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The Nanny At Number 43
Wanted, a respectable woman to care for a motherless child.
When William D. Thomas’s wife dies in childbirth, he places an advertisement in his local newspaper seeking a nanny for his newborn child.
He is thankful when an experienced nanny arrives at 43 Laurence Street and takes over from his frazzled housekeeper Mrs McHugh.
Mrs McHugh confides in her bedridden friend Betty, who has a bird’s-eye view of all the happenings on Laurence Street, that the Nanny is not all she seems. Betty begins her own investigation into the mysterious woman.
When the bodies of twin babies are discovered buried in a back garden, by a family who have moved from their tenement home into a country cottage, a police investigation begins.
But it is Betty who holds the key to discovering who the Nanny really is … and the reason she came to 43 Laurence Street.
When William D. Thomas’s wife dies in childbirth, he places an advertisement in his local newspaper seeking a nanny for his newborn child.
He is thankful when an experienced nanny arrives at 43 Laurence Street and takes over from his frazzled housekeeper Mrs McHugh.
Mrs McHugh confides in her bedridden friend Betty, who has a bird’s-eye view of all the happenings on Laurence Street, that the Nanny is not all she seems. Betty begins her own investigation into the mysterious woman.
When the bodies of twin babies are discovered buried in a back garden, by a family who have moved from their tenement home into a country cottage, a police investigation begins.
But it is Betty who holds the key to discovering who the Nanny really is … and the reason she came to 43 Laurence Street.
352 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2019
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889 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
September 5, 2019
3.75 stars Thanks to BookSirens and Poolbeg Press for the chance to read and review this book. Published July 1, 2019.
A new author for me. I was happy with her character development and liked or disliked her characters, as expected, dependent on their roles. The story for the most part flowed well with the alternating chapters. The conclusion was as expected, no big surprise. I would read this author again.
Based in Ireland, just outside Dublin, we follow the daughter of a local whore, Mad Maggie, as she grows up in a workhouse after losing her mother. Determined to show everyone she is better than "the daughter of a whore", as she is known, she gets her first chance to leave the workhouse for an upscale home as a scullery maid. She is soon accepted as a Nanny. That is where the trouble begins. As the story moves along it becomes apparent who is related to whom and why issues arise and circumstances are what they are.
A new author for me. I was happy with her character development and liked or disliked her characters, as expected, dependent on their roles. The story for the most part flowed well with the alternating chapters. The conclusion was as expected, no big surprise. I would read this author again.
Based in Ireland, just outside Dublin, we follow the daughter of a local whore, Mad Maggie, as she grows up in a workhouse after losing her mother. Determined to show everyone she is better than "the daughter of a whore", as she is known, she gets her first chance to leave the workhouse for an upscale home as a scullery maid. She is soon accepted as a Nanny. That is where the trouble begins. As the story moves along it becomes apparent who is related to whom and why issues arise and circumstances are what they are.
August 26, 2019
For the full review, visit me at my blog: https://mrsbrownsbooks.wordpress.com/...
Set in nineteenth century Ireland, this book had me pulled in straight away. I was intrigued by the book cover and the blurb and the novel itself did not disappoint. I have been reading quite a few mystery books recently and this trend has continued, with another great, four star rating.
For the full review, visit me at my blog: https://mrsbrownsbooks.wordpress.com/...
Set in nineteenth century Ireland, this book had me pulled in straight away. I was intrigued by the book cover and the blurb and the novel itself did not disappoint. I have been reading quite a few mystery books recently and this trend has continued, with another great, four star rating.
For the full review, visit me at my blog: https://mrsbrownsbooks.wordpress.com/...
July 8, 2019
I really enjoyed Nicola Cassidy's debut Novel - December Girl - so I was eagerly anticipating her second novel- The Nanny at Number 43. And I'm delighted to say she has delivered another page turner that I loved reading.
The author skilfully brought the past to life in front of my eyes with vivid descriptions that accurately recreated the time period. The setting is Drogheda in 1880, and everything from the character's clothes to their dialogue felt very appropriate. Which really kept me in the plot, as finding historical inaccuracies really distracts me. No issue with that here. I also loved the descriptive language used, as it built up the world, but without being too wordy.
I thoroughly enjoyed the sinister element in this one. We are left guessing as to what exactly the Nanny is up to and why she is doing it. From the point of view of other characters we can put it all together, and put it this way, you definitely don't want this Nanny minding your children.
When I finished I felt this was both a character driven novel and a plot driven novel which is exactly what I always want, but don't always get.
If you love historical fiction, and a malevolent main character, then I highly recommend this book to you.
The author skilfully brought the past to life in front of my eyes with vivid descriptions that accurately recreated the time period. The setting is Drogheda in 1880, and everything from the character's clothes to their dialogue felt very appropriate. Which really kept me in the plot, as finding historical inaccuracies really distracts me. No issue with that here. I also loved the descriptive language used, as it built up the world, but without being too wordy.
