Off the Books: Recent Episodes
KHCPL
Shaking things up on B&S, we have Doug and Bethann! Join in as they talk about Doug's current favorite trope, horror, and what Bookopoly is looking like for everyone. This is also the episode when Bethann finds out she's in second-to-last place (no one saw that coming) and the audience finds out about the big changes coming in June for Bookopoly! Cry with Bethann while Doug breaks her heart about "Thornhedge," and laugh as they realize they both are fighting to not win last place. Listen in to have a great time!
Doug and Caele join Samantha for her last podcast episode for the summer. We share Bookopoly updates, highlighting a few of our favorite reads so far and a few things we can't bring ourselves to recommend.
Trisha is back in the reading lead this week with Bookopoly! All the other players are either fighting for first or gasp last place. Listen in as we refresh your prompts for this week and let you in on what staff are reading! Bethann and Samantha also treat you to some up and coming releases with some fresh reads to add to your TBR. It's a sit down an chill episode to enjoy on Off the Books!
In this episode of Off the Books with B & S, we’re diving into a handpicked selection of must-read books that are perfect for any reader. From gripping thrillers to romantic tales, we’ve got something to suit every taste. Join Bethann and Samantha as they share personal recommendations, explore why these books stand out, and discuss what makes them unputdownable. Whether you're looking for your next great read or just some fresh book ideas and prompts, this episode will leave you with plenty of titles to add to your TBR list!
In today's episode of Off the Books, Brittany expertly keeps Bethann and Samantha on track as they dive into all things reading. From exciting reading updates and fanfiction devotion to Samantha taking the reins with her free parking win, this episode has it all. The trio also shares their top anthology recommendations to help you break free from a reading slump, offering the perfect mix of inspiration and new authors. Whether you're looking for fresh reads or just need a little push to get back into your books, this episode is a must-listen!
Join Bethann and Samantha as they update their listeners on all things Bookopoly! What are the players reading now? Who is pulling ahead, and who has fallen into the Bookopoly trenches? B&S also give a sneak peak and no-spoiler review of the third and final book in the None Shall Sleep trilogy, "All Shall Mourn."
You are on the air and off the books with Bethann, Caele, and Trisha! Today they are coming in hot with some new book recommendations and new updates! Catch up on what everyone is reading while gathering up some new prompts to challenge your TBR. Check out this episode to pull you right out of a reading slump!
One month in and the scores have been tabulated for the hyper-competitive game of Bookopoly. Head of Marketing Caele joins the podcast this week to weigh in on the discussion of prompts and challenges in the reading game. Who is in first place? Who went straight to jail? What books have been discovered through this challenge? Find out all of this and more on this week's episode of Off the Books with B&S.
Bethann and Samantha welcome special guest James Logan to the podcast! James Logan is the author of the debut fantasy "The Silverblood Promise," a story following Lukan Gardova, a young man whose life consists of card-playing and drinking lots and lots of wine. When Lukan's estranged father is found assassinated, Lukan sets off to find his father's killer, unaware of the adventure that awaits him. Join us today as we chat with James about his amazing book, his writing process, and the industry of book editing. We thank James Logan for sending a copy of "The Sliverblood Promise" to review and for joining us on the podcast!
Let the games begin! Bookopoly begins January 1st. The players have made their first rolls and selected their books. Who rolled the best at the start? Who is likely to fall behind? Find out on this week's episode of Off the Books with B&S!
The end of the year is upon us; people are wrapping up their goals for this year and starting to look ahead to the next. Today, Bethann and Samantha share their big plans for 2025, and they want to play a game. Tune in to hear all about how you can follow along!
This week on Off the Books with B&S, Bethann and Samantha are joined by #1 New York Times Best Selling Historical Fiction Author Ruta Sepetys and her longtime friends and KHCPL librarians Trisha and Lori. Ruta Sepetys discusses her life before becoming a writer, her writing and research process, and even some details about upcoming projects. If you enjoy this interview, be sure to register for the author visit event coming up on Wednesday, December 18 from 7-8 p.m. at KHCPL South. Registration is free and can be done online or by calling 765-457-3242: https://khcpl.libnet.info/event/12083466
Digital Ben is taking over the podcast for this Halloween episode! We are taking a look back at the murder mystery series written by Bethann and Samantha, Partied to Death, where staff members here at the library play detectives and suspects in the murder case of victim Kirby Beckham. This was a special seven-part series that has been updated and rolled all into one episode. Can you guess who the killer is before the end? Happy Halloween!
With less than two months remaining in the year, how close are you to finish your reading goals? Listen to this week's podcast to find out how Bethann and Samantha up the stakes to round out 2024.
In this game of Would You Rather, Bethann and Samantha talk about their reading preferences. Join in to hear their answers to questions like "Would you rather meet your favorite author or your favorite book character?"
Hello, dear readers! Welcome back to another chit chatty episode about all things library and all things books. Bethann and Samantha are reading an array of brand new things and also hyping up the self-published All Shall Mourn by our favorite Ellie Marney! Join the chat and hold on as it rollercoasters away!
Bethann and Samantha try their hand at reading Cozy Romantasy together! "Spellshop" is a cute cottagecore tale about a woman who goes to study at a magical library with her favorite sentient spider plant. This book ticks all the boxes for anyone looking to get "Legends and Lattes" vibes with a little more romance. Add this book to your TBR and put it on hold today! Thank you to Netgalley and Bramble, a section of Tor Publishing group, for sending us electronic and physical ARCS for honest reviews!
Samantha is all ready for Fall and her pumpkin spice everything! To get ready for Spooky Season, Bethann and Samantha are talking about the scary reads and recommendations they picked up this summer.
B&S are back with a few Mystery/Thriller and Horror recommendations to add to your TBR! Bethann talks about Summerween and Samantha goes over her Frieda McFadden obsession while spilling the Booktok Tea. Join us!
