Quick Book Reviews with Philippa Hall

Jo Callaghan joins Philippa to talk about  Body of Lies  — the gripping fourth and final Kat Frank and AIDE Lock thriller. We talk about: Why this series ends with book four The emotional challenge of writing the final Kat and Locke story AI, humanity, grief, and what makes us human Plot twists, rewrites, and bringing a series to a powerful close Jo also shares what she’s been reading: P...

In this episode of  Quick Book Reviews , Philippa Hall is joined by  Sarah Hilary  to talk about  The Drowning Place , the gripping first novel in a new crime series set in the Peak District. Together they discuss crime fiction, setting, writing atmosphere, rural communities, audiobook narration, and the journey of building a new series.  T Philippa also reviews two very d...

In this insider episode of  Quick Book Reviews , Philippa is joined by returning guest  Alison Barrow , PR Director at Transworld (Penguin Random House), to answer a brilliant listener question about  book marketing, ARCs, and social media influence . If you’ve ever wondered: Why do some books dominate Instagram and BookTok? How do publishers decide which books get major promotion?...

In this episode of  Quick Book Reviews , Philippa Hall shares a mix of  book recommendations, honest reviews, and practical tips for getting out of a reading slump . Philippa also shares her experience appearing on  BBC Breakfast  and behind-the-scenes of recording while unwell (powered by Vonia and sheer determination!). Featured Books Reviewed The Drowning Place  – Sarah...

J.P. Delaney joins Philippa to talk about his latest psychological thriller, The Move — a tense, unsettling story about a dream home that turns into a nightmare. We talk about: The inspiration behind  The Move  and the emotional pull of houses and “home” Why this novel steps away from tech-driven thrillers Writing routines, plotting, and the importance of rewriting Obsession, t...

Bestselling thriller writer Clare Mackintosh joins Philippa to talk about her gripping new novel It’s Not What You Think— packed with jaw-dropping twists. We cover: How Clare creates unforgettable plot twists Writing habits, pressure & her next  very  spicy thriller Dream writing spots (and total nightmares!) Plus, quick-fire reviews of: My Friends by Fredrik Backman&n...

Part 2 of this special two part episode. Today I’m joined by the publicity team behind  The Ending Writes Itself —Philippa Cotton and Becky Mansell from HQ—to go behind the scenes of one of the most inventive book campaigns in recent years. We talk about: How early publicity gets involved in acquiring a book Building a campaign around secrecy and intrigue Managing (and pro...

A special early episode for the bank holiday weekend. In Part 1, I’m joined by the authors behind  The Ending Writes Itself —V. E. Schwab and Cat Clarke—writing together as Evelyn Clarke. We talk about: The secret behind their hidden identity How this ambitious collaboration came together Writing a sharp, funny satire of the publishing world The realities (and absurdities) of b...

It’s a  crime-packed episode  of  Quick Book Reviews   Philippa is back with  six crime and thriller recommendations —including bestselling psychological suspense, twisty mysteries, and edge-of-your-seat reads—plus a behind-the-scenes interview with the Festival Director of one of the UK’s biggest crime events. In This Episode A stack of  must-read crime thrillers &nb...

Welcome to the  Quick Book Reviews Podcast  — the podcast featuring  author interviews and book reviews with no spoilers . In this episode Philippa shares  10 new books she’s excited to read this month , covering everything from gripping psychological thrillers and crime fiction to literary fiction and historical drama. If you're looking for  new books to add to your readi...

Discover 5 brilliant book recommendations plus publishing insider secrets. PR Director Alison Barrow reveals the truth about bestseller lists, book tours and how books really succeed. ⏱ Timestamped Show Notes 00:00 – Welcome to Quick Book Reviews 01:15 – Philippa introduces today’s five standout books 02:10 –  This Story Might Save Your Life  by Tiffany Crum 05:40 –  Gone for G...

In this episode of  Quick Book Reviews , Philippa talks to author  Claire Leslie Hall  about her extraordinary novel  Broken Country  — a story of love, grief, longing, and the choices that shape our lives. Set against the backdrop of the English countryside,  Broken Country  begins with a shocking line:  a man is dead — but who is he, and why?  From th...

