Quick Book Reviews with Philippa Hall

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 without ever sitting side by side, how friendships and secrets evolve over decades, and why reunions can be fertile ground for psychological tension. They also discuss ageing, regret, perception, and how the past refuses to stay buried.Alongside the interview, Philippa reviews two very different but equally compelling books:The Exes by Leodora Darlington — a dark, twisty psychological thriller about a woman haunted by the men she’s loved before and the secrets she’s desperate to keep hidden.Trust by Hernan Diaz — an ambitious, multi-layered literary novel about wealth, power, storytelling, and truth in 1920s New York.Philippa also reminds listeners about two recent thrillers she’s previously recommended:My Husband’s Wife by Alice FeeneyIn Her Defence by Philippa MalickaThere is also book club chat, reflections on perception and memory, and — of course — an essential and highly scientific discussion about biscuits and dunking technique.Books Featured in This EpisodeWhat Happened That Night — Nicci FrenchThe Exes — Leodora DarlingtonTrust — Hernan DiazMy Husband’s Wife — Alice FeeneyIn Her Defence — Philippa MalickaFollow Quick Book Reviews for book recommendations, author interviews, and weekly podcast episodes.📧 Email: quickbookreviews@outlook.com📸 Instagram & Threads: @quick_book_reviews🎵 TikTok: @quickbookreviews🐦 X: @quickbookrevie3🦋 Bluesky: quickbookreviewsNicci French interviewWhat Happened That Nightpsychological thriller podcastQuick Book Reviewsauthor interview podcastbook podcast UKLeodora Darlington The ExesHernan Diaz TrustAlice Feeney My Husband’s WifePhilippa Malika In Her Defencecrime fiction podcastthriller book reviews

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 follows the residents of a new-build estate as secrets unravel, tensions rise, and lives change forever. Somebody is watching them — and by the end of the day, nothing will be the same again.In this warm, funny and fascinating conversation, Philippa and Jennie discuss:Second-book nerves and writing under pressureWhy writers should finish book two before book one is publishedLiving and writing in rural SomersetWhy Live Aid became the backdrop to the novelNostalgia, secrets and the endurance of the human spiritCharacter inspiration and the joy of fictional neighboursJennie’s whirlwind publishing journeyReading habits, audiobooks and Kindle lifeThe importance of maps in novelsThe ultimate biscuit discussion (including M&S biscuity clouds)Preorder here: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/16356/9781529155013📚 Books mentioned in this episode:The Barbecue at No 9 – Jennie GodfreyThe List of Suspicious Things – Jennie GodfreyDead Heat – Sabine DurrantThe Shock of the Light – Laurie Inglis HallNightwatching – Tracy SierraJennie also shares what she’s currently reading, her dream and nightmare writing locations, and the two moments in her career that truly took her breath away.The Barbecue at No 9 is published next week.Pre-orders are now open.Follow Quick Book Reviews for book recommendations, author interviews, and weekly podcast episodes.📧 Email: quickbookreviews@outlook.com📸 Instagram & Threads: @quick_book_reviews🎵 TikTok: @quickbookreviews

In this special episode of Quick Book Reviews, Philippa combines new book reviews with a fascinating behind-the-scenes interview about NetGalley – the platform that gives reviewers early access to upcoming books.First, Philippa shares four recent reads (and listens), including a stunning new novel from Jennie Godfrey, a feel-good Irish audiobook, a classic Agatha Christie, and a BBC Sounds drama that left her in floods of tears.Then, Philippa is joined by Stuart Evers, Director of NetGalley UK, for an in-depth conversation about:What NetGalley actually is and how it worksHow reviewers get approved for booksWhat publishers are really looking forReview percentages – and whether they really matterThe dos and don’ts of writing helpful reviewsUsing NetGalley on Kindle and KoboWhy reviews matter more than you might thinkPlus, of course, the essential biscuit and dunking discussion.📚 Books reviewed in this episode:The Barbecue at No. 9 – Jennie GodfreyNight Swimmers – Roísín O’Donnell (audiobook)The Mysterious Affair at Styles – Agatha ChristieThe Wedding Suit – Rachel Joyce (BBC Sounds, narrated by Paul Venables)If you’ve ever wondered how NetGalley works, how to become a reviewer, or how publishers use early reviews – this episode is for you.Philippa returns on Friday with more bookish chat.Until then, happy reading (and dunking).Follow Quick Book Reviews for book recommendations, author interviews, and weekly podcast episodes.📧 Email: quickbookreviews@outlook.com📸 Instagram & Threads: @quick_book_reviews🎵 TikTok: @quickbookreviews🐦 X: @quickbookrevie3🦋 Bluesky: quickbookreviews

In this episode of the Quick Book Reviews Podcast, I’m joined by Tanya Sweeney to talk about her novel Esther Is Now Following You — a chilling and timely exploration of online obsession, surveillance, and power.We discuss the inspiration behind the book, the realities of digital stalking, and what it means to write fiction that feels uncomfortably close to real life.I’m also sharing spoiler-free reviews of four very different books, ranging from contemporary crime and true crime to classic mysteries reimagined.Books featured in this episode:Witch Trial by Harriet TyceMr Poirot: Mischief on the Nile by Roger Hargreaves & Agatha ChristieLittle Miss Marple: Murder at the Vicarage by Roger Hargreaves & Agatha ChristieThe Mushroom Tapes: Conversations on a Triple Murder Trial by Helen Garner, Chloe Hooper & Sarah KrasnosteinWhether you’re looking for your next great read, enjoy thoughtful author interviews, or love discovering books across genres, there’s plenty to explore in this episode.Follow Quick Book Reviews for book recommendations, author interviews, and weekly podcast episodes.📧 Email: quickbookreviews@outlook.com📸 Instagram & Threads: @quick_book_reviews🎵 TikTok: @quickbookreviews🐦 X: @quickbookrevie3🦋 Bluesky: quickbookreviews.bsky.social

