Quick Book Reviews with Philippa Hall

In this episode of Quick Book Reviews, Philippa chats to bestselling thriller author Jack Jordan about his brand new novel, Deception — a tense, addictive thriller that asks one terrifying question:How far would you go to save your child?Jack discusses:the inspiration behind Deceptionwriting high-stakes moral dilemmasbalancing relentless tension with emotional depthwhy readers become emotionally involved in his booksthe pressure of deadlines and perfectionismTV adaptations of his novelsworking with Elisabeth Moss on the adaptation of Convictionhow his books became known for their impossible ethical questionsPhilippa and Jack also talk about:dream and nightmare writing locationswriting while emotionally “living” the scenesairport chaos as the ultimate writing nightmarethriller pacing and giving readers room to breathethe importance of book cover designreader bookshelves and collectible editionswhy Jack rewrites drafts obsessively before anyone sees themAbout DeceptionEmma and Miles are desperate to save their son, who urgently needs life-changing surgery they cannot afford.Their last hope is a mysterious organisation called The Levels — a dangerous competition where contestants commit escalating crimes for escalating rewards.But they are not the only players.As the stakes rise, Deception forces both its characters — and its readers — to confront impossible moral questions:What would you do to save the person you love most?Topics CoveredPsychological thrillersMoral dilemma fictionWriting process and perfectionismTV and streaming adaptationsPublishing deadlinesCrime fictionBook cover brandingWorking-class journeys into publishingReader communitiesThriller pacingMemorable MomentsJack describing writing deadlines as “life or death”The Italian lakeside villa dream writing retreatThe airport nightmare writing scenario“A panic attack in two covers”Jack revealing nobody sees his real first draftsThe emotional intensity of writing thriller scenesThe revelation that Deception has been optioned for televisionBiscuit VerdictOfficial writing fuel:BourbonsFour-finger Kit KatsBonus points for accidental all-chocolate Kit KatsStrong support for peanut butter Kit KatsFollow 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 Quick Book Reviews, it is feedback week! Please send Philippa your thoughts on the podcast, you can email here: quickbookreviews@outlook.com. You can find her on instagram at this account: @quick_book_reviewsPhilippa chats to bestselling author Rosie Walsh about her gripping new novel The One Day You Were My Husband.Rosie discusses the inspiration behind the book, the challenges of writing after major success, researching the life of a surgeon, and why this was the book she came closest to abandoning.Philippa also reviews three very different books:The Eye of the Bedlam Bride by Matt DinnimanA Deadly Episode by Anthony HorowitzDeception by Jack JordanIn this episodeRosie Walsh on The One Day You Were My HusbandWriting emotional thrillers with huge twistsThe pressure of following bestselling novelsWhy this book was so difficult to writeBalancing publicity, motherhood and creativityWriting under the name Lucy RobinsonResearching medicine and surgery for fictionThe importance of titles in publishingPhilippa’s spoiler-free book reviewsFeedback week for the podcastAbout The One Day You Were My HusbandCarrie and Johan are newly married on a beach in Thailand when armed men arrive and take Johan away.Twelve years later, Carrie has rebuilt her life. She is remarried, has children, and is preparing to return to work as a surgeon. Then she sees a familiar face online — Johan, alive in Stockholm, with a new life of his own.Why did he never contact her?What really happened in Thailand?And should Carrie risk everything to find out?Books reviewedThe Eye of the Bedlam Bride – Matt DinnimanA wildly inventive, hilarious and action-packed instalment in the Dungeon Crawler Carl series.A Deadly Episode – Anthony HorowitzA clever, funny Hawthorne mystery set around the filming of The Word Is Murder.Deception – Jack JordanA high-stakes thriller about desperate parents, impossible choices and a deadly game.Books mentionedThe One Day You Were My Husband – Rosie WalshThe Love of My Life – Rosie WalshGhosted / The Man Who Didn’t Call – Rosie WalshThe Things You’ll Never Know – Ashley AudrainThe Eye of the Bedlam Bride – Matt DinnimanA Deadly Episode – Anthony HorowitzDeception – Jack JordanBiscuit verdictNo biscuits for Rosie Walsh — but there is a memorable discussion of cold sliced hard-boiled eggs, fruit, yogurt and a life without sugar.

