Book Slayers - A Dark Fiction Podcast

Epizodai

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  The Audacity of These Horror Books - Serial Killers, Cursed Mansions & Creepy Halloween Guests 13.10.2026 44min

  What's worse than a serial killer with childhood trauma, a haunted mansion with a family curse, or a Halloween houseguest who might actually kill you? Having to decide which one deserves five stars.Welcome back to Book Slayers with Betty and Bonny, where we put dark fiction books on trial and decide whether they're guilty of crimes against their readers or deserve a full acquittal.This week, we're diving into three dark reads packed with murder, gothic horror, family secrets and some seriously questionable life choices.THE FIRST SCARLET DOOR by J.D. Barker — 5/5 starsBefore Anson Bishop became the Four Monkey Killer, he was a fifteen-year-old boy with a deeply disturbing family history. We're digging into this 4MK prequel, exploring killer origins, childhood trauma and the question of whether monsters are born or made.THE LAST HEIR OF BRADBURY MANOR by Michael Mizov — 5/5 starsA crumbling English manor, an arranged marriage, generations of family secrets and a curse that refuses to stay buried. Because apparently, inheriting a house isn't stressful enough without the possibility of supernatural complications.THE HALLOWEEN STRANGER by Shade Owens — 4/5 starsA Halloween festival, a recently divorced woman and a mysterious guest staying in her spare bedroom. What could possibly go wrong? Quite a lot, as it turns out.We're putting all three books on trial, handing out our Book Slayer Awards, discussing the tropes, and deciding which story we'd least like to find ourselves trapped inside.IN THIS EPISODE:Serial killer origin stories and childhood traumaGothic horror, haunted mansions and generational cursesHalloween horror and suspicious houseguestsDark fiction book reviews and our star ratingsBook Slayer Awards and final verdictsThe question of whether monsters are born or madeYOUR TURN, SLAY SQUADWhich of these books would you pick up first? Would you investigate a family curse, confront a serial killer, or immediately evict a suspicious Halloween guest? Tell us in the comments.Subscribe to Book Slayers for more dark fiction reviews, horror books, psychological thrillers, gothic mysteries and bookish debates with Betty and Bonny.Trust no one. Question everything. And if your Halloween guest starts acting suspicious, maybe don't wait until the second night to investigate.#BookSlayers #HorrorBooks #DarkFiction #BookReviews #GothicHorror #PsychologicalThriller #JDBarker #HalloweenReads #BookPodcast #ThrillerBooks
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  Freida McFadden: Why the Hell Do We Keep Reading Her Books? 07.10.2026 36min

  Why the hell do we keep reading Freida McFadden?In this Book Slayers episode, Stacey and Betty put the popcorn thriller queen herself on trial.We’re talking The Housemaid, Never Lie, The Inmate, The Boyfriend, The Locked Door, The Teacher, The Tenant, The Crash, The Divorce, Dear Debbie and her newest release, The Witch.We break down the Freida formula, her ridiculously bingeable pacing, short chapters, unreliable characters, endless secrets and those twists that either make you scream I KNEW IT or WHAT THE HELL JUST HAPPENED.Then we get into the Goodreads favorites, the lower-rated books, the Freida tropes we are sick of, and whether readers actually love the formula because it is repetitive.And of course, we have to talk about The Witch.Haunted house. Witchcraft. Family secrets. Historical mystery. Dual timelines. Ghosts.Is Freida McFadden entering a whole new era?You decide.Plus: SLAY OR DECAY, unpopular opinions and the ultimate Freida question:If you could erase one Freida McFadden book from your memory so you could read it again for the first time, which one would it be?Subscribe, follow, like, review and join the Slay Squad.
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  The Girl on Floor 29 by D.E. White: Locked-Room Thriller Review | Book Slayers 29.09.2026 57min

  Six strangers. One elevator. A possible bomb. Secrets, threats, revenge, and an engineer racing against the clock.Welcome back to Book Slayers, where dark fiction gets put on trial.This week we're taking on The Girl on Floor 29 by D.E. White, a locked-room thriller set inside a luxury London hotel.The premise had us hooked: seven people trapped inside an elevator while someone outside appears to be deliberately controlling the situation. Add a ticking clock, hidden connections, secrets, revenge, multiple POVs, and a possible bomb, and you've got one seriously claustrophobic setup.Stacey gave it 3.5 Stabbys.The premise worked.The elevator setting worked.Ellie worked.The backstories kept things interesting.The mystery kept us turning pages.But we also had questions about the pacing, the shifting POVs, the tension, the technical details, and whether some of the reveals came a little too early.So was The Girl on Floor 29 guilty?You'll have to watch the case unfold.And yes... Stacey may now be taking the stairs.🔪 CASE FILEThe Girl on Floor 29 by D.E. White🔪 RATING3.5 / 5 Stabbys🔪 GENRESLocked-room thrillerPsychological thrillerSuspenseMysteryMulti-POV thrillerSurvival thrillerClaustrophobic thriller💬 THE SLAYER QUESTIONYou're trapped in an elevator with six complete strangers.You know someone outside is deliberately controlling the situation.You know there's a serious threat.And you don't know who you can trust.What's the FIRST thing you're doing?Are you taking control, interrogating everyone, trying to stay calm, making friends, or immediately accusing the quiet person?Tell us in the comments.🔪 WANT MORE BOOK SLAYERS?Head over to the Book Slayers Patreon for our upcoming Slayer Files, where we're going even deeper into the books, the characters, the chaos, and all the things we don't always have time to unpack on the podcast.Follow Book Slayers so you don't miss the next case.Like the episode.Subscribe/follow.Leave us a review.And send this episode to the friend who would absolutely panic in an elevator.Keep your doors locked.Question everyone.Trust no elevator.Case closed.#BookSlayers #TheGirlOnFloor29 #DEWhite #BookReview #ThrillerBooks #ThrillerReview #PsychologicalThriller #LockedRoomThriller #BookPodcast #ThrillerBookClub #MysteryBooks #SuspenseBooks #BookTok #BookTube #CrimeFiction
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  Book Slayers: Dark Fiction Books We NEED to Read | Fall 2026 TBR 22.09.2026 39min

