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Black Widow: The True Story of Giggling Granny Nannie Doss

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In 1927, Charley Braggs arrived home to find two of his children dead. The doctor who observed the children in their last moments diagnosed food poisoning as the cause.There was no need for an autopsy. His wife, Nannie, blamed tainted grains as the source but Charley wasn’t convinced. Charley didn’t feel safe around his wife. In the middle of the night, he took his eldest daughter and ran for his life.The outpouring of sympathy doubled for Nannie when they discovered her husband’s treachery. To her community, she was a sweet lady renowned for her cheerful disposition. But behind the facade was a much darker and sinister reality. A truth that four of her future husbands, two of her sisters, her mother, her mother-in-law, her nephew and her grandson would perilously discover.Black Widow is a dramatic and chilling account of one of the most shocking true crime stories in American history. Ryan Green’s riveting narrative draws the reader into the real-live horror experienced by the victims and has all the elements of a classic This book contains descriptive accounts of abuse and violence. If you are especially sensitive to this material, it might be advisable not to read any further

135 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 6, 2019

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About the author

Ryan Green

32 books482 followers
Ryan Green is a true crime author in his late thirties. He lives in Herefordshire, England with his wife, three children, and two dogs. Outside of writing and spending time with his family, Ryan enjoys walking, reading and windsurfing.

Ryan is fascinated with History, Psychology and True Crime. In 2015, he finally started researching and writing his own work and at the end of the year, he released his first book on Britain's most notorious serial killer, Harold Shipman.

He has since written several books on lesser-known subjects, and taken the unique approach of writing from the killer's perspective. He narrates some of the most chilling scenes you'll encounter in the True Crime genre.

"Ryan Green is an incredible storyteller...he doesn’t just tell the story, he allows you to be part of it." ~Blackbird

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews
Profile Image for Debbie.
376 reviews
July 29, 2020
This salacious little gem is great reading when you don't want to think about important stuff (like a pandemic, or a mobster president). Nannie Doss was a messed up woman who liked to kill members of her immediate family. She particularly liked to feed delicious arsenic pie to her husbands. This book is a little slice of pure evil to read in an evil time.

Small complaint: The author uses omnipresent voice to the extreme. He really gets into the mind of Nannie Doss. I'm highly suspicious of some of the writer's analysis. It's only a small complaint because his explanations of her inner thoughts were a major part of what held my interest.
Profile Image for Viola.
519 reviews79 followers
April 27, 2024
2,5*. Nepatīk true crime autori, kuri uzskata, ka smaga bērnība/jaunība ir attaisnojums, lai darītu ļaunu citiem.
Profile Image for Bettye McKee.
2,190 reviews157 followers
May 17, 2019
"...he got what he deserved"

From the moment of her birth, Nancy Hazle was looking for love. To her ruthless stepfather, she was worth no more than the work she could perform from the time she could walk. Instead of going to school, she was made to work in the fields, earning a beating if she didn't work hard enough.

She escaped the farm when she was 15 by marrying Charley Braggs, not knowing she would be gaining a live-in mother-in-law who tormented her day and night. Then she discovered that she had married a womanizing drunkard. By now she had four children to raise. This was nothing like the romantic stories she lost herself in to escape harsh reality.

In those days, magazine racks were loaded with monthly publications with names like True Romance, Modern Romance, Real Confessions and the like. Nannie never gave up in her search for true love, a man who would cherish her and be faithful to her. She never found that man.

13
Profile Image for Kayla Krantz.
Author 45 books742 followers
August 5, 2019
The story of the Giggling Granny is one that is very haunting. I’ve always imagined serial killers to be those who have a type of victim and kill to quench some thirst. They’re mostly guys, sometimes family men, but usually the type of person that after they’re caught can be seen as a killer.

In this case, this was not true. Nannie Doss fooled everyone into believing she was a victim time and time again. Even when she was brought in for murder, the officers had a difficult time believing she was really guilty. Nannie was different from other killers though in that she didn’t kill to satisfy some craving, she killed when people became an inconvenience for her. She had a life in mind that she wanted to live, and she didn’t let anyone stop her from living it.

Narration made this an easy listen.

This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.
Profile Image for Kay Oliver.
Author 11 books198 followers
March 26, 2020
Twisted

The hat pin, I will not be forgetting that any time soon. Nannie was an odd character, a serial killer never seen before and hopefully never again. The giggling granny will keep you up at night. Good book, excellent writing.
Profile Image for Tom Schulte.
3,435 reviews77 followers
July 19, 2019
It feels to me like there are two broad avenues of true crime writing: amplified novelisation with imagined dialogue and interior thoughts and then dry reportage like a scrap book of newspaper clippings and police reports. On that continuum, I drift toward the just-the-facts end. With this latest opus from Ryan Green recalling the Black Widow American serial killer responsible for the deaths of 11 people and referred to as the Giggling Granny and the Lonely Hearts Killer, he has, for me, gotten to a happy medium on that continuum satisfying me with a chronological relation of events while adding just enough life to keep it interesting and brisk.

