A fascinating and thought-provoking book.

On March 1st, 1932, the 20-month-old son of Charles and Anne Lindbergh was taken from his bedroom in Hopewell, New Jersey. Given Lindbergh’s reputation as an aviator – having been the first person to fly solo nonstop across the Atlantic – the American public were appalled that such an audacious crime could have been committed against a true American hero.

Author Thomas Doherty gives us not the usual true-crime scenario, but a version of events that traces how the media reported and recorded the kidnapping, trial and aftermath of the crime. Using newspaper, radio, and newsreel reports, he explores how the media took the story and blasted it into every realm of American life.

Though the author’s take on the kidnapping brings to light the depths to which the newsmen and reporting media world stoop (such as sneakily filming scenes in the courtroom), it shows how commentary on stories like this changed forever. It’s also interesting to hear how Lindbergh’s status as the American hero took a dive in later years, due to his support of Hitler, and his views on American participation in World War Two.

A fascinating and thought-provoking book.

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How stories went viral before the internet

A very interesting examination of the press coverage of the sad kidnapping of the son of one of Americas heroes , even before the internet was a “ thing “ we learn that stories could go viral and public opinion could be swayed by media .

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History book

I felt this was more a book about media history, rather than a book about the crime.

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Not true crime

Audible should not label this 'True Crime'. Because simply, just like the author clearly states, it isn't. It is a good book on the history of media and how they covered the Lindbergh baby kidnapping and murder. But it has absolutely nothing to do with 'True Crime' I don't blame the author, because he is perfectly clear about that, but Audible is misleaing in labelling this book as 'True Crime'.

That said, I could have stopped listening once I realised that, but I didn't because it is a very interesting book which gives you a great view of how society worked in the early twentieth century and much can be extrapolised to the current era in which internet is replacing all other media, just like radio did to newspapers and tv did to radio, yet they all still survive.

It is well writen, interesting and if you are into media-history, a must. It just isn't 'True Crime'. Audible! Remove the tag!!

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3 people found this helpful

Who Cares?

Far too much detail that on more than one occasion I nearly gave up listening. It illustrates the battles between the various sections of the media in early 20th century America - the press, radio and moving pictures - to be the first to broadcast the breaking news of the kidnapping of Lindbergh's baby and all the subsequent events. This importance, however, is only the concern of the organisations concerned. Who cares if one organisation gets the exclusive 60 seconds before the rest? What does concern me is how the actual story gets lost amongst these attempts. Much of the book could have been covered in much fewer words. One of the most interesting parts for me was the fall from grace of America's 'darling' later in his life, something of which I was unaware.

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