Episodes
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A Sociopathy Machine - "The Halter" Chapter 11
Episode 470 "The Halter" by Darby McDevitt, Chapter 11 Kennedy starts to see the cracks in the Forum's facade. Scott feels he's picking up what our author is laying down while Anita adds a new theory for why Delia hasn't been seen in months. You can follow The Read-Along on Bluesky, Instagram and...
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Stephen Fry - "The Halter" Chapter 10
Episode 469 "The Halter" by Darby McDevitt, Chapter 10 Kennedy investigates several theatres as he gets a feel for the Forum's reality. Anita wonders if Delia's program was rebranded, while Scott gets a distinctive narrator voice in his head. You can follow The Read-Along on Bluesky, Instagram…
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Ship in a Bottle Situation - "The Halter" Chapter 9
Episode 468 "The Halter" by Darby McDevitt, Chapter 9 Kennedy experiences the Forum for the first time. Scott and Anita discuss how something seems weirdly off about the virtual world right from jump. You can follow The Read-Along on Bluesky, Instagram and Facebook @thereadalong, and join our...
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It Could Have Just Been a Bus Stop - "The Halter" Chapter 8
Episode 467 "The Halter" by Darby McDevitt, Chapter 8 Kennedy takes an odd bus trip to the entrance to the Forum. Anita is fascinated by the aesthetics of the Forum, while Scott speculates about Delia's new associate. You can follow The Read-Along on Bluesky, Instagram and Facebook @thereadalong,...
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There's a Smell - "The Halter" Chapter 7
Episode 466 "The Halter" by Darby McDevitt, Chapter 7 We check into a hotel and do a little research on the man behind the Forum. Scott and Anita discuss how unusual it is that Kennedy can't really find much of anything about the Forum online. You can follow The Read-Along on Bluesky, Instagram…
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Detective Legwork - "The Halter" Chapter 6
Episode 465 "The Halter" by Darby McDevitt, Chapter 6 Kennedy begins investigating leads around town. Anita is curious about some of the teased technology in the Forum, while Scott turns into a beer snob in real time. You can follow The Read-Along on Bluesky, Instagram and Facebook @thereadalong,...
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Vague Jurisdiction - "The Halter" Chapter 5
Episode 464 "The Halter" by Darby McDevitt, Chapter 5 Kennedy drives into the mountains and is greeted by FBI interest in his case. Scott wonders why the feds are involved, while Anita is getting suspicious that Delia may not be in the Forum of her own free will. You can follow The Read-Along on...
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Separate but Together - "The Halter" Chapter 4
Episode 463 "The Halter" by Darby McDevitt, Chapter 4 Kennedy reminisces about the day he met the woman who changed his life. Anita loves the weird dream sequence Kennedy experiences in SR, while Scott wonders if Delia might not remember the event the same as our protagonist does. You can follow...
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Two Characters - "The Halter" Chapter 3
Episode 462 "The Halter" by Darby McDevitt, Chapter 3 A pair of suspicious characters offer Kennedy a job that's too good to pass up. Scott and Anita discuss how unusual a pair Auntie and Friend are. You can follow The Read-Along on Bluesky, Instagram and Facebook @thereadalong, and join our...
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Addictive Escapism - "The Halter" Chapter 2
Episode 461 "The Halter" by Darby McDevitt, Chapter 2 Work follows Kennedy to his local watering hole, where he just wants to get his mind off of life. Scott and Anita discuss simulation addiction, and how it's a symptom of a dying world. You can follow The Read-Along on Bluesky, Instagram and...
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The Most Noir-y of Openings - "The Halter" Chapter 1
Episode 460 "The Halter" by Darby McDevitt, Chapter 1 Kennedy Stark finds a bloody hotel room, a crooked cop, and not everything is as it seems. Anita thinks the narrator already has a distinct voice, while Scott loves the little bit of lore we're teased with. You can follow The Read-Along on...
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He Was All Give - "City of Others" Final Overview
Episode 459 "City of Others" by Jared Poon, Final Overview Scott and Anita talk about themes, favourite parts, offer constructive criticism, and discuss whether this book would be best adapted into a film, or something else entirely. You can follow The Read-Along on Bluesky, Instagram and…
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The Power of Friendship - "City of Others" Chapter Twenty-Nine
Episode 458 "City of Others" by Jared Poon, Chapter Twenty-Nine With the city saved, the team gets back to the daily grind. Scott and Anita discuss whether or not this is a sitcom-style reset. You can follow The Read-Along on Bluesky, Instagram and Facebook @thereadalong, and join our Goodreads...