Also, very good narration from Steve White.
Profile Image for Teresa.
986 reviews13 followers
July 24, 2019
I have have the Nannie Doss stories before but never to the lengths that Ryan Green tells them in this book. I did not know she killed 2 of her Grandchildren and her mother. I knew about killing her kids and her husbands and her mother in laws.

Ryan is my favorite True crime Author and Steve White does an amazing job or narrating this case.

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Author 6 books35 followers
November 14, 2019
A most excellent read! Very unique in terms of the method the author uses to recount the story of serial killer Nannie Doss. Instead of telling us Nannie's story from a third-person perspective, Green tells it from Nannie's own point of view. Quite hard to do as a writer I would imagine, however, the end result is remarkable. Highly recommend this book to true crime readers.
Profile Image for Michelle.
460 reviews24 followers
May 25, 2020
A good true crime book as well as disturbing. Nannie Doss got away with several killings for years.
Profile Image for Mike.
393 reviews24 followers
November 8, 2021
This is a good book but it's not the best book Ryan Green has written.
Profile Image for Jeanette.
1,129 reviews62 followers
October 12, 2020
I have read quite a few true crime books, but have never heard of the Giggling Granny Nannie Doss. A great read, especially if you are interested in true crime. Am glad that one of her husbands saw through her and fled, but what really sent shivers down my spine is what she did with a hat pin. This is the second book that i have read by Ryan Green and have just started the story of Cannibal Killer Katherine Knight.
2 reviews
August 11, 2020
Couldn't stop reading!

This book was fascinating. I read it in such short time I am on to another true crime. The psyche is a delicate and powerful instrument.
Profile Image for Luke Ahearn.
Author 39 books170 followers
August 12, 2020
Wow!

What else can I say. This book is well written and the subject matter fascinating me likely so much. End
24 reviews
August 5, 2020
Very interesting.

This is a true crime that took place in the USA between the decades of 1920 through 1953. One woman who went undetected killed so many people and went undetected until modern medicine finally caught her. She was mesmerized by "romantically love" of which she learned about through romance novels and her mother. Her search for it was insatiable. She had no concern or conscious for anyone except her own need for this romantic love she so desperately desired and literally killed for it. Great read. Not gory. Just clean murder. If murder can actually be clean?
Profile Image for Patricia Farmer.
168 reviews2 followers
August 7, 2020
Extremely interesting and complex woman

One thing about this lady, you would not bother her, not for long at least. Definitely worth reading, this book will keep you riveted with each turn of the page.
Profile Image for Lori.
499 reviews8 followers
August 1, 2020
A short read. Nothing more you couldn’t just find on the internet. I would have liked more in-depth info into her mind or more info on what her daughters thought or felt, how it impacted others.
Profile Image for Kathryn.
58 reviews3 followers
May 14, 2019
There are true crime books about serial killers and then there are books about people who kill many people but without any, as Ted Bundy would say, "compulsion" felt to kill. No "entity" to blame it on. The people in Nannie's life just failed her in some way. There is, whether one realizes it or not, a difference. This book is about the latter. Got a free copy of this if I'd, er, review it. I don't think I'm qualified but said yes.

Ryan has developed a style that makes reading these crimes so easy it's hard to say why. They just are. And that's what's so fun about them. Then while reading along there is such an abundance of insight into the criminal mind that it's no longer simple, for a while. They're just so much fun to read. You can tell they're well researched because as you go reading any question that might pop into your head is most likely on the next page.

Nannie's case was one of utter belief because in the days it was written procedures weren't in place... and then they were. But had she not been so eager to move on she might have gotten away with the last one as well. Her research failed her. The last husband was healthy as an ox, so doses that worked before and methods as well had to be adapted but they failed her. But the psychopathy created when little developed a woman, and normally serial killers aren't women, someone who simply saw what she did as a means to an end, and apparently little more. Once the blush of 'love' or the newness wore off, the man was discovered to be mere mortal, she set about stewing, pun intended, prunes.

Yet the true horror was what she did to her children. There she walked the edge of insanity. Right from wrong. Did she even know? Or care? Well, I wasn't always a big prune eater but this book makes me want to take a pass on them once and for all.