  Welcome back to Book Slayers, where apparently emotional damage is entertainment and our TBRs have absolutely no adult supervision.In this episode, we're building our dark fiction hit list for October, November and December and talking about three upcoming releases that immediately caught our attention.Our Fall 2026 Book Slayer TBR:OCTOBERThe Chain House by J. H. MarkertRelease date: October 6, 2026A convicted cult leader and mass murderer is days away from execution when he claims he's the anonymous author behind a hugely successful thriller series. He also has one final unpublished manuscript that supposedly contains the key to finding his victims' bodies.Then the governor's wife is kidnapped.Obviously, we have questions.NOVEMBERPersons Unknown by John KatzenbachRelease date: November 27, 2026A thirteen-year-old girl disappears. Twenty years later, two detectives working cold cases begin noticing suspicious connections between four cases and a series of errors that may not be mistakes at all.Cold cases, missing people, buried secrets, detectives, suspicious evidence and a whole lot of questions.DECEMBERBleed by Robin CookRelease date: December 1, 2026We're ending the year with a medical thriller involving hospitals, medical mysteries, technology, science and the terrifying possibility that something can be happening inside your body while nobody can figure out what it is.And because this is Book Slayers, we're also talking about our Book Slayer survival rules, wildcards, predictions, the questions we want these books to answer and, apparently, BOOK ETIQUETTE.Yes. We went there.We also want to know what YOU think.What upcoming October, November or December dark fiction release is on your radar?Drop your recommendation in the comments. If your recommendation destroys our sleep, we're blaming you.FOLLOW BOOK SLAYERS:Subscribe/follow so you don't miss our next case file.LIKE this episode if you love dark fiction, thrillers, mysteries, psychological suspense and books that make you question every character.COMMENT with your upcoming dark fiction TBR.And if you enjoy Book Slayers, leave us a 5-star review wherever you listen. It helps more readers find us.#BookSlayers #DarkFiction #DarkFictionBooks #ThrillerBooks #PsychologicalThriller #MysteryBooks #BookTok #BookTube #BookPodcast #ThrillerTok #HorrorBooks #CrimeFiction #MysteryThriller #UpcomingBooks #NewBookReleases #FallTBR #OctoberBooks #NovemberBooks #DecemberBooks #BookRecommendations
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  The Spin by Faith Gardner | Psychological Thriller Review + Book Slayers Deep Dive 15.09.2026 51min

  ​ ⁨@bettybonnybookslayers⁩  The Spin by Faith Gardner had us questioning everything.A 1960s psychological thriller about a missing woman, a mysterious research study, institutionalization, family secrets, advertising executives, and a television that may be doing a whole lot more than entertaining the family.And then there’s Rose.We liked Rose.We wanted Rose.We desperately wanted Rose’s POV.And naturally… we didn’t get it.In this Book Slayers deep dive, we’re putting The Spin on trial and breaking down the mystery, the characters, the historical setting, the psychological themes, the corporate conspiracy, the creepy television situation, and the biggest question of all:Who gets to decide what is real?The Spin earned 4.25 Stabbys from us, but we have QUESTIONS.🔪 IN THIS EPISODE:• The Spin by Faith Gardner review• Our 4.25 Stabby rating• The 1960s historical setting• Rose and the missing POV• Psychological experimentation• Institutionalization and mental health• Advertising and consumer research• Family secrets and dysfunction• The mystery behind the television• Character analysis• What worked• What didn't• Our petty complaint• Book Slayers charges• Final verdict• Reader discussionIf you love historical psychological thrillers, unreliable characters, family secrets, missing women, institutional horror, corporate conspiracies, and stories that make you question what is actually happening, this one deserves a look.But seriously…WHERE WAS ROSE'S POV?🔪 GET MORE BOOK SLAYERS:Want the deeper investigations, extra bookish chaos, bonus content and the files that don't make it into the main episode?Join us on Patreon for the Book Slayers files.And head over to our Substack for the written Book Slayers investigations, deeper analysis, bonus content and Dear Bonny / Dear Betty.PATREON:https://www.patreon.com/cw/BookSlayerswithBettyandBonnySUBSTACK:https://bookslayersbettybonny.substack.com/ 📚 READ ALONG / ADD IT TO YOUR TBR:The Spin by Faith Gardner💬 QUESTION FOR THE SLAYERS:If someone you loved was suddenly declared mentally ill, but you genuinely believed they were telling the truth, would you trust the doctors?Or would you start digging yourself?Tell us in the comments.And if you enjoyed the episode, hit LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and turn on notifications so you don't miss the next Book Slayers investigation.Because around here, we don't just read the book.We investigate the crime.🔪 BOOK SLAYERSDark books. Bad decisions. Questionable characters. Zero survivors.#TheSpin #FaithGardner #BookSlayers #BookReview #PsychologicalThriller #HistoricalThriller #ThrillerBooks #BookTube #BookTok #Bookstagram #ThrillerReview #PsychologicalSuspense #MysteryBooks #BookPodcast #ThrillerPodcast
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  Book Slayers: 3 Most Anticipated Dark Reads — Night Calls, She's a Doll & Ten Perfect Guests 08.09.2026 34min

  We haven't read these books yet... so naturally, we're going to judge them anyway.Welcome to Book Slayers: Before the Bodies Drop — our special episode featuring THREE of our most anticipated dark reads.We're putting Night Calls by Joe Hart, She's a Doll by Barbara Truelove, and Ten Perfect Guests by Jonathan Santlofer on trial before we've even read them.We're judging the covers, dissecting the blurbs, watching for tropes, assigning Predicted Stabby Ratings, and making wildly confident predictions about how much emotional damage these books are about to cause.Night Calls: serial killer family secrets, hidden identities, an escaped killer and a journalist digging into the past.She's a Doll: murder, revenge, a ghost and an eighteen-inch porcelain murder machine.Ten Perfect Guests: a secluded island, inheritance, secrets, revenge and ten people who apparently thought this was going to be a relaxing vacation.No spoilers. No reviews. Just predictions.Now we actually have to read them.The question is: were our predictions genius... or should we be legally prohibited from judging books before reading them?Which one would you read first?Follow Book Slayers, share this episode with your fellow dark-fiction addict, and come back for the verdict after we've actually read the books.And remember:Keep your TBR dangerous.DON'T TRUST THE DOLL. 🔪📚
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  Book Slayers Mini Pod: Dark Fiction, Thriller & Horror Book Chat 01.09.2026 40min

