Stay Sexy and Don’t Get Murdered: The Definitive How-To Guide

Wow. I didn’t expect a book with 'murder' in the title to make me sob in my car, but here we are. The honesty these two women bring to the table is refreshing, especially when discussing their own past traumas and failures. Georgia’s chapter on how Ray Bradbury’s writing basically saved her life was absolutely beautiful and resonated with my own experience of using books as an escape. The advice is practical but delivered with a 'don’t be a dick' attitude that I really appreciated. It’s heartwarming, hilarious, and deeply illuminating regarding their paths to success. I finished it in two sittings and immediately wanted to start it over again. This is one of the best nonfiction books I've picked up in years.

The metaphor about being an alcoholic being like shitting in a hot tub and killing the vibe for everyone else is worth the price of admission alone. Karen Kilgariff has such a sharp, cynical wit that translates surprisingly well to the page. I loved the 'latchkey kid' stories; they perfectly captured that specific 70s/80s childhood of powdered lemonade and zero supervision. This isn't just a true crime book; it’s a manual on how to own your space and stop apologizing for existing. It's raunchy, real, and surprisingly tender in the chapters dealing with family and loss. Look, it’s not for everyone, but if you value raw honesty over 'fancy curtains' politeness, you'll love it. Highly recommend the audio version for the extra live energy and Paul Giamatti’s cameos.

After finishing the audiobook, I can safely say that the energy is infectious, especially with the live audience segments. Having Paul Giamatti chime in as the 'voice of wisdom' was a stroke of genius that added a whole other layer of entertainment. This book is a love letter to being an 'old fart' and finally learning that you don't owe anyone your politeness if they make you uncomfortable. The stories about Georgia’s early days and her various jobs were so relatable to anyone who has ever felt lost in their twenties. It’s a heartwarming, hilarious guide to survival that I’ll be recommending to my sisters. Truth is, we all need to be reminded to 'stay sexy and don't get murdered' once in a while.

Georgia’s essay on Ray Bradbury was a standout moment for me, highlighting how literature can be a lifeline during the darkest times. I went into this expecting a collection of murder stories, but I came away with a much deeper appreciation for Karen and Georgia as people. They are incredibly un-guarded about their flaws, from addiction to eating disorders, and that vulnerability makes the 'self-help' parts of the book feel earned rather than preachy. It’s one of those rare nonfiction books that makes you feel seen. The section about Karen’s mother and her battle with Alzheimer’s was gut-wrenching and beautifully written. Personally, I found the mix of humor and heavy topics to be perfectly balanced. It’s a 5-star read for the emotional honesty alone.

As a devoted listener of the podcast, I expected a dive into grisly cases, but what I found was something much more personal and touching. Karen and Georgia use their platform to discuss the messy parts of life—addiction, anxiety, and the struggle to be 'polite' even when your gut says something is wrong. The 'Fuck Politeness' mantra is truly life-changing advice for women who have been conditioned to stay quiet to avoid being rude. To be fair, the writing is quite informal and feels like a long-form blog post at times, which might grate on some readers. However, the humor lands more often than not, and the storytelling is incredibly engaging. It’s a quick, punchy read that feels like a conversation with friends. It’s empowering and reminds us that we don't owe anyone our time at the expense of our safety.

This book feels like sitting at a bar with your two coolest, most chaotic friends while they give you the best advice of your life. It’s illuminating to see the struggles Karen and Georgia went through before they found their niche. The central theme of 'Staying out of the forest' because the world is a forest is a powerful metaphor for navigating a dangerous world without living in constant fear. I did find the structure a bit disjointed, as it jumps between essays without much of a linear path, but the heart behind it is undeniable. It's a must-read for fans, though maybe just a 'borrow' for everyone else. They really nail the feeling of being a teenager and feeling like the world is ending every single day.

To be fair, I went in blind without ever hearing an episode of MFM, and I still found myself sucked into their world. The authors have a way of storytelling that makes even a mundane trip to a diner feel like a high-stakes adventure. I particularly liked the focus on victim-blaming and how we need to shift the conversation toward the people committing the crimes rather than what the victims were doing. While some of the humor felt a bit forced on the page compared to how I imagine it sounds out loud, the core message is powerful. It’s an empowering, honest look at what it means to be a woman today. It’s a delightful, quick read that left me wanting to check out their podcast.

Is this a memoir or a self-help manual? It tries to be both and doesn't quite master either, though it’s still an entertaining enough way to spend a few hours. I enjoy the podcast, but I found that some of the jokes that work so well in a conversational audio format felt a bit 'cringe' when written down on paper. Specifically, the bit about buying three copies of the book felt a little tone-deaf to me. That said, the sections on mental health and therapy are genuinely insightful. It’s a 'meh' reading experience that could have been improved with more focus on the true crime elements that made them famous rather than just their life stories. Good for a plane ride, but not something I'll reread.

Frankly, I think your enjoyment of this depends entirely on whether you already love the podcast. As someone who is only a casual listener, I found the 'insider' nature of the book a little alienating at times. There are a lot of references that I think would land better if I knew their history more intimately. The writing style is very informal—lots of slang—which matches their brand but doesn't always make for a cohesive reading experience. It’s a quick read, and the advice on avoiding predators is solid, but it didn't quite have the depth I was hoping for in a memoir. It felt a bit like a collection of blog posts stitched together. Not bad, just not great.

Picked this up because the cover was everywhere, but I think I might be the wrong audience for this one. I’ve never listened to the podcast, and without that prior connection to the authors, the book felt like being trapped in a corner at a cocktail party with someone who won't stop talking about themselves. The tone is very reminiscent of 'Girl, Wash Your Face,' which isn't really my speed. While I appreciate the message about personal safety, the 'advice' felt a bit unsolicited and repetitive. Also, the factual error about LA having 365 days of sun was a bit of a pet peeve of mine—if you’re going to claim you’re obsessed with facts, at least get the weather right! It felt more like a celebrity memoir for fans than a cohesive book.