Book Review: The Babysitter

THE BABYSITTER | Liza Rodman & Jennifer Jordan
03.02.2021 | Atria Books
Rating: 4/5 stars

Growing up on Cape Cod in the 1960s, Liza Rodman was a lonely little girl. During the summers, while her mother worked days in a local motel and danced most nights in the Provincetown bars, her babysitter – a kind, handsome handyman at the motel where her mother worked – took her and her sister on adventures in his truck. She had no idea her babysitter was a serial killer. Though Tony Costa’s gruesome case made headlines in 1969 and beyond, it took Liza decades to realize the connection. This is the unforgettable true story of a charming, but brutal psychopath through the eyes of a young girl who once called him her friend.

I’ve noticed a recent trend of true crime and memoir blending together in books. THE BABYSITTER hits this mark by capturing both Liza Rodman’s story, along with an in-depth look into who Tony Costa was and his crimes. The story alternates between both narratives overlapping during the summers that Liza and Tony spent together. It’s impossible for me to pick a favorite narrative, as I think they both feed off of each other incredibly well to create a well-rounded and mind blowing nonfiction read. I loved the dichotomy of how easy it is to not realize a psychopath is hiding in plain sight with the dark, psychological inner workings of Tony’s mind.

For anyone looking to check out THE BABYSITTER I highly recommend the audiobook, which is narrated by two distinct voices who bring Liza and Tony’s stories to life vividly.

This book is available to buy from: Amazon | Book Depository

Disclosure: What Jess Reads is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. This in no way influences my opinion of the above book.