This week on Quick Book Reviews, Philippa is joined by publishing powerhouse Alison Barrow for a fascinating behind-the-scenes conversation about the world of books, publishing, publicity, BookTok, book reviewing, and what really happens inside a major publishing house.Alison shares the emotional impact of the recent Bookseller Awards, including the extraordinary success of Nobody’s Girl and the moving tributes to legendary romantic fiction authors including Jilly Cooper, Sophie Kinsella and Joanna Trollope.They also discuss:the launch of Transworld’s new horror imprint 3AMthe rise of horror and romantasy publishing trendsAlison’s own experience writing and editing her debut novelhow exhausting structural edits really arethe realities of social media for book reviewerswhether TikTok or Instagram matters more for publishingwhy authenticity matters more than follower countsPlus Alison recommends some brilliant reads, including:London FallingFame SickThe Agatha CureIf you’ve ever wondered how publishing really works, how books become bestsellers, or how to start reviewing books online, this episode is packed with insight, warmth and honesty.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 Quick Book Reviews, Philippa chats to Ardal O’Hanlon about his new novel A Plot to Die For, the first book in his Blooming Murder Mystery series.Best known for Father Ted and Death in Paradise, Ardal brings comedy, warmth and murder mystery together in this funny, charming and sharply observed cosy crime novel set in a small Irish town.Philippa also reviews three books exploring the current tradwife trend in very different ways:Yesteryear by Caro Claire BurkeTradwife by Sarah LanganThe Tradwife’s Secret by Leanne ChildIn this episodeArdal O’Hanlon on A Plot to Die ForWriting cosy crime with genuine comedyWhy funny writing still takes serious craftThe influence of Death in Paradise and murder mystery structureCreating Finn O’Leary, celebrity gardener turned amateur detectiveSmall-town Ireland, community secrets and Tidy TownsWriting a series and what might come nextAudiobook narration and why Ardal reads his own bookPhilippa’s tradwife fiction recommendationsAbout A Plot to Die ForA Plot to Die For introduces Finn O’Leary, a TV celebrity gardener who returns home to Ireland to care for his mother — only to find himself caught up in murder, secrets and local rivalries.Expect:cosy crimeIrish humouramateur sleuthinggardeningcommunity dramaa brilliant cast of charactersand a murder during choir practiceBooks reviewedYesteryear – Caro Claire BurkeA twisty, genre-bending tradwife novel perfect for book clubs and holiday reading.Tradwife – Sarah LanganA horror take on the tradwife trend, with farmhouse perfection hiding something deeply unsettling.The Tradwife’s Secret – Leanne ChildA psychological thriller full of secrets, lies and domestic tension.Books mentionedA Plot to Die For – Ardal O’HanlonThe Truth About Ruby Cooper – Liz NugentThe God of the Woods – Liz MooreWhite City – Dominic NolanYesteryear – Caro Claire BurkeTradwife – Sarah LanganThe Tradwife’s Secret – Leanne ChildBiscuit verdictArdal chooses the Wagon Wheel — original preferred, jammy accepted in emergencies.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

Bestselling author Veronica Roth joins Philippa to talk about her gripping new novel Seek the Traitor’s Son — a romantic dystopian fantasy packed with prophecy, danger and high-stakes love.We cover:Life after the global phenomenon DivergentWriting pressure, creativity & finding joy againPlaylists, world-building & surprising story twistsWhy this is just the start of a new seriesPerfect for fans of The Hunger Games and epic sci-fi fantasy.Love books? Follow Quick Book Reviews and never miss an episode!Email Philippa at quickbookreviews@outlook.com

In this episode of Quick Book Reviews, Philippa talks to Tariq Ashkanani about his latest novel The Hollow Boys, a dark, atmospheric blend of crime, horror and small-town mystery.Set in the fictional Appalachian town of Aurora, The Hollow Boys begins after two boys go missing. Ten months later, one boy returns — but claims he is the other boy. What follows is a chilling investigation into identity, memory, fear and the secrets buried beneath a dying town.Philippa also reviews three very different books:Dissection of a Murder by Jo MurrayBloom by Delilah S. DawsonThe Magic Faraway Tree by Enid BlytonIn this episodeTariq Ashkanani on The Hollow BoysHow crime and horror overlapWriting dark, atmospheric fictionWhy setting can become a characterSmall towns, secrets and creeping dreadThe influence of books such as Red DragonWriting while balancing another careerWhy publishing can move so slowlyPodcasting, author interviews and literary festivalsPhilippa’s spoiler-free reviewsAbout The Hollow BoysThe Hollow Boys is a tense, unsettling mystery about two missing boys, one impossible return, and a town haunted by what lies beneath it.Perfect for readers who enjoy:crime fictionhorror-tinged thrillersdark small-town mysterieseerie atmospheremissing person storiesmorally complex charactersBooks reviewedDissection of a Murder – Jo MurrayA gripping legal thriller with courtroom tension, secrets and a compelling murder case.Bloom – Delilah S. DawsonA book that begins with cosy romance energy before taking a shocking turn into full horror.The Magic Faraway Tree – Enid BlytonA nostalgic return to Moon-Face, adventure, peril and childhood reading magic.Books and authors mentionedThe Hollow Boys – Tariq AshkananiThe Midnight King – Tariq AshkananiRed Dragon – Thomas HarrisThe Death of Us – Abigail DeanNight Film – Marisha PesslBiscuit verdictTariq goes rogue with drumstick sweets rather than biscuits — sticky, chewy, nostalgic, and officially allowed.