  Welcome to a Book Slayers Mini Pod — because sometimes you don't need a two-hour literary autopsy. You just need a quick hit of dark books. 🔪📚We're squeezing the Book Slayers chaos into a bite-sized episode packed with opinions, bookish nonsense, questionable reading decisions, and the dark fiction we're currently obsessing over.Expect thrillers, horror, mysteries, dark fiction, creepy characters, questionable choices, plot twists, and books that may or may not have permanently damaged our ability to trust fictional people.If you love thriller books, psychological thrillers, horror books, mystery novels, dark fiction, creepy books, book recommendations, BookTok, BookTube, and brutally honest book reviews, you're in the right place.We're here for the books that make you say:"WHAT THE HELL DID I JUST READ?"And then immediately recommend them to someone else.🎧 LISTEN: Find Book Slayers wherever you get your podcasts.▶️ WATCH: Subscribe to the Book Slayers YouTube channel so you don't miss the next episode.⭐ LIKE this episode if you love your books dark and your fictional people deeply concerning.💬 COMMENT: What's the last dark book you read that completely caught you off guard?📲 SHARE this with your fellow thriller/horror book addict.🔪 FOLLOW/SUBSCRIBE for more dark fiction, thriller, horror and mystery book recommendations, reviews, debates and general literary violence.And remember:READ SOMETHING DARK. SLAY SOMETHING GOOD.#BookSlayers #BookPodcast #ThrillerBooks #HorrorBooks #DarkFiction #PsychologicalThriller #MysteryBooks #BookRecommendations #BookTok #BookTube🔪 THE BOOK SLAYERS
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  Best & Worst Thrillers of 2026 So Far | 4 Slays & 4 Decays 25.08.2026 37min

  🎙️ BOOK SLAYERS: 4 SLAYS. 4 DECAYS. ZERO MERCY.We’ve reached that dangerous point in the year where we look back at everything we’ve read so far and ask the question:Which thrillers actually slayed… and which ones should have been left at the crime scene? 🔪In this episode of Book Slayers, we’re handing out our Slays & Decays of the Year So Far.Each of us picked:🔪 2 SLAYS — our favourite thrillers of 2026 so far💀 2 DECAYS — our least favourite reads of the year so farThat means 8 books enter the courtroom.Some earned their place on our best-of-the-year list.Some made us question our life choices.And yes… we absolutely have opinions.We’re talking thrillers, suspense, twists, characters, pacing, WTF moments, disappointments, surprises, and the books that had us saying “OH HELL YES” versus “WHY DID I FINISH THIS?”But here’s the real question:👇 Do you agree with our Slays and Decays?Tell us:What is YOUR best thriller of 2026 so far?And more importantly…💀 What’s your biggest book disappointment of the year?Because we know somebody is about to come into the comments swinging. 😂🎧 WATCH / LISTEN: Find Book Slayers wherever you get your podcasts and on YouTube.🔪 LIKE this episode if you love a good thriller.🩸 FOLLOW/SUBSCRIBE for more Book Slayers.💬 COMMENT with your 2026 Slay and Decay.📲 SHARE this with your thriller-loving book bestie.⭐ And if you’re enjoying Book Slayers, leave us a 5-star rating/review wherever you listen. It helps more readers find us!#BookSlayers #BookPodcast #ThrillerBooks #ThrillerBookRecommendations #BestThrillers #ThrillerRecommendations #BookRecommendations #BookTube #BookTok #Bookstagram #MysteryBooks #PsychologicalThriller #SuspenseBooks #BooksOf2026 #2026Books #BestBooksOf2026 #WorstBooksOf2026 #BookReviews #SlayOrDecay #ThrillerReaders
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  The Women by Sarah Pekkanen: Psychic Powers, Characters, Plot & Our Stabby Rating 18.08.2026 55min

  THE WOMEN BY SARAH PEKKANEN DEEP DIVE 🔪📚One book. Two hosts. VERY different opinions.In this Book Slayers deep dive, we’re getting into The Women by Sarah Pekkanen — and let's just say the Stabby verdict was NOT unanimous.Bonny LOVED it.Betty… did not.So obviously, we had to investigate. 🔪We’re breaking down the plot, characters, psychic powers, twists, theories, and everything that made this book work for one of us and absolutely NOT work for the other.Were the psychic elements believable?Did the characters pull us in?Did the plot deliver?Were the twists worth the journey?And most importantly…What did The Women actually earn in the Stabby Rating?This is a full Book Slayers book discussion and deep dive, so SPOILERS AHEAD if you haven't read The Women yet!💬 WE WANT TO KNOW:Have you read The Women by Sarah Pekkanen?Are you Team Bonny — LOVED IT ❤️or Team Betty — ABSOLUTELY NOT 🔪?Tell us your rating in the comments!If you love thrillers, psychological suspense, dark fiction, mysteries, supernatural elements, psychic powers, book discussions, book podcasts, and brutally honest book reviews, you've found your people.🔪 WATCH. LISTEN. STAB. REPEAT.Subscribe/follow Book Slayers for more dark, twisted, spoiler-filled book discussions and deep dives.👍 Like this episode if you love a book debate💬 Comment your Stabby Rating🔔 Subscribe/follow so you don't miss the next case📚 Tell us what book we should investigate next#BookSlayers #TheWomen #SarahPekkanen #BookPodcast #BookTok #ThrillerBooks #PsychologicalThriller #BookReview #BookDiscussion #ThrillerBookReview #MysteryBooks #DarkFiction #PsychicPowers #BookRecommendations
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  Two Slays & a Grave 🔪 Her Silence in the hot seat| Book Slayers 11.08.2026 32min