Farewell Bethann! This is the episode where we replace our beloved host with the other B in B&S! Samantha tells all that she's obsessed with, looking forward to, and recommends. Samantha spills all, tells all and, oh yeah, Bethann reads too... B&S will be back July 25th with their next episode! Have a great summer!
Chaos ensues in this episode of jokes, nonfiction and depressing tropes! Bethann brings some personal reads to the table and listens to Samantha judge her for them. B&S also talk about tropes Samantha hates while reviewing her latest 4-star read (that Bethann thinks sounds a lot like ACOTAR). Get ready to join us for this interesting conversation.
In this chatty episode, Bethann and Samantha bring you a few new books to add to your TBR. They will cover some up-and-coming releases in their favorite genres. Listen in as they talk about how behind they are and what is happening next!
Caele special guests with B&S to throw her review of "Hunted" by Darcy Coates on the table for the discussion of the year. Listen in while they fight it out. Who will win? Who loved it and who didn't? Come join us on this episode to place your bets and give your opinions! You can pick up "Hunted" at any KHCPL location; read and get ready to weigh in!
Bethann and Samantha finally read a Romance together and you'll never guess what Bethann's reaction is. "Empire of Shadows" by Jacquelyn Benson is a wild historical, magical realism, fantasy romance that satisfies all the readers who never knew they needed a The Mummy-meets-Tarzan-meets-Indiana-Jones mash-up. Join in for this wild ride! Off the Books would like to say thank you to Crimson Fox Publishing for eARC copies of "Empire of Shadows" for review and for allowing us to be considered for an ARC review team.
Remember the whole year Bethann was trying to get Samantha to read that Kaiju Manga and Samantha kept saying she hated Godzilla? One year later and a well-placed recommendation from Doug to Samantha and now Bethann is bitter and Samantha has a new favorite Manga Series! Join the broody bunch today to talk about all things Kaiju No. 8. Bethann tells Samantha, "I told you so," and Samantha promptly ignores her and raves. Pick this series up and join in on the reading fun!
On March 12, the U.S. dropped Fallen Gods book 2, "Sunbringer," by the amazing Hannah Kaner! Bethann and Samantha had the privilege to interview Hannah about her debut, "Godkiller," and are now excited to share with you its sequel. If you haven't picked this series up yet, RACE to the library and grab your copies for an epic fantasy ride full of betrayal, war, fallen gods, and their fallen people. This is the series that puts you in your fantasy era. So join Bethann and Samantha today as they celebrate a beloved author and her AMAZING works! We want to send a very special thank you to Hannah Kaner, Jessica Lyons, and the crew over at Avon and Harper Voyager for sending us the eARC and beautiful finished copies of "Sunbringer" to review.
In today's episode, Bethann and Samantha have a serious debate over the idea of things being Hyped and Underhyped. They list some of their favorites and NOT so favorites. Tune in to this episode and see where you stand in this heated discussion.
Samantha and Bethann sit down to recommend a few books this week, "When Among Crows" by Veronica Roth being one of them! This is a new Sci-Fi/Fantasy novella coming out May 14. This is a non-spoiler discussion so that you can put this book on hold and pick it up fresh. This episode also comes packed with a thriller, some manga, and a weird science-fiction book that has a lot of big green men in it and Bethann questioning the morals of science experimentation in space. Don't miss out! Off the Books would also like to say a huge thank you to Netgalley and Tor Publishing Group for sending us electronic and physical ARCS for honest reviews.
This is the episode where Bethann raves about a Space-Opera that makes her cry, whatever that means, and Samantha gets passionate about Big HOFAS (House of Flame and Shadow) and the new-to-us "Zodiac Academy." There will be talk of Sarah J. Maas and her fandom, new Sci-Fi obsessions, and war over whether or not Sarah J. Maas is the queen of Fantasy. Grab your drink and cozy up for some interesting discussions and ranty passionate bits from two very different reading perspectives.
Here we are again, another episode full of books to add to your TBR! Bethann and Samantha are chatting about some new releases and new books that are being added to the library. Lovers of true crime, fiction, humor/fantasy, and romantasy will find something new and fresh here. Join in the discussion today!
Thank you to Anne Fraistat and Delacorte Press for sending us eARC's of "A Place for Vanishing" for review. Last Tuesday on Jan. 16, Anne Fraistat, author of "What We Harvest," released highly anticipated novel "A Place for Vanishing." In today's episode, join us as we discuss this amazing new release! There are minimal spoilers in this episode so that you can pick this up and join in on the discussion. "A Place for Vanishing" is horror meets real life, showcasing a main character navigating the effects of a Bipolar 3 diagnosis while fighting for her life in a house that wants her gone. Big discussions in today's episode! Tune in!
Welcome back to Off the Books! Today we have special guest Trisha with us to discuss Booktok phenomenon "Confessions" by Kanae Minato. Filled with twists and turns, "Confessions" takes you on a wild ride with characters that are morally gray to the bone. Pick up your copy and join us in the discussion. What confessions would you make if you were tangled in this murder mystery web?
This week with Bethann and Samantha, you'll explore two different book recommendations to help round out your 2023 reading goal. These novellas are some of our B&S favorites and anticipated favorites for 2023. Get your TBR list out and write these down!
Off the Books is starting a new series called "Get to Know Your Library." In this episode we will be interviewing the staff of the Adult and Teen department located upstairs at KHCPL Main. You'll get to meet some awesome staff and learn about their favorite books, genres and recommendations! Bring your pen and paper to add to your To-Be-Read list!
(A huge thank you to Harper Voyager for sending physical ARCS of Godkiller to review.) On this episode of Off the Books, Bethann and Samantha have the honor of interviewing Hannah Kaner, author of one of the best fantasy of the year, Godkiller.
On this episode, Bethann and Samantha indulge in in their favorite reads of this year! As you might have guessed, these two hosts share books of different sides of the reading spectrum; these book choices may surprise you!