Bestselling author Patrick Gale joins Philippa on the Quick Book Reviews Podcast to discuss his powerful new novel Love Lane, plus brilliant escapist book recommendations including The Selection and An Offer from a Gentleman. In this episode of  Quick Book Reviews , Philippa talks to bestselling author Patrick Gale about his moving and deeply personal n...

In this episode of Quick Book Reviews, Philippa speaks to actor, comedian and author Andi Osho about her third novel,  Most Wanted . Most Wanted  explores the housing crisis through the story of a couple pushed to desperate measures in their attempt to get on the property ladder. Blending sharp comedy with serious social themes, the novel examines control, financial pressure, responsibil...

Full programme and booking information: https://www.hayfestival.com/hay-on-wye/home Planning a visit to the  Hay Festival  this year? In this special episode of  Quick Book Reviews , Philippa travels to  Hay-on-Wye  to speak with festival organisers  Heather Salisbury  and  Jacqueline Hewer about the exciting new programme. Discover: • The brand-new  Cr...

In this episode of  Quick Book Reviews , Philippa speaks to bestselling crime author  Nadine Matheson  about her gripping new novel  The Shadow Carver , the latest instalment in the Inspector Henley series. We discuss: Writing dark crime fiction with legal authenticity How her background in criminal law shapes her storytelling The emotional toll of writing morally complex chara...

Six Friends, £1.6 Million & One Fatal Decision – T.M. Logan on The Weekend In this episode of Quick Book Reviews, Philippa speaks to bestselling author  T.M. Logan  about his gripping new thriller  The Weekend . When six friends discover £1.6 million hidden in a cave during a New Year getaway, one question changes everything: do you hand it in — or keep it? T.M. Logan discusses:...

In this episode of Quick Book Reviews, Philippa is joined by global bestselling author  Lisa Jewell  to discuss her paperback hit  Don’t Let Him In  and her brand new summer release  It Could Have Been Her . Lisa talks candidly about writing morally complex characters, creating psychological tension without crossing credibility lines, and why her epilogues often carry the...

In this episode of  Quick Book Reviews , Philippa is joined by bestselling author  Tim Weaver  to talk about his gripping new novel  The Lost Women , the fifteenth book in the much-loved  David Raker  series. Tim reflects on reaching a major milestone as a writer and explains how he balances writing for long-time fans while ensuring every book can be read as a standal...

In this special episode of  Quick Book Reviews , Philippa explores a bold claim making waves across the book world:  are wearable e-readers really the future of reading? After researching the much-talked-about  SOL wearable e-reader glasses , Philippa shares her scepticism, the surprising reactions from early adopters, and asks listeners whether immersive tech could change how we re...

In this episode of  Quick Book Reviews , Philippa is joined by bestselling author  Will Dean  to discuss his haunting psychological thriller  Adrift  — a novel that explores control, isolation, and the quiet terror of living with someone who manipulates from the shadows. Will talks candidly about his off-grid life in the Swedish woods, why he writes his first drafts in int...

n this powerful and deeply honest episode of  Quick Book Reviews , Philippa is joined by award-winning author  Catriona Ward  to discuss her haunting new novel  Nowhere Burning . This conversation goes far beyond the book. Catriona opens up about writing through profound personal grief, why she cries while writing, and how love — especially between siblings — can become both a...

In this reflective and refreshingly honest episode of  Quick Book Reviews , Philippa is joined by well-known book influencer and paramedic  Jules Swain  for a conversation that goes far beyond algorithms, star ratings, and reading targets. What begins as a discussion about social media platforms — from X and Instagram to BookTok — quickly becomes a deeper exploration of  burnou...

In this episode of  Quick Book Reviews , Philippa reflects on letting go of over-ambitious New Year plans and choosing a kinder, more sustainable pace of life — before diving into a rich and wide-ranging conversation with the brilliant writing duo Nicci French about their latest novel,  What Happened That Night . Nicci French talk about the inspiration behind the book, writing together w...

In this episode of Quick Book Reviews, Philippa is joined by bestselling author Jennie Godfrey to talk about her wonderful new novel,  The Barbecue at No.9 . Jennie’s debut,  The List of Suspicious Things , became a word-of-mouth sensation, and her second novel is just as joyful, moving and addictive. Set over the twelve hours of Live Aid in 1985,  The Barbecue at Number Nine  ...