  This week on Book Slayers, we're back with Two Slays & a Grave — two new releases and one backlist book pulled from the literary graveyard.And apparently, our reading mood this week was: make questionable life choices and emotionally destroy Stacey.🔪 THE TWO SLAYSFirst up: Her Silence by S.T. Ashman, a psychological thriller that had both of us suspicious of absolutely everyone.A woman disappears. Family secrets start surfacing. Everyone has something to hide.Stacey gave it 4.5 stars, and Betty loved it too — which is saying something considering Betty also tackled a Shari Lapena thriller and The Maid by Nita Prose.Then we're diving into Last Night Was Killer by Mary Pauline Lowry, a darkly funny mystery where one chaotic night spirals completely out of control.Fast pacing? Check.Bad decisions? Absolutely.Characters making us yell “WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!”? Constantly.Another 4.5-star read.⚰️ THE GRAVEThen we dig up a classic: Dead Poets Society by Nancy H. Kleinbaum.This one isn't here because it committed a crime.It's here because we apparently enjoy reopening emotional wounds that have been sitting peacefully in the literary graveyard for decades.Stacey gave it 5 stars, and honestly? This book still hurts.In this Book Slayers mini pod, we're talking psychological thrillers, mystery, dark comedy, dark academia, family secrets, missing persons, chaotic nights, coming-of-age stories, emotional classics — and, of course, putting all three books on trial.⚖️ Which books are GUILTY?Which one gets ACQUITTED?And which backlist book still lives rent-free in your head?Join the jury and tell us what YOU think.🔪 BOOKS DISCUSSED📖 Her Silence — S.T. Ashman📖 Last Night Was Killer — Mary Pauline Lowry⚰️ Dead Poets Society — Nancy H. Kleinbaum📖 The Maid — Nita Prose📖 Someone we know - Shari LapenaWhat's one backlist book you would resurrect from the literary graveyard because EVERY reader needs to read it? ⚰️📚If you love psychological thrillers, mystery books, dark fiction, dark academia, crime fiction, book reviews, thriller recommendations, backlist books, BookTok books, and unapologetically judging fictional people for their terrible decisions, you're in the right courtroom.Subscribe to Book Slayers on YouTube and follow the podcast wherever you listen.And if you enjoyed the episode, leave us a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review — preferably before we put YOUR favourite book on trial.Until next time...Keep your alibis believable.Trust no narrator.And remember...The next book could be your favourite... or your next victim. 🔪 For Her Silence:“We both loved this book, which is dangerous because now we have to agree with each other.”For Betty reading The Maid:“Betty read The Maid, because apparently one murder wasn't enough. She needed a maid.”For the Shari Lapena book:“Betty also read a Shari Lapena book that she didn't love. Which means we have officially established that Betty is capable of having opinions that are wrong.”For Last Night Was Killer:“At some point while reading this I had to ask myself: has ANYONE in this book considered simply going home?”For Dead Poets Society:“This book is old enough to be considered backlist, but apparently emotional damage has no expiration date.”And my favourite for the whole episode:“Two slays and a grave: because apparently three books weren't enough unless one of them emotionally assaulted us.” #BookSlayers #TwoSlaysAndAGrave #BookPodcast #BookTube #BookTok #ThrillerBooks #PsychologicalThriller #MysteryBooks #DarkFiction #DarkAcademia #BookReviews #BookRecommendations #DeadPoetsSociety #HerSilence #LastNightWasKiller
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  Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir Deep Dive | Is It REALLY Sci-Fi's Modern Masterpiece? | Book Slayers Podcast 04.08.2026 54min

  This week on Book Slayers, we're putting Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir on trial.Is this one of the greatest modern science fiction novels ever written, or is the hype bigger than the story?We're diving into everything that makes Project Hail Mary unforgettable—from the science and mystery to the unforgettable friendships, emotional moments, and the twists that kept us turning pages.Whether you've already read the book or you're wondering if it's worth adding to your TBR, we're breaking down what worked, what surprised us, and whether this sci-fi phenomenon deserves all the praise it's received.⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This episode contains spoilers for Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir.⭐ Did Project Hail Mary live up to the hype?⭐ Which Andy Weir book is your favorite?⭐ What science fiction novel would you put on trial next?Leave your verdict in the comments!🎙️ Spotify🎙️ Apple Podcasts🎙️ Amazon Music🎙️ Audible▶️ YouTube👍 Like this video💬 Leave a comment📚 Subscribe for weekly dark fiction, sci-fi, horror, mystery, and thriller discussions🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an episode#ProjectHailMary #AndyWeir #BookSlayers #ScienceFiction #SciFiBooks#BookPodcast #BookReview #BookTube #BookTok #ReadingCommunity #Readers#BooksBooksBooks #SciFi #BookRecommendations #TBR #bookslayers #bookalorianmedia #bookentertainmentJoin the Conversation📚 Listen & Watch❤️ Support Book Slayers
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  The Bloody Bookmark Awards | Celebrating the Best Thriller Books, Plot Twists & Killer Characters 28.07.2026 40min