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He's a Support Caster - "City of Others" Chapter Twenty-Eight
Episode 457 "City of Others" by Jared Poon, Chapter Twenty-Eight Ben finally has a chance to have a meaningful talk with Mr. Tan. Anita finds this chapter particularly touching, while Scott thinks Ben has seriously misinterpreted what his role in the party is. You can follow The Read-Along on...
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Evil Little Ducks - "City of Others" Chapter Twenty-Seven
Episode 456 "City of Others" by Jared Poon, Chapter Twenty-Seven An entire possessed neighbourhood tries to stop the team from finishing their job. Scott and Anita discuss the climactic fight with Mrs. Tan. You can follow The Read-Along on Bluesky, Instagram and Facebook @thereadalong, and join…
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Just Talk to Mr. Tan - "City of Others" Chapter Twenty-Six
Episode 455 "City of Others" by Jared Poon, Chapter Twenty-Six The team hatches a last ditch plan that actually addresses an old man's grief. Scott discusses having suggested this plan entire chapters earlier to Anita, while Anita loves how everyone gets ready for the climax. You can follow The...
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Unspoken Love - "City of Others" Chapter Twenty-Five
Episode 454 "City of Others" by Jared Poon, Chapter Twenty-Five Ben finally has a moment to stop and think, and gets some understated advice from his dad. Anita is pleased Ben is giving himself time to heal, while Scott gets a little choked up. You can follow The Read-Along on Bluesky, Instagram...
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Chekhov's Schrödinger's Cat - "City of Others" Chapter Twenty-Four
Episode 453 "City of Others" by Jared Poon, Chapter Twenty-Four The team launches another desperate attempt to stop the approaching doom, only to come up short again. Scott wonders what could come to the team's rescue, while Anita wants to see some of the action on screen. You can follow The...
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Refresh Before You Take On a Boss - "City of Others" Chapter Twenty-Three
Episode 452 "City of Others" by Jared Poon, Chapter Twenty-Three Ben's poor and rash decisions lead to a catastrophic failure. Anita and Scott spend the episode being very angry at Ben. You can follow The Read-Along on Bluesky, Instagram and Facebook @thereadalong, and join our Goodreads Group to...
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A Little Spy Game - "City of Others" Chapter Twenty-Two
Episode 451 "City of Others" by Jared Poon, Chapter Twenty-Two Ben gets one step ahead of the Jinn, and does a favour for a friend. Anita and Scott speculate more over Ben's sexuality. You can follow The Read-Along on Bluesky, Instagram and Facebook @thereadalong, and join our Goodreads Group to...
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Mostly Blind - "City of Others" Chapter Twenty-One
Episode 450 "City of Others" by Jared Poon, Chapter Twenty-One Ben isn't happy to attend a fancy party. Scott feels like the Jinn might be quietly doing Ben a solid, while Anita wonders if there's some ulterior motive to the favour being called in. You can follow The Read-Along on Bluesky,...
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Bodies in Time - "City of Others" Chapter Twenty
Episode 449 "City of Others" by Jared Poon, Chapter Twenty Divine snake venom sends Ben's mind on a whirlwind trip through ancestral memory. Anita's Armchair Psychologist segment returns, and she and Scott discuss Ben's issues. You can follow The Read-Along on Bluesky, Instagram and Facebook...
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The Percentage Chance of Every Roll - "City of Others" Chapter Nineteen
Episode 448 "City of Others" by Jared Poon, Chapter Nineteen Ben uses a daring plan to extort power from a god. Anita is fascinated by how the Diviner's powers work, while Scott wonders if you should have trusted a snake. You can follow The Read-Along on Bluesky, Instagram and Facebook...
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They're Sportsy - "City of Others" Chapter Eighteen
Episode 447 "City of Others" by Jared Poon, Chapter Seventeen The team successfully loses at frisbee. Anita and Scott discuss what kind of god Ben might need to enlist to help fight the piranha swarm. You can follow The Read-Along on Bluesky, Instagram and Facebook @thereadalong, and join our...
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Piranha Monsters From the Damp - "City of Others" Chapter Seventeen
Episode 446 "City of Others" by Jared Poon, Chapter Seventeen Team sports day finally arrives, but first Ben and Adam do some deep diving into the damp. Anita loves the intimate way Ben and Adam connect in the damp, while Scott is outraged that someone apparently could skip the mandatory sports...
