Episode 73: Our Favorite Books of 2024

In this episode of Thrillers by the Book Club, hosts Chelsea and Olivia celebrate their 80th episode with special guests Greg Wands and Liz Keenan, authors of the new thriller 'Trust Issues.' The conversation delves into the themes of family dynamics, redemption, and the psychological aspects of con artistry. The authors share insights into their writing process, the impact of real-life cons on their work, and the importance of trauma in storytelling. They also discuss their podcast, Impostor Hour, which explores the experiences of authors dealing with imposter syndrome. The episode concludes with book recommendations and a look ahead to future episodes. Chelsea's Book: LOOK IN THE MIRROR by Catherine Steadman Greg's Book: ALTER EGO by Alex Segura Liz's Book: THE STOLEN QUEEN by Fiona Davis Olivia's Book: IF ANYTHING HAPPENS TO ME by Alex Finlay takeaways The podcast has reached its 80th episode milestone. 'Trust Issues' combines elements of family drama and thriller. The writing duo explores the con man trope in their latest book. Real-life cons inspire the themes in their writing. Trauma plays a significant role in character development. The importance of collaboration in the writing process. The psychological impact of cons on victims is profound. The Impostor Hour podcast addresses imposter syndrome among authors. Book recommendations highlight new releases in the thriller genre. The hosts encourage listener engagement for future episodes. Contact Us! Email: [email protected] Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@thrillersbythebookclubpod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@thrillersbythebookclub⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Chelsea:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠@thrillerbookbabe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Olivia:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠@oliviadaywallace⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of the Thrillers by the Book Club podcast, hosts Chelsea and Olivia discuss their personal lives, including sleep struggles and the importance of taking breaks. They share exciting news about meeting authors and attending book events, followed by a deep dive into their recent book club reads and new releases in the thriller genre. The conversation highlights various book recommendations, including psychological suspense and horror, while also engaging with their audience about the joys of reading and the current literary landscape. Chelsea's Book: INCIDENTS AROUND THE HOUSE by Josh Malerman (Out now) Olivia's Book: THE ASCENT by Allison Buccola (Out 5/25) takeaways Taking breaks is essential for mental health. Unisom can be a game changer for insomnia. Meeting authors can be an inspiring experience. Book clubs provide a great way to discuss literature. New releases in thrillers are exciting and varied. Personal experiences can enhance book discussions. Horror can be a powerful genre for exploring childhood trauma. The importance of character development in thrillers. Engaging with listeners can create a community. Reading can be a great escape from reality. Contact Us! Email: [email protected] Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@thrillersbythebookclubpod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@thrillersbythebookclub⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Chelsea:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠@thrillerbookbabe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Olivia:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠@oliviadaywallace⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of the Thrillers by the Book Club podcast, hosts Chelsea and Olivia welcome author Andy Pliego to discuss her debut novel 'You Are Fatally Invited.' The conversation explores the creative process behind the book, the transition from writing fantasy to thrillers, and the experience of attending writing retreats. Andy shares insights into character development, her launch plans, and upcoming projects. The hosts also recommend new book releases and discuss the emotional impact of memoirs, particularly those written by the children of serial killers. Chelsea's Book: THE LAST ONE AT THE WEDDING BY JASON REKULAK Ande's Book: THE NATURE OF DISAPPEARING by Kimi Cunningham Olivia's Book: RAISED BY A SERIAL KILLER by April Balascio takeaways Andy Pliego's debut novel is a thrilling exploration of a writer's retreat gone wrong. The book plays with classic thriller tropes while adding a unique twist. Andy transitioned from writing fantasy to thrillers for a fresh start. Writing retreats can inspire creativity and provide valuable experiences for authors. Character development is crucial in creating engaging stories. The emotional depth of memoirs can be powerful and impactful. Authors often face challenges in marketing their books accurately. The importance of witnessing and understanding difficult stories is emphasized. Upcoming book releases offer exciting new reads for thriller enthusiasts. The podcast fosters a community of readers and aspiring writers. Contact Us! Email: [email