I thoroughly enjoyed the sinister element in this one. We are left guessing as to what exactly the Nanny is up to and why she is doing it. From the point of view of other characters we can put it all together, and put it this way, you definitely don't want this Nanny minding your children.
When I finished I felt this was both a character driven novel and a plot driven novel which is exactly what I always want, but don't always get.
If you love historical fiction, and a malevolent main character, then I highly recommend this book to you.
August 18, 2019
I loved this book for the characters, I absolutely loved Mrs. McHugh and her husband, Mick and Betty and I absolutely despised the Nanny. This book captivated me from the first page until the very end and I look forward to reading more books by this author. I thank Librarything for the opportunity to read and review
July 16, 2019
Review to follow...
August 30, 2019
'Be Careful Who You Let Into Your Home'
When blogger and writer Nicola Cassidy took a local history tour of her home town in Drogheda, Co. Louth she had no idea that a passing tale, told by the guide, would inspire her second novel.
The Nanny at Number 43 was published on July 1st with Poolbeg Press and, although the book is fiction, Nicola Cassidy was influenced in her writing by the historical facts she uncovered during her research.
In reading the press release for The Nanny at Number 43 I was really intrigued with Nicola’s words.
‘I was fascinated by this society (Ireland in the 1800s). When I looked into it, I found numerous accounts where babies had been concealed, hidden, abandoned to perish and in the worst cases locked into suitcases and stored out of sight. One child had even been found alive and its mother had been going out to the ditch to feed it. They were very, very sad cases and it’s what inspired the opening scene in my novel.’ – Nicola Cassidy
Can you imagine this extreme behaviour, in many cases borne out of the pure desperation of a mother unable to cope with another mouth to feed, or perhaps the terrible stigma of the time associated with illegitimacy. But what would drive someone to do this intentionally?
Nicola Cassidy has taken this idea and wrapped a very sinister tale around it. With a very dramatic opening, we are witness to a suitcase being dug up in the garden of a country dwelling. A family have just purchased it, delighted to leave the tenements of Dublin city behind them. This house was to be a new beginning for them, a place where their children would thrive. But now their house is to be surrounded by curious onlookers, neighbours and officials as an immediate investigation is opened up on discovery of the bodies of two small babies inside the case.
Meanwhile in Drogheda, William D. Thomas is grieving the passing of his adored wife during childbirth. Struggling to manage with a newborn and his grief, he places an advert in the paper in search of a nanny.
'Drogheda Conservative, January 1880
WANTED
A Respectable Woman to Take Charge
of a Motherless Child
Three Weeks Old
To Bottle-feed it
Liberal Terms Will Be Given
Apply to W.D. Thomas
43 Laurence Street, Drogheda'
A Nanny does arrive to Laurence Street and with the initial charm of Mary Poppins, she is hired for the job. The master is very happy with his decision. The Nanny is a capable individual and has previous experience of working with children. She immediately sets her position in the house with very little respect or time for the other two members of the Thomas household staff. One of these is a Mrs McHugh.
Mrs. McHugh has been working for the Thomas’ household for many years. She has taken great care of the family and is distraught that her mistress has passed on. She has attempted to keep things afloat and is more than willing to share the load with a new pair of hands. But immediately Mrs McHugh gets a feeling that something is just not right. She confides in her friend, Betty, who is bedridden and lives nearby. Betty is the eyes and ears on the street. Having lived there for many years and originally run ‘the local’ with her now dead husband, Betty knows everyone and everything.
As the days pass, Mrs McHugh is more convinced than ever that all is most certainly not right with the new Nanny but who will believe her?
Nicola Cassidy has created a wonderful character. The Nanny is a very dark and mysterious individual. Carrying her own past very close to her chest, she is focused on her endgame with little compassion for those she may hurt along the way. But why? What happened in her early years? What tragedy befell her?
The Nanny at Number 43 is a menacing tale with a very tragic storyline for many of the individuals involved. Nicola Cassidy stated that she wanted to see if she could ‘draw a character that the reader, in parts, could sympathise with’ and she has. Those were very different times, very hard tough days for many and Nicola Cassidy paints a very vivid picture indeed.
The Nanny at Number 43 is all the more poignant and tragic due to the inspiration behind it. Infanticide is a tragedy on an enormous scale and in this novel, we are witness to the shocking impact this can have on others. There are very distressing scenes in the opening pages with the smells lifting off the pages as ‘he pulled back the lid slowly and….a powerful stench filled the air’ It’s very easy to visualise the horror, the fear, the pure panic following such a discovery.
The Nanny herself is a very complex and brilliantly depicted character. She garnered my sympathy and my disgust as I bore witness to her actions and as her past was slowly revealed.
