Ghosts, Justice, and the Dangers of Modern Dating

Sarah Bridgewater

Imagine this: a man so charming, so disarming, that he sweeps women off their feet with a smile. But behind that picture-perfect facade lies a monster. “James Carson has gotten away with murder three times. The only thing that might stop him from killing again? The women he’s already killed.” Welcome to The Book Club Lounge. I’m Sarah Bridgewater, and today, we’re diving into Noelle W. Ihli’s haunting thriller, Ask for Andrea. Quick heads-up: spoilers ahead, so if you’re the type who likes surprises, you might want to read the book first. Oh, and don’t forget to hit subscribe and check out the affiliate link in the show notes to grab a copy of this chilling read and support the show.

Sarah Bridgewater

Alright, let’s start with the three central voices in this story — Meghan, Brecia, and Skye. Three women, all at different points in their lives, but with one thing in common: they each met James Carson on the dating app, MatchStrike. None of them could’ve guessed that their picture-perfect match would lead to their demise. Each first date starts the same way: laughs over coffee, maybe a long walk under the stars. But James? He’s not looking for love. He’s a predator — hiding in plain sight, with his thousand-watt smile and disarming manners.

Sarah Bridgewater

That’s what makes this story so chilling, isn’t it? It plays right into our modern fears. I mean, who hasn’t heard a friend’s horror story about online dating? You connect with someone, and on the surface, everything looks great. But underneath, you know... there’s risk. Noelle Ihli captures that paranoia so perfectly — weaving it seamlessly into her narrative. For Meghan, Brecia, and Skye, their trust is betrayed in the worst way possible.

Sarah Bridgewater

And you know, this actually takes me back to my work narrating true crime audiobooks. There was this one case — well, I don’t have time to get into all the details now, but let’s just say, it left me seriously wary of dating apps. The things people reveal about themselves, or hide, for that matter... it’s enough to make you pause and think twice, right? And that’s exactly what this story does. It forces us to look at the vulnerability of connection, what we risk when we put ourselves out there — and the monsters who exploit it.

Sarah Bridgewater

What’s so gripping about Ask for Andrea isn’t just the tragedies of these three women, but how real it all feels. The danger doesn’t come from some supernatural specter or shadowy figure in a dark alley — it’s the friendly guy sitting across from you, sharing a coffee, giving you compliments that feel, well, genuine. And that’s the scariest part. No matter how much you think you know someone, sometimes, it’s not enough.

Sarah Bridgewater

Meghan, Brecia, and Skye have their lives stolen from them in such cruel and unthinkable ways. But their stories don’t end there. Noelle introduces a compelling twist — the afterlife. What happens to these women after James thinks he’s silenced them forever? We’ll explore that next.

Sarah Bridgewater

So, Meghan, Brecia, and Skye — their stories should have ended on those horrifying nights, right? But here's the twist: they don’t. Death isn’t the end for them. Somehow, in the eerie silence of the afterlife, these three women find each other. And it’s not just chance. It’s like this powerful, invisible thread pulling them together. Call it fate, call it justice — whatever it is, it’s extraordinary.

Sarah Bridgewater

The way Noelle Ihli imagines the afterlife here is fascinating. It’s not some peaceful, floaty existence, nor is it filled with fire and brimstone. Instead, it’s this liminal space where Meghan, Brecia, and Skye are trapped, fully aware of the lives they lost... and of the man who stole them. Can you even imagine? Watching the world move on without you, seeing your own family grieving, knowing they’ll never understand the full truth of what happened to you? That’s... it’s heart-wrenching.

Sarah Bridgewater

But here’s what really struck me — these women, in the face of unbearable loss and often paralyzing sorrow, they don’t crumble. And, honestly, who would’ve blamed them if they did? No, they choose to harness that pain, that anger, and turn it into something... bold, something defiant. They decide to fight back. Together. It’s almost poetic, isn’t it? The very thing James takes from them — their lives — becomes the reason they refuse to stand by and let him hurt anyone else.

