Quick Book Reviews with Philippa Hall

In this episode of Quick Book Reviews, Philippa is joined by Bella North to talk about her Oakwood Ranch series, beginning with Score to Settle.Bella also reveals the story behind her different author names, having previously appeared on the podcast under her thriller-writing identities. Together, they chat about sports romance, writing under multiple pen names, the rise of spicy fiction, and why readers are falling in love with the Oakwood Ranch books.Philippa also shares reviews and first impressions of several recent reads, including a brilliant new crime novel from Simon Mason, thoughts on The 10:12 by Anna Maloney, and an early look at The Heir Apparent by Rebecca Armitage.In this episode:Bella North on the inspiration behind the Oakwood Ranch seriesWhy sports romance is having such a major momentWriting romance after psychological thrillersThe pros and cons of publishing under different pen namesHow much sport is really in a sports romance novelSpice levels in fiction and why they are so subjectiveWhy romance readers are such a passionate and supportive communityBella’s ideal writing retreat — and her nightmare writing scenarioThe reality of balancing events, deadlines and creative energyBooks discussed as reviews and in the interview:Score to Settle – Bella NorthGame Over – Bella NorthPlaying for Keeps – Bella NorthThe Dangerous Stranger – Simon MasonThe 10:12 – Anna MaloneyThe Heir Apparent – Rebecca ArmitageThe Nanny – Heather BurnsideThe Bridge Kingdom series – Danielle L. JensenWhat to expectThis is a conversation about:romance tropesenemies-to-loversfriends-to-loversescapist fictioncommercial fictionwriting fast-paced booksauthor eventsand, of course, biscuitsThere is also an important discussion about how different genres are perceived in publishing, and why commercial fiction deserves respect for doing exactly what readers want it to do: entertain.Biscuit chat alertBella reveals her writing biscuit of choice — the chocolate Hobnob — and there is serious debate about whether the Marks & Spencer version might be even better.If you enjoy this episodePlease follow, rate and review Quick Book Reviews, and share the show with a fellow book lover.Get in touchPhilippa loves hearing from listeners. Contact details:Email: quickbookreviews@outlook.comInstagram & Threads: @quick_book_reviews

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 fourThe emotional challenge of writing the final Kat and Locke storyAI, humanity, grief, and what makes us humanPlot twists, rewrites, and bringing a series to a powerful closeJo also shares what she’s been reading:Please Help Me by Gytha Lodge — a tense, high-concept crime thrillerEden Falls by Ajay Chowdhury — a smart, ambitious sci-fi thrillerThe Correspondent (recommended after Philippa’s chat with Alison Barrow)After You’d Gone by Maggie O’Farrell — a powerful love storyRunning and Jumping by Stephen Keady — an unexpectedly fascinating dive into elite athleticsPlus, Jo reveals her ideal writing conditions (hint: it’s all about uninterrupted time) and the very specific cheese-and-biscuit combination that fuels her writing.Perfect for fans of smart crime fiction, emotional thrillers, and thought-provoking mysteries.Follow Quick Book Reviews for more author interviews and spoiler-free book chat.Pre-order Body Of Lies here:https://www.waterstones.com/book/body-of-lies/jo-callaghan/9781398535565https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/body-of-lies-the-crime-thriller-of-2026-from-the-award-winning-and-sunday-times-bestselling-author-of-in-the-blink-of-an-eye-jo-callaghan/cbbcf2c82f6b5367?ean=9781398535565&next=thttps://amzn.eu/d/0bmnarRm