  The Bloody Bookmark Awards have officially arrived...We're celebrating the thriller books that stole our sleep, destroyed our trust, and made us accuse literally everyone before chapter five.Join Bonny and Betty as we hand out our first-ever Bloody Bookmark Awards for the best thrillers we've read.From unforgettable villains and shocking plot twists to suspiciously attractive suspects and endings we'll never recover from, nothing is safe.We also play hilarious thriller games, leave in some of our biggest recording bloopers, and somehow laugh far too much while discussing fictional murder.If you love psychological thrillers, mystery novels, detective fiction, crime books, serial killers, suspense novels and dark humour, this episode is for you.Grab your favourite drink, lock the doors...Let's hand out some Bloody Bookmarks.Bloody Bookmark Awards Like this video if you love thriller books. Subscribe for weekly thriller book reviews, author interviews, reading challenges, games, true crime-inspired fiction, and all things dark fiction. Turn on notifications so you never miss an episode.Listening on Spotify or Apple Podcasts? Leaving a 5-star review helps other thriller lovers find Book Slayers.Which thriller book deserves YOUR Bloody Bookmark Award—and what category would it win?Tell us in the comments!Best thriller books Best mystery books Psychological thriller books Thriller book podcast Mystery podcast Crime fiction books Suspense books Book recommendations Best books of the year Book awards Thriller recommendations Serial killer booksDetective novels BookTube BookTok Reading podcast Book review podcast Dark fiction Mystery novels Psychological suspense Domestic thrillerBook games Funny book podcast Books that will keep you awake#BookSlayers #BloodyBookmarkAwards #ThrillerBooks #BookPodcast#BookTube #BookTok #MysteryBooks #CrimeFiction #PsychologicalThriller #SuspenseBooks #BookRecommendations #ReadersOfInstagram #BooksBooksBooks #DarkFiction #ReadingCommunity #MysteryReader#ThrillerReader #BookLover #PlotTwist #BookAwardsThanks for watching this year's Bloody Bookmark Awards! If you love thriller books, mystery novels, psychological suspense, and crime fiction, don't forget to subscribe to Book Slayers for weekly book reviews, author interviews, thriller games, reading challenges, and plenty of murderous fun. Leave us a comment telling us which book deserves a Bloody Bookmark Award, and if you're listening on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, a five-star review helps more thriller readers find the show. Until next time… keep reading, keep guessing... and trust absolutely no one.Join the Slayers Community Question of the Week
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  The Fourth Monkey by JD Barker | Jennifer Hillier, Harlan Coben, Minka Kent & Kelsey Cox Thriller Reviews 21.07.2026 39min

  If your toxic trait is saying "just one more chapter" at 2:47 AM... welcome home.This week on Book Slayers, we're diving into FIVE thrillers that kept us questioning everyone, trusting no one, and side-eyeing every suspicious neighbour.This episode we review:📚 The Fourth Monkey by JD Barker (yes... Stacey interviewed him and yes, she's still fangirling.)📚 Heart of Glass by Jennifer Hillier📚 I Will Find You by Harlan Coben (Betty has thoughts... including why the TV adaptation might actually beat the book.)📚 Hidden Strangers by Minka Kent📚 Pretty Dead Things by Kelsey CoxWe talk plot twists, psychopaths, unreliable narrators, red flags we absolutely ignored, and which books deserve a permanent place on your thriller shelf.As always...No spoilers without warning.Plenty of sarcasm.Questionable life choices.And entirely too much enthusiasm for fictional murder.⚔️ Join the Slayer Army👍 Like the video💬 Tell us your favourite thriller in the comments!🔔 Subscribe so you never miss an episode.⭐ Leave us a 5-star review if you listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts—it helps more thriller lovers find us.❤️ Support us on Patreon for bonus episodes, behind-the-scenes chaos, exclusive content, and early releases.🎙️ NEW! Confessions of a Book Podcaster drops every Sunday on YouTube and Patreon, where we spill all the behind-the-scenes tea about running book podcasts, interviewing authors, BookTok, and the wonderfully chaotic world of content creation.If you laughed...If we added another book to your TBR...Or if you're currently pretending you weren't already buying one of these books while watching...Hit LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and ring that bell.Then tell us in the comments...👇Which thriller completely fooled you?We need recommendations... and emotional damage.🚨 THRILLER READERS!Which book has the BEST plot twist you've ever read?(No spoilers!)We're always looking for books to feature on Book Slayers, so help us destroy our sleep schedules.The Fourth MonkeyJD BarkerJD Barker interviewThe Fourth Monkey reviewJennifer HillierHeart of Glass reviewHarlan CobenI Will Find You reviewNetflix book adaptationMinka KentHidden Strangers reviewKelsey CoxPretty Dead Things reviewthriller bookspsychological thrillerbest thriller booksbook podcastBookTubeBookTokmystery bookscrime thrillerserial killer booksbook recommendationsreading vlogbook reviewthriller recommendationsdark fictionbooks to read2026 book recommendations#BookSlayers#ThrillerBooks#BookTube#BookTok#JD_Barker#JenniferHillier#HarlanCoben#MinkaKent#KelseyCox#PsychologicalThriller#MysteryBooks#BookPodcast#BookReview#ReadersOfInstagram#DarkFictionThe Fourth Monkey reviewJD Barker podcastbest thriller bookspsychological thriller booksJennifer Hillier reviewHeart of GlassHarlan Coben I Will Find YouHidden Strangers reviewPretty Dead Things reviewserial killer thrillerbook podcastthriller recommendationsbook reviewsmystery bookscrime fictiondark fiction booksbooks to read this year🗡️ Watch next:Our Mindf*ck Series Deep DiveBehind Her Eyes ReviewJasper Moore Grimdark MarathonAuthor interviews with JD Barker and other thriller writers⭐ Subscribe for weekly thriller reviews, author interviews, book discussions, and enough dark humour to make your TBR and therapist equally concerned.Bonus: Stacey has interviewed JD Barker before, so we also chat about what makes his writing—and The Fourth Monkey in particular—so addictive for thriller fans.THUMBNAIL TEXT
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  The Mindf*ck Series Broke Our Brains 🤯 | Every Book Ranked & Reviewed (ST Abby) 14.07.2026 53min

