behind the quiet whispers were secrets that sent chills down my spine.
The way they treated the children.
The way the staff treated one another.
I never imagined that I would soon unleash something far more terrifying than my past.
A truth that they had kept hidden there all along.

I tried to keep my head down. Ask no questions.
Step only into the rooms where I was allowed to go.
To pay attention only to the children.

But curiosity got the best of me.

I heard something that gnawed at me. I had to find out.
Now I was no longer running away from my past.
I was running into uncharted territory.

They say curiosity killed the cat. But this cat has many skills.
One of them is surviving against all odds.
Even while standing at death’s door.

Knock. Knock.
“Scream all you want… No one can hear you.”

276 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 1, 2026

Reviews

[Joellen Roder · Rating 4 out of 5]

A suspense and thriller reader doesn't forget details that easily. We're pretty good at remembering the details and taking mental note of things that may become relevant as things unfold, so this was a little repetitive for my liking. Also left some pieces untied. I do like an ending where you see how the characters turn out. A little glimpse at the resolution after you've gotten to know them. With that being said, it was a page turner I did enjoy. I started the book in the evening, and finished it by the next morning. I only figured out the twist right before it became clear, so it got me!

[Jennifer Sims · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wowza I really wasn’t expecting that ending. I know it was written as a standalone BUT I’d love a sequel. I have some unanswered questions and I’d love to follow Andrea.

[Michelle Dehne]

Ok the ending got me and I reread wondering if I actually understood it. Whaaat

[Alyssa · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book seemed to drag after a while, I couldn’t wait to finish it.

[Sereana Chand · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good psych thriller that kept me wanting to know how it ends. But I found most parts unnecessarily repetitive hence my 3 star rating.

[Hannah Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book but still confused about what to make of the “twist” at the end.

[Doreen Halick · Rating 3 out of 5]

?! This was a good attempt at a first stand alone for AJ Rivers. The characters were well-developed, and the storyline had a lot of potential. I couldn't wait to sink my teeth into it! I totally enjoyed the first half, but the second was redundant. It repeated the issues over and over with no real progress. I actually skimmed over some of it, because I found myself thinking, "Come on! Nobody would put up with this over and over without doing anything about it!" Hoping for a great ending, I continued to read, and then there was the ending! What?! I really dislike reading a novel that leaves more questions than answers at the end. Unsure exactly what happened, or what the reader was supposed to make of some of it. The last 2 lines were clear in meaning but didn't really clarify the rest of the book. I don't know. Disappointing for me.

[Kelly Smelcer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hold on to your seats! This is not like any other AJ Rivers book you've ever read. Andrea is a nanny, and she's needing a job because the family she works for is moving to a different state, and she can't go. She's referred to the Grey family, which is a big name in the area. As Andrea is settling in, she starts to notice strange happenings in the house. She tries to focus on the children, but she soon realizes the imminent danger upon all of them. But how can she get out of this alive? You do NOT want to miss this one!

[Karen Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I wasn't sure what to expect of this stand alone book after reading all of AJ Rivers' series, but I was blown away! You can't help but love the children that Andrea becomes a nanny to and loathe the grandmother and father. Lena is a whole other monster. It seems as if Lena is able to control every one and everything. I can't believe how much I enjoyed this. It was nice to see Andrea discovering just what exactly is going on and what she does to deal with it. It truly is a thriller!

[Cathy Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hmmmm….A.J Rivers is a literary genius in her venue of some of the most macabre pieces I have read. She is graphic. Her characters are believable….even the most deranged. Half of them are pure evil, the balance of the other half is partly innocent with a few silent but sinister. The question is will you know who is who before that final few sentences! Cuddling up with a good book is one of my favorite pastimes and this one was truly evil to the Max! Good luck to Debbie!

[Amber Burnette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!

What a great book! I loved The Nanny by A.J. Rivers! I’ve read her series, but this standalone was just as gripping. It hooked me from the first page and didn’t let go, full of twists and that “just one more chapter” feeling.

It gave me the same addictive vibe as a Freida McFadden book. Definitely a must-read for thriller fans!

[Migs Halpern · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did second guess myself about the ending mid read!

I have read most of this author’s work and this stand alone is one of best! It took off a tad slowly, and it built up steam for a satisfying and thrilling ride! I don’t want to spoil the experience. I highly recommend having the experience yourself! Be calm and carry on!

[Linae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow unexpected

This was A story about super rich people who are evil, thinking they are better than others not so fortunate. A fire takes care of business and the good people seem to flourish when a new opportunity comes along. Evil fights evil. Sounds simple but the story is not.

[Paula B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twisty!

There were twists upon twists in this book. Every character had a quirk, or two. The whole story is a puzzle and it's so satisfying when you get to the ending and see the whole picture. Excellent!

[Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nanny OH MY SO SO GOOD

Just finished Nanny.. I couldn't put it down. So many twists & turns. But the best part is the ending. The entire book was over the top exciting.. A.J. Rivers never disappoints.

[Courtney E · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved, loved, loved!!!!

I couldn't put this book down. This book was very hard to read at times. It hit so hard what those poor children had to go through. I couldn't stop reading. Can't wait to read what your amazing mind has coming.

[Barbara Kaake · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great story about Andrea the nanny trying to help the kids and their mother for the unjustly things that have been done and punishing the ones that done them wrong with lots of suspense and drama. Thank you for this excellent story.

[Edward Brown Jr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Slow in developing, but great thereafter

Although it was slow in deve!oping, once you really get I to it, you really can't put it down. Very indulging story. Keeps you going until the y.

[Marie Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book!!

I loved this book and would love to learn more about the nanny, I know it's supposed to be a standalone novel but this would be a great series or even just a second book to give now insight in her.
I loved it!!

[Lisa Caccamo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not terrible but not her best…..the plot was good, albeit a bit predictable. There were a few threads that were just left hanging and I felt the end was a bit rushed, whereas the middle dragged a bit. Some of the character connections just didn’t seem to have a purpose…..

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

An interesting story that’s poorly written

This writing is a mess. Repetitive, grammatical errors, and god awful editing. I really wanted to like it, thus the two stars, but the author spent the whole book saying about the same 20 sentences.

[Barbara Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pure evil

This story was one of ownership by a sick matriarch. Trying to bend, twist, manipulate and manage everyone that she believed would stand in her way. Trouble is there is always someone stronger and smarter. So beware.

[Amber Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow!

This books ending was not what I expected! Great book! Definitely worth reading! AJ Rivers never ceases to amaze me with her writing style. Definitely a favorite author of mine.

[Yolonda Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping!

This book pulled me in and wouldn't let go until I finished it. The twists and turns were intriguing, and what an ending!

It's a must-read. Make sure to set aside some time because you won't want to put it down.

[KARI TOWER · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

I have read a lot of this author and was to find a stand alone book. It was a fact page turner and I was happy to be able to read more over spring break.

[Janice Stansell · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a stupendous ending!

Holy cow! Never saw THAT coming! What a twisted tale, had me on the edge of my seat! Loved it!

[Donna Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!

This was a great book with a great plot! I read it so fast! I just could not put it down! I do highly recommend this book! Just be prepared to not want to put it down!

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved AJ’s first stand-alone!! The Nanny definitely had my going “okay what is going on” and once i figured it out i absolutely loved it!!!

[connie troge · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book

Love loved this book. Fresh characters. Will there be a sequel? Keep up the great work. And keep writing please!

[Colleen A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Woah

I did not see that coming fabulous
Great plot and the nanny secrets seem to be so true
Loved this ❤️ want more