Books With Your Besties

Latest Episodes:

Tamla Horsford: A Case of Unanswered Questions Jun 06, 2025

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In this episode of 'Books with Your Besties', hosts Ashley DeSanno and Emily Reeder delve into the tragic case of Tamla Horsford, a mother of five whose death at a slumber party in Georgia has raised numerous questions and sparked national outrage. The conversation explores the details surrounding the night of her death, the investigation that followed, and the various theories that have emerged.

With a focus on the racial context of the case and the integrity of the investigation, the hosts aim to uncover the truth behind Tamla's untimely demise, highlighting the complexities and unanswered questions that remain. They analyze the investigation's shortcomings, the evidence presented, and the societal context surrounding the case, ultimately questioning the integrity of the investigation and the treatment of Tamla as a victim.

TW: Death, Suicide, Bodily Harm,

Show Notes:

00:00 Introduction to Tamla Horsford's Case

02:59 The Night of the Incident

05:54 Tamla's Background and Context

09:11The Investigation Begins

12:07 911 Call Analysis

14:59 Injuries and Autopsy Findings

17:53 Questions About the Investigation

20:53 The Role of Key Individuals

24:11 Conclusions and Ongoing Questions

36:23 Unraveling the Mystery of Jose Barrera

39:10 Investigating the Detective's Role

40:37 The Controversial Lawsuit and Accusations

41:57 Racial Dynamics and Historical Context

43:05 Analyzing Key Evidence

49:10 The Role of Xanax and Other Substances

52:10 The Lack of Blood and Its Implications

53:54 Forsyth County's Troubling History

01:00:07 Theories and Speculations on Tamla's Death

Links:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_of_Tamla_Horsford

https://truercrimepodcast.com/tamla-horsford/

https://crimejunkiepodcast.com/mysterious-death-tamla-horsford-joseph-smedley/

https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-features/tamla-horsford-death-georgia-bureau-investigation-report-1231479/

https://www.forsythnews.com/news/crime-courts/tragic-accident-gbi-concludes-investigation-tamla-horsfords-death/

https://people.com/crime/tamla-horsford-death-mom-party-accidental-family-suspicious/

https://www.11alive.com/gallery/news/uploaded-gallery/85-8e3e5f76-cfe6-4ccd-bd28-8ecee3a8564b

Use code bookclub for your discount at lagoonsleep.com

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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
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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 Quiet Librarian May 23, 2025

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In this conversation, Emily and Ashley discuss Alan Eskens' novel, The Quiet Librarian, exploring its themes of historical fiction, character development, and the moral dilemmas faced by individuals in times of war. They delve into the complexities of the Bosnian War, the portrayal of women in conflict, and the contemporary parallels to current social issues. The discussion highlights the emotional impact of the narrative and the author's insights into the writing process.

00:00 Introduction to The Quiet Librarian

02:40 Exploring Historical Context: The Bosnian War

05:17 Character Development and Dual Narratives

07:31 Themes of Revenge and Justice

09:54 Moral Dilemmas in War

12:45 Contemporary Parallels and Social Commentary

18:53 The Right to Protest and Higher Education

20:16T he Consequences of Justifying Actions

20:54 Understanding the Complexity of Violence

22:31 The Nature of Sympathy for Criminals

23:49 Moral Dilemmas in Justice

25:24 The Slippery Slope of Justice

27:06 Character Dynamics in Storytelling

28:34 Reflections on Historical Events

31:09 The Potential for Violence in Society

33:27 Learning from History and Current Events

Key Takeaways -

The Quiet Librarian is a powerful blend of historical fiction and thriller.
Alan Eskens' writing style masterfully interweaves different timelines.
The characters' development reflects the complexities of war and trauma.
The portrayal of women in the story challenges traditional narratives.
Moral dilemmas in the book provoke deep reflection on justice and revenge.
The historical context of the Bosnian War is crucial to understanding the characters' motivations.
The conversation draws parallels between the book's themes and contemporary social issues.
The importance of understanding history to prevent future atrocities is emphasized.
The emotional weight of the narrative resonates with readers on multiple levels.
Alan Eskens' journey as a writer showcases the transformative power of literature.
https://hmh.org/library/research/genocide-in-bosnia-guide/
https://www.irmct.org/specials/war-bosnia/
https://www.ushmm.org/genocide-prevention/countries/bosnia-herzegovina/1992-1995

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Unraveling the Delphi Murders Part II May 23, 2025

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A snippet of our newest episode on Patreon.