Ryan's fun to read, and listen to. I'm going to make it a point to weave his books in-between the harder edgier true crime stuff I read until I finish them all. I think, however, I'll work backward. I can't thank him enough for the sneak peek opportunity. And just for some words back. Nice guy.
Profile Image for Natalie Darby.
207 reviews4 followers
August 27, 2019
Thank you to Ryan Green for providing me with this audiobook free of charge in return for an honest review.

Nannie Doss is a serial killer that I’d never heard of before, but the meak and mild-looking woman on the cover really piqued my interest. After reading Green’s story to Nannie’s life and crimes, I think that she’s actually turned into one of the most interesting criminals that I’ve ever read about.

As always, Green tells Nannie’s story in a good tempo, starting from parental backgrounds and working up to Nannie’s early life and possible triggers that turned her to kill. Green’s books are so informative and interesting as if he has any opinions or bias about the people that he is writing about, it never shows. He is simply stating what he knows of the events and how it likely made people feel.

If I’d watched Nannie Doss’ story on the television or film, I would have believed it to be a completely fictional piece. It’s incredible how one woman can kill so many people close to her and be considered the victim. How she is not a more well-known serial killer is beyond me. She is absolutely fascinating.

I’ve mentioned before how much I love the way that Green writes his stories. When reading true crime, I often find myself drifting or struggling to envision what I’m being told, but Green really sets the scene and paints the perfect picture. This book was a lot shorter than some of his other works that I’ve listened to, but by no means is it less interesting or informative. In fact, I think it’s my favourite so far.

Narrator, Steve White also does a fabulous job, making a grim subject a very easy and enjoyable listen. I put this on while doing some mind-numbing tasks at work one day and couldn’t actually stop listening to it.

I’d 100% recommend this to any true crime fan.
Profile Image for Kim.
507 reviews5 followers
September 7, 2021
Incredibly incisive account of a serial killer…

This was my first book by this author and I was so impressed with his ability to convey the story of Nannie Doss in such a smooth flowing narrative rife with personal detail. The biographical account of her life almost read like a fictional novel even though it was obviously a thoroughly researched and carefully analyzed timeline of events in the life of this remarkable and disturbed woman. The story is told from Nannie’s point of view (something not commonly seen in true crime books) and was, therefore, not simply a recitation of dates and facts conveyed in a succinct journalistic style which would have yielded a somewhat dry read offering a far less immersive experience. It is obvious that great thought was given to the psychology of Nannie resulting from the severe circumstances of her childhood. The author’s interpretation of Nannie’s behavior is imbued with keen insight into the effects of the seemingly inescapable emotional and psychological suffering she was forced to endure. Nannie’s profound psychopathy may never be completely understood but Mr. Green has certainly provided us with a very readable account of one of the most disturbing “black widow” cases to have come to light in relatively recent times. Without reservation, I would highly recommend this case study to any enthusiast of the true crime genre.
Profile Image for Michelle Boyer.
1,901 reviews26 followers
January 29, 2020
While this is not my favorite book from Ryan Green, he nonetheless always finds interesting true crime stories to write about. This time, we encounter Nannie, a woman that just desperately wants to be swept away in an epic romance. The problem, however, is that all of her husbands are either liars, drunks, cheaters, etc., and she cannot stay in love with them for very long. So, she has to kill them in order to move on to the next one.

I have to admit, it is easy to see why she finds that to be an acceptable way to get rid of a husband. After all, if they're abusive and/or cheating, I kind of applaud her in the sense that she had the desire to get away from that lifestyle. And, now they can't beat on the next woman. Still, it really isn't acceptable to kill someone, no matter how we try to justify it.

And of course, she also harmed children and there's just no justification for that. So, as many times as I tried to understand her, I ended up saying, Well you killed the baby and inevitably she deserves life in prison. I'd go so far as to say death penalty -- but in 1955 that wasn't a popular choice for women.

Nannie Doss isn't the most terrifying or insane serial killer Ryan Green has covered, so in that sense this story wasn't my 'favorite' of his works. However, it is definitely worth a quick read!
Profile Image for Jodie.
256 reviews3 followers
July 24, 2019
I was given this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher courtesy of Audiobook Boom at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

I cannot believe how short this book was compared to how much I learned about Nannie Doss and her life! She sure had a rough childhood with an abusive step-father. Her marriages were all pretty crappy overall too. I almost felt sorry for her. The craziest part is how she could fool people into thinking she was an innocent victim in everything that happened to her. I am a very empathetic person, but I cannot fathom her reasoning behind killing all the people she killed, especially her own children and grandchildren.
Ryan Green made Nannie come alive to me. He had so much background and the material is thought provoking. I felt like I was in the kitchen with Nannie and I was scared! Thank you very much, Ryan, for the opportunity to read and review this book. I will definitely be looking for more of your work!
Steve White have a very nice voice for narration. I listened to this in one sitting – I did not want it to end.
Profile Image for Zelda.
184 reviews5 followers
May 8, 2019
I was given a free arc in return for an honest review of this book.
The author has a real knack for getting inside the hearts and minds of his characters, and showing what makes them tick. The woman at the centre of this true crime book; Nannie, is all too human; with human wants, needs, desires and dreams.

