Quick Book Reviews with Philippa Hall

Philippa Hall
  • 4.9 (27)
  • BOOKS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Quick Book Reviews is your weekly companion for spoiler-free book reviews, author interviews, and reading recommendations — with biscuits, insider information, and some honest enthusiasm. Every Monday and Friday, host Philippa Hall brings you: No-spoiler reviews of new and upcoming books across all genres In-depth interviews with bestselling and breakthrough authors Reading tips, trends & news from the world of books A warm, welcoming style (and yes… biscuits ) Whether you’re building your TBR list, discover new voices, or love hearing authors talk about their craft, Quick Book Reviews is the podcast for curious readers and book lovers. Subscribe for honest recommendations, author stories, and the joy of reading — one episode at a time. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 1D AGO

    Andi Osho on Most Wanted: The Housing Crisis, Crime, Comedy & Writing What Feels Real

    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, responsibility and how quickly one decision can spiral. In this thoughtful and wide-ranging conversation, Andi discusses: The real-life frustrations that inspired Most WantedWhy property fiction feels so timelyBalancing humour with serious themesWriting morally complex charactersPlanning twists versus letting the story evolveNarrating her own audiobooks and performing her charactersCreativity, acting and moving between genresPerimenopause, brain fog and recording in the boothThe realities of buying property in the UKWe also talk about scripts versus novels, the pressure of second and third books, and the biscuits that powered the writing process. If you enjoy fiction that reflects real life, explores big social themes and still makes you laugh, this episode is for you. Most Wanted by Andi Osho is available now in hardback, ebook and audiobook. 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.

    28 min

  2. 3D AGO

    Inside The Hay Festival: What to See, Who's Appearing and What’s New

    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 Crime Day • A fantasy and romantasy focus for 2026 • Celebrity readers sharing their “Life in Books” • Debut author showcases • Over 400 events celebrating books and ideas Plus the guests reveal the authors they’re most excited about — including Emma Thompson, Bear Grylls, Elizabeth Strout and Val McDermid. And yes… the Hay Festival biscuit debate returns. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    37 min

  3. 5D AGO

    Nadine Matheson Interview: The Shadow Carver, Inspector Henley & Writing Crime Fiction

    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 authenticityHow her background in criminal law shapes her storytellingThe emotional toll of writing morally complex charactersBuilding long-running crime series readers can’t quitWhy readers are drawn to justice-driven thrillersPlus, Philippa shares thoughts on one of the most talked-about new psychological thrillers, Room 706, and what makes it such a compulsive listen on audio. If you love crime fiction, legal thrillers, police procedurals, and intelligent psychological suspense, 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    41 min

  4. MAR 6

    Six Friends, £1.6 Million & One Fatal Decision – T.M. Logan on The Weekend

    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: The moral dilemma at the heart of The WeekendWhy “what would you do?” drives his thrillersWriting his 10th novel and the pressure of expectationsBeing dropped by his US publisher — and rebuildingHow TV adaptations have (or haven’t) changed his writingTurning personal fears into page-turning fictionThe craft of sustaining tensionIce hockey inspirations and hidden Easter eggsThe reality of publishing success and uncertaintyWe also talk about writing advice, perseverance, and why dark chocolate Hobnobs may (or may not) be a legitimate writing fuel. If you enjoy psychological thrillers, moral dilemmas and high-stakes fiction that feels frighteningly close to real life, this episode is for you. The Weekend by T.M. Logan is out now. 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 T.M. Logan interviewThe Weekendpsychological thrillercrime fictionBritish thriller authorwriting processbestselling author interviewmoral dilemma thrillerTV adaptationspublishing industry insight Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    31 min

  5. MAR 2

    Lisa Jewell on Don’t Let Him In & It Could Have Been Her: Writing Process & Reader Expectations

