The Jolly Reader

40 Episodes
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By: Maria

This may not be an audiobook, but it is a whimsical podcast where I recap and react to young adult murder mystery books, one unhinged chapter at a time. I break books down chapter by chapter, full of spoilers, bad jokes, and big opinions. I also chat with authors and share bookish chaos on social media.

Seven Dirty Secrets Part 3
08/19/2025

Seven Dirty Secrets – Part Three: Chapters 21–31 (Pages 210–313)

Alright crew… it’s the final stretch, and the chaos is peaking.

In this episode, we’re tackling the last section of Seven Dirty Secrets by Natalie D. Richards and everything we thought we knew is getting turned upside down. Secrets are exploding into the open, trust is completely shattered, and the danger hits way too close. We even get what I can only describe as an accusing people pizza party, before it all circles back to where it began for a dramatic and dangerous finale.

đź’ś If you or someon...


Seven Dirty Secrets Part 2
08/07/2025

Part 2: Seven Dirty Secrets by Natalie D. Richards (Chapters 10-20 / Pages 98–209)

In this episode, we dive into the second half of Seven Dirty Secrets by Natalie D. Richards, and let’s just say: the paranoia is rising, the clues are coming in fast, and the trust levels are at an all-time low. We’re unraveling more of the scavenger hunt , trying to figure out who’s behind it all, and questioning everyone’s motives, yes even the ones we thought were safe.


đź’ś If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse:

Please call...


Seven Dirty Secrets Part 1
07/15/2025

Part 1: Seven Dirty Secrets by Natalie D. Richards (Chapters 1–9 / Pages 1–97)

In this episode, we dive into the opening chapters of Seven Dirty Secrets, where a mysterious scavenger hunt kicks off a tense and twisty birthday like no other. With cryptic clues and dangerous secrets waiting to be unearthed, the suspense builds fast… and no one feels safe.

I highly encourage you to read this book. You can find it on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Seven-Dirty-Secrets-Natalie-Richards/dp/1728215781

Our wonderful sponsor this week is Proliffic.com. Where you can find a new writing prompt everyday...


This is Why We Lie Part III
07/01/2025

Part 3: This Is Why We Lie by Gabriella Lepore (Pages 204–312)

In this episode, we dive into the heart-pounding final chapters of This Is Why We Lie! Secrets come to a head as we finally discover who didn’t make it out of the second “incident” down at the harbor, and the truth about the mysterious blonde girl who keeps appearing in every photo.

After two murders, the tension rises even higher. Could there be yet another victim before it all ends?

Join me as I break down the shocking twists, big reveals, and what it...


This is Why We Lie Part II
06/17/2025

The mystery deepens in Part 2 of This Is Why We Lie! In this episode, we unravel the secrets hidden beneath the surface of both Preston Prep and Rookwood Reform School. As the investigation into Colleen's death intensifies, lies start to crack and the truth is messier than anyone expected.

Join me as I break down pages 101–203, diving into shocking twists, shady alibis, and the characters who just can't seem to tell the truth. Is anyone really innocent?

Grab your copy, follow along, and get ready to suspect everyone. 🕵️‍♀️💥 You can find it on Amazon: https://a.co/d/ftpdFqb<...


This is Why We Lie Part I
06/03/2025

In this episode, we dive into the first 100 pages of This is Why We Lie by Gabriella LePore! Meet Jenna, the ambitious student journalist from Preston Prep, and Adam, a student at the nearby correctional school, Rookwood. As a mysterious death rocks their coastal town, secrets begin to bubble beneath the surface.

I highly encourage you to read this book. You can find it on Amazon: https://a.co/d/ftpdFqb


This episode's sponsor is Mindful Meowers!

Get your discount at mindfulmeowers.com/jolly 


If y...


You'll Be the Death of Me Part III
04/02/2025

It's the third and final video covering the book You'll Be the Death of Me by Karen M McManus. Mateo, Ivy, and Cal finally discover who is behind the death of their classmate Boney. The mystery is solved but will there be a happy ending for this trio....not quite.


I highly encourage you to read You'll Be the Death of Me by Karen M. McManus yourself. You can find it on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Youll-Be-Death-Karen-McManus/dp/0593175867


If you need a good laugh you can find me...


