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Books With Your Besties — Arts
Books With Your Besties

Plug in, ignore real life for a bit and chat with your unhinged yet lovable besties Emily and Ashley.

In the words of Celisia Stanton “Dr. Reeder, a psychologist professor who teaches about the darkest corners of human behavior—like cults, serial killers, and the psychology of crime—delivers mind-blowing insights on every topic. Her best friend? She’s the lively, no-holds-barred storyteller who keeps things fun, real, and laugh-out-loud relatable.

Whether they’re breaking down a gripping thriller, exploring true crime cases, or tackling thought-provoking topics like justice and human nature, every episode blends depth, humor, and the kind of chemistry only 23 years of friendship can create.

If you love thrillers, true crime, and smart, entertaining discussions, Books with Your Bestie is your next favorite podcast”

Click the heart to support our patreon and get extra content, bonus episodes and behind the scenes footage. Check patreon for our current book of the month pick and other behind the scenes mayhem.

Copyright: © 2025 Books With Your Besties

Latest Episodes:

The Push by Ashley Audrain Apr 03, 2026

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FULL spoiler discussion of the book The Push by Ashley Audrain. What's nature? What's nurture? Can kids be born "bad?"

https://www.psychologicalscience.org/publications/observer/obsonline/harlows-classic-studies-revealed-the-importance-of-maternal-contact.html

The article was in the WSJ and can be found here -

https://www.wsj.com/health/wellness/i-always-knew-i-was-different-i-just-didnt-know-i-was-a-sociopath-68ebe08b?gaa_at=eafs&gaa_n=AWEtsqfwpEx3OLdCcQvsfIqUTeXpxiapP24vcFE_gH1xcm78gmYVH9iq_zmcThLBN8Y%3D&gaa_ts=69cf3124&gaa_sig=ZD7pDPw4yr-Tz_GOYhngp2TIOKr-G9nkJUPrZg7Puj6Map5VX9dfoMfR4tmaTL6KVW3ivLKsCvzqElIxCHPxJA%3D%3D

Buy her book here - https://www.powells.com/book/the-push-9781984881687?condition=New&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23231155612&gbraid=0AAAAAD_gE3MuGmoNcEKC0GygpF5Qcz_nK&gclid=Cj0KCQjwp7jOBhDGARIsABe7C4ftLxztdm3HiaZedAaBqPG16g1Giy_Y9dhycaagiwrclgOGpe9JGjUaAkQlEALw_wcB

Support the show

Subscribe on our patreon for weekly content, early access to episodes, one true crime episode per month and behind the scenes content at https://www.patreon.com/thecreepybookclub
Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/thecreepybookclub and https://www.instagram.com/bookswithyourbesties/
Follow us on TikTok at https://www.tiktok.com/@thecreepybookclub
Music is Ur Karma (Instrumental Version) by Craig Reever.
The opinions expressed in this podcast are those of Emily and Ashley of The Creepy Book Club alone.

Ask For Andrea by Noelle Ihli Mar 20, 2026

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In this episode, Emily and Ashley discuss the book "Ask For Andrea" by Noelle Ihli.

They both loved the book, which they think is the author's best work yet. The book follows a group of women who have been murdered by a serial killer, and how they find each other in the afterlife and seek justice for their murders.

They also talk about how the killer relies on charm and normalcy, and why it's dangerous to think we can easily spot dangerous people.

A psychopath is someone who has certain characteristics including lack of empathy, manipulation, and grandiose sense of self-worth. They can be successful and highly functioning, and can be found in various professions. However, not everyone who is selfish is a psychopath, and it is not our place to diagnose others. They noted that the book deals with heavy themes, including assault and trauma, and praised the author for handling them sensitively. They discuss the different characters in the book, including protagonist Andrea and her relationships with the women from "beyond".

The hosts discuss a book club selection, talk about an author's new release, and chat about psychopaths.

Support the show

Subscribe on our patreon for weekly content, early access to episodes, one true crime episode per month and behind the scenes content at https://www.patreon.com/thecreepybookclub
Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/thecreepybookclub and https://www.instagram.com/bookswithyourbesties/
Follow us on TikTok at https://www.tiktok.com/@thecreepybookclub
Music is Ur Karma (Instrumental Version) by Craig Reever.
The opinions expressed in this podcast are those of Emily and Ashley of The Creepy Book Club alone.