The Nanny at Number 43 is an emotive read. It’s a fascinating interpretation and twist of historical facts and is another impressive novel from Nicola Cassidy.
When blogger and writer Nicola Cassidy took a local history tour of her home town in Drogheda, Co. Louth she had no idea that a passing tale, told by the guide, would inspire her second novel.
The Nanny at Number 43 was published on July 1st with Poolbeg Press and, although the book is fiction, Nicola Cassidy was influenced in her writing by the historical facts she uncovered during her research.
In reading the press release for The Nanny at Number 43 I was really intrigued with Nicola’s words.
‘I was fascinated by this society (Ireland in the 1800s). When I looked into it, I found numerous accounts where babies had been concealed, hidden, abandoned to perish and in the worst cases locked into suitcases and stored out of sight. One child had even been found alive and its mother had been going out to the ditch to feed it. They were very, very sad cases and it’s what inspired the opening scene in my novel.’ – Nicola Cassidy
Can you imagine this extreme behaviour, in many cases borne out of the pure desperation of a mother unable to cope with another mouth to feed, or perhaps the terrible stigma of the time associated with illegitimacy. But what would drive someone to do this intentionally?
Nicola Cassidy has taken this idea and wrapped a very sinister tale around it. With a very dramatic opening, we are witness to a suitcase being dug up in the garden of a country dwelling. A family have just purchased it, delighted to leave the tenements of Dublin city behind them. This house was to be a new beginning for them, a place where their children would thrive. But now their house is to be surrounded by curious onlookers, neighbours and officials as an immediate investigation is opened up on discovery of the bodies of two small babies inside the case.
Meanwhile in Drogheda, William D. Thomas is grieving the passing of his adored wife during childbirth. Struggling to manage with a newborn and his grief, he places an advert in the paper in search of a nanny.
'Drogheda Conservative, January 1880
WANTED
A Respectable Woman to Take Charge
of a Motherless Child
Three Weeks Old
To Bottle-feed it
Liberal Terms Will Be Given
Apply to W.D. Thomas
43 Laurence Street, Drogheda'
A Nanny does arrive to Laurence Street and with the initial charm of Mary Poppins, she is hired for the job. The master is very happy with his decision. The Nanny is a capable individual and has previous experience of working with children. She immediately sets her position in the house with very little respect or time for the other two members of the Thomas household staff. One of these is a Mrs McHugh.
Mrs. McHugh has been working for the Thomas’ household for many years. She has taken great care of the family and is distraught that her mistress has passed on. She has attempted to keep things afloat and is more than willing to share the load with a new pair of hands. But immediately Mrs McHugh gets a feeling that something is just not right. She confides in her friend, Betty, who is bedridden and lives nearby. Betty is the eyes and ears on the street. Having lived there for many years and originally run ‘the local’ with her now dead husband, Betty knows everyone and everything.
As the days pass, Mrs McHugh is more convinced than ever that all is most certainly not right with the new Nanny but who will believe her?
Nicola Cassidy has created a wonderful character. The Nanny is a very dark and mysterious individual. Carrying her own past very close to her chest, she is focused on her endgame with little compassion for those she may hurt along the way. But why? What happened in her early years? What tragedy befell her?
The Nanny at Number 43 is a menacing tale with a very tragic storyline for many of the individuals involved. Nicola Cassidy stated that she wanted to see if she could ‘draw a character that the reader, in parts, could sympathise with’ and she has. Those were very different times, very hard tough days for many and Nicola Cassidy paints a very vivid picture indeed.
The Nanny at Number 43 is all the more poignant and tragic due to the inspiration behind it. Infanticide is a tragedy on an enormous scale and in this novel, we are witness to the shocking impact this can have on others. There are very distressing scenes in the opening pages with the smells lifting off the pages as ‘he pulled back the lid slowly and….a powerful stench filled the air’ It’s very easy to visualise the horror, the fear, the pure panic following such a discovery.
The Nanny herself is a very complex and brilliantly depicted character. She garnered my sympathy and my disgust as I bore witness to her actions and as her past was slowly revealed.
The Nanny at Number 43 is an emotive read. It’s a fascinating interpretation and twist of historical facts and is another impressive novel from Nicola Cassidy.
September 11, 2019
*I got this book free from BookSirens in exchange for an honest review*
This book read like something straight off of the Investigation Discovery channel. If the shows Deadly Women and A Crime To Remember had a baby, this book would be it.
Speaking of babies, this book literally revolves around 19th century infanticide so if that is something you’d prefer Not to read about, turn away now. This book was interesting in that it altered between several different POVs... and the murderer being one of them. Our murderer, The Nanny, would be sort of like Mary Poppins if Mary Poppins poisoned and suffocated her charges instead of taking them off on far away, mystical adventures.
Yeah. I just compared Mary freakin’ Poppins to this murderous bitch. Who the hell am I.