(A huge thank you to Sourcebooks Fire for sending physical ARCS of Where He Can't Find You for review). DON'T WALK ALONE, OR THE STITCHER WILL FIND YOU. DON'T STAY OUT LATE, OR THE STITCHER WILL TAKE YOU. DON'T CLOSE YOUR EYES, OR THE STITCHER WILL REMAKE YOU. Come along for a spooky season ride with Darcy Coates' newest release, Where He Can't Find You. Join us for a conversation and spoilery review of this amazing horror novel!
Off the Books wants to say a big thank you to Sourcebooks for sending physical ARCS to review for the podcast! If you like stories about weird religious cults, small towns, with secret murder this is the book for you. Come along and hear what Samantha and Bethann have to say about this much anticipated dark psychological thriller. Recommended for fans of In My Dreams I a Hold a Knife.
The Top 15 books for Howard County Reads are ready for you to check out! Bethann and Samantha chat today about these top selections made by the HCR panel. They go over what they have read and would like to continue reading. Join today to get all the information about HCR and the author visit with Nikki Erlick! Grab a pen and paper because your TBR pile just got bigger.
This week we are reaching out to all the True Crime lovers; today we have a special treat and a brand-new release to talk about! "Murder in the Family" by Cara Hunter is a new immersive reading experience where you, the reader, are given the case file of a crime and tasked with racing to a solution before the characters in the book. Bethann and Samantha are tackling this today and talking about their reading experience! (There will be a spoiler warning during the podcast so that you, our amazing listener, can pause and tackle this book before we do and then come back and compare notes.) Get your investigation hat on and join us today!
Today is another wrap-up episode where Bethann and Samantha talk about some books they read in advance. Grab your notepad to take notes on some new releases and get an idea of what to fill your TBR with! Samantha will be dropping all things romance, mystery, fantasy and Bethann will have some new horror, fantasy, and thrillers for you to grab.
Stop here and take the Book Riot quiz to find out what you’re reading next! https://bookriot.com/what-book-should-i-read-quiz/ That’s what Bethann and Samantha have done, and on this episode, they bring you their results and their thoughts. Do you use book quizzes to help you find your next reads? Come and think it over while B&S chat!
This is the episode where you hear Samantha gush about The Fourth Wing and Bethann fumble over the 15 books she’s currently reading. Bring your notepads so you can jot down items for your TBR shelf to finish out 2023. Email us at offthebooks@khcpl.org to tell us what you are reading and add to Bethann’s overflowing shelf! Happy reading!
This is the takeover episode where Digital Ben himself interviews Bethann and Samantha to see how well they know each other. Separately, Bethann and Samantha will answer questions about themselves so you can get to know them. When they come together at the end, will tensions and emotions run high? Do they know each other as well as they thought? Do you know your podcasters? Find out on this exciting episode now!
On this episode, Bethann and Samantha go off the books with the author of What We Harvest, Ann Fraistat (Fry-STAT)! In this special author interview, Ann shares some of her writing processes and inspiration for one of Off the Books’ favorite 5-star reads. During this episode, Ann shares her favorite author and some recommended reads that quench your reading needs after picking up What We Harvest. Also keep a watch for her newest release in January 2024, A Place for Vanishing.
“Not all monsters can be slain, and not all nightmares are confined to the dark.” Today Bethann and Samantha review a very Wednesday Adams feeling contemporary fantasy, The Luminaries by Susan Dennard. This novel is all about nightmares and the people who kill them before they kill you. Join in the discussion to hear their thoughts and the anticipation of the second book in this duology.
We are celebrating with our friend, author Ellie Marney, today for her release of Some Shall Break the sequel to our favorite YA Crime Thriller None Shall Sleep! Samantha and Bethann hop back into Travis and Emma's world as they meet up with Simon, our mysterious and dangerous serial killer, to solve the latest in serial murders that look a bit too familiar. Emma and Travis get caught up even further in the game as their world begins to unravel permanently. Press play and check out what Off the Books has to say because you don't want to pass up this series.
Do you like mysteries where the clues are all there, you just have to put the pieces together? Then you are going to love Maureen Johnson's "Truly Devious" series! Joining Bethann and Samantha today on the podcast is the amazing author herself, Maureen Johnson, to talk with us about her writing process, publishing books, living in New York during the pandemic and much, much more!
Bethann and Samantha almost always have a book in hand. Check out some of these great books that B&S have been reading in between episodes.
You open your door to find a small wooden box on your doorstep. Inside you'll find your name and a piece of string. Turns out the length of the string holds the answer to exactly how long you have left to live. What do you do? That's what The Measure by Nikki Erlick is all about. Join Bethann and Samantha as they discuss this New York Times best-selling novel!
If you are looking for a supernatural thriller, Edgar Award-finalist Jason Rekulak's book Hidden Pictures may be just what you're looking for! Join Bethann and Samantha as they discuss the sweet and shy five-year-old boy, Teddy, who's art becomes increasingly sinister as the protagonist and babysitter Mallory gets to know him.
What would happen if you took Game of Thrones, Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Outlander and mashed them all together? Well, Bethann and Samantha are tackling the best selling series and TikTok sensation A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas. Is it worth the hype? Find out by listening to this week's Off the Books with B&S!
Bethann and Samantha are back and this time with a very special guest. Award-winning author of novels "None Shall Sleep" and "The Killing Code," Ellie Marney, joins Off the Books with B&S this week to talk all about her books, how she became an author and more!
Colleen Hoover is all over Booktok right now. Here at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library, some of her books have huge waitlists to check out both for physical copies and digital. But are her books worth all of this hype? Don't worry, Bethann and Samantha are here to tell you all about it!
Join us as we look back over 100 episodes of Off the Books with B&S. We talk all about our favorite moments in the podcast, the best books we've read and much more! Thank you for joining us as we celebrate 100 episodes together!