protected] Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@thrillersbythebookclubpod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@thrillersbythebookclub⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Chelsea:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠@thrillerbookbabe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Olivia:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠@oliviadaywallace⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of the Thrillers by the Book Club podcast, hosts Chelsea and Olivia discuss their excitement for the year 2025, highlighting anticipated thriller releases, current events affecting their community, and Chelsea's potential reality TV debut. They also dive into new book recommendations, true crime documentaries, and a mega pub day featuring exciting new titles. The conversation wraps up with a deep dive into their most anticipated books of 2025, emphasizing the vibrant thriller community and the joy of reading. Chelsea's Books: THE MAN MADE OF SMOKE by Alex North (5/13) CLOSE YOUR EYES AND COUNT TO 10 by Lisa Unger (2/25) WITH A VENGEANCE by Riley Sager (6/10) YOU ARE FATALLY INVITED by Ande Pliego (2/11) DON'T LET HIM IN by Lisa Jewell (6/24) Olivia's Books: CROSS MY HEART by Megan Collins (1/14) THE ASCENT by Allison Buccola (5/25) THIS BOOK WILL BURY ME by Ashley Winstead (3/25) PARENTS WEEKEND by Alex Finlay (5/6) TOO OLD FOR THIS by Samantha Downing (8/12) Contact Us! Email: [email protected] Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@thrillersbythebookclubpod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@thrillersbythebookclub⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Chelsea:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠@thrillerbookbabe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Olivia:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠@oliviadaywallace⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of the Thrillers by the Book Club podcast, hosts Chelsea and Olivia celebrate the New Year and Chelsea's birthday while introducing their guest, James L'Etoile, a former associate warden and hostage negotiator turned author. They discuss James's background, his latest book 'River of Lies', and the themes of crime, rehabilitation, and the realities of the prison system. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by parolees and the importance of rehabilitation programs. The episode concludes with book recommendations and insights into the writing process. Chelsea's Book: THIS HOW WE END THINGS by RJ Jacobs Jim's Book: A VERY BAD THING by JT Ellison Olivia's Book: MY DARLINGS by Marie Still Takeaways James L'Etoile has a unique background as a former associate warden. 'River of Lies' explores serious social themes like homelessness and arson. Truth can often be stranger than fiction in crime writing. Over 90% of prisoners are released back into society. Rehabilitation programs can significantly reduce recidivism rates. The public often has misconceptions about the prison system. Hostage negotiation skills are used daily in high-pressure situations. The importance of understanding the homeless population in relation to crime. Female serial killers are often portrayed differently in literature. The podcast features various book recommendations and discussions. Contact Us! Email: [email protected] Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@thrillersbythebookclubpod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@thrillersbythebookclub⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Chelsea:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠@thrillerbookbabe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Olivia:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠@oliviadaywallace⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of Thrillers by the Book Club Podcast, hosts Chelsea and Olivia welcome bestselling author Danielle Trussoni to discuss her latest works, particularly 'The Puzzle Box.' The conversation explores themes of Japanese culture, feminism, the role of AI in modern storytelling, and the unique incorporation of puzzles in her narratives. The hosts also share their thoughts on various book recommendations, emphasizing the importance of engaging storytelling and the dynamic nature of Trussoni's writing. Chelsea's Book: GOD OF THE WOODS by Liz Moore Danielle's Book: BUTTER by Asako Yuzuki Olivia's Book: DARK ROADS by Chevy Stevens Takeaways 2025 is seen as a year of hope and renewal. Danielle Trussoni is a bestselling author with a unique writing style. 