Books With Your Besties

Emily and Ashley
  • 4.7 (118)
  • 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. JAN 9

    The Missing Half And The Case of Maura Murray

    Send us a text 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 As 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

  2. 11/14/2025

    Turn of The Key by Ruth Ware

    Send us a text "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

  3. 10/24/2025

    Lets Chat Infidelity

    Send us a text 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

  4. 09/26/2025

    Unpacking the Controversy behind Verity

    Send us a text 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
  5. Party Of Liars - Kelsey Cox

    09/19/2025

    Party Of Liars - Kelsey Cox

    Send us a text 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.

    23 min

  6. 09/05/2025

    Dark Matter

    Send us a text PHEW - That is all we can say about this discussion. We get personal, we chat regrets and we chat about what could have been.  In this conversation, Emily Reeder and Ashley DeSanno discuss the book 'Dark Matter' by Blake Crouch, exploring its themes of choices, regret, and the impact of environment on character. They share their initial impressions, ratings, and delve into the deeper meanings behind the narrative, including the nature of success, relationships, and the importance of forgiveness. The discussion also touches on parenting and the influences of friends, as well as the role of memory in shaping our perceptions of regret. The conversation concludes with thoughts on future reads and adaptations of the book. takeaways Dark Matter blends psychological thriller with sci-fi elements.The book prompts deep reflection on personal choices and regrets.Characters are shaped significantly by their environments.Success can lead to selfishness and moral compromise.Forgiveness is essential for moving forward in relationships.Parenting involves allowing children to learn from their choices.Memory plays a crucial role in how we perceive our past.The narrative encourages gratitude for current life circumstances.Surrounding oneself with positive influences is vital.The book's ending offers a hopeful resolution.Sound Bites Chapters  00:00 Introduction to Dark Matter 02:34 Book Ratings and Genre Exploration 05:21 Themes of Choices and Regrets 07:56 The Impact of Environment on Character r10:21 Relationships and Forgiveness 12:55 The Role of Company in Personal Growth 15:30 Reflections on Parenting and Influence1 8:03 Memory, Regret, and Happiness 20:23 Violence and Unexpected Twists in the Story 23:26 Conclusion and Future Reads 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

  7. 08/29/2025

    Emily Lived in a Haunted House - We Used To Live Here by Marcus Kliewer

    Send us a text In this conversation, Ashley DeSanno and Emily Reeder discuss the novel 'We Used to Live Here' by Marcus Cleaver, exploring its origins, themes of reality and perception, mental health representation, and the scary elements of the story. They share personal experiences related to fear and reality, and conclude with thoughts on future reads. takeaways The novel began on Reddit and gained popularity quickly.The audio book's sound effects enhanced the scary experience.Themes of mental health and reality are central to the story.The concept of alternate realities is explored in depth.Personal experiences with fear can relate to the book's themes.The writing style effectively creates a scary atmosphere.The discussion highlights the importance of mental health awareness.The characters' decisions reflect real-life dilemmas about safety.The book's ending leaves readers questioning reality.Future reads include 'Dark Matter' by Blake Crouch.Chapters 00:00 Introduction to 'We Used to Live Here' 01:23 The Origins of the Novel and Its Impact 05:15 Exploring Themes of Reality and Perception 09:14 Mental Health and Its Representation in the Story 13:12 The Scary Elements and Writing Style 19:04 Personal Experiences with Fear and Reality 23:52 Conclusion and Future Reads https://www.ted.com/talks/vs_ramachandran_3_clues_to_understanding_your_brain?language=en https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/We-Used-to-Live-Here/Marcus-Kliewer/9781982198794 lagoonsleep.com use code bookclub for 20% off  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. 08/23/2025

    Count My Lies by Sophie Stava

    Send us a text In this conversation, Ashley DeSanno and Emily Reeder discuss the book 'Count My Lies' by Sophie Stava, exploring its themes of dishonesty, character dynamics, and the flaws within the legal system. They share their initial reactions to the book, analyze the characters Violet and Jay, and reflect on the implications of lying and the justice system. The discussion also touches on the anticipation of the book's adaptation into a series, highlighting the storytelling techniques used by the author. TICKETS: https://www.thecreepybookclub.com/thecreepyretreat2026 Takeaways The book starts with a focus on lying, which can be off-putting initially.The introduction of multiple perspectives adds depth to the story.Violet's character is complex; she is both bad and relatable.The legal system's flaws are highlighted through the narrative.Dishonesty can have long-lasting effects on relationships and trust.The conversation reflects on the societal implications of plea deals.The characters are not entirely likable, yet their stories are engaging.The anticipation for the book's adaptation is high among readers.The discussion emphasizes the importance of honesty in personal relationships.The conversation showcases the hosts' chemistry and humor throughout the analysis.Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Light Banter 01:46 Book Discussion: Count My Lies 07:58 Character Analysis and Plot Twists 12:03 Themes of Deception and Morality 17:04 Concluding Thoughts and Future Adaptations 17:41 Dark Humor and Domestic Struggles 19:56 Plea Deals and the Justice System 23:36 False Confessions and Systemic Issues 25:37 The Flaws in the Legal System 30:20 The Emotional Toll of Legal Work 32:34 The Importance of Honesty 34:42 Forensic Realities in Fiction 36:41 Sisterhood and Identity in 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.

    39 min
See All (50)

4.7
out of 5
118 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
    50
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Books With Your Besties
  • Show Website
    Books With Your Besties

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