Quick Book Reviews with Philippa Hall

Philippa Hall
  • 4.9 (27)
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  • 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

    5 Brilliant Book Recommendations + Publishing Secrets with Alison Barrow (Transworld)

    Discover 5 brilliant book recommendations plus publishing insider secrets. PR Director Alison Barrow reveals the truth about bestseller lists, book tours and how books really succeed. ⏱ Timestamped Show Notes00:00 – Welcome to Quick Book Reviews 01:15 – Philippa introduces today’s five standout books 02:10 – This Story Might Save Your Life by Tiffany Crum 05:40 – Gone for Good by Sarah Crossan 09:30 – The Book of Doors by Gareth Brown 14:20 – The Cursed Road by Laura McCluskey 18:30 – Growing Brave by Donna Ashworth 22:45 – Interview begins with Alison Barrow, PR Director at Transworld Publishers 24:10 – Books Alison is currently promoting • How to Get Away With Murder • A Far‑Flung Life 29:15 – The reality of bestseller lists 32:40 – How subscription book boxes influence charts 36:00 – Slow-burn bestsellers and long-tail success 39:30 – Books Alison has loved recently • The Things We Never Say • Witch Trial • The Barbecue at Number Nine • California Gold 48:10 – Listener question: Should authors ask for a book tour? 52:20 – How book tours are funded 55:10 – Typical book event sales conversion rates 58:40 – Alison shares an update on writing her own novel 1:02:30 – What it’s like being both publicist and author 1:05:30 – Philippa wraps up and previews the next episode Email your questions herel: quickbookreviews@outlook.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    38 min

  2. 3D AGO

    Broken Country: Claire Leslie Hall on the Story Everyone Is Talking About

    In this episode of Quick Book Reviews, Philippa talks to author Claire Leslie Hall about her extraordinary novel Broken Country — a story of love, grief, longing, and the choices that shape our lives. Set against the backdrop of the English countryside, Broken Country begins with a shocking line: a man is dead — but who is he, and why? From there unfolds a deeply emotional story of a marriage under strain, a first love that returns, and a community divided. Claire shares the fascinating journey behind the book — from the moment of inspiration during lambing season in rural Dorset to the four-year writing process that included rewrites, abandoned drafts, and even stepping away to write another novel before returning to the story. Philippa and Claire discuss: The real-life moment that sparked the opening sceneWhy the novel took four years to write and dramatically changed along the wayHow the book blends genres — love story, mystery, and courtroom dramaWatching a murder trial at the Old Bailey for researchThe meaning behind the title Broken CountryThe evolution of the book’s cover designThe surreal moment the novel was chosen for Reese’s Book Club by Reese WitherspoonClaire’s background as a journalist and how it shaped her writing styleWhat readers might expect from her next novelPlus: dream writing sheds, nightmare writing locations, the joy (and terror) of editorial notes, and the all-important biscuit question. If you love character-driven fiction with emotional depth and a touch of suspense, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Books Mentioned Broken Country — Claire Leslie HallPictures of Him — Claire Leslie HallDays You Were Mine — Claire Leslie HallTo Kill a Mockingbird — by Harper LeeThe Amateur by Chris Bohjalian Odette Rising by Julianne EdwardsQuick Book Reviews features author interviews and book reviews with no spoilers. 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.

    30 min

  3. MAR 16

    Patrick Gale on Love Lane + Brilliant Escapist Book Recommendations

    Bestselling author Patrick Gale joins Philippa on the Quick Book Reviews Podcast to discuss his powerful new novel Love Lane, plus brilliant escapist book recommendations including The Selection and An Offer from a Gentleman. In this episode of Quick Book Reviews, Philippa talks to bestselling author Patrick Gale about his moving and deeply personal new novel Love Lane. Patrick returns to the podcast to discuss the inspiration behind the book, how family history shaped the story, and why this emotional historical novel might be his most personal work yet. The conversation also dives into writing routines, fountain pens, notebooks, and the joy (and therapy!) of storytelling. If you enjoy powerful character-driven fiction, family sagas, and historical novels filled with heart, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Pre-order Love LanePatrick Gale’s beautiful new novel Love Lane publishes soon — and pre-orders really help authors and bookshops. Pre-order your copy here: 👉 https://uk.bookshop.org/a/16356/9781472257468 👉 https://www.waterstones.com/book/love-lane/patrick-gale/9781472257468 👉 https://www.foyles.co.uk/book/love-lane/patrick-gale/9781472257468 (Choose your favourite bookseller and support authors and bookshops!) In This EpisodePhilippa chats with Patrick Gale about the emotional story behind Love LaneWhy writing about family history can be both revealing and healingPatrick’s unusual writing routine — fountain pens, notebooks, and writing in inkThe real people who inspired the novelThe secrets hidden in family lettersDream writing locations vs nightmare writing locationsThe biscuit that powered the writing Books Reviewed in This EpisodePhilippa also shares some unexpected reading choices while recovering from illness — stepping away from crime fiction and diving into romance and escapist reads. Books discussed: The Selection by Kiera CassThe Elite by Kiera CassThe One by Kiera CassAn Offer from a Gentleman by Julia QuinnA New Start at the Happily Ever After Bookshop by Emma BennettExpect reality-TV-style royal romance, Bridgerton escapism, and the ultimate cosy bookshop novel set in Cornwall. About the PodcastQuick Book Reviews is the podcast where you get book recommendations, interviews with bestselling authors, and honest reviews — always spoiler-free. Hosted by Philippa, each episode helps you discover your next great read. Follow & Support the PodcastIf you enjoy the show: ⭐ Follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode ⭐ Leave a review on your podcast app ⭐ Share the episode with a fellow bookworm Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    48 min

  4. MAR 13

    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

  5. MAR 11

    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

  6. MAR 9

    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

  7. 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

  8. 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
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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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