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 Quick Book Reviews, Philippa is joined by the powerhouse writing duo Ellis Hunter — Kate Ellis Brown and Becky Hunter — to talk about their hugely anticipated debut Bloodbound.Already generating major buzz across the book world, Bloodbound is a standout novel blending witches, dragon riders, high-stakes magic, and powerful female friendships.WHAT YOU’LL DISCOVERWhat Blood Bound is about — and why readers are obsessedWhy this book works for both fantasy fans and fantasy beginnersThe rise of romantasy and why it’s dominating the book worldHow two authors successfully co-write a novel togetherThe realities of going from publishing professionals to debut authorsBehind-the-scenes insight into book deals, rights, and global publishingThe pressure (and excitement) of writing Book 2Why female friendship is at the heart of this storyABOUT BLOOD BOUNDA gripping fantasy set between a Queendom of Witches and a Kingdom of Dragon Riders, where two women on opposite sides of a deadly conflict must face fate, power, and impossible choices.With:enemies-to-lovers tensionepic world-buildingmagic, dragons, and deadly trialsand unforgettable twists…it’s no surprise this is the book everyone is talking about.ABOUT THE AUTHORSEllis Hunter is the writing duo of:Kate Ellis Brown – editor and publishing professionalBecky Hunter – author and former publicistTogether, they bring insider knowledge of the publishing world and a shared love of fantasy to create something fresh, addictive, and emotionally powerful.INSIDE THE WRITING PROCESSHow they split POV characters (Astrid & Skylar)Why planning together was keyThe challenges of writing collaborativelyHow deadlines and real life (including motherhood!) shaped the processIf you love:fantasy / romantasydragons, magic, and epic worldsbehind-the-scenes publishing insightauthor journeys and writing craftLOVE THE SHOW?Follow, rate and review Quick Book Reviews and share with a fellow readerOUT NOWBlood Bound is available now — perfect timing to dive into the book everyone is buzzing about.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 special Wednesday episode of Quick Book Reviews, Philippa chats to bestselling author Laurie Gilmore, creator of the hugely popular Dream Harbor series, which has sold over 4 million copies.Laurie joins the podcast to discuss her latest book, The Daisy Chain Flower Shop, as well as the magic of cosy small-town romance, why readers have fallen so hard for Dream Harbor, and how comfort reads can help us through difficult times.In this episodeLaurie Gilmore on The Daisy Chain Flower ShopThe story behind the Dream Harbor seriesWhy cosy small-town romance is having such a huge momentWriting books that feel like a hugWhy each Dream Harbor book can be read as a standaloneChristmas romance, seasonal settings and reader comfortSprayed edges, special editions and bookish merchThe pressure of following a much-loved bestselling seriesWhat’s coming next with Big Bad WolfLaurie’s dream and nightmare writing locationsAbout The Daisy Chain Flower ShopThe Daisy Chain Flower Shop follows Daisy, who runs the flower shop, and Elliot, a shy architect who has somehow stayed under Dream Harbor’s radar.Both are nursing heartbreak and neither is looking for love — until a fake dating arrangement begins and, naturally, chaos, chemistry and cosy romance follow.Expect:fake datingsmall-town charmemotional warmthseasonal Dream Harbor vibesfamiliar faces from previous booksBooks mentionedThe Daisy Chain Flower Shop – Laurie GilmoreThe Pumpkin Spice Café – Laurie GilmoreThe Gingerbread Bakery – Laurie GilmoreBig Bad Wolf – Laurie GilmoreFor the Wolf – Hannah WhittenFor the Throne – Hannah WhittenPerfect for listeners who lovecosy romancesmall-town settingsfake datingseasonal readscomfort booksChristmas romancebook series you can dip into at any pointBiscuit verdictLaurie chooses a soft, chewy chocolate chip cookie — with sensible dunking rules. Soft cookies should not be dunked. Harder biscuits may proceed with caution.Coming nextPhilippa will be back on Friday with more bookish chat, author interviews and spoiler-free reviews.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 Quick Book Reviews, Philippa is joined by Ilona Bannister to talk about her striking new novel Five — a tense, original and deeply thought-provoking thriller set over just a few minutes on a train platform.What would you do if you had only five minutes left and didn’t know it?That chilling question sits at the heart of Five, a novel about five strangers, interconnected lives, hidden stories, and the ripple effects of tragedy. Ilona talks about the real-life inspiration behind the book, the creation of its unforgettable narrative voice, and why this story led her naturally into the thriller space.Philippa also reviews:The Heir Apparent by Rebecca ArmitageAutomatic Noodle by Annalee NewitzDissection of a Murder by Jo MurrayIn this episodeIlona Bannister on the inspiration behind FiveWhy the novel begins on a train platformHow the book explores fate, connection, mortality and missed momentsThe challenge of writing a fast-paced novel set across such a short time frameThe creation of the book’s sharp, unusual narrative voiceWhy one character had to be cut and another took her placeWriting through lockdown, parenting, and difficult life circumstancesWhy thrillers can be powerful spaces for emotional and literary storytellingPhilippa’s latest reading updates and reviewsFollow 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