You'll Be the Death of Me Part II
03/18/2025

So much is happening in You'll Be the Death of Me Part 2!

Mateo and Ivy are on a relationship rollercoaster. They find a mysterious note to Ms. Jameson signed by an unknown person going by D.

The biggest question for this section is how everyone is connected???

I highly encourage you to read You'll Be the Death of Me by Karen M. McManus yourself. You can find it on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Youll-Be-Death-Karen-McManus/dp/0593175867

If you need a good laugh you can find me on social media:

...


You'll Be the Death of Me Part I
03/11/2025

In this Karen M. McManus mystery Ivy, Mateo, and Cal decide to take a Ferris Bueller's Day Off when they discover the body of one of their classmates in an abandoned apartment building. There are plenty of mysteries to be solved in part one of this story including but not limited to, who is Cal's secret girlfriend and why is she most definitely a suspect in the murder?


Sorry for the technical difficulties this episode but I promise the next video will be back to normal!


I highly encourage...


As Good As Dead Part III
07/07/2023

We made it!! Finally we are finishing the series A Good Girls Guide to Murder with Part 3 of As Good As Dead by Holly Jackson.

Does Pip get away with it or will she and her friends spend the rest of their days either living in fear or in jail?

If you need a good laugh you can find me on social media:

www.tiktok.com/@thejollyreaderpodcast

www.instagram.com/thejollyreaderpodcast/

www.facebook.com/thejollyreaderpodcast

If you want to support The Jolly Reader you can donate, which...


Bonus: James Michels Author Interview
03/30/2023

I had the honor of interviewing the author James Michels. We discuss all sorts of fun book things, like what inspired him to become a writer in the first place and you'll never guess what book he is currently reading.

Join my Patreon for a chance to win a copy of The Ballad of Johnny Carlo signed by the author himself James Michels!

https://www.patreon.com/thejollyreader

You can find all of James' books on his website: https://jamesmichelsbooks.com/

You can also follow him on social media.

...


As Good As Dead Part II
#32
02/23/2023

It's Part 2 of As Good As Dead by Holly Jackson and we find out who the DT Killer is!

We still have 1/3 of the book left too. I was surprisingly frustrated with this section but it made for a good episode. I hope you all enjoy it.

I started a Patreon with even more content!

https://www.patreon.com/thejollyreader

If you need a good laugh you can find me on social media:

www.tiktok.com/@thejollyreaderpodcast

www.instagram.com/thejollyreaderpodcast/

www.facebook.com/thejollyreaderpodcast<...


As Good As Dead Part I
#33
02/09/2023

We made it to As Good As Dead the finale to A Good Girl's Guide to Murder Series by Holly Jackson!

Pip is back at it but this time she has to save herself in order to save herself. She is struggling with some major PTSD from the events of the last book and now she has a stalker of her very own she needs to find.

I am very excited to be finishing up with series with my amazing crew!

p.s. I started a Patreon with even more content!

...


Good Girl, Bad Blood Part III
#36
05/05/2022

It's the big finale of Good Girl, Bad Blood by Holly Jackson!

We find out what happened to Jamie and it is absolutely not what you think.

Pip saves the day...kind of because someone doesn't make it out alive!

Check out book two for yourself!

https://amzn.to/3U2lCMu

If you need a good laugh you can find me on social media:

www.tiktok.com/@thejollyreaderpodcast

www.instagram.com/thejollyreaderpodcast/

www.facebook.com/thejollyreaderpodcast

If you want to support...


Good Girl, Bad Blood Part II
#35
04/28/2022

Things are heating up in the second part of Good Girl, Bad Blood by Holly Jackson. Jamie is still missing and we seem to be getting more questions than answers.

What was the knife for?

Who is Layla Mead?

and of course WHERE THE HECK IS JAMIE?!?

Check out book two for yourself!

https://amzn.to/3U2lCMu

If you need a good laugh you can find me on social media:

www.tiktok.com/@thejollyreaderpodcast

www.instagram.com/thejollyreaderpodcast/

www.facebook...


