We kicked off the episode with a bit of weather banter, lamenting the lingering cold despite the arrival of spring. This lighthearted opening tied directly into our episode’s focus on “tricks” as we wrapped up our literary podcast April’s “Tricksters” theme. We reflected on the heavier topics from previous episodes, like the intense themes in Shutter Island, and decided to end the month on a lighter, playful note with a game.
As always, we reminded listeners about the related content available on our website, Fully-Booked.ca, including recent articles like the intriguing investigation into how a book with only 444 ratings managed to top Amazon’s bestseller list.
Explaining the Game: “Trick Each Other Into Reading It”
To close out the theme of tricks and foolery, we introduced a game where we each selected a handful of books. The goal was to describe these books vaguely enough to spark interest without revealing the title. The twist? If one of us successfully “enticed “tricked” the other into saying they’d read the book, that person would have to actually read it before the end of the year.
The rules were:
- Describe the book’s plot enticingly but vaguely.
- The other host guesses if they’d want to read it.
- Only after their decision is the book’s identity revealed.
- If one of us is “tricked,” we’re committing to reading the book.
Play along with us and try to guess on your own! To reveal the book name, click on the arrow beside “Book reveal”.
The Game: Guess the Book and Decide to Read
Round 1
- Arthur: Meaghan
- Describes: A brutal coming-of-age story set in a savage wasteland. Lone warrior fights terrifying beasts and deadly enemies to claim leadership. Gladiator vibes, betrayal, survival against the odds.
- Meaghan’s Guess/Reaction: Doesn’t sound appealing due to gladiator associations. Declines to read.
Book reveal
Rhino: The Rise of a Warrior by Nicholas Sansbury Smith.
Round 2
- Host: Meaghan
- Describes: A doctor and a circus performer (who jumps through flaming hoops) team up. Mischievous raccoon sidekick. Somebody loses an eye.
- Arthur’s Guess/Reaction: Curious about the adventure; likes the misfit vibe. Says yes to reading.
Book reveal
Syphon Sparrow by Brynn Weaver (third in the Ruinous Love trilogy). Dark romance twist – Arthur is now on the hook for reading the whole series.
RelatedUnreliable Narrators, Twisted Truths: Why We Love Being Fooled in Books
Round 3
- Host: Arthur
- Describes: Locked-room murder mystery at a strange outpost where the suspects aren’t human. Amateur sleuth repeatedly finds themselves surrounded by death. Witty, quirky, Miss Marple in space energy.
- Meaghan’s Guess/Reaction: Sounds fun, suspects it’s Station Eternity – and guesses correctly.
Book reveal
Station Eternity by Mur Lafferty.
Round 4
- Host: Meaghan
- Describes: Narrated by a child. “The house isn’t haunted—the family is.” Closets are unsafe spaces. Nonlinear storytelling reflecting a child’s mind.
- Arthur’s Guess/Reaction: Interested; thinks it’s a book they’ve talked about but guesses incorrectly.
Book reveal
Incidents Around the House by Josh Malerman. Horror novel from the author of Bird Box.
Round 5
- Host: Arthur
- Describes: An Orphan child taken to a fortress where others are trained in secret knowledge. Creatures, riddles, betrayal, and danger beneath the surface.
- Meaghan’s Guess/Reaction: Might be interested, but unsure what the book is.
Book reveal
It’s Harry Potter. Trick round—no reread required!
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- Host: Meaghan
- Describes: Inspired by Lizzie Borden, set in a Maine mansion where a decades-old murder took place. Current-day caretaker tries to solve the mystery with a mute woman as the key witness.
- Arthur’s Guess/Reaction: Sounds intriguing; hesitant but interested.
Book reveal
The Only One Left by Riley Sager
Round 7
- Host: Arthur
- Describes: Haunted luxury cruiser, salvage crew finds dead passengers who aren’t at rest. Ghosts, creepy visions, something watching from the shadows.
- Meaghan’s Guess/Reaction: Initially confused it with Six Wakes or Paradise One, but is interested.
Book reveal
Dead Silence by S.A. Barnes.
Round 8
- Host: Meaghan
- Describes: Siblings return to childhood home after parents’ death, tensions rise. The trauma isn’t what you expect—it’s the house. Features the creepiest puppet ever.
- Arthur’s Guess/Reaction: Intrigued, especially by the horror elements. Says yes.
Book reveal
How to Sell a Haunted House by Grady Hendrix.
RelatedThe Villain’s Version: 10 Twisted Retellings That Flip the Script
Round 9
- Host: Arthur
- Describes: A Deadly puzzle in an ancient fortress. Necromancers, sword fighters, skeletons, betrayal. Gothic horror meets dark fantasy.
- Meaghan’s Guess/Reaction: Sounds compelling; admits he might read it.
Book reveal
Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir.
Round 10
- Host: Meaghan
- Describes: Surprise murder at a B&B run by a family of witches, each with distinct powers. Cozy mystery that also tackles grief, loss, and healing.
- Arthur’s Guess/Reaction: Hesitant but interested.
Book reveal
In the Company of Witches by Arleigh Wallace.
RelatedThese Mischievous Legends Are Shaping Modern Literature in Surprising Ways
Closing Thoughts and Episode Wrap-Up
We concluded the game, reflecting on how successful each of us had been at tricking the other. The result was a tie, with each of us winding up with about two or three books we’re now committed to reading. Arthur, in particular, will be tackling Butcher and Blackbird – a fact Meaghan was especially excited about.
Finally, we previewed what’s coming next month: a more flexible, experimental approach to May’s episodes. We encouraged listeners to explore the podcast backlog and check out all the additional content on our site.