  How dumb is Logan?One serial killer. One FBI profiler. One romance that shouldn't work... and somehow became one of our favorite thriller series ever.In this Book Slayers deep dive, we're covering all five Mindf*ck novellas by ST Abby—from The Risk to Paint It All Red. We're breaking down Lana Myers, Logan Bennett, the unforgettable twists, shocking moments, our favorite characters, and whether this viral thriller romance actually lives up to the hype.Expect spoilers, laughs, hot takes, and plenty of Logan slander because... well... you'll see.📚 Books Covered:The RiskSidetrackedScarlet AngelAll the LiesPaint It All Red⚠️ This episode contains spoilers for the entire Mindf*ck series.Today we're reviewing all five books in the Mindf*ck Series by ST Abby, one of BookTok's most talked-about thriller romance series. We're ranking every novella, talking spoilers, debating Logan's decisions, and deciding whether this series really deserves the hype.00:00 Betty Has Thoughts About Logan...00:32 Welcome to Book Slayers01:20 The Risk06:05 Sidetracked10:18 Scarlet Angel14:52 All the Lies19:45 Paint It All Red25:40 Final Ratings28:10 Is the Mindf*ck Series Worth It?30:15 Case Closed(Adjust the timestamps after editing.)If you love dark romance, psychological thrillers, serial killers, morally grey characters, and books that completely destroy your sleep schedule...👍 Like this video💬 Tell us...Did Logan deserve all the slander?🔔 Subscribe for weekly book discussions, deep dives, interviews, and chaotic book debates.⭐ Leave us a comment with your favorite Mindf*ck moment!🚨 CASE FILE CLOSED 🚨We have ONE question...👇How many brain cells do you think Logan had left by the end of the series?🧠⬇️Bonus points if you defend him... Betty will probably disagree. 😂Which thriller series should we cover next?If you enjoyed our deep dive into the Mindf*ck Series by ST Abby, let us know what thriller or dark romance series we should cover next. Don't forget to subscribe to Book Slayers for more spoiler-filled book reviews, author discussions, thriller recommendations, and weekly book podcast episodes.Mindf*ck SeriesST AbbyMindf*ck Series ReviewMindf*ck BooksThe Risk ST AbbyLana MyersLogan BennettDark Romance BooksThriller RomancePsychological ThrillerBookTubeBook PodcastBook SlayersBook ReviewDark Romance ReviewBest Thriller BooksThriller Book RecommendationsMorally Grey FMCSerial Killer RomanceTikTok BooksBookTok BooksSpicy Thriller Books#MindfckSeries#STAbby#DarkRomance#ThrillerBooks#BookTube#BookPodcast#BookSlayers#BookTok#PsychologicalThriller#RomanceBooks#BookReview#LanaMyers#LoganBennett#MorallyGrey#ReadMoreBooks
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  5 Thriller Reviews in 30 Minutes! | Freida McFadden, John Marrs, Lucinda Berry & More | Book Slayers Mini Pod 07.07.2026 42min

  Do you need to enjoy a book for it to be good? PONDERING THAT…Five thrillers. Five reviews. One very opinionated mini podcast.This week on Book Slayers, Betty and Bonny are sharing quick, spoiler-light reviews of five psychological thrillers that kept us guessing.In this episode we review:📚 The Divorce by Freida McFadden ⭐⭐⭐⭐📚 The Breakup Retreat by Camilla Sten ⭐⭐⭐⭐📚 Appetite for Innocence by Lucinda Berry ⭐⭐⭐⭐📚 The One by John Marrs ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐📚 The Favorite Girl by Monica Arya ⭐⭐⭐⭐We're talking about what worked, what surprised us, who should read each book, and whether they're worth adding to your TBR.Looking for your next thriller? We've got you covered.A seemingly straightforward divorce spirals into deception, hidden motives, and dangerous secrets. As truths begin to unravel, every character has something to hide, proving that ending a marriage can be far deadlier than anyone expected.A secluded retreat promises struggling couples the chance to repair their relationships. Instead, long-buried resentments surface, trust crumbles, and the remote location becomes the perfect setting for psychological terror.Lucinda Berry explores the dark consequences of obsession, manipulation, and trauma in a story that blurs the line between innocence and guilt. As shocking revelations emerge, every assumption is challenged.Imagine a DNA test that identifies your one true soulmate. What begins as the promise of perfect love quickly exposes dangerous secrets, impossible choices, and the terrifying consequences of technology determining fate.When admiration turns into obsession, relationships become increasingly dangerous. Hidden motives, manipulation, and escalating tension create a psychological thriller full of twists until the final pages.If you enjoy our mini reviews:⭐ Leave us a 5-star review👍 Like this episode💬 Tell us which thriller we should read next📤 Share this episode with your fellow thriller lovers🔔 Follow Book Slayers so you never miss a new release review.Want bonus episodes, exclusive content, early access, and behind-the-scenes chaos?Join us on Patreon and become part of the Slayer community!Which of these thrillers have you read—and do you agree with our ratings? Drop your thoughts in the comments! If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, leave us a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review on your favorite podcast platform, and share this episode with the thriller lover in your life. For bonus episodes, exclusive content, behind-the-scenes updates, and early access, join our Patreon and become part of the Book Slayers community!00:00 Welcome to Book Slayers Mini Pod01:10 What We're Reviewing Today02:20 The Divorce – Freida McFadden08:15 The Breakup Retreat – Camilla Sten14:20 Appetite for Innocence – Lucinda Berry20:40 The One – John Marrs28:45 The Favorite Girl – Monica Arya35:20 Final Rankings38:10 What We're Reading Next39:30 OutroFreida McFadden reviewThe Divorce reviewThe Breakup Retreat reviewCamilla StenLucinda Berry reviewAppetite for Innocence reviewJohn Marrs The OneThe One reviewMonica AryaThe Favorite Girl reviewthriller book reviewspsychological thriller booksthriller recommendationsmystery booksthriller podcastBook Slayersbook podcastbest thriller books 2026books worth readingthriller TBR#BookSlayers#ThrillerBooks#BookPodcast#BookReview#FreidaMcFadden#JohnMarrs#LucindaBerry#CamillaSten#MonicaArya#PsychologicalThriller#MysteryBooks#BookTok#BookTube#ReadersOfInstagram#BookRecommendations#ThrillerCommunity#CurrentlyReading#TBR#ReadMoreBooks#FiveStarReadBRIEF SYNOPSIS OF EACH BOOK📖 The Divorce — Freida McFadden📖 The Breakup Retreat — Camilla Sten📖 Appetite for Innocence — Lucinda Berry📖 The One — John Marrs ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐📖 The Favorite Girl — Monica Arya
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  Behind Her Eyes Deep Dive | The Twist Everyone Talks About 30.06.2026 57min

