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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 As

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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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"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/

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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

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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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Send us a text

In this conversation, Ashley DeSanno and Emily Reeder discuss Heather Gudenkauf's book 'Everyone Is Watching,' exploring its dark themes, the impact of reality TV on personal secrets, and the implications of parasocial relationships. They delve into the moral dilemmas faced by characters in the book, the corruption of power, and the consequences of manipulation and bullying. The discussion highlights the complexities of human behavior in the pursuit of wealth and fame, ultimately reflecting on the societal issues presented in the narrative.

00:00 Character Analysis and Themes

05:37 Reality TV and Its Impact

13:30 Power Dynamics in Media

19:21 Personal Reflections and Relatability

23:43 Conclusion and Recommendations

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 a text

In this conversation, Emily and Ashley delve into personal reflections on their experiences with religion, the impact of shame within religious contexts, and the importance of fostering strong character over strict adherence to rules.

• The discussion touches on the dangers of extremist ideologies and the need for preparedness.
• Emily shares her personal journey away from Christianity and the impact of shame in religious contexts.
• Ashley reflects on her upbringing in a liberal church and her current agnostic beliefs.
• The conversation critiques the judgmental nature of some religious communities.
• Emily recounts a personal tragedy that shaped her views on religion and empathy.
• The discussion concludes with a shared disdain for the shame-based teachings often found in religious contexts.

Chapters

00:00Gas Meter Dilemma

06:30The Accelerationists and Societal Change

13:41Reflections on Religion and Identity

19:15The Impact of Personal Loss on Belief Systems

22:22Questioning Religious Judgments and Beliefs

24:27Shame and Judgment in Religious Communities

27:49The Consequences of Shame-Based Teachings

31:05The Dangers of Inauthentic Living

34:08Cherry-Picking Religious Texts

38:59Distinguishing Religion from Its Followers

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/white-hot-hate-agent-pale-horse/id1591461032

https://www.innerbody.com/abstinence-only-states-have-highest-rates-teen-pregnancy-stds

https://www.edf.org/climate/5-areas-of-concern

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.