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Mobster Vibes - "City of Others" Chapter Sixteen
Episode 445 "City of Others" by Jared Poon, Chapter Sixteen Ben has a very early morning meeting with the jinn. Anita and Scott discuss some of the bad bosses over at DEUS. You can follow The Read-Along on Bluesky, Instagram and Facebook @thereadalong, and join our Goodreads Group to get your...
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An Infohazard - "City of Others" Chapter Fifteen
Episode 444 "City of Others" by Jared Poon, Chapter Fifteen Ben takes Mr. Tan to the vet, a looming threat is identified, and the team figures out their next move. Anita takes issue with Mei's proposed solution, while Scott thinks Ben sees himself in Mr. Tan. You can follow The Read-Along on...
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A Trickster God - "City of Others" Chapter Fourteen
Episode 443 "City of Others" by Jared Poon, Chapter Fourteen Ben and Adam rescue Mr. Tan and escape the corporate compound. Scott catches a reference to another series, while Anita wonders when Ben's going to unpack his baggage. You can follow The Read-Along on Bluesky, Instagram and Facebook...
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Exploiting Others - "City of Others" Chapter Thirteen
Episode 442 "City of Others" by Jared Poon, Chapter Thirteen Ben and Adam get some shadowy help in hatching a daring escape. Anita and Scott debate whether or not Ben should have released the thing in the effigy. You can follow The Read-Along on Bluesky, Instagram and Facebook @thereadalong, and...
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Trying to Monetize It - "City of Others" Chapter Twelve
Episode 441 "City of Others" by Jared Poon, Chapter Twelve Ben finally has a chat with the mastermind behind the plot. Scott draws a parallel to Backrooms fiction, while Anita writes an intimate fanfic in her mind. You can follow The Read-Along on Bluesky, Instagram and Facebook @thereadalong…
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Keeping Her Memory Alive - "City of Others" Chapter Eleven
Episode 440 "City of Others" by Jared Poon, Chapter Eleven Ben and Adam meet with Mr. Tan and learn something's wrong with his garden. Scott revisits an earlier chapter to identify Mr. Tan, while Anita hopes we might be getting closer to learning who's pulling the strings behind the scenes. You…
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Extreme Gardening - "City of Others" Chapter Ten
Episode 439 "City of Others" by Jared Poon, Chapter Ten Ben discovers a new superpower, and then plans his next move. Anita and Scott discuss a cat that is somehow unstuck in time. You can follow The Read-Along on Bluesky, Instagram and Facebook @thereadalong, and join our Goodreads Group to get...
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Taken to the Big Snake - "City of Others" Chapter Nine
Episode 438 "City of Others" by Jared Poon, Chapter Nine Ben and Adam meet the Nagamuthu, and his daughter. Anita loves the visual description of the snake deity, while Scott wonders why Ben's broken hands don't seem like a big deal. You can follow The Read-Along on Bluesky, Instagram and…
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Anti-Government - "City of Others" Chapter Eight
Episode 437 "City of Others" by Jared Poon, Chapter Eight The trip to the pasar bayang gets ugly when Ben and Adam visit a fortune teller. Scott and Anita discuss the occult night market and its denizens. You can follow The Read-Along on Bluesky, Instagram and Facebook @thereadalong, and join our...
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Cut To: Grocery Store. INT. - "City of Others" Chapter Seven
Episode 436 "City of Others" by Jared Poon, Chapter Seven Ben and Adam hit the local grocery store to open a portal to a secret occult market. Anita thinks Adam is just the most adorable boyfriend, while Scott loves the idea of sympathetic magic between chain stores. You can follow The Read-Along...