Good Girl, Bad Blood Part I
#34
03/03/2022

Let's get into the sequel to a good girl's guide to murder.

Good Girl, Bad Blood by Holly Jackson

Jaime Reynolds is missing and the police aren't interested in investigating the disappearance of this 24 year old. Pip and her now boyfriend, Ravi, are on the case. Could this have anything to do with the 6 year anniversary of Sal and Andi's deaths?

Check out book two for yourself!

https://amzn.to/3U2lCMu

If you need a good laugh you can find me on social media:

www.tiktok...


A Good Girl's Guide to Murder Part III
#33
01/05/2022

Pip finally solves the mystery of the murder of Sal and what really happened to Andi in Part III of A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson.

The real question is how many people were involved in these crimes...1? 2? maybe even the whole suspect list.

I highly recommend this book.

https://amzn.to/3xhGBkD

If you need a good laugh you can find me on social media:

www.tiktok.com/@thejollyreaderpodcast

www.instagram.com/thejollyreaderpodcast/

www.facebook.com/thejollyreaderpodcast

If you...


A Good Girl's Guide to Murder Part II
#32
12/17/2021

Part II of A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson is Crazzzzy!

Pip finds more lies, threats and a topless photo! Lots I mean lots of information is in this episode. You aren't going to want to miss it.

I highly recommend this book.

https://amzn.to/3xhGBkD

If you need a good laugh you can find me on social media:

www.tiktok.com/@thejollyreaderpodcast

www.instagram.com/thejollyreaderpodcast/

www.facebook.com/thejollyreaderpodcast

If you want to support The Jolly Reader...


A Good Girl's Guide to Murder Part I
#31
11/24/2021

A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson

Five years ago Andie Bell went missing and her boyfriend Sal is the main suspect after he committed suicide a few days after her disappearance. Now Pippa is determine to prove that Sal was innocent by using her senior project as an excuse to investigate the case.

I highly recommend this book.

https://amzn.to/3xhGBkD

If you need a good laugh you can find me on social media:

www.tiktok.com/@thejollyreaderpodcast

www.instagram.com/thejollyreaderpodcast/

<...


Bonus: Tales of Mystery and Terror
10/29/2021

Captain Book and her 1st Mate cover 3 Edgar Allan Poe short stories in this Halloween episode!

The Tell-Tale HeartThe Cask of AmontilladoThe Fall of the House of Usher


I hope they spook you like Edgar Allan Poe intended and I hope you laugh like Josh and I intended.

There is a lot of discussion about mental health throughout. Here is the resource mentioned in the episode.

SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)

o  1-800-662-HELP

o  1-800-662-4357

You can read...


Goosebumps: One Day At HorrorLand
#30
10/20/2021

Since it is almost Halloween it is going to be a throwback to the 1994 book Goosebumps: One Day At HorrorLand by R.L. Stine

The Morris family gets lost and ends up at the amusement park HorrorLand. Will one of these rides be their last?

Read it for yourself!

https://amzn.to/3BcGacz

If you need a good laugh you can find me on social media:

www.tiktok.com/@thejollyreaderpodcast

www.instagram.com/thejollyreaderpodcast/

www.facebook.com/thejollyreaderpodcast

If you want to support...


The Box in the Woods Part III
#29
10/14/2021

If you are ready for another sassy episode I got you covered. We finish up the book The Box in the Woods by Maureen Johnson, and you literally won't be able to guess the ending. Like it is straight out of left field with no hints leading up to it. Color me disappointed but it does make for a funny episode.

Read this if you dare.

https://amzn.to/3d5Tmry

If you need a good laugh you can find me on social media:

www.tiktok.com/@thejollyreaderpodcast

www...


The Box in the Woods Part II
#28
10/13/2021

This episode might be short but I promise you someone dies! That is the best part of this section and it gets us one step closer to finishing the book.

Part II covers the very dragged out middle section of The Box in the Woods by Maureen Johnson.

Read this if you dare.

https://amzn.to/3d5Tmry

If you need a good laugh you can find me on social media:

www.tiktok.com/@thejollyreaderpodcast

www.instagram.com/thejollyreaderpodcast/

www.facebook.com/thejollyreaderpodcast

...


