​Are you ready for a story that grips you from the first page and refuses to let go until the very last word? Our latest podcast episode delves into the twisted world of 'Look Closer' by David Ellis, a thriller that will have you questioning everything you thought you knew about the characters within.

In the heart of Chicago, a wealthy couple, Simon and Vicky, live a life that seems too normal to be true. And you guessed it—it isn't. As we peel back the layers of their seemingly stable existence, we discover a labyrinth of lies, a secret affair, and a looming $20 million trust fund that sets the stage for murder.

Our hosts, Tamara and Classy, take you on a deep dive into this complex tale, where every character's motive is suspect, and the truth is as elusive as the city's shadows. The book's rich narrative, told through multiple perspectives, each narrated by voice talents like Will Damron and Hillary Huber, creates a cinematic experience that's both enthralling and unsettling.

As the story of Simon and Vicky unfolds, we realize that we're not just reading about characters; we're witnessing the unravelling of master con artists whose lives are more intertwined than we could ever imagine. But who is the puppeteer in this deadly game? Join us as we explore the intricate plot, the author's skillful writing, and the moments that made us cheer for the antiheroes.

If you're a fan of stories like 'Gone Girl' or 'Strangers on a Train', 'Look Closer' is the psychological thrill ride you've been waiting for. It's a tale that reminds us that sometimes, the most dangerous lies are the ones we tell ourselves.

So, plug in your headphones and let us guide you through the murky waters of deceit and revenge. By the end of our conversation, you'll be itching to grab your own copy of 'Look Closer' and experience the adrenaline rush for yourself. Listen to the episode now and join the book club conversation that everyone will be talking about!

​Don't miss out the exclusive content available on Patreon (for video) and Spreaker (for audio)!​

Thrillers have a way of gripping us, pulling us into the depths of suspense and mystery, often leaving us on the edge of our seats. But what happens when a thriller goes beyond fiction and touches upon the chilling realities of true crime? In our latest podcast episode, we explore the hauntingly evocative narrative of 'Bright Young Women' by Jessica Knoll, a novel that does just that.

Our hosts, Tamara and Classy, delve into this January buddy read with a thoughtful and profound discussion that is sure to intrigue any book lover. 'Bright Young Women' takes us back to the late 70s, intertwining the lives of vibrant sorority sisters at Florida State University and a serial killer whose crimes have captivated the public for decades. But this isn't just another retelling of a gruesome saga. Knoll's novel seeks to shift the focus from the infamy of the killer to the exceptional lives of the women he targeted, proposing a new narrative that honors their stories.

As Tamara and Classy navigate the dual timelines and perspectives within the book, they bring to light the layers of character development, the emotional depth, and the societal reflections that Knoll weaves into her story. The novel's approach to discussing the impact of violence against women, the media's portrayal of criminals, and the resilience of survivors is something our hosts examine with both sensitivity and candor.

But it's not all heavy; there are moments of levity and camaraderie as our hosts share their personal experiences with the book and the author's previous works. They invite listeners to consider the themes within the novel and how they resonate with our understanding of crime, victimhood, and justice.

'Bright Young Women' stands out as a thriller with a purpose, challenging readers to look beyond the sensational headlines and remember the bright, promising lives that were unjustly dimmed. This episode is a testament to the power of storytelling and the importance of remembering that behind every crime statistic is a human story worth telling.

If you're ready to be captivated by a discussion that's as engaging as the book itself, listen to our latest episode. You may find yourself looking at thrillers—and the true stories that inspire them—in a whole new light.

​Don't miss out the exclusive After Show available on Patreon and Spreaker!

Are you constantly on the lookout for your next thrilling read but hesitant to commit to a new book without knowing if it's worth the space on your already overflowing shelves? Shelf Bytes is here to rescue you from the dilemma of deciding which books to invest in and which to skip.

"Only If You're Lucky" takes us into the life of Margot, a college student whose world turns upside down when she befriends the enigmatic Lucy Sharp. As their sophomore year unfolds, a fraternity boy's murder and Lucy's subsequent disappearance set the stage for a story filled with twists, turns, and dark secrets. 
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In this episode of Shelf Byte, Tamara reviews the book 'Only If You're Lucky' by Stacey Willingham. She discusses the aspects she liked and disliked about the book, including the unpredictable plot and morally gray characters. Tamara also praises the narrator, Karissa Vacker, for her excellent performance. She gives the book a rating of three out of five stars and recommends it to readers who enjoy college campus stories with drama and unreliable characters. Tamara suggests borrowing the book from the library or using an Audible credit to listen to the audiobook.

​Don't miss out the exclusive After Show available on Patreon and Spreaker!
Join the SAO book club on BookClubs

In this episode, Tamara and Classy review their year of buddy reads and discuss their best and worst reads. They compare this year's reading experience to last year's and share their average ratings. They also reveal their biggest disappointments and surprises of the year. They share their favorite book chat discussions and memorable moments from their book club. They also discuss the lowest and highest-rated books in their book club. The conversation concludes with their Buddy Read goal for 2024.