Wren owes everything she has to her hometown, Hollow’s End, a centuries-old, picture-perfect slice of America. Tourists travel miles to marvel at its miracle crops, including the shimmering, iridescent wheat of Wren’s family’s farm. At least, they did. Until five months ago. That’s when the Quicksilver blight first surfaced, poisoning the farms of Hollow’s End one by one. It began by consuming the crops, thick silver sludge bleeding from the earth. Next were the animals. Infected livestock and wild creatures staggered off into the woods by day—only to return at night, their eyes fogged white, leering from the trees. Then the blight came for the neighbors. Wren is among the last locals standing, and the blight has finally come for her, too. Now the only one she can turn to is her ex, Derek, the last person she wants to call. They haven’t spoken in months, but Wren and Derek still have one thing in common: Hollow’s End means everything to them. Only, there’s much they don’t know about their hometown and its celebrated miracle crops. And they’re about to discover that miracles aren’t free. Their ancestors have an awful lot to pay for, and Wren and Derek are the only ones left to settle old debts.
The snow is here and it's the perfect weather to get cozy indoors with a good book. But where do you like to read? In a perfect world, what makes the ideal cozy reading spot? B&S are back with special guest Digital Ben from the Digital Den discussing reading habits and the perfect places to dive into a book.
2023 is here and B&S are back and ready to dive into more books! In this episode of Off the Books with B&S, Bethann and Samantha talk all about their reading goals for the year. Do you have similar goals for the year? Let us know!
Bethann and Samantha are back to tackle the giant Brandon Sanderson book Warbreaker. Along for the Ride are special guests Justin Kingery the Assistant Head of the Adult and Teen Department and Ben Rutz the Head of the Digital Den. If you're looking for a book with a complex magic system, intense world building and incredible characters, check out Warbreaker today!
Welcome to the Centennial. Every 100 years, the island of Lightlark appears to host the Centennial, a deadly game that only the rulers of six realms are invited to play. The invitation is a summons—a call to embrace victory and ruin, baubles and blood. The Centennial offers the six rulers one final chance to break the curses that have plagued their realms for centuries. Each ruler has something to hide. Each realm’s curse is uniquely wicked. To destroy the curses, one ruler must die.Isla Crown is the young ruler of Wildling—a realm of temptresses cursed to kill anyone they fall in love with. They are feared and despised, and are counting on Isla to end their suffering by succeeding at the Centennial. To survive, Isla must lie, cheat, and betray…even as love complicates everything.
This is the episode where we read 3 horror books and ask Bethann if she finished any of them! Come and be shocked and frightened with these fast paced killer thrillers; let's fall into horror.
Today Bethann and Samantha will be reviewing a fan recommendation of the horror kind, "After the sudden death of his wife, Tom Kennedy believes a fresh start will help him and his young son Jake heal. A new beginning, a new house, a new town. Featherbank. But the town has a dark past. Twenty years ago, a serial killer abducted and murdered five residents. Until Frank Carter was finally caught, he was nicknamed "The Whisper Man," for he would lure his victims out by whispering at their windows at night. Just as Tom and Jake settle into their new home, a young boy vanishes. His disappearance bears an unnerving resemblance to Frank Carter's crimes, reigniting old rumors that he preyed with an accomplice. Now, detectives Amanda Beck and Pete Willis must find the boy before it is too late, even if that means Pete has to revisit his great foe in prison: The Whisper Man. And then Jake begins acting strangely. He hears a whispering at his window..."
On this special episode, Bethann and Samantha will be interviewing Misty Zaugg author of the Aftermath series! We excited to sit down and chat with this author and talk about her bestseller Deadly Lockdown. Tune-in to hear Zaugg's interview and our chat about all things writing!
Special guest Teen Librarian Brittany Vanzo joins us to discuss The Final Gambit by Jennifer Lynn Barnes. To inherit billions, all Avery Kylie Grambs has to do is survive a few more weeks living in Hawthorne House. The paparazzi are dogging her every step. Financial pressures are building. Danger is a fact of life. And the only thing getting Avery through it all is the Hawthorne brothers. Her life is intertwined with theirs. She knows their secrets, and they know her. But as the clock ticks down to the moment when Avery will become the richest teenager on the planet, trouble arrives in the form of a visitor who needs her help—and whose presence in Hawthorne House could change everything. It soon becomes clear that there is one last puzzle to solve, and Avery and the Hawthorne brothers are drawn into a dangerous game against an unknown and powerful player. Secrets upon secrets. Riddles upon riddles. In this game, there are hearts and lives at stake—and there is nothing more Hawthorne than winning.
HCR Reads Top Pick: Flygirl by Sherri Smith - Ida Mae Jones dreams of flight. Her daddy was a pilot and being black didn’t stop him from fulfilling his dreams. But her daddy’s gone now, and being a woman, and being black, are two strikes against her. When America enters the war with Germany and Japan, the Army creates the WASP, the Women’s Airforce Service Pilots—and Ida suddenly sees a way to fly as well as do something significant to help her brother stationed in the Pacific. But even the WASP won’t accept her as a black woman, forcing Ida Mae to make a difficult choice of “passing,” of pretending to be white to be accepted into the program. Hiding one’s racial heritage, denying one’s family, denying one’s self is a heavy burden. And while Ida Mae chases her dream, she must also decide who it is she really wants to be."
"A Flicker in the Dark by Stacy Willingham When Chloe Davis was twelve, six teenage girls went missing in her small Louisiana town. By the end of the summer, her own father had confessed to the crimes and was put away for life, leaving Chloe and the rest of her family to grapple with the truth and try to move forward while dealing with the aftermath. Now twenty years later, Chloe is a psychologist in Baton Rouge and getting ready for her wedding. While she finally has a fragile grasp on the happiness she’s worked so hard to achieve, she sometimes feels as out of control of her own life as the troubled teens who are her patients. So when a local teenage girl goes missing, and then another, that terrifying summer comes crashing back. Is she paranoid, seeing parallels from her past that aren't actually there, or for the second time in her life, is Chloe about to unmask a killer?"