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. TPhilippa also reviews two very different books:Mars One by Charlotte Robertson — a high-stakes space thriller packed with sabotage, conspiracy, tension and reality-TV energy.The Faraway Inn by Sarah Beth Durst — a warm, whimsical YA fantasy audiobook full of magic, comfort and cosy escapism. There’s also a Hay Festival update: Philippa will be appearing with Sheila Kanani at Hay Festival on Friday 22 May 2026 at 8.30pm for The Starspotter’s Guide, a conversation about the night sky, stars and space. If you enjoy:crime fiction, thriller interviews, atmospheric mysteries, space thrillers, cosy fantasy, audiobook recommendations, and spoiler-free book chat, this episode is for you.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 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?Are ARC reviews always honest?Do great books get overlooked?…this episode pulls back the curtain on the real publishing ecosystem.WHAT YOU’LL DISCOVERHow publishers choose their “lead titles”The truth about ARCs (Advance Reader Copies) and influencer marketingWhy you keep seeing the same books on InstagramHow word-of-mouth, bookshops, and libraries still shape successThe balance between authentic reviews and publisher relationshipsWhy some incredible books quietly build audiences over timeBOOKS MENTIONEDWhatever Happened to Madeline Stone – Louise O’NeillMars One – Charlotte RobinsonThe Ending Writes Itself – Evelyn ClarkeIt's Not What You Think – Claire MackintoshElizabeth & Marilyn – Julie Owen MoylanThe Wreck – Lizzie StewartSlings & Arrows – Nick McLachlanLISTENER QUESTION OF THE WEEKA thoughtful question from Johanne sparks an honest discussion about:Social media book promotionAuthenticity vs visibilityWhether “hyped” books can still be trustedABOUT OUR GUESTAlison Barrow is PR Director at Transworld (part of Penguin Random House UK), working with global bestselling authors and shaping major publishing campaigns.Article mentioned in The Bookseller: https://www.thebookseller.com/comment/events-not-a-campaign-solutionJOIN THE CONVERSATIONGot a question for Alison?Email: quickbookreviews@outlook.comLOVE THE SHOW?If you enjoy Quick Book Reviews, don’t forget to:Follow / SubscribeLeave a reviewShare with a fellow book loverCOMING NEXTMore author interviews, book reviews (no spoilers!), and insider publishing chat every week.

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 ReviewedThe Drowning Place – Sarah Hilary ⭐ (highly recommended, potential book of the year)Solitary Agents – David Goodman ⭐ (thriller/spy crossover, gripping and accessible)Operation Bounce House – Matt DinnimanLook What You Made Me Do – John LanchesterReading Slump Fix: Philippa’s TipsIf you’re struggling to read or feeling stuck in a reading slump, Philippa shares what worked for her:Take a break from reading (it will come back!)Try a different format (audiobooks, graphic novels, poetry)Re-read a favourite bookLimit your choices (pick a small stack and commit)Visit a bookshop or library for inspirationDon’t panic — reading slumps are normalBooks That Helped Philippa Out of a Reading SlumpThe Wreck – Lizzie StewartSlings and Arrows – Nick McLachlanA Family Matter – Claire LynchThese three books completely reignited her love of reading.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

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 thrillersWriting routines, plotting, and the importance of rewritingObsession, truth, and the psychology behind his charactersJ.P. also shares what he’s been reading:Daisy Darker, Sometimes I Lie and Beautiful Ugly by Alice FeeneyThe Broken Afternoon by Simon MasonThe Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel BarberyIn Her Defence by Philippa Manica — a standout courtroom thriller he highly recommendsPlus: writing in beautiful locations, why Starbucks is his worst nightmare, and the surprising snack (not biscuits) that fuels his writing.Perfect for fans of twisty psychological thrillers and fast-paced, high-concept fiction.Follow Quick Book Reviews for more author interviews and spoiler-free book chat.

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 twistsWriting habits, pressure & her next very spicy thrillerDream writing spots (and total nightmares!)Plus, quick-fire reviews of:My Friends by Fredrik Backman – emotional, funny, unforgettableMrs Spy by M J Robotham– smart, fun spy fictionSupercrash: How to Hijack the Global Economy by Darryl Cunningham– sharp and eye-openingCaller Unknown by Gillian McAllister - Out soon!And: Kindle vs Kobo — which wins?Love books? Hit follow and don’t miss an episode!

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 bookBuilding a campaign around secrecy and intrigueManaging (and protecting) a major author revealThe viral buzz, wild guesses, and reader engagementWhat worked—and what they’d do differentlyThe realities of publishing behind the scenesPlus—Bloody Scotland, proof drops, influencers, campaign chaos (including that wifi moment), and answers to the authors’ own questions.If you enjoyed Part 1 with V. E. Schwab and Cat Clarke, this is the perfect companion episode.

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 identityHow this ambitious collaboration came togetherWriting a sharp, funny satire of the publishing worldThe realities (and absurdities) of being an author todayTheir unique co-writing processPlus—Bloody Scotland book festival, Stephen King, FOMO in publishing, and the joy (and chaos) of keeping a literary secret.Part 2 drops tomorrow, featuring the publicity team behind this standout campaign.