  What starts as a complicated love triangle quickly becomes something far darker.When Louise, a single mother, begins an affair with her married boss, David, she unexpectedly forms a friendship with his wife, Adele. As Louise becomes entangled in their unsettling marriage, strange dreams, manipulation, psychological games, and impossible secrets begin to surface. Every chapter peels back another layer until the novel delivers one of the most shocking endings in modern psychological thrillers.One of the most talked-about psychological thrillers ever written—and we're diving into every twisted detail.This week on Book Slayers, we unpack Behind Her Eyes by Sarah Pinborough. We explore the novel that convinced an entire generation of readers that they knew exactly where the story was going... right before pulling the rug out from under everyone.In this spoiler-filled deep dive, we discuss:📚 The book and why it became a thriller phenomenon📺 The Netflix adaptation—what changed and what stayed the same🧠 Louise, David, Adele, and Rob: who they really are beneath the surface👀 The clues hidden throughout the novel😱 THAT ending and whether it still shocks readers today❤️ Our favorite moments, biggest surprises, and final ratingsIf you've read the book or watched the series, this episode is for you.⚠️ Massive spoilers ahead.If you enjoy our episodes, please help support the show!⭐ Leave us a 5-star review👍 Like this episode💬 Tell us what YOU thought about the ending📤 Share with your fellow thriller lovers🔔 Follow Book Slayers so you never miss an episode.Want even more bonus episodes, exclusive content, early releases, and behind-the-scenes chaos?Join our Patreon and become part of the Slayer community.Follow us everywhere:📚 Instagram📚 TikTok📚 Facebook📚 YouTubeThanks for listening—and remember…We read the nightmares so you don't have to.Behind Her EyesBehind Her Eyes reviewBehind Her Eyes ending explainedBehind Her Eyes NetflixSarah Pinboroughpsychological thriller booksthriller podcastbook podcastthriller book reviewpsychological suspenseBook Slayers podcastbook vs showNetflix adaptationthriller ending explainedmystery bookssuspense novelsdark thrillersbook club discussionthriller recommendationsspoiler review#BehindHerEyes#SarahPinborough#BookSlayers#ThrillerBooks#PsychologicalThriller#BookPodcast#BookTube#BookTok#ReadersOfInstagram#BookReview#NetflixBooks#BookVsShow#MysteryBooks#SuspenseBooks#BookCommunity#BookLovers#ReadMoreBooks#ThrillerCommunity#BookDiscussion#SpoilerReview
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  We Read All 7 Jasper Moore Grimdark Novellas... And We're Still Creeped Out 23.06.2026 36min

  Do you ever wonder where your favorite disney characters originated? WELL DON’T hahaSeven books. Seven fairy tales. Hundreds of reasons to never trust a magical transformation.This week on Book Slayers, we're diving headfirst into the twisted, grotesque, and strangely addictive world of Jasper Moore. We read ALL SEVEN of his grimdark fairy tale novellas—and let's just say our reactions could not have been more different.Bonny was obsessed with the creativity, the darkness, and the absolutely bonkers body horror.Betty? Not so much.But one thing we absolutely agree on: these books are creepy as hell.We're talking:🖤 Twisted fairy tale retellings🖤 Body horror that made us physically recoil🖤 Uncomfortable transformations🖤 Monsters that aren't always the villains🖤 Which books worked for us—and which absolutely did notIf you've ever wondered what grimdark actually means, this episode is for you.Grimdark is a subgenre of dark fiction where hope is scarce, morality is messy, and terrible things happen to characters on a regular basis. Think brutal worlds, flawed people, violence, horror, and stories that aren't afraid to make you uncomfortable.Jasper Moore takes those grimdark elements and injects them straight into classic fairy tales, creating stories that are equal parts horrifying, fascinating, and deeply weird.So grab your cursed glass slippers, ignore the ominous whispers in the forest, and join us as we rank, roast, and reluctantly admire one of the most unsettling collections we've ever read.⚔️ Which Jasper Moore novella disturbed you the most?Drop your ranking in the comments!✨ LIKE this episode if you love dark fiction.✨ FOLLOW Book Slayers for more chaotic deep dives.✨ SHARE with your fellow book gremlins.✨ Leave us a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review—it helps more readers find the show!🖤 Want bonus content, behind-the-scenes chaos, exclusive episodes, and extra bookish nonsense?Join our Patreon and become an official Book Slayer.Jasper MooreJasper Moore booksJasper Moore grimdarkGrimdark fantasyGrimdark horrorDark fantasy booksDark fairy tale retellingsTwisted fairy talesHorror novellaBody horror booksCreepy booksDisturbing booksHorror podcastFantasy podcastBook podcastDark fictionBookTubeBookTokBook Slayers Podcast#jasperMoore #Grimdark #GrimdarkFantasy #DarkFantasy #DarkFiction #BodyHorror #HorrorBooks #DarkFairyTales #FairyTaleRetellings #BookPodcast #FantasyBooks #HorrorPodcast #BookTok #Bookstagram #TwistedFairyTales #BookReview #IndieBooks #CreepyBooks #DarkReads
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  The Child Thief by Brom Deep Dive | Dark Peter Pan Retelling Explained 16.06.2026 56min