In this episode of the Quick Book Reviews podcast, Philippa Hall is joined by internationally bestselling author Kathy Reichs to talk about her latest Temperance Brennan novel, Evil Bones.Now 24 books into the series, Kathy reflects on what keeps the character of Temperance Brennan fresh, how real forensic cases inspire fiction, and why science-driven crime writing still excites her decades into her career.They discuss:Kathy’s dream (and nightmare) writing locationsWriting with a scientific background — without overwhelming the readerHow real forensic cases spark fictional ideasWhy Evil Bones became her “animal book”Bringing forensic veterinary science into crime fictionWriting twists that surprise but still make senseThe importance of setting, atmosphere, and visiting locationsHow the TV series Bones introduced new readers to the booksWhether new readers should start at book one or jump straight inWhat readers love most about Temperance BrennanLife outside a publishing contractWhy writing is still hard work — even after 24 booksAnd, of course, the biscuits (or cookies) that powered the writing 🍪Evil Bones blends forensic science, animal welfare, and gripping mystery, delivering another compelling case for Temperance Brennan — with plenty of surprises along the way.🎧 New episodes of Quick Book Reviews every Monday & Friday Follow Quick Book Reviews for book recommendations, author interviews, and weekly podcast episodes.📧 Email: quickbookreviews@outlook.com📸 Instagram & Threads: @quick_book_reviews🎵 TikTok: @quickbookreviews🐦 X: @quickbookrevie3🦋 Bluesky: quickbookreviews

This week on the Quick Book Reviews Podcast, I’m joined by bestselling author Robert Thorogood for a fascinating conversation about crime writing, storytelling, and moving between screen and page.We talk about his approach to mystery, what keeps readers turning pages, and how he builds characters and plots that really last.Alongside the interview, I’m also reviewing three very different books: Gone For Goodbye by Harlan Coben & Reese Witherspoon, The Choral by Alan Bennett, and Esther Is Now Following You by Tanya Sweeney.Whether you’re looking for your next great read or love hearing authors talk about their craft, there’s something here for you.Books discussed include crime fiction, literary fiction, and contemporary memoir, with recommendations for readers who enjoy compelling storytelling and strong voices.You can buy Robert Thorogood's book here: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/16356/9780008567415You can contact Philippa at: Email quickbookreviews@outlook.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/quick_book_reviewsThreads: @quick_book_reviewsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@quickbookreviewsX: https://x.com/quickbookrevie3Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/quickbookreviews.bsky.social

This week on the Quick Book Reviews Podcast, I’m joined by Frankie from The Labours of Hercule podcast (and the Read & Buried Podcast) to mark 50 years since the death of Agatha Christie.We talk all things Christie — from her most iconic novels to her extraordinary influence on crime fiction — and, of course, tackle the big question: who is best, Hercule Poirot or Miss Marple?Frankie shares her favourite Agatha Christie books, plus we discuss what makes her mysteries so enduring and why her stories continue to be read, adapted, and loved decades after they were written.Whether you’re a lifelong Christie fan or discovering her work for the first time, this episode is a celebration of the Queen of Crime and her unforgettable detectives.Topics include Agatha Christie novels, Hercule Poirot, Miss Marple, classic crime fiction, and literary legacy.Follow Quick Book Reviews for book recommendations, author interviews, and weekly podcast episodes.📧 Email: quickbookreviews@outlook.com📸 Instagram & Threads: @quick_book_reviews🎵 TikTok: @quickbookreviews🐦 X: @quickbookrevie3🦋 Bluesky: quickbookreviews.bsky.social

In this episode of the Quick Book Reviews podcast, Philippa chats with Victoria from the BookTube channel What Victoria Read about books, community, and the growing reading crisis in UK schools.Victoria has been creating BookTube content for over seven years and is also an English teacher, giving her a unique perspective on how reading habits are changing — both online and in the classroom.Together, Philippa and Victoria discuss:What BookTube is and why it mattersBuilding an online bookish communityHonesty and authenticity in book reviewingCharity fundraising through BookTubeTeaching English in secondary schoolsThe reality of falling reading levels in childrenWhy reading for pleasure is so importantHow schools try to engage reluctant readersWhy it doesn’t matter what you read — just that you readAudiobooks, rereading favourites, and TBR pilesBook recommendations from the past yearAnd, of course, a very important discussion about biscuits 🍪Victoria also shares her three magic-wand wishes to help solve the reading crisis and offers thoughtful advice for anyone thinking of starting their own BookTube channel.Books mentioned in this episode include:Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne CollinsHuman Rights by Juno DawsonWayward by Amelia Hart🎥 Find Victoria on YouTube: What Victoria Read https://www.youtube.com/@WhatVictoriaRead🎧 New episodes of Quick Book Reviews every Monday & Friday (and occasionally on Wednesdays)Follow Quick Book Reviews for book recommendations, author interviews, and weekly podcast episodes.📧 Email: quickbookreviews@outlook.com📸 Instagram & Threads: @quick_book_reviews🎵 TikTok: @quickbookreviews🐦 X: @quickbookrevie3🦋 Bluesky: quickbookreviews