    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 darkest revelations. She shares her unusual writing process — drafting without a plan, discovering twists late, and working at her kitchen table while the world carries on around her. The conversation also explores: The psychology of manipulation and trust in Don’t Let Him InWhy ordinary domestic settings can feel so sinisterThe dark premise behind It Could Have Been HerWhether modern thriller readers are harder to surpriseThe difference between a twist and a revealThe realities of building a long-term writing careerPublishing pressure, branding, and reader expectationsAudiobooks, reading slumps, and life as a bestselling novelistLisa also reflects on how her career has evolved, what she would (and wouldn’t) change, and the biscuit that powered the writing of her latest novels. Alongside the interview, Philippa reviews: Intelligence by Robert NewmanStrange Buildings by UketsuA War of Wyverns by S. F. WilliamsonA wide-ranging and honest conversation with one of the most successful voices in contemporary psychological suspense. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    48 min

  6. FEB 27

    The Lost Women: Tim Weaver on 15 Years of David Raker, Writing Thrillers with Heart & Surprising Readers

    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 standalone. He also shares the chilling real-world inspirations behind The Lost Women, including a vanished documentary crew and an almost unimaginable hospital disappearance. During the conversation, Tim discusses: Writing the 15th David Raker novel and how the series has evolvedWhy empathy, not angst, defines his central characterCreating twists that genuinely surprise readersWriting thrillers that balance darkness with emotional heartWhy he avoids chasing trends and market expectationsHow the publishing landscape has changed over the last 15 yearsThe rise of audiobooks and how listening has transformed his own reading lifeThe challenges of social media for authorsWhy characters matter more than ever in crime fictionTim also reveals his ideal (and nightmare) writing environments, reflects on reader pressure around plot twists, and shares the biscuits that powered the writing and editing of The Lost Women. A conversation with one of crime fiction’s most consistent and compelling voices. 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.

    43 min

  7. FEB 23

    The Future of Reading? Wearable E-Readers, Book Trends & Publishing Insider Alison Barrow

    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 read forever. Before that, returning guest Alison Barrow, PR Director at Transworld, answers another listener question and offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at publishing today, including: The standout debut novels to watch right nowWhy audiobooks are booming and reshaping the industrySpring publishing trends, from romantic fantasy to horrorHow bestseller charts fail to reflect modern reading habitsHonest advice for anyone starting a career in publishingThe importance of positivity, curiosity, and commercial awarenessAlison also champions under-the-radar books she believes deserve far more attention and discusses why some extraordinary novels slip through the cracks. A thoughtful, wide-ranging conversation about books, trends, careers, and the future of how we read. 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.

    29 min

  8. FEB 20

    Adrift by Will Dean: Control, Claustrophobia, and Writing Psychological Fear

    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 intense six-week bursts, and how emotional stories like Adrift can take years to fully realise. Together, they discuss: Writing while living off grid and why isolation fuels creativityWhy Will avoids the publishing “noise” and trendsHow Adrift took five years to complete, despite a fast first draftWriting claustrophobic tension without exhausting the readerThe psychology of control, gaslighting, and quiet manipulationWriting from a child’s point of view and the emotional toll it takesWhy Will leaves much of the violence off the pageThe fear and excitement of starting a new novelHow rereading favourite books shapes his writingThe current reading crisis and why encouraging children to read matters more than everWill also shares what he’s currently reading, why he rereads authors like Shirley Jackson and Sarah Waters, and answers the most important question of all: what powered the writing of Adrift (spoiler: frozen dates, not biscuits). A thoughtful, intense, and revealing conversation about storytelling, fear, and the importance of noticing unheard people in unseen places. 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.

    34 min
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4.9
out of 5
27 Ratings

About

Quick Book Reviews is your weekly companion for spoiler-free book reviews, author interviews, and reading recommendations — with biscuits, insider information, and some honest enthusiasm. Every Monday and Friday, host Philippa Hall brings you: No-spoiler reviews of new and upcoming books across all genres In-depth interviews with bestselling and breakthrough authors Reading tips, trends & news from the world of books A warm, welcoming style (and yes… biscuits ) Whether you’re building your TBR list, discover new voices, or love hearing authors talk about their craft, Quick Book Reviews is the podcast for curious readers and book lovers. Subscribe for honest recommendations, author stories, and the joy of reading — one episode at a time. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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