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Fishbowl Conference Room - "City of Others" Chapter Six
Episode 435 "City of Others" by Jared Poon, Chapter Six The DEUS team meets to discuss the situation and come up with a work plan. Scott thinks Ben might have missed who the wyvern's target was, while Anita gets more and more delighted with Adam and Ben's relationship. You can follow The…
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Random Encounter Table - "City of Others" Chapter Five
Episode 434 "City of Others" by Jared Poon, Chapter Five Ben and Adam smooth things over with some good, old-fashioned monster fighting. Anita is pleased things work out between the guys, while Scott finds the situation with the wyvern suspicious. You can follow The Read-Along on Bluesky…
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The Leslie Knope - "City of Others" Chapter Four
Episode 433 "City of Others" by Jared Poon, Chapter Four Ben has an afterhours meet up with his boyfriend which turns into just more work. Anita and Scott speculate over what exactly might be up with Adam. You can follow The Read-Along on Bluesky, Instagram and Facebook @thereadalong, and join…
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Damp - "City of Others" Chapter Three
Episode 432 "City of Others" by Jared Poon, Chapter Three Ben and Jimmy meet for coffee to discuss an occult mystery and much more important paperwork. Anita loves Ben's internal journey while Scott starts with some irresponsible early-book speculation about the nature of the occult threat. You…
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"By the Book" Kind of Guy - "City of Others" Chapter Two
Episode 431 "City of Others" by Jared Poon, Chapter Two Ben and his new intern get swept up in an occult mystery. Anita is already impressed with Fizah, and Scott likens Ben to a character in a previous featured novel. You can follow The Read-Along on Bluesky, Instagram and Facebook…
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Delta Greening - "City of Others" Chapter One
Episode 430 "City of Others" by Jared Poon, Chapter One Ben is a civil servant who deals with the occult and is just trying to get through his day. Scott is getting good "Laundry" vibes, while Anita completely sympathizes with the protagonist. You can follow The Read-Along on Bluesky, Instagram…
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That Guy's Dead Now - "Dreadful" Final Overview
Episode 429 "Dreadful" by Caitlin Rozakis, Final Overview Anita and Scott discuss themes, character arcs, and a fun upstairs/downstairs dynamic. Plus, Anita's favourite segment book club, "Make That Movie!" You can follow The Read-Along on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook @thereadalong, and join…
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Dark Wizard Cleaner - "Dreadful" Chapter 19
Episode 428 "Dreadful" by Caitlin Rozakis, Chapter 19 Everyone gets a new start in the wake of a near disaster. Scott has quibbles with a story decision, while Anita thinks things worked out as well as they could have for everyone. You can follow The Read-Along on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook...
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He Walked the Chicken Walk - "Dreadful" Chapter 18
Episode 426 "Dreadful" by Caitlin Rozakis, Chapter 18 Everything goes badly for pretty much everyone. Scott wonders if there's anyone actually competent in this kingdom, while Anita loves it when someone speaks in the wrong font. You can follow The Read-Along on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook...
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The Wonderful Chaos - "Dreadful" Chapter 17
Episode 425 "Dreadful" by Caitlin Rozakis, Chapter 17 With his back against the wall, Gav watches two different rituals fall apart. Anita gets swept up in the chaotic pace, while Scott speculates on who has finally decided to make an appearance. You can follow The Read-Along on Twitter, Instagram...
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It Would Be a Farce - "Dreadful" Chapter 16
Episode 425 "Dreadful" by Caitlin Rozakis, Chapter 16 Gav can't get a moment alone to find a key. Scott and Anita liken this chapter to a theatrical farce. You can follow The Read-Along on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook @thereadalong, and join our Goodreads Group to get your discussion on! You…
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Dark Wizard Disneyland - "Dreadful" Chapter 15
Episode 424 "Dreadful" by Caitlin Rozakis, Chapter 15 Gav comes up with a cunning plan to solve one of his many dilemmas. Anita hopes the endgame is our protagonist running a dark wizard tourist trap, while Scott remembers a clue from the first chapter. You can follow The Read-Along on Twitter,...
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Continental Breakfast - "Dreadful" Chapter 14
Episode 423 "Dreadful" by Caitlin Rozakis, Chapter 14 Gav's problems worsen as the day of the ritual dawns. Anita and Scott discuss the problem of trying to blow up a whale. You can follow The Read-Along on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook @thereadalong, and join our Goodreads Group to get your...
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Taskmaster Level Lateral Thinking - "Dreadful" Chapter 13
Episode 422 "Dreadful" by Caitlin Rozakis, Chapter 13 Gav finally learns most of Zarconar's evil scheme, but it may be too late to foil it. Anita and Scott discuss the temptation for Gav to get his memories back, and how that might impact his arc. You can follow The Read-Along on Twitter…
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Keeping Up Appearances - "Dreadful" Chapter 12
Episode 421 "Dreadful" by Caitlin Rozakis, Chapter 12 Gav enlists some help in hatching a sneaky plan. Scott is actually impressed with Gav's idea to slip by some wars, while Anita settles on her favourite character. You can follow The Read-Along on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook @thereadalong,...