Books With Your Besties

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In this episode, we dive into Mad Mabel and explore the themes that make this story so much more than a book. We talk about the disappointments women experience at the hands of men, the fierce and beautiful power of female friendship, and the magic of having a community that shows up for you.

From the streets of our neighborhoods to the friendships that become family, we reflect on how much we need one another, the importance of belonging, and the ways love can surprise us, heal us and change everything.

Because sometimes the greatest love stories aren't romantic at all. They're about the women who stand beside us, the neighbors who become our people, and the communities that remind us we're never truly alone.

A conversation about love, loyalty, friendship, community and the extraordinary power of women showing up for women.

Follow Sally here: https://www.instagram.com/sallyhepworth/?hl=en

Buy her books here: https://www.sallyhepworthauthor.com/

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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.

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Ashley and Emily chat all things The One by John Marrs. We, of course, go on tangents about the Podcast "The Con" and the TikTok creator Amanda Finch.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-con-kaitlyns-baby/id1663956121

https://www.johnmarrsauthor.com/

https://cafemom.com/news/amanda-finch-62-days-overdue-twins-pregnancy-claims

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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.

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We are obsessed with Noelle. On todays episode we dive into how we used to be fun, grief, true crime, white water rafting, how Noelle researches and a bunch of other random stuff.

Quote from Ashley - "I am going to use and abuse you as my co host"

Purchase her book here: https://www.noellewihli.com/

Follow her here: https://www.instagram.com/noelleihliauthor/?hl=en

See The River Wild here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00000I236?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback

Documentary: https://www.netflix.com/title/81305964

Support the show

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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.

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SPOILER ALERT!

We had so much fun chatting with E.L. Westbury about Drowning in Paper Flowers which is being Re Released NOW!

Follow her here - https://www.instagram.com/e.l._westbury/?hl=en

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

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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.

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Hiya besties! We are back. Today we chat what we are reading, what we have been up to, what we plan to read and then we yell for a bit about education and everything that is wrong with our priorities around education today.

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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.

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Hi Book Besties! We will have another episode for you available this week but felt like this was important to share here as well as on Reconsidered:Unsolved

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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.

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FULL spoiler interview with Emily Listfield -

We usually keep our author interviews on Patreon only but this interview felt like a great one to share here with all of you! Emily and I get into caretaking, grief, power, privilege and parenting teens. Find her books and more information about the author here.

https://www.emilylistfield.com/

Follow her here - https://www.instagram.com/emilylistfield/

Support the show

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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.

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A preview of our interview with Miranda Smith - The entire interview can be found on Patreon.

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

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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.

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Today we chat Smile For The Cameras by Miranda Smith and chat our 1990s nostalgia, an idea for an epic movie night and what to do if someone tries to attack us with an axe.

Find her book here - https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/782930/smile-for-the-cameras-by-miranda-smith/

Scream Murder documentary here - https://www.hulu.com/series/the-scream-murder-a-true-teen-horror-story-11ffe09a-2619-4124-8b83-b5b453f56434

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/

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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.

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Today we discuss Her Last Breath by Taylor Adams. We also discuss female friendship, how boring we are and how we would NEVER go caving.

https://tayloradamsauthor.com/

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

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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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Today we discuss This Story Might Save Your Life by Tiffany Crum with FULL spoilers.

https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250395238/thisstorymightsaveyourlife/

https://tmtk.com/learning-library/videos?cid=PPC-accountype:-campaign:-searchterm:-adgroup:-keywordid:&gclid=Cj0KCQjwkYLPBhC3ARIsAIyHi3Sf_283Rg-t0J-26gpnl9_d_xbUh_Ufl0nVCc3WxpvK4SWu48z2Rm8aAr6XEALw_wcB&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22750400326&gbraid=0AAAAABfxptJaeiT4MSdMXLcRN8_T8lcO7

https://truecrimenews.com/

https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/one-minute-to-nine/umc.cmc.1aq9cocb6lbot0y8a4kkq2aa9

https://tv.apple.com/ca/movie/every-fing-day-of-my-life/umc.cmc.1aq9cocb6lbot0y8a4kkq2aa9

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

https://abcnews.com/US/ariz-womans-murder-trial-harkens-back-jodi-arias/story?id=23139252

https://www.aimatmelanoma.org/the-grieving-brain-the-science-of-love-and-loss/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22168127401&gbraid=0AAAAAD0n44HrcUncME81NpUaiQBCjmc4U&gclid=Cj0KCQjwkYLPBhC3ARIsAIyHi3T9BbHI86iHeQARjScdZUiXaKr8oyZMaAKNXiL5xoH6EzrJo7XDZuAaAnlCEALw_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

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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.

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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/

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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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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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

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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.

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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.

Send us Fan Mail

"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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.