A strange darkness is growing in the Ward. Even Corayne an-Amarat can feel it, tucked away in her small town at the edge of the sea. Fate knocks on her door, in the form of a mythical immortal and a lethal assassin, who tell Corayne that she is the last of an ancient lineage - with the power to save the world from destruction.
B&S are back with another crime thriller! There’s a serial killer stalking the Granite City and the local media are baying for blood. How many lives must be taken before the killer is brought to justice?
In this episode, Brittany, our Teen Librarian chooses what we read! This will be our Teen Librarian's first cameo with B&S! Join us as our special guest talks about her recent favorite all while trying to convince Bethann that she actually does like romance. You won't want to miss this episode!
Summer Reading Program is here and the theme for this year is Ocean's of Possibilities! This episode of Off the Books will explain everything that you need to know about this summer and how to participate in all the challenges to get prizes. Bethann and Samantha will also be going through their anticipated TBR (To Be Read) Pile for this summer because they will be reading with you. Don't miss this episode!
Today Bethann and Samantha come to you with their own picks for this week! Relax with them as they talk about what books they choose for this special opportunity and why. You may see some historical fiction and you may see some romance; don't forget to stop to find out what books they review and let them know what you're reading!
Fantasy meets horror in this gripping read by Erin Craig; "Early town settlers fought off monstrous creatures in the woods, and whispers that the creatures still exist keep the Downings and their neighbors from venturing too far. When some townsfolk go missing on a trip to fetch supplies, a heavy unease settles over the Falls." As we slip into a world of monsters, come along for the ride to see if this story is for you!
Warning: this episode is exclusively for listeners that are 18+. Today B&S are exploring the world of nonfiction with The Last Victim by Jason Moss. The twisted, but fascinating, mind of a serial killer is revealed with terrifying consequences in this astonishing and shocking exploration. We finally go from fiction into the world of truth. Are we fans of true crime? Join us today and find out!
Welcome to the episode where we reveal what YOU chose for us to read! In this episode we will be reviewing your pick from 4 books posted in a poll through our social media. The winner was The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern. Put on your black, white and red and join us for the discussion of the magical duel between fated rivals and all things Night Circus!
Imagine a world where you might disappear any minute, only to find yourself alone in a grey sickly land, with more horrors in it than you would ever wish to know about. And then you hear a horn and you know that whoever lives in this hell has got your scent and the hunt has already begun. Could you survive the Call?
Today we come with books that we raided from our bookshelves at home! These books have been on our to be read lists for an un-admittable length of time! Join us and see if any of these peek your interest to add to your never-ending To-Be-Read at home!
Today Bethann & Samantha will be reviewing All the Missing Girls by Megan Miranda. Read the synopsis and tell us what you think: "It's been ten years since Nicolette Farrell left her rural hometown after her best friend, Corinne, disappeared without trace. Then a letter from her father arrives - 'I need to talk to you. That girl. I saw that girl.' Has her father's dementia worsened, or has he really seen Corinne? Returning home, Nicolette must finally face what happened on that terrible night all those years ago. Then, another young woman goes missing, almost to the day of the anniversary of when Corinne vanished. And like ten years ago, the whole town is a suspect. Told backwards - Day 15 to Day 1 - Nicolette works to unravel the truth, revealing shocking secrets about her friends, her family, and what really happened to Corinne. Like nothing you've ever read before, All the Missing Girls is a brilliantly plotted debut thriller that will leave you breathless.
Today Bethann & Samantha will be continuing on with their obsession with Jennifer Lyn Barnes and review book 2 of The Inheritance Games Series. The Hawthorne Legacy is next. Spoilers! See for yourself, "Thanks to a DNA test, Avery knows that she’s not a Hawthorne by blood, but clues pile up hinting at a deeper connection to the family than she had ever imagined. As the mystery grows and the plot thickens, Grayson and Jameson, two of the enigmatic and magnetic Hawthorne grandsons, continue to pull Avery in different directions. And there are threats lurking around every corner, as adversaries emerge who will stop at nothing to see Avery out of the picture—by any means necessary."
Today Bethann & Samantha will be reviewing "Behind Closed Doors" by B.A. Paris. Read the synopsis and tell us what you think : "Everyone knows a couple like Jack and Grace. He has looks and wealth; she has charm and elegance. He’s a dedicated attorney who has never lost a case; she is a flawless homemaker, a masterful gardener and cook, and dotes on her disabled younger sister. Though they are still newlyweds, they seem to have it all. You might not want to like them, but you do. You’re hopelessly charmed by the ease and comfort of their home, by the graciousness of the dinner parties they throw. You’d like to get to know Grace better. But it’s difficult, because you realize Jack and Grace are inseparable. Some might call this true love. Others might wonder why Grace never answers the phone. Or why she can never meet for coffee, even though she doesn’t work. How she can cook such elaborate meals but remain so slim. Or why she never seems to take anything with her when she leaves the house, not even a pen. Or why there are such high-security metal shutters on all the downstairs windows. Some might wonder what’s really going on once the dinner party is over, and the front door has closed."
For our final episode of 2021, we decided to get together with some very special guests and have another episode of Book Swapsies! Each of us drew each other randomly and secretly suggested a book based on our secret partners reading likes. We read our books and are now here to talk about the books and how well each of us did on our recommendations! Join us and try a book swapsie with your reading circle!
This is the episode where B&S sit down and talk with our bosses over hot chocolate and you get to be there to join the conversation! We will chit chat about Christmas Traditions, Christmas reads, favorite genres with book recommendations, and learn about how the podcast started from there perspective! Get you some warm slippers and a cup of hot chocolate and relax a while with us!