I found it very interesting to read about Nannie's journey through life, and the highs, lows, trials and tribulations that shaped her future self. I found myself, at times, almost sympathising with her, as the men in her life were all extremely flawed and hurtful.

Her chilling transition to a cold blooded murderer did not happen overnight, but was eventually inevitable.

I found this book to be gripping and could not stop reading until I found out what happened next. I love the way it was written, and I love the author's in depth depictions of the characters.

I highly recommend this book for anyone who enjoys true crime books.
Profile Image for Daniel Kupres.
257 reviews
May 8, 2019
If you can expect anything from Ryan, True Crime. While, as of late, the covers of his books contain a similar theme, the inside of each tale is told without format. He truly works hard to ensure that each story’s style is unique.

Another constant, Ryan gives us the evolution of how a person grows into the murderous person that they’ve become. He does not forgive/excuse their actions or behavior but does empathize with the main character, in this case it’s Nannie.

Nannie’s tale is more romantic than an emotionally gut wrenching trail of tears that she left behind. After the loss of each of her husbands by her own hand, you ironically find yourself rooting for her to find the life & love that she’s searching for. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t condone what she did but her justifications almost makes it acceptable.

One thing that always surprises me with the subject of Ryan’s books, is the unacceptable behavior in our society that was “acceptable” not too long ago.
Profile Image for Tina "IRead2Escape".
1,475 reviews85 followers
May 22, 2019
Black Widow was such an interesting read. Nannie Doss's tale of murder spanning over 34 years was a mixture of insanity and complete selfishness. Ryan Green did an amazing job of writing Nannie's story. There were times I actually felt sorry for her. Several of the men in her life were truly terrible men that treated her horribly. But, she never really killed in self defense. It was always just a means to an end so that she could pursue the next pleasure. It's funny how in the end they couldn't find one psychiatrist to actually diagnose her as insane. They all agreed that her actions were well thought out and executed. To kill your children and grandchildren you have to be a little insane, right? Or completely and utterly evil.

I was afraid this book would be so dark that I would have nightmares but again Mr Green did a fantastic job. He was able to state the facts in an engaging manner without being overly descriptive or too suspenseful.
Profile Image for Jordan Jensen-Bridley.
1 review
June 20, 2020
I really couldn’t put this down, every time I thought about it, something else intriguing would happen, the most perplexing thing about this was, 4 Husbands, her mother, her sister, and two children, murdered, by arsenic. Every single one of them went unnoticed, till one doctor looked further into what happened. Great book! Crazy how things like this happened. How easy Nannie Doss, made it seem in her time. How she kept her demeanor so calm, always wanting the attention that came with the death of family members and husbands, all fueled by her fathers short comings as well as, how horrible he was as a person in her eyes, yet the attorneys and, Psychological professionals of that time couldn’t pin point how she could do all of it, weather it came from her accident as a young girl, or what it actually was.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Ashley Hedden.
5,259 reviews43 followers
July 11, 2019
Black Widow: The True Story of Giggling Granny Nannie Doss was a good true crime story by Ryan Green. In 1927, Charley came home to his wife, Nannie, and children to find two of his children dead. They said it was food poisoning but Charley didn't believe that to be true and didn't feel safe around his wife. He took their oldest daughter in the middle of the night and ran. The community supported Nannie after the death's and what Charley did.,Unfortunately this was just the beginning of the people close to Nannie who would die. This was a good account of one of the most shocking true crime stories in American history. I can't wait to read more by Ryan Green.
Profile Image for Kately Rivero.
27 reviews3 followers
July 12, 2019
This audiobook was given to me for free at my request and my review is voluntary and purely my genuine thoughts.

I am a general sucker for true crime and generally listen to podcasts surrounding the topic. Fans of podcasts and true crime in general would definitely enjoy this. The narrator does a fantastic job and the events are easy to follow.

This book is about Nannie Doss, a female serial killer from the 1920’s until the 1950’s. It provides a thorough account of her life, with bits of narration that spice up the experience from just being a monotonous stream of information. I definitely recommend the audiobook for this one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews

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