Takeaways

• Reviewing your reading year can help you reflect on your reading preferences and trends.
• Comparing your reading experiences from different years can provide insights into your changing tastes.
• Not every highly anticipated book lives up to expectations, and some books can surprise you in unexpected ways. Engaging in book chat discussions can enhance the reading experience.
• Memorable book club discussions often involve humor and unexpected plot twists.
• Exploring new authors can lead to exciting discoveries.

In this episode, Tamara and Classy discuss the book 'The Coworker' by Frieda McFadden. They explore the characters, including the unreliable narrators, Dawn and Natalie. They also discuss the dynamics of Caleb and Dawn's relationship and the surprising revelation of their connection. The hosts analyze the mystery and red herrings in the story and share their overall thoughts on the book. In this episode, Tamara and Classy discuss their thoughts on the book and share some comments from other readers. They talk about the ending of the book and how it stood out to them. They also discuss the likability of the characters and compare the author to other writers. The conversation then shifts to the fast-paced publishing industry and the impact on book quality. They also discuss the unlikable characters in the book and how they were portrayed. The hosts share some reader criticism and talk about the narrator's performance. They conclude by giving their overall rating and recommendation for the book, as well as teasing upcoming episodes.

Takeaways

• The book features unreliable narrators who provide different perspectives on the events.
• The relationship between Caleb and Dawn is complex and reveals unexpected connections.
• The mystery keeps readers guessing with red herrings and unexpected twists.
• The book is a quick read that is perfect for those looking for a fast-paced thriller. The ending of the book stood out to the hosts and left an impression on them.
• The likability of the characters was a topic of discussion, with the hosts sharing their opinions on the characters' personalities.
• The hosts compared the author to other writers and discussed the differences in their writing styles.
• The fast-paced publishing industry was discussed, with the hosts expressing concerns about the impact on book quality.
• The portrayal of unlikable characters in the book was analyzed, with the hosts sharing their thoughts on the character development.
• Reader criticism was shared, highlighting different perspectives on the book.
• The narrator's performance was praised by the hosts for her ability to distinguish between characters.
• The hosts gave the book an overall rating and recommended it for readers looking for a quick read.
• Upcoming episode was teased.

Episode Sponsor:
Indies United Publishing House | https://www.indiesunited.net/small-bites

Connect with Tamara on social media:
Twitter | https://x.com/shelfaddiction
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/shelfaddiction/

Connect with Classy Green on social media:
Twitter | https://x.com/classygreen
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/thebookishvirtualassistant

Join the SAO book club on BookClubs

​In this podcast episode, Tamara and Classy discuss the book 'The Burning Girls' by CJ Tudor. They share their overall thoughts on the ending, including the rushed feeling and the unresolved plot points. They also delve into the character of Jack, a progressive and unconventional vicar, and the Church of England. The psychopathic behavior of Wrigley and the role of Rosie in the story are also explored. The conversation touches on the theme of nature vs. nurture and the complex dynamics of the characters. In this part of the conversation, Tamara and Classy discuss the multiple storylines in the book and the confusion caused by the narrative perspective. They also express disappointment with the underdeveloped paranormal element and the lack of focus in the overall plot. The religious themes and quotes in the book are highlighted, and the television series adaptation is discussed.

Takeaways

• The ending of 'The Burning Girls' felt rushed and left some plot points unresolved.
• Jack's character as a progressive and unconventional vicar added depth to the story.
• The Church of England and the role of vicars were explored, highlighting the differences from other denominations.
• The psychopathic behavior of Wrigley and the manipulative role of Rosie added tension to the story.
• The theme of nature vs. nurture was evident in the characters' actions and motivations. The book features multiple storylines, including Jack and Flo's story, the mysterious man seeking revenge, Mary and Joy's story, and the history of the Burning Girls.
• The narrative perspective in the book is confusing, with inconsistencies in the use of first and third person narration.
• The paranormal element in the book, involving ghosts and the Burning Girls, is underdeveloped and does not contribute significantly to the overall plot.
• The book suffers from a lack of focus, with too many themes and subplots that detract from the main storyline.
• The religious themes and quotes in the book provide thought-provoking insights into faith and morality.
• The if the UK television series adaptation will address the shortcomings of the book by making some changes to the story.

Episode Sponsor:
Indies United Publishing House | https://www.indiesunited.net/small-bites

Connect with Tamara on social media:
Twitter | https://x.com/shelfaddiction
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/shelfaddiction/

Connect with Classy Green on social media:
Twitter | https://x.com/classygreen
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/thebookishvirtualassistant

Join the SAO book club on BookClubs

​Welcome to this months #BuddyRead episode. This month a guest co-host joined me for the book chat! Amanda from the Fictional Hangover Podcast was on deck to discuss The Overnight Guest! This was such a great time, enjoy the episode. ​