B&S are continuing on with the fourth book of Lisa Reagan's mystery thriller series. In this spoilery episode we review and predict what happens next with some other of our favorite characters! We recommend Josie Quinn Mysteries for anyone who loves murder mystery/ thriller with a strong female lead. Pick this up and join us; you will not be disappointed!
Today we get to review a book that we got early! Join us for our thoughts of Gone for Good in the good old fashioned book review by none other than us. SPOLIERS!!!
We all knew Samantha was a vampire and today we brought in our very own history detective, Amy R to show us how right we were about Samantha and her Romanian background. Put your fangs in and watch the magic unfold as B&S learn a thing or two about family history from the pro herself! Join us and come to the library to find out about your own history; maybe you're related to a vampire too!
This is the final episode that will conclude our Murder Mystery Podcast, Partied to Death. Today we will find out who the killer is! Make sure to get your votes in now before you listen; all will be revealed soon! We hope you enjoyed this special podcast and thank you for listening!
Partied to death continues with episode 6 featuring Twyla Whitaker, the head of the chess club. Could this Pink Lady be innocent? Or did she make Kirby her poisoned pawn? Let us know what you think in the comments on Facebook!
Cats may have nine lives, but the victim certainly didn't. The murder mystery podcast Partied to Death returns and is this kitty cat the culprit? Or was it one of the other suspects? Let us know who you think the killer is in the comments!
Yeehaw and welcome back to Partied to Death Episode 4: Toby Marshall. This farmer is the football star now that the victim is out of the way. Is that enough of a reason for Toby to be the killer? Let us know in the comments who you think the killer is!
Welcome back to murder mystery podcast series Partied to Death with episode 3! In this episode we'll find out how the mummy is wrapped up in all of this. Let us know in the comments if you think you've figured out the murder!
Ep 64: Welcome all you wonderful patrons to our very first Murder Mystery Podcast! We have taken the time to create a Murder Mystery for your listening pleasure during spook season! The last 2 weeks of September and all of October you will hear alibis from our very own library staffed cast that will weave its way through a deadly murder! We want this Murder Mystery, in good fashion, to be interactive and we need YOU to try and guess the killer! After each episode please post a comment with who you think the killer is in the description of the FaceBook post! Join us now for Vickie's alibi!
Welcome all you wonderful patrons to our very first Murder Mystery Podcast! We have taken the time to create a Murder Mystery for your listening pleasure during spook season! We want this Murder Mystery, in good fashion, to be interactive and we need YOU to try and guess the killer! The last 2 weeks of September and all of October you will hear alibis from our very own library staffed cast that will weave its way through a deadly murder! After each episode please post a comment with who you think the killer is in the description of the Facebook post!
Ep 62: Everyone grab your Kitchenaids because we are over here mixing it up! This episode we sit and chat with you about what is coming up for the podcast for the rest of this year and into the next! Join us and get in touch!
In this episode with B&S we play a game called "Read or Pass." We each pick a list of seperate books, we read the title and description and then decide, based on that information, if we would read it or pass over it. Come along and play with us! We would love to know if your answers are the same of if you guess which ones we would read or pass!
Beauty in the Beast Meets Manga! Off the Books is on a manga kick with the Ancient Magus Bride, a romantic slice-of-life story with a side of mystery, and dark fantasy. Whether you read of watch this story, come and join us in enjoying this series!
Off the Books with B&S is back with a classic children's mystery: Nancy Drew and the Haunted Bridge. It's a little bit mysterious, a little bit spooky and a lot of laughs as we take a trip back in time tackling this mystery!
B&S is back in action with the infamous Amy T and our tirade of Never Have I Ever Book Ed. Questions! Buckle up as we, the terrific trio, the power trifecta, the terrifically tenacious team hysterically laugh until we cry answering these questions! Don’t forget to join in and play along! See you there!
The time has come to join forces to fight against bookish evil; this mash-up is as epic as bringing DC and Marvel together, Freddy and Jason in the same room, or insert your favorite crossover fanfic here and basque in the glow of this epic come-together featuring Book Bandits and B&S! Sit down with us as we talk about literally EVERYTHING books, library, and podcasts! You will learn more about how Book Bandits started, what they talk about, and where you can find them for more awesome recommendations. Be there or be left out!
We knew it was coming, you knew it was coming; everyone saw it coming! B&S are with you today with Jennifer Lynn Barnes' newest book series, The Inheritance Games. As lover of Barnes' The Naturals Series, it was only necessary to read and review her newest book and we were not disappointed. Come and join us for this minimal-spoilery version of a book-talk where we recommend to you a book that, of course, we love! Add this to your "to be read" list and join us today on the podcast!
In today's episode we review They Wish They Were Us by Jessica Goodman and we don't spoil the ending for you! This rare shocker is why you should buckle up and pop in your headphones to talk about this book! We would also like to know what you think of the ending! Join us today!
Can you believe it's been a whole year since we started this podcast?! We can't believe it either and that is why we planned this extra special episode to talk about all things B&S! Bethann spills the beans on how we concocted this crazy idea and Samantha leads us down memory lane by sharing some of her favorite episodes. Listen until the very end for an extra special reveal! We, Bethann & Samantha would also like to thank our audience for continuing to listen along with us and we would also like to say thank you to our administration for allowing us to have this much fun at work. You all rock and we love what we do thanks to you! I'm not crying, you're crying... Make sure to visit our Facebook page for your change to win the prize package featured in the episode graphic!
On this episode of B&S we are honored to host our favorite AV Librarian Tonya! Tonya is going to chat with us about everything Audio-Visual here at KHCPL! She’s the expert with the low-down on all the new video releases we receive plus a whole lot more! Come chat with us and learn more about all AV has to offer! See you there!
