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.

Follow Quick Book Reviews for book recommendations, author interviews, and weekly podcast episodes.

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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.

Follow Quick Book Reviews for more author interviews and spoiler-free book chat.

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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?

Love books? Hit follow and don’t miss an episode!

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Part 2 of this special two part episode.

Today I’m joined by the publicity team behind The Ending Writes Itself—Philippa Cotton and Becky Mansell from HQ—to go behind the scenes of one of the most inventive book campaigns in recent years.

We talk about:

• How early publicity gets involved in acquiring a book
• Building a campaign around secrecy and intrigue
• Managing (and protecting) a major author reveal
• The viral buzz, wild guesses, and reader engagement
• What worked—and what they’d do differently
• The realities of publishing behind the scenes

Plus—Bloody Scotland, proof drops, influencers, campaign chaos (including that wifi moment), and answers to the authors’ own questions.

If you enjoyed Part 1 with V. E. Schwab and Cat Clarke, this is the perfect companion episode.

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A special early episode for the bank holiday weekend.

In Part 1, I’m joined by the authors behind The Ending Writes Itself—V. E. Schwab and Cat Clarke—writing together as Evelyn Clarke.

We talk about:

• The secret behind their hidden identity
• How this ambitious collaboration came together
• Writing a sharp, funny satire of the publishing world
• The realities (and absurdities) of being an author today
• Their unique co-writing process

Plus—Bloody Scotland book festival, Stephen King, FOMO in publishing, and the joy (and chaos) of keeping a literary secret.

Part 2 drops tomorrow, featuring the publicity team behind this standout campaign.

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It’s a crime-packed episode of Quick Book Reviews

Philippa is back with six crime and thriller recommendations—including bestselling psychological suspense, twisty mysteries, and edge-of-your-seat reads—plus a behind-the-scenes interview with the Festival Director of one of the UK’s biggest crime events.

• A stack of must-read crime thrillers (out now + upcoming releases)
• A surprising turnaround on Frieda McFadden
• A standout read from Claire Douglas
• Festival insider chat with Lizzie Curl from Capital Crime Festival
• Publishing insights, book recommendations & festival gossip

Recently Read & Reviewed:

• Dear Debbie – Frieda McFadden
• Want to Know a Secret? – Frieda McFadden
• The Family Friend – Claire Douglas

Also Mentioned (Out Now / New Releases):

• The Move – J.P. Delaney
• I Spy – C. M. Ewan
• It’s Not What You Think – Clare Mackintosh

Philippa chats to Lizzie Curl about:

• What really goes into planning Capital Crime Festival
• Big author names (including Lee Child)
• How the festival attracts new readers
• Behind-the-scenes challenges & surprises
• Why crime fiction fans shouldn’t miss it

• A mix-up involving “AI”
• Kindle Unlimited vs Kobo thoughts (more next week!)
• And the ultimate question: what’s the best biscuit for reading?

• Psychological thrillers
• Fast-paced crime fiction
• Book festivals & author events
• No-spoiler book recommendations

Follow, rate & review to support the podcast and never miss a book recommendation!

Email Philippa at quickbookreviews@outlook.com

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Welcome to the Quick Book Reviews Podcast — the podcast featuring author interviews and book reviews with no spoilers.

In this episode Philippa shares 10 new books she’s excited to read this month, covering everything from gripping psychological thrillers and crime fiction to literary fiction and historical drama.

If you're looking for new books to add to your reading list, this episode is packed with brilliant recommendations and upcoming releases.

When I Kill You – B. A. Paris

A chilling psychological thriller about secrets, suspicion and the terrifying feeling of being watched.

How to Get Away With Murder – Rebecca Phillipson

A darkly compelling crime novel about a mysterious manual for aspiring serial killers and the detective determined to uncover the truth.

The Arc – Haruo Yuki

A tense survival thriller in which hikers trapped in a flooding bunker must decide who will be left behind.

Dead Heat – Sabine Durrant

A sun-drenched Greek summer turns dark as jealousy, secrets and suspicion simmer among friends.

Unreliable Narrator – Araminta Hall

When a woman sees her life mirrored in a bestselling novel, the line between truth and fiction begins to blur.

Kin – Tayari Jones

A powerful story of friendship, family and identity set against the backdrop of the American civil rights movement.

Whidby – T Kira Madden

A gripping literary thriller exploring justice, revenge and the long shadow of trauma.

Lady Tremaine – Rachel Hockenhauser

A fascinating re-imagining of the Cinderella story told from the perspective of the infamous stepmother.

First to Finish – Rebecca J. Caffery

A high-speed romance set in the world of Formula racing where competition and chemistry collide.

Meet the Newmans – Jennifer Niven

A sweeping novel set in 1960s America about fame, family secrets and the changing world of television.

Follow Quick Book Reviews for book recommendations, author interviews, and weekly podcast episodes.

📧 Email: quickbookreviews@outlook.com

📸 Instagram & Threads:

@quick_book_reviews

🎵 TikTok: @quickbookreviews

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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.

00:00 – 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

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