This episode delves into the complex investigation surrounding the Delphi Murders of Abby Williams and Libby German, focusing on key suspects including Ron Logan and Keegan Klein, as well as the trial of Richard Allen. The discussion highlights alleged confessions, the role of pre-trial publicity, and the implications of the legal proceedings on the pursuit of justice for the victims.

Chapters

00:00Introduction to The Delphi Murders

00:57The Investigation of Ron Logan

05:06Allegations and Confessions

09:45The Role of Keegan Klein

19:10Theories and Speculations

23:44Ritualistic Elements and Odinism

25:34Introduction and Context of the Case

26:13Evidence Analysis and Implications

28:33Trial Limitations and Defense Challenges

30:52Pre-Trial Publicity and Its Effects

34:04Conviction Factors and Juror Perspectives

38:16Confessions and Mental State Considerations

43:01Appeal Process and Future Implications

https://www.rickallenjustice.com/

https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/delphi-murderer-richard-allen-appeal-filed/

https://fox59.com/indiana-news/search-warrant-delphi-killer-took-souvenir-may-have-staged-murder-scene/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

(see website for complete list of show notes)

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The Pendulum of Progress: Understanding Societal Shifts May 16, 2025

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Updates on Kyron Horman, Idaho Town Hall, Idaho Murders and the Pendulum Effect

Show Notes:

00:00 Introduction and Mother's Day Reflections

00:59 Case Updates and Political Extremes

03:08 The Idaho Town Hall Incident

06:00 Reactions to the Idaho Murders

08:55 The Importance of Patience in Legal Cases

11:57 New Developments in the Kyron Horman Case

14:57 The Pendulum Effect in Politics and Progress

21:37 Navigating Progress and Setbacks

22:22 Moral License and Political Reactions

24:27 The Influence of Language on Behavior

28:25 Cultural Shifts and Generational Changes

33:16 The Importance of Plan B for Women

34:35 Body Positivity and Cultural Trends

35:29 The Science vs. Anti-Science Debate

https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/idaho/six-charged-coeur-dalene-town-hall-incident/277-204bf517-c188-401f-a904-7859511da073

https://www.dictionary.com/browse/pendulum-effect

https://katu.com/news/local/kyron-horman-case-15-years-later-anniversary-multnomah-county-sheriffs-office-terri-desiree-fbi-reexamine-pursue-justice-digital-records-evidence-pages-reports-investigation-portland-oregon-june-2010-may-2025

https://blavity.com/dateline-idaho-murders-update-new-details

https://www.reuters.com/sports/sport-pendulum-swings-towards-tighter-measures-against-transgender-athletes-2023-12-28/

https://www.boston.com/news/crime/2025/04/02/karen-read-case-key-players-retrial/

https://ssir.org/books/excerpts/entry/tackling_moral_self_licensings

Study: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3261136/

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/darwins-subterranean-world/201703/my-favorite-psychology-study

https://www.washingtonpost.com/science/2025/04/06/eugenics-college-genetics-education/

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/03/r-word-right-wing-rise

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This Book Will Bury Me and The Idaho Murders May 09, 2025

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The Idaho murders.

Listen in on our review and key takeaways from This Book Will Bury Me by Ashley Winstead.

FULL spoilers.

0:00-1:00 Initial Review

1:00-2:00 Was it a tad too much grief related content?

3:30 What did we anticipate happening that would have ruined this book for us.

5:00 The controversy surrounding this book

7:00 What is our beef with the Idaho murders

8:30 Our college experience

11:00 Emily explains Theory of Mind (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theory_of_mind)

14:00 Female serial killers

15:00 Web sleuth community

16:00 Two cases solved through web sleuthing

20:00 JonBenet

22:00 Becoming FBI

23:00 Who the killer was

24:00 The Warrior Gene and the differences in Males and females

25:00-31:00 Maybe we hope no one hears this episode

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2650118/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lizzie_Borden

https://sites.lsa.umich.edu/qmss/2023/03/04/serial-killer-statistics/

https://www.yahoo.com/news/john-mark-karr-claimed-jonben

https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2021/09/18/gabby-petito-case-tiktok-sleuths/

https://www.netflix.com/title/81031373

https://www.rotary.org/en/rotary-member-helps-close-unsolved-cases (Tent girl)

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-09-25/gabby-petito-missing-person-case-internet-true-crime-obsession/100482852

Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eV8HOwxfzdI

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/social-sciences/theory-of-mind

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/idaho-college-student-killings-summary-timeline-rcna63818

https://www.wbaltv.com/article/idaho-student-murders-roommates-texts/64084528

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Justice for Abby and Libby - The Delphi Murders Part I May 02, 2025

