Quick Book Reviews with Philippa Hall

Philippa Hall
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Thousands of books. No time to waste. No spoilers. Ever. Quick Book Reviews — your twice-weekly reading companion with host Philippa Hall What it is Quick Book Reviews is a spoiler-free book podcast hosted by Philippa Hall, published every Monday and Friday. Philippa reads widely so busy readers don't have to guess — delivering honest, enthusiastic, bite-sized reviews alongside in-depth author interviews and a friendly window into the publishing world. This is a warm, welcoming show for readers who love books but don't have time to read everything — and want someone they trust to help them choose what's next. Format Spoiler-free reviews: Fast, honest breakdowns of new releases and upcoming fictionAuthor interviews: In-depth conversations with novelists about plot, character, and writing craft — from global names to indie debutsPublishing insider news: Literary trends, BookTok and Bookstagram highlights, and behind-the-scenes publishing gossipGenres covered Crime · Psychological thriller · Cosy crime · Contemporary drama · Dark academia · Rom-com · Historical fiction · Horror · Romantasy Ideal for Readers with an ever-growing TBR pile · Book club members looking for their next pick · Anyone who loves hearing authors talk about their creative process · Fans of BookTok and Bookstagram looking for a deeper dive Genre & metadata Host: Philippa HallFormat: Reviews / interviews / publishing newsFrequency: Twice weekly — every Monday and FridaySpoilers: NeverStatus: Active and ongoing Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 3d ago

    David Goodman on Solitary Agents, Spy Fiction and Writing Through Rejection

    In this episode of Quick Book Reviews, Philippa chats to David Goodman about his latest spy thriller Solitary Agents, the follow-up to his brilliant debut A Reluctant Spy. David talks about writing spy fiction for readers who may not usually read spy novels, creating the hugely compelling character of Jamie Tulloch, and the long road to publication after earlier books did not sell. He also discusses awards, resilience, TV adaptation developments, and his upcoming science fiction novel Shards of Starlight, written as David W. Goodman. Philippa also reviews: The Good Listener by Holly WattSuch a Nice Girl by Andrea MaraThe Thick of It BBC audiobookIn This EpisodeDavid Goodman on Solitary AgentsWhy spy fiction is having a major momentWriting accessible spy thrillersJamie Tulloch and the world of MI5 and MI6The challenge of writing a second bookRejection, persistence and finding your writing communityTV adaptation news for A Reluctant SpyWriting science fiction as David W. GoodmanDream and nightmare writing locationsPhilippa’s spoiler-free book reviewsAbout Solitary AgentsSolitary Agents follows Jamie Tulloch after the events of A Reluctant Spy. Having tried to return to civilian life, Jamie finds himself pulled back towards the secret world — this time hoping to become an agent runner. But during a training exercise involving MI5 and MI6, Jamie and new character Sam Lee witness something that may be part of the drill… or may be frighteningly real. Perfect for readers who enjoy: spy fictionthrillersMI5 and MI6 storiescharacter-led suspensesmart, pacey writingnovels by Mick Herron, John le Carré and David McCloskeyBooks ReviewedThe Good Listener – Holly Watt A gripping thriller about an anonymous caller, a shocking confession, and a mother still searching for justice. Such a Nice Girl – Andrea Mara A tense, twisty thriller about two missing young women, a luxury wedding, and a friendship pushed to breaking point. The Thick of It – BBC audiobook A brilliantly sweary political satire featuring Malcolm Tucker and the chaos of government. Books MentionedSolitary Agents – David GoodmanA Reluctant Spy – David GoodmanShards of Starlight – David W. GoodmanChildren of Strife – Adrian TchaikovskySlow Gods – Claire NorthThe Last Contract of Isako – Fonda LeeThe Good Listener – Holly WattSuch a Nice Girl – Andrea MaraThe Thick of It – BBC AudioBiscuit VerdictDavid chooses Nairn’s salted caramel oatcakes, after formerly being a chocolate Hobnob fan. A strong Scottish biscuit-adjacent choice. 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    45 min

  2. 6d ago

    Jack Jordan on Deception, Deadlines and Moral Dilemmas

    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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    24 min

  3. May 25

    Rosie Walsh on The One Day You Were My Husband, Emotional Thrillers and Writing Through Doubt

    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_reviews Philippa 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 Dinniman A wildly inventive, hilarious and action-packed instalment in the Dungeon Crawler Carl series. A Deadly Episode – Anthony Horowitz A clever, funny Hawthorne mystery set around the filming of The Word Is Murder. Deception – Jack Jordan A 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    45 min

  4. May 22

    Alison Barrow on Publishing, Book Reviewing & The Bookseller Awards

    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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    26 min

  5. May 18

    Ardal O’Hanlon Interview + Philippa Recommends 3 Tradwife Books

    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 Burke A twisty, genre-bending tradwife novel perfect for book clubs and holiday reading. Tradwife – Sarah Langan A horror take on the tradwife trend, with farmhouse perfection hiding something deeply unsettling. The Tradwife’s Secret – Leanne Child A 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    37 min

  6. May 15

    Veronica Roth on Seek the Traitor’s Son From Divergent to Epic Fantasy

    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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    28 min

  7. May 11

    Tariq Ashkanani on The Hollow Boys: Crime, Horror and Dark Small-Town Secrets

    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 Murray A gripping legal thriller with courtroom tension, secrets and a compelling murder case. Bloom – Delilah S. Dawson A book that begins with cosy romance energy before taking a shocking turn into full horror. The Magic Faraway Tree – Enid Blyton A 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    46 min

  8. May 8

    From Publishing to Bestseller: Ellis Hunter on Blood Bound & Writing Together

    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 reader OUT 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    37 min
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4.9
out of 5
29 Ratings

About

Thousands of books. No time to waste. No spoilers. Ever. Quick Book Reviews — your twice-weekly reading companion with host Philippa Hall What it is Quick Book Reviews is a spoiler-free book podcast hosted by Philippa Hall, published every Monday and Friday. Philippa reads widely so busy readers don't have to guess — delivering honest, enthusiastic, bite-sized reviews alongside in-depth author interviews and a friendly window into the publishing world. This is a warm, welcoming show for readers who love books but don't have time to read everything — and want someone they trust to help them choose what's next. Format Spoiler-free reviews: Fast, honest breakdowns of new releases and upcoming fictionAuthor interviews: In-depth conversations with novelists about plot, character, and writing craft — from global names to indie debutsPublishing insider news: Literary trends, BookTok and Bookstagram highlights, and behind-the-scenes publishing gossipGenres covered Crime · Psychological thriller · Cosy crime · Contemporary drama · Dark academia · Rom-com · Historical fiction · Horror · Romantasy Ideal for Readers with an ever-growing TBR pile · Book club members looking for their next pick · Anyone who loves hearing authors talk about their creative process · Fans of BookTok and Bookstagram looking for a deeper dive Genre & metadata Host: Philippa HallFormat: Reviews / interviews / publishing newsFrequency: Twice weekly — every Monday and FridaySpoilers: NeverStatus: Active and ongoing Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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