Quick Book Reviews with Philippa Hall

In this special episode of Quick Book Reviews, Philippa combines new book reviews with a fascinating behind-the-scenes interview about NetGalley – the platform that gives reviewers early access to upcoming books.First, Philippa shares four recent reads (and listens), including a stunning new novel from Jennie Godfrey, a feel-good Irish audiobook, a classic Agatha Christie, and a BBC Sounds drama that left her in floods of tears.Then, Philippa is joined by Stuart Evers, Director of NetGalley UK, for an in-depth conversation about:What NetGalley actually is and how it worksHow reviewers get approved for booksWhat publishers are really looking forReview percentages – and whether they really matterThe dos and don’ts of writing helpful reviewsUsing NetGalley on Kindle and KoboWhy reviews matter more than you might thinkPlus, of course, the essential biscuit and dunking discussion.📚 Books reviewed in this episode:The Barbecue at No. 9 – Jennie GodfreyNight Swimmers – Roísín O’Donnell (audiobook)The Mysterious Affair at Styles – Agatha ChristieThe Wedding Suit – Rachel Joyce (BBC Sounds, narrated by Paul Venables)If you’ve ever wondered how NetGalley works, how to become a reviewer, or how publishers use early reviews – this episode is for you.Philippa returns on Friday with more bookish chat.Until then, happy reading (and dunking).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.

In this special episode of Quick Book Reviews, Philippa shares eight brilliant new books being released in February – across crime, mystery, romance, historical and literary fiction.No author interviews this time – just pure book recommendations, reading inspiration, and plenty of enthusiasm for what’s coming out next month.If you’re building your February TBR, this episode is for you.📚 Books featured in this episode:A Bad, Bad Place – Francis CrawfordA Sociopath’s Guide to a Successful Marriage – MK OliverThe Pie and Mash Detective Agency – J.D. BrinkworthThe Nowhere Girls – Carmel HarringtonSo I Met This Guy – Alexandra PotterThe Violin Maker’s Secret – Evie WoodsFar Flies in Winter – Eleanor ShearerThe Sea Child – Linda Will GussFrom gritty Glasgow crime and darkly comic domestic noir, to lost violins, historical wilderness stories and romantic road trips – there’s something here for every kind of reader.Philippa returns on Monday with a brand-new author interview.Until then, happy 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Quick Book Reviews Podcast, I’m joined by Tanya Sweeney to talk about her novel Esther Is Now Following You — a chilling and timely exploration of online obsession, surveillance, and power.We discuss the inspiration behind the book, the realities of digital stalking, and what it means to write fiction that feels uncomfortably close to real life.I’m also sharing spoiler-free reviews of four very different books, ranging from contemporary crime and true crime to classic mysteries reimagined.Books featured in this episode:Witch Trial by Harriet TyceMr Poirot: Mischief on the Nile by Roger Hargreaves & Agatha ChristieLittle Miss Marple: Murder at the Vicarage by Roger Hargreaves & Agatha ChristieThe Mushroom Tapes: Conversations on a Triple Murder Trial by Helen Garner, Chloe Hooper & Sarah KrasnosteinWhether you’re looking for your next great read, enjoy thoughtful author interviews, or love discovering books across genres, there’s plenty to explore in this episode.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.bsky.social Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Quick Book Reviews podcast, Philippa Hall is joined by internationally bestselling author Kathy Reichs to talk about her latest Temperance Brennan novel, Evil Bones.Now 24 books into the series, Kathy reflects on what keeps the character of Temperance Brennan fresh, how real forensic cases inspire fiction, and why science-driven crime writing still excites her decades into her career.They discuss:Kathy’s dream (and nightmare) writing locationsWriting with a scientific background — without overwhelming the readerHow real forensic cases spark fictional ideasWhy Evil Bones became her “animal book”Bringing forensic veterinary science into crime fictionWriting twists that surprise but still make senseThe importance of setting, atmosphere, and visiting locationsHow the TV series Bones introduced new readers to the booksWhether new readers should start at book one or jump straight inWhat readers love most about Temperance BrennanLife outside a publishing contractWhy writing is still hard work — even after 24 booksAnd, of course, the biscuits (or cookies) that powered the writing 🍪Evil Bones blends forensic science, animal welfare, and gripping mystery, delivering another compelling case for Temperance Brennan — with plenty of surprises along the way.🎧 New episodes of Quick Book Reviews every Monday & Friday 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.