Sarah Bridgewater

One of the most suspenseful moments is when Meghan first senses another presence. There’s this chilling scene where she feels like she’s not alone for the first time since her death. And then, slowly, she realizes it’s Brecia. Two strangers in life, now bonded by this shared, unthinkable trauma. And later, they find Skye, and it’s this beautifully haunting image of three women standing together, determined to rewrite the narrative of their deaths. It gave me chills, in the best way.

Sarah Bridgewater

Now, let’s talk about the ghostly perspective. Isn’t it such a unique twist in a thriller? We’re so used to following detectives or family members hunting for closure. But in Ask for Andrea, we see it all from the victims themselves. It adds this deeply emotional layer that’s impossible to look away from. You’re right there with Meghan, Brecia, and Skye—feeling their frustration when they can’t communicate with the living, their triumph when they manage to send even the smallest sign of warning. It’s, well, it’s just gripping.

Sarah Bridgewater

And the supernatural element? Honestly, it elevates the whole story. It’s not just about catching a predator; it’s about resilience, about reclaiming power even when the odds are stacked against you. I think that’s what makes this book stand out from typical thrillers. It’s not just spine-tingling; it’s deeply human and oddly hopeful. You can’t help but root for these women, you know? And wonder, what would you do if you were in their place?

Sarah Bridgewater

We’ve seen how these women turn their collective pain into strength. But let’s shift gears now. Who’s the man that put them in this horrifying position to begin with? Up next, we’re going to take a closer look at James Carson — his charm, his cold-blooded manipulation, and the terrifying tactics that keep him one step ahead of those who are supposed to protect us.

Sarah Bridgewater

And now we come to the man at the center of it all — James Carson. A name that sends shivers down your spine, doesn’t it? What makes someone like James so terrifying is how effortlessly he masks his true nature. He’s not lurking in the shadows; no, he’s out in the open, charming his way into people’s trust. And that’s the thing — charm is his weapon. Noelle Ihli really captures this, showing us how dangerous it is to confuse charm with kindness, with safety.

Sarah Bridgewater

From the very beginning, we see how James carefully constructs his facade. He’s everything you want in a partner — attentive, funny, thoughtful. But behind those kind eyes and that warm smile, he’s calculating every move. Every single one of his actions is designed to disarm, to make women feel secure. And then, when that security is at its height, he strikes. It’s... it’s chilling, isn’t it? That ability to prey on trust, to exploit vulnerability so masterfully.

Sarah Bridgewater

But you know what’s remarkable? It’s how Meghan, Brecia, and Skye manage to turn that same meticulous calculation against him. As ghosts, they have this incredible limitation — they can’t speak to the living, can’t physically intervene — and yet, they find ways to fight back. It’s like this quiet, relentless form of resistance. By working together, pooling their knowledge and resources, these women start to tip the scales of power. Isn’t it inspiring, in a way? Even after death, they refuse to be powerless.

Sarah Bridgewater

And that theme of justice after death — it’s honestly the heart of the story for me. There’s this moment where the three women realize they don’t just want revenge; they want to protect others. They want to keep James from ever hurting anyone again. It stops being only about what was taken from them, and it becomes about accountability, about making sure he’s exposed for what he truly is. It’s such a profound shift, isn’t it?

Sarah Bridgewater

I saw a review that called Ask for Andrea their favorite read of the year, and honestly, I get it. The emotional weight of the story, paired with the thrill of the chase, makes it unforgettable. But what about you, listeners? What part of the story hit you the hardest? Was it the eerie silence of the afterlife? James’s chilling manipulation? Or the sheer courage of these women as they fought back? I’d love to hear your thoughts, so please drop a comment or message me. Let’s keep the conversation going.

Sarah Bridgewater

And if you haven’t already picked up Ask for Andrea, you can find the affiliate link in the show notes. It’s a great way to get your hands on this incredible read and support the podcast at the same time. Thank you for being here with me today. It’s always such a joy to share books like this with you. Until next time, take care of yourselves, and remember — not all monsters look like monsters. Stay safe, and happy reading!