So. Not only does this book deal in murdering babies and toddlers, it also partially reads in the perspective of the murderer. Sounds pretty damn interesting, right?
Well.
I know every book is subjective and everyone has different writing styles that they like, but I didn’t quite jam with this one. It definitely wasn’t terrible — as I said, the premise itself was interesting as fuck, it’s not every day you read about baby-killing 19th century nannies — but I think it could have been handled a little better. As I said above, this book is told in alternating POVs... and sometimes alternating POVs work really, really well.
And sometimes they don’t.
There were just... so many characters and perspectives shoved into this story. I think reading from the perspectives of The Nanny (duh) and Mrs. McHugh (the housekeeper) were, by far, the most interesting. If we could have just stuck with those two characters, I think the book could have flowed really, really well, and my overall star rating could have been bumped up by at least one star.
But we ended up following a whole cluster of characters, some of whom I barely even remember, and some chapters, as a result, were so boring that I ended up skimming through most of them.
Historical! murder! mysteries! should! not! be! boring! god damn it!
Sigh.
Overall, I just... I dunno. I was so HYPE when I first started to read this book and I wanted to love it. I mean... Deadly WomenxA Crime To Remember? Hello? But... it just wasn’t meant to be, I guess. The style and I just didn’t quite click... but that doesn’t mean it’s the same for everybody. If this book interests you — because, like I said, the premise itself is interesting as HELL — then by all means, go for it!
It just, evidently, was not for me.
This book read like something straight off of the Investigation Discovery channel. If the shows Deadly Women and A Crime To Remember had a baby, this book would be it.
Speaking of babies, this book literally revolves around 19th century infanticide so if that is something you’d prefer Not to read about, turn away now. This book was interesting in that it altered between several different POVs... and the murderer being one of them. Our murderer, The Nanny, would be sort of like Mary Poppins if Mary Poppins poisoned and suffocated her charges instead of taking them off on far away, mystical adventures.
Yeah. I just compared Mary freakin’ Poppins to this murderous bitch. Who the hell am I.
So. Not only does this book deal in murdering babies and toddlers, it also partially reads in the perspective of the murderer. Sounds pretty damn interesting, right?
Well.
I know every book is subjective and everyone has different writing styles that they like, but I didn’t quite jam with this one. It definitely wasn’t terrible — as I said, the premise itself was interesting as fuck, it’s not every day you read about baby-killing 19th century nannies — but I think it could have been handled a little better. As I said above, this book is told in alternating POVs... and sometimes alternating POVs work really, really well.
And sometimes they don’t.
There were just... so many characters and perspectives shoved into this story. I think reading from the perspectives of The Nanny (duh) and Mrs. McHugh (the housekeeper) were, by far, the most interesting. If we could have just stuck with those two characters, I think the book could have flowed really, really well, and my overall star rating could have been bumped up by at least one star.
But we ended up following a whole cluster of characters, some of whom I barely even remember, and some chapters, as a result, were so boring that I ended up skimming through most of them.
Historical! murder! mysteries! should! not! be! boring! god damn it!
Sigh.
Overall, I just... I dunno. I was so HYPE when I first started to read this book and I wanted to love it. I mean... Deadly WomenxA Crime To Remember? Hello? But... it just wasn’t meant to be, I guess. The style and I just didn’t quite click... but that doesn’t mean it’s the same for everybody. If this book interests you — because, like I said, the premise itself is interesting as HELL — then by all means, go for it!
It just, evidently, was not for me.
July 8, 2019
A young family are excited to be leaving tenement life behind. They are taking up residence in a cottage in the countryside. Whilst they embark on plans, they make a gruesome discovery. As the good life they envisioned is put to one side, investigations lead to a most horrific tale.
Bereaved William D. Thomas places an advertisement in his local paper for a nanny to care for his newborn daughter. When a young woman with appropriate experience arrives at his door, 43, Laurence Street, he hires her. Her presence will relieve housekeeper Mrs McHugh of the extra duties she’s been carrying out and perhaps bring a sense of calm to the household.
Mrs McHugh is very wary of the new Nanny. Something isn’t right, though she can’t quite put her finger on it. She visits her dear friend Betty, where she can confidentially air her grievances about The Nanny. Betty is bed bound by her window which overlooks Laurence Street. She can keep an eye on the comings and goings at number 43. Betty begins her own investigation into the Nanny. She reminds her of someone and before long she may well have discovered what has brought her into the life of her friend.
The Nanny, a quiet unassuming character one may initially think. She comes with experience and has settled the baby so well. As we learn of her past, it’s not difficult to comprehend why she has arrived at her current situation. Despite her coldness, there were times where I felt some empathy for the young girl she was. The Nanny harbours dark secrets and has arrived on Laurence Street with a determined purpose.
The Nanny at No.43 is another gem from Nicola Cassidy. She has perfected her craft and writes historical fiction with extensive knowledge of her subject matter.