This week on the Quick Book Reviews Podcast, I’m joined by bestselling author Robert Thorogood for a fascinating conversation about crime writing, storytelling, and moving between screen and page.We talk about his approach to mystery, what keeps readers turning pages, and how he builds characters and plots that really last.Alongside the interview, I’m also reviewing three very different books: Gone For Goodbye by Harlan Coben & Reese Witherspoon, The Choral by Alan Bennett, and Esther Is Now Following You by Tanya Sweeney.Whether you’re looking for your next great read or love hearing authors talk about their craft, there’s something here for you.Books discussed include crime fiction, literary fiction, and contemporary memoir, with recommendations for readers who enjoy compelling storytelling and strong voices.You can buy Robert Thorogood's book here: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/16356/9780008567415You can contact Philippa at: Email quickbookreviews@outlook.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/quick_book_reviewsThreads: @quick_book_reviewsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@quickbookreviewsX: https://x.com/quickbookrevie3Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/quickbookreviews.bsky.social Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Quick Book Reviews Podcast, I’m joined by Frankie from The Labours of Hercule podcast (and the Read & Buried Podcast) to mark 50 years since the death of Agatha Christie.We talk all things Christie — from her most iconic novels to her extraordinary influence on crime fiction — and, of course, tackle the big question: who is best, Hercule Poirot or Miss Marple?Frankie shares her favourite Agatha Christie books, plus we discuss what makes her mysteries so enduring and why her stories continue to be read, adapted, and loved decades after they were written.Whether you’re a lifelong Christie fan or discovering her work for the first time, this episode is a celebration of the Queen of Crime and her unforgettable detectives.Topics include Agatha Christie novels, Hercule Poirot, Miss Marple, classic crime fiction, and literary legacy.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.bsky.social Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Quick Book Reviews podcast, Philippa chats with Victoria from the BookTube channel What Victoria Read about books, community, and the growing reading crisis in UK schools.Victoria has been creating BookTube content for over seven years and is also an English teacher, giving her a unique perspective on how reading habits are changing — both online and in the classroom.Together, Philippa and Victoria discuss:What BookTube is and why it mattersBuilding an online bookish communityHonesty and authenticity in book reviewingCharity fundraising through BookTubeTeaching English in secondary schoolsThe reality of falling reading levels in childrenWhy reading for pleasure is so importantHow schools try to engage reluctant readersWhy it doesn’t matter what you read — just that you readAudiobooks, rereading favourites, and TBR pilesBook recommendations from the past yearAnd, of course, a very important discussion about biscuits 🍪Victoria also shares her three magic-wand wishes to help solve the reading crisis and offers thoughtful advice for anyone thinking of starting their own BookTube channel.Books mentioned in this episode include:Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne CollinsHuman Rights by Juno DawsonWayward by Amelia Hart🎥 Find Victoria on YouTube: What Victoria Read https://www.youtube.com/@WhatVictoriaRead🎧 New episodes of Quick Book Reviews every Monday & Friday (and occasionally on Wednesdays)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.

Secret Books You Need to Know + C.E. Hulse on Writing the Perfect Page-TurnerI interview C E Hulse about Vivian Dies Again and tell you about 5 books I don’t think you know about.You can buy Vivian Dies Again here: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/16356/9781805226260You can contact me (Philippa )at: Email quickbookreviews@outlook.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/quick_book_reviewsThreads: @quick_book_reviewsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@quickbookreviewsX: https://x.com/quickbookrevie3Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/quickbookreviews.bsky.social Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Philippa interviews Sarah Vaughan about her new book out in March called Based on a True Story.You can pre-order Based On A True Story here: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/16356/9781398502086You can contact Philippa at: Email quickbookreviews@outlook.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/quick_book_reviewsThreads: @quick_book_reviewsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@quickbookreviewsX: https://x.com/quickbookrevie3Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/quickbookreviews.bsky.social Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kickstarting 2026: The New Year Book Tag + Alison Barrow on What We’ll Be ReadingI chat to Alison Barrow, PR Director for Transworld. You can find more information here: https://www.penguin.co.uk/about/publishing-houses/transworld Plus I do the New Year Book Tag:How many books are you planning to read in 2026? What are your plans?Name 5 books that you didn’t get to read in the past year but want to make a priority in 2026?What genre do you want to read more of?Name 3 not-related-to-book goals for 2026?What’s a book you have had forever and are determined to read?One word that you’re hoping 2026 will be?You can contact me (Philippa) at: Email quickbookreviews@outlook.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/quick_book_reviewsThreads: @quick_book_reviewsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@quickbookreviewsX: https://x.com/quickbookrevie3Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/quickbookreviews.bsky.social Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special episode of Quick Book Reviews, we’re talking about one of the biggest questions in modern reading life: why use an eReader — and which one is best?We explore the joys and quirks of reading digitally and compare Kindle vs Kobo, looking at how each device fits into a book lover’s world. From the feel of the reading experience to buying books, borrowing from libraries, discovering new authors, and settling in for long reading sessions, we weigh up what really matters to readers.Whether you’re devoted to your Kindle, tempted by Kobo, or simply wondering if an eReader belongs alongside your physical books, this episode is a thoughtful, reader-led guide to choosing the eReader that suits your reading life best.You can contact Philippa at: Email quickbookreviews@outlook.