Updates and a teaser Mar 13, 2026

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Today we remind you of what to read to be ready for next weeks chat. Head to https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reconsidered-unsolved/id1841954874 to hear the rest of Rachel Hansen episode 2.

Mary interview: pateron.com/thecreepybookclub

Support the show

Subscribe on our patreon for weekly content, early access to episodes, one true crime episode per month and behind the scenes content at https://www.patreon.com/thecreepybookclub
Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/thecreepybookclub and https://www.instagram.com/bookswithyourbesties/
Follow us on TikTok at https://www.tiktok.com/@thecreepybookclub
Music is Ur Karma (Instrumental Version) by Craig Reever.
The opinions expressed in this podcast are those of Emily and Ashley of The Creepy Book Club alone.

Repost from Reconsidered : Unsolved Mar 06, 2026

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https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reconsidered-unsolved/id1841954874

Support the show

Subscribe on our patreon for weekly content, early access to episodes, one true crime episode per month and behind the scenes content at https://www.patreon.com/thecreepybookclub
Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/thecreepybookclub and https://www.instagram.com/bookswithyourbesties/
Follow us on TikTok at https://www.tiktok.com/@thecreepybookclub
Music is Ur Karma (Instrumental Version) by Craig Reever.
The opinions expressed in this podcast are those of Emily and Ashley of The Creepy Book Club alone.

Catch up with us and retreat recap Mar 06, 2026

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Find our new True Crime Podcast at: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reconsidered-unsolved/id1841954874

We’ve been a little MIA… but for the best reason ever — we were busy planning and hosting our Thriller Retreat! From diving into the Rachel Hansen case (episode one will be released early to you TODAY) to fangirling over expo authors and soaking up wisdom from our incredible guest speakers, this weekend was everything we dreamed of and more.

We’re spilling all the behind-the-scenes tea from the retreat — our favorite moments, the unforgettable highlights, and what it was like finally bringing this event to life. Plus, we’re recapping the recent Creepy Book Club retreat in arizona where we hung out with the best readers, moderated author panels, and basically lived our spooky little bookish dreams.

Of course, we’re also catching up on what we’re currently reading and watching (because when are we not?). We’re gearing up for upcoming discussions on Ask for Andrea and Ashley is obsessed with listening to Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir on audiobook (and yes, she will tell you why). 👀

And just wait… we’re teasing even more thrillers coming your way soon. Trust us — you’re going to want to add to that TBR.

Support the show

Subscribe on our patreon for weekly content, early access to episodes, one true crime episode per month and behind the scenes content at https://www.patreon.com/thecreepybookclub
Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/thecreepybookclub and https://www.instagram.com/bookswithyourbesties/
Follow us on TikTok at https://www.tiktok.com/@thecreepybookclub
Music is Ur Karma (Instrumental Version) by Craig Reever.
The opinions expressed in this podcast are those of Emily and Ashley of The Creepy Book Club alone.

The Missing Half And The Case of Maura Murray Jan 09, 2026

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Hi besties! This week we’re diving into The Missing Half by Ashley Flowers. If you haven’t read it yet—pause here, grab the book (with your eyes or your ears), and come back when you’re ready.

Spoiler Alert: This episode contains full spoilers for The Missing Half

Overall Ratings

Ashley: 3.5 out of 5
Emily: Solid 4 out of 5

We both found the book engaging and entertaining, especially as a standalone thriller. Like Flowers’ first novel, All Good People Here, this story draws inspiration from a real unsolved case—but takes its own fictional turn.

Real-Life Inspiration: The Maura Murray Case

We couldn’t talk about The Missing Half without discussing its strong parallels to the disappearance of Maura Murray, a 21-year-old college student who vanished in 2004 after her car was found abandoned on a rural road.

Key similarities discussed:

A young woman disappears after a car incident
No clear signs of foul play
A sister left behind searching for answers
Lingering questions, suspicious behavior beforehand, and no closure

We also dig into theories around Maura’s disappearance, including:

Mental health crisis
Exposure to the elements
Accepting a ride from someone else
Why her case is classified as a “suspicious missing person with criminal overtones”

This conversation spirals (in the best way) into whether this is a case we should cover in a future episode 👀.