This is the moment you've all been waiting for out there in listener-land, the day when Bethann and Samantha swap genres. What this means is, Bethann will be suffering through a romance and Samantha will be dismantling a historical fiction. The rules were... 1. We got to pick the book for each other. 2. We had to be sensitive to each other's distaste of the opposite person's genre and therefore not go ham in our book choice. 3. We could either read or listen. 4. We must give an HONEST, as unbiased as possible evaluation for today's podcast. 5. Share all your thoughts. Buckle up because this may be a bumpy ride. Welcome to this rollercoaster ride, we hope you enjoy!
WE ARE OBSESSED!!! This is the episode where we rant and rave about the Anime/Manga series A Promised Neverland. (Thank you digital Ben for giving us new tickets on the hype-train with this AMAZING recommendation). This series is a deceiving, twisty, and delicious psychological thriller that grips you from beginning to end! Jump in on the conversation and rant with us or join in and pick up a new passion! Be there or be square!!!
The Guest List Book Talk Featuring: AV Librarian Tonya We've brought Tonya for another book debate episode! See what side each of us are on and what we think about this newer book choice. This episode has spoilers so, if you haven't read the book yet and it's on your list, come back after you've read it and join in the conversation! See you there!
Review Spoilers If you like Sci-Fi Thriller’s with crazy twists, then this is the novella you need in your life! Join us on this spoiler-filled book talk where we review Bethann’s book recommendation and see what Samantha thinks about it! We want to know what you think too; let us know at offthebooks@khcpl.org. See you there!
This book review is full of SPOILERS! Pick up a copy of Monstrous Souls by Rebecca Kelly at one of our KHCPL locations, Overdrive, or Hoopla and read this amazing thriller so you can chat with us and tell us what you think! Thanks for joining us!
Today is the day we talk about all things Digital Den and its grand re-opening! If you don’t know anything about The Den, this will be a treat; Digital Media Coordinator Ben will be with us to talk about everything that KHCPL offers from 3-D printing to using the recording studio! (You could even come in and learn how to record a podcast like ours!) Come learn about this AMAZING resource that the library has to offer and meet our new Den Master!
Welcome back to another episode of B&S! Today we brought along a few friends to discuss the book series that started it all, The Naturals by Jennifer Lynn Barnes! If you haven’t picked up this series after all our hype, maybe this is the episode that makes you jump on the train and join-in! We will have some amazing special guests on this exclusive video episode so don’t miss out!
Welcome back all you beautiful lovelies to B&S! This week we have a sweet Book review for you, Punmpkinheads by Rainbow Rowell. Come sit with us while we talk nostalgia and pumpkinspice EVERYTHING while we discuss this fuzzy, feel-good graphic novel! See you there!
Off the Books is back at ya with some much anticipated book and movie releases for the rest of 2021 and beyond! Today is the day we let you know all the things we are excited to get our hands on and that you can get your hands on too! As always, we hope you join us and let us know about some of the things you're excited for too! Let us know at offthebooks@khcpl.org!
As our spunky, passionate, lioness of a security guard Amy has so eloquently put: this is the episode so nice we HAD to record it twice! R.I.P headphone users because the fearless trinity go on a Never Have I Ever brawl; we let the insults fly, the tears run deep, and the haters hate! You seriously do not want to miss having fun with us today; all the cool kids will be there! Questions, comments and suggestions can be sent to offthebooks@khcpl.org
Welcome back to another episode were we gush about all things Vanishing Girl by Lisa Regan! B&S are now on book 3 and are blown AWAY by this series. We want you to join us as we talk about this amazing, knock your socks off addition to the Vanishing Girls Series titled, Her Mother’s Grave. Jump into this conversation of spoilery goodness and let us know if you’re just as hyped as we are! See you there!
In today's episode, B&S will be talking about a book we recently read with you! Come and join us as we tell you our thoughts on The Bone Jar by S. W. Kane. We want to know what you think too! Email us at offthebooks@khcpl.org! Be sure to rate our show wherever you're listening as well to help others find the podcast!
In this episode, we have a good, old-fashioned book recommendation for lovers of supernatural-horror. We promise there will be no spoilers here, just hype and goosebumps! Experience with us the fear of Frozen Charlotte by Alex Bell (it is so good that Bethann almost passed out reading the prologue at the Reference desk while Samantha laughed at her). By the end of this podcast you will be DYING to read this book too! Que evil laugh
Any questions, comments, and suggestions can be sent to offthebooks@khcpl.org
Hide your eyes and turn on your night lights! This week’s episode we will talk about Bethann and Samantha’s favorite slasher films, movies, and TV shows. Whether you love being scared during Spooktober or all year round, this episode will hook you up with some scary suggestions from yours truly. So grab your popcorn and join us, for week 4 of Spooktober!
Off the Books presents week 3 of Spooktober! Join Bethann and Samantha as we chat about our favorite horror movies of all time from Texas Chainsaw Massacre to Chucky. Whether you prefer the classics or the remakes, this week's episode is sure to leave you sleeping with your lights on.
For this week in Spooky Halloween News with B&S we will be talking about creepy fairy tales of the Grimm sort. We go over some common tales and then talk about some interesting and NOT so common tales. Join us as we talk about an epic adventure with a beast and a murderous sausage. You won’t want to miss this weird and possibly awkward conversation.
Join Bethann and Samantha for chilling stories about some of the most notorious haunted locations of Indiana. If you love ghost stories, dark fairytales, and all things horror we got you covered this month! This episode will be the very first to start the spooky season of October, so join us and we can be terrified together!
Description:
Calling all anime/manga fans! In this episode, Bethann and Samantha cover our favorite manga/anime, Attack on Titan. We throw out spoilers, update everyone on new releases, and chat AOT's current events.
