In this reflective and refreshingly honest episode of Quick Book Reviews, Philippa is joined by well-known book influencer and paramedic Jules Swain for a conversation that goes far beyond algorithms, star ratings, and reading targets.

What begins as a discussion about social media platforms — from X and Instagram to BookTok — quickly becomes a deeper exploration of burnout, pressure, and reclaiming reading as a joy rather than a performance.

Together, Philippa and Jules talk about:

• Stepping back from social media and why it can be healthy
• The pressure to post, review, and read “enough” books
• Why it’s okay to DNF a book — and stop feeling guilty
• Star ratings, negative reviews, and whether every book needs an opinion
• BookTok hype, genre oversaturation, and discovering fantasy unexpectedly
• Physical books vs e-readers vs audiobooks
• Building real-life book communities and local book clubs
• Reading as escapism after emotionally demanding work

Jules also shares her most-loved books, her perfect reading day, thoughts on Goodreads vs StoryGraph, and settles the all-important biscuit debate (custard creams, for the record).

A calming, thoughtful episode for anyone who has ever felt overwhelmed by bookish noise — and a reminder that reading is allowed to be slow, personal, and joyful.

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In this episode of Quick Book Reviews, Philippa reflects on letting go of over-ambitious New Year plans and choosing a kinder, more sustainable pace of life — before diving into a rich and wide-ranging conversation with the brilliant writing duo Nicci French about their latest novel, What Happened That Night.

Nicci French talk about the inspiration behind the book, writing together without ever sitting side by side, how friendships and secrets evolve over decades, and why reunions can be fertile ground for psychological tension. They also discuss ageing, regret, perception, and how the past refuses to stay buried.

Alongside the interview, Philippa reviews two very different but equally compelling books:

• The Exes by Leodora Darlington — a dark, twisty psychological thriller about a woman haunted by the men she’s loved before and the secrets she’s desperate to keep hidden.
• Trust by Hernan Diaz — an ambitious, multi-layered literary novel about wealth, power, storytelling, and truth in 1920s New York.

Philippa also reminds listeners about two recent thrillers she’s previously recommended:

• My Husband’s Wife by Alice Feeney
• In Her Defence by Philippa Malicka

There is also book club chat, reflections on perception and memory, and — of course — an essential and highly scientific discussion about biscuits and dunking technique.

• What Happened That Night — Nicci French
• The Exes — Leodora Darlington
• Trust — Hernan Diaz
• My Husband’s Wife — Alice Feeney
• In Her Defence — Philippa Malicka

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

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Nicci French interview

What Happened That Night

psychological thriller podcast

Quick Book Reviews

author interview podcast

book podcast UK

Leodora Darlington The Exes

Hernan Diaz Trust

Alice Feeney My Husband’s Wife

Philippa Malika In Her Defence

crime fiction podcast

thriller book reviews

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In this episode of Quick Book Reviews, Philippa is joined by bestselling author Jennie Godfrey to talk about her wonderful new novel, The Barbecue at No.9.

Jennie’s debut, The List of Suspicious Things, became a word-of-mouth sensation, and her second novel is just as joyful, moving and addictive.

Set over the twelve hours of Live Aid in 1985, The Barbecue at Number Nine follows the residents of a new-build estate as secrets unravel, tensions rise, and lives change forever. Somebody is watching them — and by the end of the day, nothing will be the same again.

In this warm, funny and fascinating conversation, Philippa and Jennie discuss:

• Second-book nerves and writing under pressure
• Why writers should finish book two before book one is published
• Living and writing in rural Somerset
• Why Live Aid became the backdrop to the novel
• Nostalgia, secrets and the endurance of the human spirit
• Character inspiration and the joy of fictional neighbours
• Jennie’s whirlwind publishing journey
• Reading habits, audiobooks and Kindle life
• The importance of maps in novels
• The ultimate biscuit discussion (including M&S biscuity clouds)

Preorder here: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/16356/9781529155013

• The Barbecue at No 9 – Jennie Godfrey
• The List of Suspicious Things – Jennie Godfrey
• Dead Heat – Sabine Durrant
• The Shock of the Light – Laurie Inglis Hall
• Nightwatching – Tracy Sierra

Jennie also shares what she’s currently reading, her dream and nightmare writing locations, and the two moments in her career that truly took her breath away.

The Barbecue at No 9 is published next week.

Pre-orders are now open.

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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 works
• How reviewers get approved for books
• What publishers are really looking for
• Review percentages – and whether they really matter
• The dos and don’ts of writing helpful reviews
• Using NetGalley on Kindle and Kobo
• Why reviews matter more than you might think

Plus, of course, the essential biscuit and dunking discussion.

• The Barbecue at No. 9 – Jennie Godfrey
• Night Swimmers – Roísín O’Donnell (audiobook)
• The Mysterious Affair at Styles – Agatha Christie
• The 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.

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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.

• A Bad, Bad Place – Francis Crawford
• A Sociopath’s Guide to a Successful Marriage – MK Oliver
• The Pie and Mash Detective Agency – J.D. Brinkworth
• The Nowhere Girls – Carmel Harrington
• So I Met This Guy – Alexandra Potter
• The Violin Maker’s Secret – Evie Woods
• Far Flies in Winter – Eleanor Shearer
• The Sea Child – Linda Will Guss

From 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.

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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 Tyce
• Mr Poirot: Mischief on the Nile by Roger Hargreaves & Agatha Christie
• Little Miss Marple: Murder at the Vicarage by Roger Hargreaves & Agatha Christie
• The Mushroom Tapes: Conversations on a Triple Murder Trial by Helen Garner, Chloe Hooper & Sarah Krasnostein

Whether 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.

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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 locations
• Writing with a scientific background — without overwhelming the reader
• How real forensic cases spark fictional ideas
• Why Evil Bones became her “animal book”
• Bringing forensic veterinary science into crime fiction
• Writing twists that surprise but still make sense
• The importance of setting, atmosphere, and visiting locations
• How the TV series Bones introduced new readers to the books
• Whether new readers should start at book one or jump straight in
• What readers love most about Temperance Brennan
• Life outside a publishing contract
• Why writing is still hard work — even after 24 books
• And, 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.

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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/16356/9780008567415

You can contact Philippa at: 

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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.

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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 matters
• Building an online bookish community
• Honesty and authenticity in book reviewing
• Charity fundraising through BookTube
• Teaching English in secondary schools
• The reality of falling reading levels in children
• Why reading for pleasure is so important
• How schools try to engage reluctant readers
• Why it doesn’t matter what you read — just that you read
• Audiobooks, rereading favourites, and TBR piles
• Book recommendations from the past year
• And, 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 Collins
• Human Rights by Juno Dawson
• Wayward 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.

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