Bereaved William D. Thomas places an advertisement in his local paper for a nanny to care for his newborn daughter. When a young woman with appropriate experience arrives at his door, 43, Laurence Street, he hires her. Her presence will relieve housekeeper Mrs McHugh of the extra duties she’s been carrying out and perhaps bring a sense of calm to the household.
Mrs McHugh is very wary of the new Nanny. Something isn’t right, though she can’t quite put her finger on it. She visits her dear friend Betty, where she can confidentially air her grievances about The Nanny. Betty is bed bound by her window which overlooks Laurence Street. She can keep an eye on the comings and goings at number 43. Betty begins her own investigation into the Nanny. She reminds her of someone and before long she may well have discovered what has brought her into the life of her friend.
The Nanny, a quiet unassuming character one may initially think. She comes with experience and has settled the baby so well. As we learn of her past, it’s not difficult to comprehend why she has arrived at her current situation. Despite her coldness, there were times where I felt some empathy for the young girl she was. The Nanny harbours dark secrets and has arrived on Laurence Street with a determined purpose.
The Nanny at No.43 is another gem from Nicola Cassidy. She has perfected her craft and writes historical fiction with extensive knowledge of her subject matter.
September 16, 2019
Stunning emotional, gripping read!!!
Drogheda, Ireland in 1880 is where this story
happens. The author’s historical description
of that time period brought the story to life.
The reader will learn about the customs, food,
Clothes, housing, dialogues plus the jobs
that were available in this time period.
Mad Maggie was the town drunk and a woman
of ill repute. She was a single mother with two
young children. The oldest child Maggies always
took care of the younger child. Then one night,
Mad Maggie knifes a man going to jail.
The children are taken to the town’s workhouse
as they have no relatives to care for them.
The youngest pass away and when the oldest
is of age she leaves the city to be employed as
a scullery maid in an upscale home. Eventually
she takes over as “The Nanny”. The story follows
her to back to Drogheda as a proper Nanny to
find employment at the William D Thomas home.
His wife had died recently leaving a very young
baby in his care. He had his housekeeper, Mrs
McHugh doing extra duty as the baby’s caretaker
but a nanny was needed.
But immediately things take a bad turn for Mrs
McHugh. The Nanny set her up unbeknown to
Mr Thomas. After many years of service, Mrs
McHugh is left go. The Nanny plots are just
beginning.
A blood chilling, horrifying but intriguing read!!
This story grips you from the beginning. Intensifying
until the final word.
This is a power packed emotional and
psychological thriller.
It is filled with suspense, thrills and chills around
every corner. There are twists and turns that
will keep you on the edge of your seat. The
tension was very thick and well sustained.
The plot was cleverly and uniquely done with
several sub-plots involved.
There was a cast of well defined, artfully drawn,
vivid, colorful characters introduced in the
sub-plots that would gel together for the finale.
I received an advance review copy for free, and
I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I volunteered to read The Nanny at Number 43.
Thanks to the author via BookSirens and Poolbeg
Press for the opportunity.
My opinion is voluntary and my own.
Drogheda, Ireland in 1880 is where this story
happens. The author’s historical description
of that time period brought the story to life.
The reader will learn about the customs, food,
Clothes, housing, dialogues plus the jobs
that were available in this time period.
Mad Maggie was the town drunk and a woman
of ill repute. She was a single mother with two
young children. The oldest child Maggies always
took care of the younger child. Then one night,
Mad Maggie knifes a man going to jail.
The children are taken to the town’s workhouse
as they have no relatives to care for them.
The youngest pass away and when the oldest
is of age she leaves the city to be employed as
a scullery maid in an upscale home. Eventually
she takes over as “The Nanny”. The story follows
her to back to Drogheda as a proper Nanny to
find employment at the William D Thomas home.
His wife had died recently leaving a very young
baby in his care. He had his housekeeper, Mrs
McHugh doing extra duty as the baby’s caretaker
but a nanny was needed.
But immediately things take a bad turn for Mrs
McHugh. The Nanny set her up unbeknown to
Mr Thomas. After many years of service, Mrs
McHugh is left go. The Nanny plots are just
beginning.
A blood chilling, horrifying but intriguing read!!
This story grips you from the beginning. Intensifying
until the final word.
This is a power packed emotional and
psychological thriller.
It is filled with suspense, thrills and chills around
every corner. There are twists and turns that
will keep you on the edge of your seat. The
tension was very thick and well sustained.
The plot was cleverly and uniquely done with
several sub-plots involved.
There was a cast of well defined, artfully drawn,
vivid, colorful characters introduced in the
sub-plots that would gel together for the finale.
I received an advance review copy for free, and
I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I volunteered to read The Nanny at Number 43.
Thanks to the author via BookSirens and Poolbeg
Press for the opportunity.
My opinion is voluntary and my own.
July 11, 2019
What is wrong with you?”
