Books With Your Besties

Emily and Ashley
  • 4.7 (124)
  • BOOKS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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. 

  1. Ask For Andrea by Noelle Ihli

    MAR 20

    Ask For Andrea by Noelle Ihli

    Send us Fan Mail 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.

    31 min

  2. SEASON 1 TRAILER

    Updates and a teaser

    Send us Fan Mail 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.

    5 min

  3. MAR 6 ·  BONUS

    Repost from Reconsidered : Unsolved

    Send us Fan Mail 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.

    24 min
  4. Catch up with us and retreat recap

    MAR 6

    Catch up with us and retreat recap

    Send us Fan Mail 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.

    29 min

  5. JAN 9

    The Missing Half And The Case of Maura Murray

    Send us Fan Mail 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 5Emily: Solid 4 out of 5We 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 incidentNo clear signs of foul playA sister left behind searching for answersLingering questions, suspicious behavior beforehand, and no closureWe also dig into theories around Maura’s disappearance, including: Mental health crisisExposure to the elementsAccepting a ride from someone elseWhy 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 whodunitInternet sleuthing and community involvement mirror modern true-crime cultureNearly every character feels suspicious—which we lovedWe also talk about: Being (or not being) surprised by twistsLoving messy, flawed characters like NickTrauma, grief, addiction, and bad decision-makingHow 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 groomingThe fact that his wife knew? Horrifying and complicatedWe 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 playgroundThe CD with handwritten notes (a nostalgic gut punch)The reveal about what really happened the night Jules diedThe moral breaking point of covering up another deathHeartbreaking, 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 - htt 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.

    28 min

  6. 11/14/2025

    Turn of The Key by Ruth Ware

    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 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.

    30 min

  7. 10/24/2025

    Lets Chat Infidelity

    Send us Fan Mail 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.

    26 min

  8. 09/26/2025

    Unpacking the Controversy behind Verity

    Send us Fan Mail 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.

    27 min
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Trailer

4.7
out of 5
124 Ratings

About

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. 

Information

  • Creator
    Emily and Ashley
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    54
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Books With Your Besties
  • Show Website
    Books With Your Besties

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