In this episode of Quick Book Reviews, Philippa Hall shares a mix of book recommendations, honest reviews, and practical tips for getting out of a reading slump.

Philippa also shares her experience appearing on BBC Breakfast and behind-the-scenes of recording while unwell (powered by Vonia and sheer determination!).

• The Drowning Place – Sarah Hilary ⭐ (highly recommended, potential book of the year)
• Solitary Agents – David Goodman ⭐ (thriller/spy crossover, gripping and accessible)
• Operation Bounce House – Matt Dinniman
• Look What You Made Me Do – John Lanchester

If you’re struggling to read or feeling stuck in a reading slump, Philippa shares what worked for her:

• Take a break from reading (it will come back!)
• Try a different format (audiobooks, graphic novels, poetry)
• Re-read a favourite book
• Limit your choices (pick a small stack and commit)
• Visit a bookshop or library for inspiration
• Don’t panic — reading slumps are normal

• The Wreck – Lizzie Stewart
• Slings and Arrows – Nick McLachlan
• A Family Matter – Claire Lynch

These three books completely reignited her love of reading.

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J.P. Delaney joins Philippa to talk about his latest psychological thriller, The Move — a tense, unsettling story about a dream home that turns into a nightmare.

We talk about:

• The inspiration behind The Move and the emotional pull of houses and “home”
• Why this novel steps away from tech-driven thrillers
• Writing routines, plotting, and the importance of rewriting
• Obsession, truth, and the psychology behind his characters

J.P. also shares what he’s been reading:

• Daisy Darker, Sometimes I Lie and Beautiful Ugly by Alice Feeney
• The Broken Afternoon by Simon Mason
• The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery
• In Her Defence by Philippa Manica — a standout courtroom thriller he highly recommends

Plus: writing in beautiful locations, why Starbucks is his worst nightmare, and the surprising snack (not biscuits) that fuels his writing.

Perfect for fans of twisty psychological thrillers and fast-paced, high-concept fiction.

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Bestselling thriller writer Clare Mackintosh joins Philippa to talk about her gripping new novel It’s Not What You Think— packed with jaw-dropping twists.

We cover:

• How Clare creates unforgettable plot twists
• Writing habits, pressure & her next very spicy thriller
• Dream writing spots (and total nightmares!)

Plus, quick-fire reviews of:

• My Friends by Fredrik Backman – emotional, funny, unforgettable
• Mrs Spy by M J Robotham– smart, fun spy fiction
• Supercrash: How to Hijack the Global Economy by Darryl Cunningham– sharp and eye-opening
• Caller Unknown by Gillian McAllister - Out soon!

And: Kindle vs Kobo — which wins?

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