The Box in the Woods Part I
#27
09/29/2021

She's Back!!!!

In The Box in the Woods by Maureen Johnson, Stevie is back (I am not sure if that is a good thing) to investigate a quadruple murder that happened at a summer camp in the 1970s.

This book really gets to the murder fast and it is not an episode you are going to want to miss.

Read this if you dare.

https://amzn.to/3d5Tmry

If you need a good laugh you can find me on social media:

www.tiktok.com/@thejollyreaderpodcast

<...


One of Us is Next Part III
#26
09/10/2021

Buckle your seatbelts because there is not one but two twist endings in One of Us is Next by Karen M. McManus!

Did you figure out who Darkestmind and Bayview2020 are? Even if you think you solved the mystery I promise you want to stick around for the very end!

This was a great read and I highly suggest my crew to check it out for themselves.

Read it for yourself!

https://amzn.to/3eCP9Ml

If you need a good laugh you can find me on social media:<...


One of Us is Next Part II
#25
09/03/2021

In Episode II covering One of Us is Next by Karen M. McManus, it is revealed who didn't survive the game of Truth or Dare.

Additionally, we get a very awkward truth and some romance...the biggest of who cares.

Next time we will be finishing up this book and hopefully have all our questions answered!

Until we sail again.

Read it for yourself!

https://amzn.to/3eCP9Ml

If you need a good laugh you can find me on social media:

www.tiktok.com...


One of Us is Next Part I
#24
08/26/2021

Captain Book is back covering the first part of One of Us is Next by Karen M. McManus!

The sequel to One of Us is Lying is coming in hot with a risky game of truth or dare, and the puppet master is an unknown texter.

So far two dares and a truth have been taken and Maeve is up next....Tick Tock

Read it for yourself!

https://amzn.to/3eCP9Ml

If you need a good laugh you can find me on social media:

www.tiktok...


Bonus: Crime & Mystery Short Stories
07/27/2021

Bonus Episode Alert with Captain Book and The First Mate!

We cover 4 short stories from the book Crime & Mystery Short Stories.

The first story The Cost of Security by Tara Campbell starts with as a husband's murder plot to have his wife ended, and ends with a turntable twist.

The second story Skitter and Click by Jennifer Dornan-Fish will have you questioning everything. This was a hard read about little boy who was murdered but the twist bone chilling ending almost makes it worth it.

The third story Home Run by...


One of Us is Lying Part III
#23
07/14/2021

It's the final episode covering One of Us is Lying by Karen M. McManus!

There are multiple arrests, an awkward first date, and a twisted plot revealed.

This has been on of my favorite books I have covered and I hope you enjoyed it too!

The next three episodes I will be covering the sequel of this book One of Us is Next.

Until we sail again, this has been The Jolly Reader.

Go read this book!

https://amzn.to/3QwYCSM

If you need a...


One of Us is Lying Part II
#22
07/07/2021

Welcome to Part II of One of Us is Lying by Karen M. McManus

We have several things to look forward to including but limited to...

a breakup, two important makeouts, more tumbler posts, and Cooper's real secret!

This episode brings us closer to finding out what truly happened to Simon, but one thing is for sure about the kids in detention that day...one of them is lying.

Go read this book!

https://amzn.to/3QwYCSM

If you need a good laugh you can find me...


One of Us is Lying Part I
#21
06/29/2021

This episode covers Part I of the book One of Us is Lying by Karen M. McManus.

There is a death, a break-up, lots of rumors, a conspiracy theory, and a bearded dragon named Stan Lee.

Five students enter detention but only four of them make it out alive...

Go read this book!

https://amzn.to/3QwYCSM

If you need a good laugh you can find me on social media:

www.tiktok.com/@thejollyreaderpodcast

www.instagram.com/thejollyreaderpodcast/

www.facebook.com/thejollyreaderpodcast

<...


The Cheerleaders Part III
#20
06/08/2021

We wrap up the book The Cheerleaders by Kara Thomas in this episode. We find out the truth about the car accident, double murder, and Jen's suicide.

As an added bonus I summarize last episode in cheer form. It is awkward and amazing!