'The Puzzle Box' features a protagonist with savant syndrome. The book incorporates real puzzles that readers can engage with. Japanese culture and history play a significant role in the narrative. Feminism and women's roles in society are explored in depth. The juxtaposition of ancient and modern themes adds depth to the story. AI is portrayed as a modern villain in the narrative. Puzzles serve as a metaphor for the complexities of life. The cover design of 'The Puzzle Box' is visually stunning and impactful. Contact Us! Email: [email protected] Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@thrillersbythebookclubpod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@thrillersbythebookclub⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Chelsea:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠@thrillerbookbabe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Olivia:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠@oliviadaywallace⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of Thriller's By The Book Club, Chelsea and Olivia celebrate the holiday season while discussing their excitement for Christmas and the arrival of Chelsea's baby. They share their festive plans, including family gatherings and decorating traditions. The conversation takes a turn when Chelsea recounts a surprising encounter with a lost dog, leading to a discussion about the dog's owner and the unexpected circumstances surrounding it. The hosts then dive into book recommendations, highlighting thrilling reads and suspenseful stories, including their thoughts on various authors and their latest works. The episode wraps up with reflections on the year and what lies ahead for the podcast. Chelsea's Book: SO THIRSTY by Rachel Harrison Olivia's Book: HOUSE OF GLASS by Sarah Pekkanen Contact Us! Email: [email protected] Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@thrillersbythebookclubpod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@thrillersbythebookclub⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Chelsea:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠@thrillerbookbabe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Olivia:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠@oliviadaywallace⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

n this episode of Thrillers by the Book Club, hosts Chelsea and Olivia discuss their favorite thrillers of 2024, reflecting on their reading experiences, motivations, and the challenges of managing their book collections. They delve into the DNF dilemma, share insights on organizing books, and emphasize the importance of community in the book world. The conversation flows into their top book recommendations, highlighting various themes and personal preferences, while also engaging with listener questions and experiences. Chelsea's Books: THE GOD OF THE WOODS by Liz Moore A TALENT FOR MURDER by Peter Swanson THE HATERS by Robyn Harding TELL ME WHAT YOU DID by Carter Wilson WE USED TO LIVE HERE by Marcus Kliewer BAD TOURISTS by Caro Carver THE ASCENT by Adam Plantinga THE MENTOR by Lee Matthew Goldberg THE HITCHCOCK HOTEL by Stephanie Wrobel STILL MISSING by Chevy Stevens Olivia's Books: Contact Us! Email: [email protected] Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@thrillersbythebookclubpod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@thrillersbythebookclub⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Chelsea:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠@thrillerbookbabe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Olivia:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠@oliviadaywallace⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of Thrillers by the Book Club Pod, hosts Chelsea and Olivia welcome bestselling author, JT Ellison to the show to discuss her latest novel, A VERY BAD THING. Chelsea's Book: THE HATERS by Robyn Harding JT's Book: THE WILDS by Sarah Pearse Olivia's Book: CANDY CAIN KILLS & CANDY CAIN KILLS AGAIN by Brian McAuley Contact Us! Email: [email protected] Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@thrillersbythebookclubpod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@thrillersbythebookclub⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Chelsea:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠@thrillerbookbabe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠   Olivia:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠@oliviadaywallace⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of Thrillers by the Book Club Pod, hosts Chelsea and Olivia discuss their return to the podcast, personal life updates, and Olivia's writing journey. They share a scary home invasion experience, recommend various TV shows, and review new book releases, all while maintaining a light-hearted and engaging conversation. Chelsea's Book: LISTEN FOR THE LIE by Amy Tintera Similar Suggestions: The Night Swim by Megan Goldin, If I Disappear by Eliza Jane Brazier, None of This is True by Lisa Jewell, Similar Suggestions: Any Hitchcock movie, IN MY DREAMS I HOLD A KNIFE by Ashley Winstead, IT COULD BE ANYONE by Jaime Lynn Hendricks, THE GUEST LIST by Lucy Foley Olivia's Book: THE HITCHCOCK HOTEL by Stephanie Wrobel Contact Us! Email: [email protected] Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@thrillersbythebookclubpod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@thrillersbythebookclub⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Chelsea:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠@thrillerbookbabe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠   Olivia:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠@oliviadaywallace⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