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Justice for Abby and Libby: In 2017, the small town of Delphi, Indiana was shaken by the tragic murders of 13-year-old Abigail Williams and 14-year-old Liberty German. Their memory lives on as the pursuit of truth and justice continues. Find the rest of this episode (and an upcoming part II) at patreon.com/thcreepybookclub

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Kyron Horman - Missing since 06/04/2010 Apr 25, 2025

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As we decided to begin offering one true crime case per month to our VIP Patreon members we knew we needed to start with the Kyron Horman case because it is local to us (Oregon) and still unsolved. After days of research and recording we quickly realized this particular episode cannot be kept only for our VIPs, it would be doing a disservice to Kyron. We are choosing to release it publicly in hopes it will continue to shed a light on finding Kyron. Please see the rest of the links and sources used on our Patreon

Later this week we will drop our VIP ONLY true crime episode which focuses on The Delphi murders Part I - Abby Williams and Libby German. We have a lot of questions about this case, our episode asks big questions about police interrogation, false confessions and the science behind unspent bullets. Join today for access to that episode.

To submit tips about the Kyron Horman case, you can contact the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) tipline at 1-800-THE-LOST

https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/kyron-horman/multiple-witnesses-allegedly-saw-kyron-horman-leave-school-with-stepmom-author-writes/283-bef1f721-adf9-4ad5-8580-64d756d12b39

https://www.fbi.gov/wanted/kidnap/kyron-richard-horman

https://www.krem.com/article/news/local/northwest/kyrons-mother-says-e-mails-show-terri-hated-could-hurt-him/293-169425809

https://www.kptv.com/2024/06/03/family-portland-boy-missing-14-years-holds-car-wash-raise-money-search/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uF8h-1WVBC4

https://allthatsinteresting.com/kyron-horman

https://www.mcso.us/open-unsolved-cases
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Z2IgMIyCKU (Crime fest NW)

https://media.oregonlive.com/portland_impact/other/DeDe-watermarked-1.pdf(De De court documents)

https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Media/kyron-horman-scared-parents-kids-school-boy-vanished/story?id=10864503

https://kpic.com/news/local/e-mails-stepmom-sensed-suspicion-on-her-day-after-disappearance

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Strange Sally Diamond and Jaycee Lee Dugard Apr 18, 2025

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Did anyone else think about the Jaycee Dugard case while reading Strange Sally Diamond? Tune in to our most recent episode to hear our thoughts on this outstanding book and Emily's take on the similarities with the Jaycee Dugard case. Stay tuned for our interview with the author which will be shared next week.

TW: Cremation, Corpse Abuse, Rape, Kidnapping, Domestic Violence, Basically all of them

0:00-1:00 intro

1:00-5:00 First 4 pages of the book - why did Sally try to cremate her own father

5:00 Is this a book about autism?

6:30 How autism and trauma can look similar

8:05 What can be done in isolation - Peter

11:00 - 33:00 Jaycee Dugard case

33:00 Peter Keeping the girl after his dad dies

35:00 Building community and her adopted dad being a very complex flawed character

lagoonsleep.com use code bookclub for your discount

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=teEG6-JXggY

https://www.attwoodandgarnettevents.com/blogs/news/distinguishing-trauma-from-autism

https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna43260782

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/nancy-garrido-the-real-monster-in-the-jaycee-lee-dugard-kidnapping/

https://criminalminds.fandom.com/wiki/Phillip_and_Nancy_Garrido

Photos - https://www.theguardian.com/world/gallery/2009/aug/30/jaycee-lee-dugard-kidnap-usa

Parole officer - https://www.kcra.com/article/parole-agent-jaycee-lee-dugard-kidnapping-case-california-missing-girl-kcra-edwards-santos-jr/41830278

Cathy Cockrell - https://newsarchive.berkeley.edu/news/media/releases/2009/08/28_ucpd.shtml

Bay City News - https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/garridos-earlier-victims-outlined/1896330/

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Ask Us Anything Apr 11, 2025

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The episode you asked for! Ask us anything from politics, to religion, to love languages, to books we DNF. No show notes because we want you to be surprised.

To prepare for the next few weeks make sure to read:

Strange Sally Diamond By Liz Nugent

The Quiet Librarian by Allen Eskens

This Book Will Bury Me by Ashley Winstead

Snag your copies here!

https://www.amazon.com/shop/thecreepybookclub

https://www.thecreepybookclub.com/

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