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/quick_book_reviewsThreads: @quick_book_reviewsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@quickbookreviewsX: https://x.com/quickbookrevie3Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/quickbookreviews.bsky.social Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The 2025 Book Awards (According to Me): My Top Reads of the YearYou can contact Philippa at: Email quickbookreviews@outlook.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/quick_book_reviewsThreads: @quick_book_reviewsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@quickbookreviewsX: https://x.com/quickbookrevie3Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/quickbookreviews.bsky.social Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Conversation with Brad Fitt: Pantomime, Boxing Day & the Books He Loves. You can buy tickets for Brad Fitt's pantomime here:https://www.theatresevern.co.uk/whats-on/dick-whittington/You can follow Brad Fitt on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bradfitt75You can contact Philippa at: Email quickbookreviews@outlook.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/quick_book_reviewsThreads: @quick_book_reviewsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@quickbookreviewsX: https://x.com/quickbookrevie3Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/quickbookreviews.bsky.social Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I review The Odessa File by Frederick Forsyth, I talk to Alison Barrow (PR Director at Transworld) and I interview Marisa Kashino about Best Offer Wins, which is available now in the US and will be published on 15th January 2026 in the UKYou can pre-order Best Offer Wins here: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/16356/9781529963595You can contact Philippa at: Email quickbookreviews@outlook.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/quick_book_reviewsThreads: @quick_book_reviewsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@quickbookreviewsX: https://x.com/quickbookrevie3Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/quickbookreviews.bsky.social Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It Should Have Been You by Andrea Mara, can be bought here: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/16356/9780857505873All Her Fault by Andrea Mara, can be bought here: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/16356/9781804998427You can contact Philippa at: Email quickbookreviews@outlook.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/quick_book_reviewsThreads: @quick_book_reviewsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@quickbookreviewsX: https://x.com/quickbookrevie3Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/quickbookreviews.bsky.social Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Philippa reviews eight thrilling reads out in 2026You can contact Philippa at: Email quickbookreviews@outlook.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/quick_book_reviewsThreads: @quick_book_reviewsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@quickbookreviewsX: https://x.com/quickbookrevie3Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/quickbookreviews.bsky.social Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joe Hill discusses his latest book, 'King Sorrow', sharing insights into his writing process, the importance of character development, and the interplay of horror and humour in his work. He reflects on the creative mindset, the tools he uses, and the significance of reading in today's technology-driven world. Hill also shares his aspirations for future projects and the joy of storytelling.King Sorrow by Joe Hill can be bought here: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/16356/9781035434299Books Mentioned by Philippa on the podcast today:The Wasp Trap by Mark Edwards can be bought here: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/16356/9780241721025Best Offer Wins can be bought here: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/16356/9781529963595The Bookseller by Tim Sullivan can be bought here: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/16356/9781035910410A Perfect Year from Ruth Foster can be bought here: https://www.waterstones.com/book/a-perfect-year/ruth-foster/9781068777301You can contact Philippa at: Email quickbookreviews@outlook.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/quick_book_reviewsThreads: @quick_book_reviewsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@quickbookreviewsX: https://x.com/quickbookrevie3Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/quickbookreviews.bsky.social Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You can buy Sick to Death by Chris Bridges here: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/16356/9780008698140You can preorder The Death Bed by Chris Bridges here: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/16356/9780008698171You can contact Philippa at: Email quickbookreviews@outlook.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/quick_book_reviewsThreads: @quick_book_reviewsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@quickbookreviewsX: https://x.com/quickbookrevie3Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/quickbookreviews.bsky.social Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I interview Carrie & David Grant about their new book Joy To The WorldYou can buy their book here: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/16356/9781739417833You can contact Philippa at: Email quickbookreviews@outlook.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/quick_book_reviewsThreads: @quick_book_reviewsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@quickbookreviewsX: https://x.com/quickbookrevie3Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/quickbookreviews.bsky.social Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I interview Heather Morris about The Wish.You can buy The Wish by Heather Morris here: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/16356/9781786582164Also:I review The Bookseller of Hay by James Manning and you can buy it here: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/16356/9781472159786I review The Last Tree by Luke Adam Hawker and you can buy it here: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/16356/9781781578704& I review The Picasso Heist by James Patterson and Howard Roughan (audiobook version) and you can buy the printed book here: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/16356/9781529943580You can contact Philippa at: Email quickbookreviews@outlook.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/quick_book_reviewsThreads: @quick_book_reviewsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@quickbookreviewsX: https://x.com/quickbookrevie3Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/quickbookreviews.bsky.social Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.