This is set in Ireland in the 1880’s.
Mrs McHugh, the housekeeper is struggling, trying to look after the baby of Mr Thomas when his wife dies in childbirth. He puts an ad in the local paper for a respectable woman to care for a motherless child.
We meet Margaret Murphy (Maggie), who has responded to the ad, a stern woman who instantly calms and feeds the baby…..so the job is hers.
Mrs McHugh tells her friend Betty, she doesn’t trust her, she said something doesn’t feel right. Betty is housebound and spends her days watching from the window, she knows everyone’s business and so decides to find out more about the Nanny…..
We learn of Maggie’s past, and it wasn’t easy to say the least, but is she the woman she purports to be….or is there something more sinister going on?
This is a slow burn of a thriller, thoroughly engrossing, filled with atmosphere and a sense of menace. Mary Poppins this is NOT….I can recommend this for anyone who loves historical fiction with a thrilling edge.
Thank you to Anne Cater and Random Things Tours for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour and for the promotional materials and a free copy of the book and this is my honest, unbiased review.
This is set in Ireland in the 1880’s.
Mrs McHugh, the housekeeper is struggling, trying to look after the baby of Mr Thomas when his wife dies in childbirth. He puts an ad in the local paper for a respectable woman to care for a motherless child.
We meet Margaret Murphy (Maggie), who has responded to the ad, a stern woman who instantly calms and feeds the baby…..so the job is hers.
Mrs McHugh tells her friend Betty, she doesn’t trust her, she said something doesn’t feel right. Betty is housebound and spends her days watching from the window, she knows everyone’s business and so decides to find out more about the Nanny…..
We learn of Maggie’s past, and it wasn’t easy to say the least, but is she the woman she purports to be….or is there something more sinister going on?
This is a slow burn of a thriller, thoroughly engrossing, filled with atmosphere and a sense of menace. Mary Poppins this is NOT….I can recommend this for anyone who loves historical fiction with a thrilling edge.
Thank you to Anne Cater and Random Things Tours for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour and for the promotional materials and a free copy of the book and this is my honest, unbiased review.
August 9, 2019
Psycho Nanny
I liked how this story was told . It was twisted and kept me going . There was a explanation about all the characters and how they were connected . And how The Nanny was raised as a child and what made her become a serial killer .
I liked how this story was told . It was twisted and kept me going . There was a explanation about all the characters and how they were connected . And how The Nanny was raised as a child and what made her become a serial killer .
December 5, 2019
Chilling and gripping historical crime thriller. Parents beware! Not every nanny is Mary Poppins or Nanny McPhee. This book will leave working parents flustered as they grapple with limited alternates when it comes to making the right decision and who to trust with their precious little ones.
June 2, 2025
I enjoyed the book and it was an easy read but I just feel like there were some characters in the story that there was no need for. Based on an area I am from the book follows a Nanny, Ms Murphy, during the 1880s who has a past that is quite disturbing.
April 25, 2022
Beautifully written
July 28, 2023
Yet another suspicious nanny suspense story
This was supposed to be a LibraryThing Win. As it was never received, I downloaded it as a a kindle Unlimited.
Although the story was good, it was rather predictable. Our Nanny is already described as someone not to be trusted.
The interesting part of the book was not her devious ways but what happened to her that caused her to do what she did.
There were a few areas of the book that fell short. Items of interest are introduced and forgotten and unanswered questions in the end. I suppose it ended that way to be realistic?
This was supposed to be a LibraryThing Win. As it was never received, I downloaded it as a a kindle Unlimited.
Although the story was good, it was rather predictable. Our Nanny is already described as someone not to be trusted.
The interesting part of the book was not her devious ways but what happened to her that caused her to do what she did.
There were a few areas of the book that fell short. Items of interest are introduced and forgotten and unanswered questions in the end. I suppose it ended that way to be realistic?
August 23, 2019
Review of the eBook edition
Twin babies laid together in a suitcase and buried in the garden of a countryside home are at the heart of a police investigation that will lead investigators in an unexpected direction.
The arrival of an experienced nanny at 43 Laurence Street eases the burden of a grieving father who lost his beloved wife in childbirth. William Thomas may be relieved, but the housekeeper, Winnifred McHugh, isn’t so sure that the nanny’s arrival in Drogheda is a good thing. She confides in her bedridden friend, Betty Farley, who begins investigating the woman. She will be the one who holds the key to the true identity of the nanny . . . and the reason she came to Number 43.
Set in Ireland in 1880, the story plays out in bits and pieces as chapters focus on different events or characters. Flashbacks provide important backstory for each of the well-drawn, believable characters. The historical setting so well described that it gives the narrative a strong sense of place and anchors the unfolding story.