Plot & Themes Discussion

The book leans more toward solving an unsolved mystery than a traditional whodunit
Internet sleuthing and community involvement mirror modern true-crime culture
Nearly every character feels suspicious—which we loved

We also talk about:

Being (or not being) surprised by twists
Loving messy, flawed characters like Nick
Trauma, grief, addiction, and bad decision-making
How secrets compound and destroy lives

The Gross Stuff (Because Yes, We’re Talking About It)

Brad is the worst. Full stop.
The affair between a teenage girl and her dad’s best friend is deeply disturbing and rooted in power imbalance and grooming
The fact that his wife knew? Horrifying and complicated
We unpack how this plotline effectively builds suspicion—but is still incredibly upsetting

Moments That Stuck With Us

The creepy anonymous note delivered by a child on a playground
The CD with handwritten notes (a nostalgic gut punch)
The reveal about what really happened the night Jules died
The moral breaking point of covering up another death

Heartbreaking, messy, and tragic across the board.

Big Questions We Asked

Could someone really disappear and live just one town over?
Why choose hiding over accountability for a drunk-driving death?
How far can trauma push someone before every choice becomes the wrong one?
And ultimately: What do you think really happened?

Find Ashley here - https://ashleyflowers.com/

TW: Sexual assault

Support the show

Subscribe on our patreon for weekly content, early access to episodes, one true crime episode per month and behind the scenes content at https://www.patreon.com/thecreepybookclub
Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/thecreepybookclub and https://www.instagram.com/bookswithyourbesties/
Follow us on TikTok at https://www.tiktok.com/@thecreepybookclub
Music is Ur Karma (Instrumental Version) by Craig Reever.
The opinions expressed in this podcast are those of Emily and Ashley of The Creepy Book Club alone.

Turn of The Key by Ruth Ware Nov 14, 2025

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"You're frozen"

"No, I was just done talking."

Welcome to another unhinged 30 minutes with us.

OKKKKKKAYYY, Ashley was wrong (per usual), Emily was right - A locked room mystery is a subgenre of crime fiction in which a crime, often a murder, is committed in a location that is seemingly impossible to access. The puzzle lies in figuring out how the crime was committed, despite the room being sealed from the inside with no apparent way in or out. Unlike typical whodunits, these stories heavily feature the "howdunit" aspect, requiring a logical and plausible explanation that doesn't rely on supernatural or impossible.

Yes, the spooky kid in a book is a very common trope, often referred to as the "creepy child". This trope plays on the contrast between a child's supposed innocence and their unsettling, often malevolent, behavior, which is considered terrifying because it goes against our expectations of what is innocent and vulnerable.

For Next Week Read The Missing Half by Ashley Flowers

https://ruthware.com/books/the-turn-of-the-key/

Support the show

Subscribe on our patreon for weekly content, early access to episodes, one true crime episode per month and behind the scenes content at https://www.patreon.com/thecreepybookclub
Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/thecreepybookclub and https://www.instagram.com/bookswithyourbesties/
Follow us on TikTok at https://www.tiktok.com/@thecreepybookclub
Music is Ur Karma (Instrumental Version) by Craig Reever.
The opinions expressed in this podcast are those of Emily and Ashley of The Creepy Book Club alone.

Lets Chat Infidelity Oct 24, 2025

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In this episode, Ashley and Emily discuss 'The Breakdown' by B.A. Paris, exploring its themes of gaslighting, emotional abuse, and the impact of infidelity on relationships. They delve into real-life cases of deception, including the Chris Watts case, and reflect on the cultural perspectives surrounding affairs. The conversation emphasizes the importance of accountability and the emotional trauma caused by betrayal in relationships.

takeaways

The Breakdown is a domestic thriller about infidelity.
Gaslighting is a prevalent theme in the book.
Affairs can lead to extreme emotional turmoil.
Cultural perspectives on infidelity vary significantly.
Real-life cases like Chris Watts highlight the dangers of deception.
Emotional abuse can be subtle and insidious.
Trust is hard to rebuild after infidelity.
The impact of affairs extends beyond the couple involved.
Accountability is crucial in relationships.
Friendship boundaries are tested in cases of infidelity.