I hope you enjoyed this voyage with Captain Book.

Check it out yourself and let me know what you think!

https://amzn.to/3BwWHcH

Next time we set sail to discover the twists and turns of One of Us is Lying by Karen M. McManus.

<...


The Cheerleaders Part II
#19
06/01/2021

It's Part II of The Cheerleaders by Kara Thomas!

This episode we keep getting more and more information that suggests the car accident, murders, and suicide from five years ago may actually be related. I am not fully convinced but I do talk about all my crazy theories at the end of the episode.

I hope you have enjoyed this journey so far, and I look forward to finishing this voyage next week!

Until we sail again.

Check it out yourself and let me know what you think!

https...


The Cheerleaders Part I
#18
05/25/2021

Welcome to Part I of The Cheerleaders by Kara Thomas.

We follow along with our main character and sister of one of the deceased cheerleaders, Monica. Five years ago five cheerleaders including her sister passed away within two months of each other. After finding her sister's phone and receiving text messages from a mysterious number, Monica is beginning to suspect her police officer step-father is somehow involved.

I am not convinced but I don't have any better theories yet either. I guess we will just have to wait for Part II, to unravel what actually...


The Cousins Part III
#17
05/11/2021

This is the final part of The Cousins by Karen M. McManus and it is WILD! We find out what the "you know what you did" letter really means and what truly happened all those years ago. It is an ending you would never guess, and I am so excited to share it with all of you.

Check this book out for yourself!

https://amzn.to/3S0NK0r

If you need a good laugh you can find me on social media:

www.tiktok.com/@thejollyreaderpodcast

www.instagram.com...


The Cousins Part II
#16
05/04/2021

This episode covers the middle section of The Cousins by Karen M. McManus. I AM SCREAMING. It may look like a short episode but so much happens! I promise someone dies and the mystery gets even more gripping. We get to finish the episode with a literal OMG moment. Thanks for joining me on this voyage!

Check this book out for yourself!

https://amzn.to/3S0NK0r

If you need a good laugh you can find me on social media:

www.tiktok.com/@thejollyreaderpodcast

www.instagram.com/thejollyreaderpodcast/<...


The Cousins Part I
#15
04/27/2021

I am very excited to explore the very popular book The Cousins by Karen M. McManus. This episode discusses the first section of the book and ends with a jaw dropping OMG moment.

Check this book out for yourself!

https://amzn.to/3S0NK0r

If you need a good laugh you can find me on social media:

www.tiktok.com/@thejollyreaderpodcast

www.instagram.com/thejollyreaderpodcast/

www.facebook.com/thejollyreaderpodcast

If you want to support The Jolly Reader you can donate, which goes towards buying...


Truly Devious Series Bonus Episode!
03/30/2021

Captain Book and her first mate Josh have a lively discussion about the Truly Devious series. We discuss our likes, dislikes, and fan theories. There is a lot of giggling and ranting. It was a fun was to wrap up the series. Let me know what you thought of the books and/or my coverage of the series. You can find me on social media @thejollyreaderpodcast. Until we sail again!

Get the whole box set and let me know if you agree.

https://amzn.to/3U64TIc

If you need a good laugh...


The Hand on the Wall Part II
#14
03/23/2021

We have officially finished the Truly Devious Series!!! In this episode we discuss the second half of The Hand on the Wall by Maureen Johnson. We discover who is responsible for all the murders and accidents that have be occurring at Ellingham Academy. We also final know what happened to Alice all those years ago. I hope you have enjoyed this Voyage with Captain Book! Until we sail again.

Check out the final book.

https://amzn.to/3S0twEn

If you need a good laugh you can find me on social media:

<...


The Hand on the Wall Part I
#13
03/16/2021

Captain Book has their first mate visiting for Part I of The Hand on the Wall by Maureen Johnson. There are a lot and I mean a lot of laughs in this episode, and the outtakes are worth sticking around for. Sail away with us while we start to finish the Truly Devious series!

Check out the final book.

https://amzn.to/3S0twEn

If you need a good laugh you can find me on social media:

www.tiktok.com/@thejollyreaderpodcast

www.instagram.com/thejollyreaderpodcast/

www.facebook...