A perfect-for-the-story sense of disturbing uneasiness pervades the telling of the tale and readers are certain to feel the tension. There is no doubt about the identity of the culprit; the unforeseen revelations [especially in the backstories] combine to create an inescapable sense of impending disaster. By its very nature, the story is often grim and grisly; the youngest of the characters are the most vulnerable. It’s a dark tale that is sure to stay with readers long after they’ve turned the final page.
Recommended.
Twin babies laid together in a suitcase and buried in the garden of a countryside home are at the heart of a police investigation that will lead investigators in an unexpected direction.
The arrival of an experienced nanny at 43 Laurence Street eases the burden of a grieving father who lost his beloved wife in childbirth. William Thomas may be relieved, but the housekeeper, Winnifred McHugh, isn’t so sure that the nanny’s arrival in Drogheda is a good thing. She confides in her bedridden friend, Betty Farley, who begins investigating the woman. She will be the one who holds the key to the true identity of the nanny . . . and the reason she came to Number 43.
Set in Ireland in 1880, the story plays out in bits and pieces as chapters focus on different events or characters. Flashbacks provide important backstory for each of the well-drawn, believable characters. The historical setting so well described that it gives the narrative a strong sense of place and anchors the unfolding story.
A perfect-for-the-story sense of disturbing uneasiness pervades the telling of the tale and readers are certain to feel the tension. There is no doubt about the identity of the culprit; the unforeseen revelations [especially in the backstories] combine to create an inescapable sense of impending disaster. By its very nature, the story is often grim and grisly; the youngest of the characters are the most vulnerable. It’s a dark tale that is sure to stay with readers long after they’ve turned the final page.
Recommended.
July 13, 2019
This is probably one of the most depressing books I’ve read in a very long time. I felt like the weight of the world was on my shoulders while reading it. I am not even sure how to write a synopsis of the story. Christy is a bad guy about to be released from prison. He has two sisters. His “girlfriend “ is a very dysfunctional girl named Maggie. Maggie came from a very hard life. She was in a workhouse when she got an opportunity to go to work as a livein-maid/house girl. Maggie didn’t like it when babies cried or were needy or she didn’t get her way. If I got the opportunity to read another book by this author, I would need to be reassured that it wasn’t such a dark story. I did finish it-the story was interesting and characters almost too well developed. Thank you to BookSirens for an advance free copy for my honest review.
August 26, 2019
I received a copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book kept me hooked the entire time. It was a slow burn of a mystery/thriller.
Immediately transporting the reader into a realistic 1880s Ireland, Nicola Cassidy draws readers in with incredibly well developed characters and an intriguing mystery.
This story is told from many different perspectives giving us different viewpoints on the situation. It's done better than many books written this way and truly furthers the unraveling of the mystery.
I really did love this book, though found the ending to be a bit anticlimactic. I'm looking forward to more from Cassidy and highly recommend this book.
This book kept me hooked the entire time. It was a slow burn of a mystery/thriller.
Immediately transporting the reader into a realistic 1880s Ireland, Nicola Cassidy draws readers in with incredibly well developed characters and an intriguing mystery.
This story is told from many different perspectives giving us different viewpoints on the situation. It's done better than many books written this way and truly furthers the unraveling of the mystery.
I really did love this book, though found the ending to be a bit anticlimactic. I'm looking forward to more from Cassidy and highly recommend this book.
March 13, 2023
I received a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
The concept of this was intriguing, but it turned out the synopsis made the book sound better than it really was. The intersecting plot lines hopped around so much it was hard to keep track of which was which, and every time I started to feel like I was settling into a particular storyline it would change track again. This is frustrating at best, especially when it feels like none of them are really moving along by nearly halfway through the book. There was definite potential, but it went unfulfilled and I was left disappointed.
The concept of this was intriguing, but it turned out the synopsis made the book sound better than it really was. The intersecting plot lines hopped around so much it was hard to keep track of which was which, and every time I started to feel like I was settling into a particular storyline it would change track again. This is frustrating at best, especially when it feels like none of them are really moving along by nearly halfway through the book. There was definite potential, but it went unfulfilled and I was left disappointed.
September 26, 2019
This book was very captivating at the start. It had me guessing what the nanny was up to and what secrets she hides. She is definitely a character you would despise. The other characters were hardly in the story to be honest. The ending was very quick and straight forward. There were no surprises or anything major so bit disappointed with that My first book from this author and would like to try more. I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 22, 2019
I don’t normally read books that are written this far back in history - “The Nanny at Number 43” by Nicola Cassidy is based in 1880. The writing is incredibly finely detailed, so much so that the reader really believes that they are there too.
A great old fashioned murder mystery about a psycho Nanny and her evil deeds.
A great old fashioned murder mystery about a psycho Nanny and her evil deeds.
November 22, 2020
This was a really enjoyable read. The style of writing was quite simple, easy to follow, not too taxing. The story was good, it was told in the first person from a number of different points of view and that style worked very well. It had plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader guessing. I would highly recommend this book.