Could you imagine the library without Toni Morrison, Kurt Vonnegut, Mark Twain, or Captain Underpants? We can’t imagine it either. In this week’s episode we bridge a more serious topic concerning some of the books that we love and why people would want those books banned. Bring your ears and contemplate with us this interesting phenomenon called Banning Books. We will discuss what makes a book “banned” in the United States, cover the Top 10 Banned books of 2019, and see what makes a book banned in other parts of the world. Email us at offthebooks@khcpl.org with your questions and comments on this important topic and stop by the library to see our Banned Book Display! Banned Book week is September 27th through October 3rd; read a banned book with us!
https://geediting.com/forbidden-books-2019-map/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_books_banned_by_governments
https://www.arcgis.com/apps/Cascade/index.html?appid=d807211fd74b4c659ba5f82b228ef0ac
https://people.howstuffworks.com/book-banning.htm
http://www.ala.org/advocacy/bbooks/frequentlychallengedbooks/top10
Today we are sitting down and letting you know about all of the great books we have read this year up until now! Find out a little bit more about our reading preferences, and see the differences between B & S. We would also LOVE to know what our listeners have been reading this year! So join us, and maybe you will find something new you will enjoy to finish your year!
Calling all 90's babies! Obviously, the 90's are where it is at...or was, for that matter. Come chill with two 90's kids and listen to our throwback Thursday podcast. We will dish all the details about our childhood and how clothes, slang, popular shows, and more have changed since the early 90's!
Howard County Reads (HCR) is up and running this year with the top 15 books released and the number one spot revealed as The Year We Left Home by Jean Thompson. In this episode, we cover what HCR is and shed some light on the One State One Story Grant that we received. “One State/One Story invites Hoosiers to engage deeply with a book as part of a statewide conversation tied to Indiana Humanities’ current theme. In 2020, during the second year of INseparable, we’ll read and discuss Jean Thompson’s The Year We Left Home, which offers a sweeping, multigenerational look at life in the Midwest over the past several decades.” In keeping with the theme of life in the Midwest, we were recommended to review and publicize other authors who are local, specifically, to our amazing state, Indiana; we thought this was a fantastic idea! Sit down with us today and remember to grab your pen and paper. Maybe you’ll find a new author to love or hear more about an author who’s already your favorite! As always, come laugh with us, fake cry with us, and talk with us about some of the authors in Indiana whom we love! See you there!
Wikipedia defines a Guilty Pleasure as, “something, such as a film, a television program or a piece of music, that one enjoys despite understanding that it is not generally held in high regard, or is seen as unusual or weird.” In this episode we bridge that gap and share with you our weird and fun hobbies! From eating popcorn with chocolate to pimple popping, we cover it all and some more that you most likely don’t want to know. Along with our favorite absurdities we also reveal what we are reading and watching now! Click play and join in on the conversation today!
"Books on E-readers or movies on Blu-ray, Watch all of Heartland a series that does slay. Authors we love and the songs that we sing, These are a few of our favorite things!"
If you sang this like we did, then sit down with us and listen as we talk about everything we love so dearly!!
SPOILER ALERT! Welcome to Off the Books Episode 6; the episode where we talk about all things Seven Deadly Sins. From the Netflix adaptation to the original Manga series we will compare and contrast, debate, and rant about our favorite characters. Be warned, this episode is packed full of spoilers from beginning to end. If you want to join in the conversation and chat us up about one of our all-time favorite series, email us at offthebooks@khcpl.org! We look forward to it!
This week we have a special treat for you! Calling all Dungeons and Dragons players and newbies! Come chat with us and explore the "nerd" culture that is D&D! This week we have three special guests. We will feature Children's Librarian, Brennan....Reference Librarian, Justin K.... and Den Master, Justin F (AKA: The Justins and Brennan). We will discuss their campaign, learn interesting facts, and discover the intensity that is D&D. Buckle up ladies and gents, we are in for a ride!
Any questions, comments, and suggestions can be sent to offthebooks@khcpl.org
Do you dog-ear your pages? Do you inhale the lovely scent of a new book? Are you a bathtub reader? If you do any of these, have no fear! Bethann and Samantha are here to soothe your unique soul and discuss our reading quirks with you! If you don't believe you have any weird reading quirks/habits you may be in for a surprise. Join us and find out on this week's episode Off the Books!
Questions, comments, and suggestions can be sent to offthebooks@khcpl.org
MIDNIGHT SUN GIVEAWAY ALERT!!!
Calling all Twilight fans! We have the ultimate debate for you! Join us as we sit down with AV Librarian, Tonya (a die-hard Twilight fan) and Reference Assistant, Stephanie (also a Twilight fan) to debate if we love the series or hate the series. As you listen and pick a side, one of our lucky listeners will win a copy of the brand new book Midnight Sun by Stephenie Meyer, author of the Twilight Saga. You guys rock!
How to enter: Email us at offthebooks@khcpl.org with podcasts suggestions, book ideas, questions, and/or comments about this episode or anything you want us to hear, and please state whether you want to enter into the drawing. Please include your first and last name and your preferred method of contact. The winner will be announced in two weeks on Episode 5 “Librarians Play D&D Too!”.
Click this link to place a hold on preordered copy at KHCPL https://khcpl.bibliocommons.com/item/show/1753313117 Click this link to preorder on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Midnight-Sun-Stephenie-Meyer/dp/031670704X
Get to know your podcasters! Join Bethann and Samantha as they introduce themselves to their viewers by sharing random facts about themselves, chat about their book preferences, and debate over their book-ish differences (mostly about their opinions on the Romance genre).
This episode we talk about one of our favorite and most recommended series, The Naturals by Jennifer Lynn Barnes. No worries! There are no spoilers here so come and join us as we try and convince you to pick up the book and read it!
If you have any questions, recommendations, comments, or you just want to say hello please contact us at offthebooks@khcpl.org!
Don’t forget to use our digital resources such as Overdrive/Libby and Hoopla to access hundreds of books!
Bethann & Samatha