Sound Bites

"The book was way better, of course."
"What kind of best friend does that?"
"It's a cultural thing."

Chapters00:00Introduction to The Breakdown

01:41 Themes of Infidelity and Betrayal

07:18 Gaslighting and Emotional Manipulation

13:58 Consequences of Affairs

18:50 Real-Life Parallels: Chris Watts and Other Cases

23:30 Conclusion and Reflections on Relationships

Support the show

Subscribe on our patreon for weekly content, early access to episodes, one true crime episode per month and behind the scenes content at https://www.patreon.com/thecreepybookclub
Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/thecreepybookclub and https://www.instagram.com/bookswithyourbesties/
Follow us on TikTok at https://www.tiktok.com/@thecreepybookclub
Music is Ur Karma (Instrumental Version) by Craig Reever.
The opinions expressed in this podcast are those of Emily and Ashley of The Creepy Book Club alone.

Unpacking the Controversy behind Verity Sep 26, 2025

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Whelp, we decided to go there and talk about one of the most polarizing books in the past 5 years.

00:00 Introduction and Technical Difficulties

01:13 Controversial Book Discussion: Verity by Colleen Hoover

07:31 Cultural Impact and Reception of Verity

14:20 Themes and Twists in Verity

21:12 Controversies Surrounding Colleen Hoover

26:06 Lighthearted Anecdotes and Conclusion

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59344312-verity

https://www.colleenhoover.com/products/verity-hardcover

https://www.glamour.com/story/colleen-hoover-controversy-explained

https://www.vulture.com/article/colleen-hoover-controversy-timeline.html

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9477187/

https://bookriot.com/hating-popular-books/

https://sjdm.org/dmidi/Need_for_Uniqueness.html

Support the show

Subscribe on our patreon for weekly content, early access to episodes, one true crime episode per month and behind the scenes content at https://www.patreon.com/thecreepybookclub
Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/thecreepybookclub and https://www.instagram.com/bookswithyourbesties/
Follow us on TikTok at https://www.tiktok.com/@thecreepybookclub
Music is Ur Karma (Instrumental Version) by Craig Reever.
The opinions expressed in this podcast are those of Emily and Ashley of The Creepy Book Club alone.

Party Of Liars - Kelsey Cox Sep 19, 2025

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Party of Liars, Kelsey Cox, book review, true crime, postpartum depression, character analysis, podcast updates, relationships, manipulation, twists

In this episode, Emily and Ashley discuss the book 'Party of Liars' by Kelsey Cox, sharing their thoughts on the characters, plot twists, and themes such as manipulation and postpartum depression. They also announce the launch of their new true crime podcast, which will alternate weeks with their book discussions.

Takeaways and updates!

The podcast will now be bi-weekly, alternating between book discussions and true crime episodes.
'Party of Liars' received positive reviews for its engaging twists and character development.
The complexity of characters adds depth to the story, making them essential to the plot.
Postpartum themes are explored, emphasizing the importance of understanding mental health.
Manipulation in relationships is a central theme, particularly with the character Ethan.
The hosts enjoyed discussing the connections between the book and real-life true crime cases.
Character analysis revealed the necessity of each character in understanding the story's motivations.
The importance of paying attention while reading or listening to complex narratives was highlighted.
The hosts expressed a desire for more visual aids in books to help track characters.
The upcoming true crime podcast promises to deliver shocking and engaging content.

Sound Bites

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to True Crime and Podcast Updates

00:00 Book Discussion: Party of Liars

01:47 Character Connections and Complexity

05:59 Twists and Turns in the Narrative

07:32 Postpartum Perspectives and Mental Health

10:50 Complex Characters and Their Motivations

12:43 Reveals and Shocking Moments

14:56 The Illusion of Perception

20:15 Looking Ahead: True Crime Cases

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9312-postpartum-depression

Support the show

Subscribe on our patreon for weekly content, early access to episodes, one true crime episode per month and behind the scenes content at https://www.patreon.com/thecreepybookclub
Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/thecreepybookclub and https://www.instagram.com/bookswithyourbesties/
Follow us on TikTok at https://www.tiktok.com/@thecreepybookclub
Music is Ur Karma (Instrumental Version) by Craig Reever.
The opinions expressed in this podcast are those of Emily and Ashley of The Creepy Book Club alone.

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