September 7, 2024
There is lots to love about this book. The ending in particular was pacy and dramatic, and I felt that by that point I was invested in the characters. It’s a great example of the gothic Victorian murder mystery I love so much. Each element of the story wove into each other element in a very clever way, and all loose ends are tied up, leaving you satisfied and wanting more from the author. The setting was described beautifully, and there is a really magical moment at the start and end of the book where the perspective comes full circle, told from the viewpoint of a ladybird.
The only thing I was less keen on was a bugbear of mine - when authors start a chapter without telling you who they are talking about. For example they might say: ‘He walked into a room’ or ‘she wondered…’ and then we get a couple of pages into the chapter, realise who it’s about, and then have to go back to set the scene in our head again. This happens a lot, and I can understand in some parts why it is done, for example we find out later more details about the letters that pop up, but it’s incredibly annoying. Especially if it’s not necessary. Name the character we’re introduced to, so that we have a point of reference when they come up later in the book. ‘The man and woman’ doesn’t help me move along in the plot, and takes me out of the story.
That said, I would definitely read more by the same author. Her prose is poetic at times, and I was excited to tie up the different threads. A great book that is still living in my head hours later.
The only thing I was less keen on was a bugbear of mine - when authors start a chapter without telling you who they are talking about. For example they might say: ‘He walked into a room’ or ‘she wondered…’ and then we get a couple of pages into the chapter, realise who it’s about, and then have to go back to set the scene in our head again. This happens a lot, and I can understand in some parts why it is done, for example we find out later more details about the letters that pop up, but it’s incredibly annoying. Especially if it’s not necessary. Name the character we’re introduced to, so that we have a point of reference when they come up later in the book. ‘The man and woman’ doesn’t help me move along in the plot, and takes me out of the story.
That said, I would definitely read more by the same author. Her prose is poetic at times, and I was excited to tie up the different threads. A great book that is still living in my head hours later.
April 6, 2021
I could not put this down! I was intrigued from the start as I love historical fiction, and mysteries, and this was set in Drogheda, where we have lived in the past. Though I am unsure if the detailed descriptions of the town would be as interesting to people who are not from the area, I was totally able to place myself right in the middle of the story. I liked the characters and the plot, and felt like I went back in time to be with them. It's the first book I've read from Nicola Cassidy and I was very impressed.
March 15, 2020
A new nanny comes to no 43 but theres something off about her. It soon becomes clear shes after more than just being a nanny but could she have darker motives.
This was an interesting read but I found it a little disjointed. The flow wasnt quite there between chapters. It jumps around a lot from different people which could get a little confusing. For me it just seemed to lack detail and depth.
This was an interesting read but I found it a little disjointed. The flow wasnt quite there between chapters. It jumps around a lot from different people which could get a little confusing. For me it just seemed to lack detail and depth.
April 3, 2020
Set in Ireland in the late 1800’s. A widower places an ad looking for a nanny. When Maggie answers the ad and gets the job things start to turn sinister. What is this nanny up to and what is she hiding.
I really did enjoy this book even though it took me much longer to read than it normally would.
I really did enjoy this book even though it took me much longer to read than it normally would.
May 3, 2020
I was worried when I first started reading this novel that I would struggle to get through it. The first few chapters felt like a trial. However, once I had fully immersed myself in the story, it was very gripping.
I actually found myself bonding with some of the characters and, by the end was really invested in the outcomes of their stories.
Overall, 4 stars from me.
I actually found myself bonding with some of the characters and, by the end was really invested in the outcomes of their stories.
Overall, 4 stars from me.
December 4, 2021
Page turner
Most interesting read. Margaret has had a difficult upbringing, Her mother is a whore who takes no interest in her daughters. The harsh life Margaret has in the work house changes her into an unfeeling killer. I loved the fast pace of the book. I would recommend it to anyone who loves thrillers.
Most interesting read. Margaret has had a difficult upbringing, Her mother is a whore who takes no interest in her daughters. The harsh life Margaret has in the work house changes her into an unfeeling killer. I loved the fast pace of the book. I would recommend it to anyone who loves thrillers.
April 29, 2023
This was such a great book!
A friend gave it to me said it was different & I should read it.
Had me gripped from the very first page!
A nanny is employed at Number 43 after William Thomas’s wife died giving birth to their child - lots of strange goings on & a mystery to unravel.
Read in a couple of days.
A friend gave it to me said it was different & I should read it.
Had me gripped from the very first page!
A nanny is employed at Number 43 after William Thomas’s wife died giving birth to their child - lots of strange goings on & a mystery to unravel.
Read in a couple of days.
May 24, 2020
Really enjoyed this. A lovely thriller full of suspense. Loved the era it was set in and enjoyed learning about it. Haven’t read a book set in Ireland before. A great story and fantastic characters. Really loved this one.
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