  Are you a fan of Peter Pan?Marked not safe from Brom ruining my childhood…Peter Pan is supposed to save children.This one recruits them into war.This week on Book Slayers, Betty and Bonny venture into the twisted woods of The Child Thief by Brom—a brutal, heartbreaking, and absolutely bonkers reimagining of Peter Pan.We're talking:✨ A Peter Pan who is equal parts savior and manipulative menace✨ Flesh-eating monsters and nightmare creatures✨ Trauma, war, and what it means to grow up✨ Why literally every adult in this book deserves jail✨ The most horrifying fairies we've ever encountered✨ And the question we cannot stop asking…Peter Pan isn't here to save children.This week on Book Slayers, Betty and Bonny deep dive The Child Thief by Brom—a dark, horrifying, and emotionally devastating Peter Pan retelling.Expect:Dark fantasy discussionUnhinged reactionsHorror creaturesTwisted fairy tale loreTrauma analysisQuestionable jokesWas Peter ever the hero?Expect dark humor, unhinged theories, hot takes, and probably a few moments where we question why we willingly read books that emotionally devastate us.If you love dark fantasy, horror, twisted fairy tales, and chaotic book discussions—you've found your people.⚔️ Subscribe to Book Slayers and join us as we slay books one trauma at a time.⭐ Leave us a 5-star review—it helps other dark fiction lovers find the show!🖤 Want bonus episodes, behind-the-scenes chaos, games, and exclusive content?Join our Patreon!📚 Love reading with us?Join our book tours and reading adventures with Slay the Book!Follow us on socials for memes, book recommendations, and questionable life choices inspired by fiction.Peter Pan is officially on our list of Fictional Men We Would Absolutely Not Trust.Was he a hero trying to save children...ORa manipulative chaos gremlin with a god complex?The Child Thief by BromThe Child Thief reviewThe Child Thief explainedBrom booksPeter Pan retellingDark Peter PanHorror fantasy booksDark fantasy booksTwisted fairy talesFairy tale retellingsBook podcastDark fiction podcastHorror booksFantasy book reviewBooktubeBookstagramFantasy horrorGothic fantasyBrom authorBooks like The Child Thief#BookPodcast #Bookstagram #FantasyBooks #DarkFantasy #HorrorBooks #BookTok #BookTube #ReadersOfInstagram #BookLovers #BookCommunity#TheChildThief #Brom #PeterPan #PeterPanRetelling #DarkPeterPan #TwistedFairyTales #FairyTaleRetelling #DarkFiction #FantasyHorror #Neverland#BookSlayers #SlayTheBook #DarkBookClub #BooksAndChaos #SlayBooksNotPeople
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  Book Slayers: Slay or Decay? Betty Faces Unhinged Thriller Decisions 🔪📚 09.06.2026 28min

     What would you do in Betty's situation? Book Slayers: Slay or Decay? Betty Faces Unhinged Thriller Decisions 🔪📚This week on Book Slayers, we're testing Betty's survival instincts with a series of chaotic thriller games!First up: Slay or Decay, where Betty has to choose between thriller tropes, characters, and impossible bookish dilemmas. Then we crank up the tension with a round of unhinged thriller decisions that force her to answer the questions every thriller reader secretly thinks about.Would you open the mysterious door? Trust the suspicious stranger? Ignore the obvious red flags? Betty has opinions... and some of them may concern us.Join us for laughs, questionable choices, and a whole lot of thriller-loving chaos.🎙️ New episodes weekly📚 Thriller lovers welcome🔪 No survival guaranteesBetty was in the hot seat this week and her thriller survival instincts did NOT inspire confidence. 😂🔪We played Slay or Decay and put her through a series of unhinged thriller scenarios. Some of her answers were surprisingly smart. Others... would get her eliminated before Chapter 3.Watch now and tell us: would you survive a thriller novel?👍 Like if you've ever yelled at a thriller character for making a terrible decision.💬 Comment with the choice you disagreed with most.📚 Subscribe for more bookish chaos, games, author interviews, and thriller discussions.🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss a new episode.thriller books, thriller readers, thriller games, book podcast, booktube, booktok, reading community, psychological thriller, mystery books, thriller recommendations, book lovers, reading podcast, thriller discussion, book slayers, bookish games, reading challenge, thriller tropes, book content, reader community, thriller fan#BookSlayers #ThrillerBooks #BookPodcast #BookTok #BookTube #ThrillerReader #BookLovers #ReadingCommunity #PsychologicalThriller #MysteryBooks #BookishGames #ReadersOfInstagram #BookDiscussion #BookNerd #ReadingLife 🔪 You're alone in a house. You hear a strange noise downstairs at 2 a.m. Do you:A) Investigate immediatelyB) Call someone firstC) Lock the door and pretend you heard nothingExplain your answer—because apparently Betty's choices have us concerned. 😅📚🔪  
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  The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, Thursday Murder Club & Horror Book Chaos | Book Slayers 02.06.2026 38min

  This week on Book Slayers, we're putting some of the biggest thriller, mystery, and horror books on trial.We survived:📚 The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson📚 The Bullet That Missed by Richard Osman📚 The Last Devil to Die by Richard Osman📚 The Impossible Fortune by Richard Osman📚 Morsel by Carter KeaneFrom Swedish family secrets and Lisbeth Salander's legendary chaos to retirees solving murders better than actual detectives, this episode has everything:🔪 Character roasts🔪 Most unhinged moments🔪 Villains we almost believed🔪 Dumb decisions🔪 Emotional damage🔪 Book Jail sentencesQuestions we answer:• Is The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo still worth reading?• Which Thursday Murder Club book is best?• Which thriller twist made us the angriest?• Can retirees legally be this good at solving murders?• Why does every forest horror novel feel like a personal attack?Books MentionedThe Girl with the Dragon Tattoo — Stieg LarssonThe Bullet That Missed — Richard OsmanThe Last Devil to Die — Richard OsmanThe Impossible Fortune — Richard OsmanMorsel — Carter KeaneDrop your favorite thriller, mystery, or horror recommendation in the comments.👇 TELL US:Which book emotionally destroyed you while pretending to be a mystery?👍 LIKE💬 COMMENT🔔 SUBSCRIBE❤️ Join the Book Slayers communityPATREON:patreon.com/@bookslayerswithbettyandbonnyFOLLOW US: Instagram, FB and tiktok!@bookslayers_slaythebook #BookTube #BookTok #ThrillerBooks #MysteryBooks #HorrorBooks #TheGirlWithTheDragonTattoo #ThursdayMurderClub #RichardOsman #BookPodcast #BookReview