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: 

Email [email protected]

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quick_book_reviews

Threads: @quick_book_reviews

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@quickbookreviews

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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.

📧 Email: [email protected]

📸 Instagram & Threads: @quick_book_reviews

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🐦 X: @quickbookrevie3

🦋 Bluesky: quickbookreviews.bsky.social

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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.

📧 Email: [email protected]

📸 Instagram & Threads: @quick_book_reviews

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Secret Books You Need to Know + C.E. Hulse on Writing the Perfect Page-Turner

I 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/16356/9781805226260

You can contact me (Philippa )at: 

Email [email protected]

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quick_book_reviews

Threads: @quick_book_reviews

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@quickbookreviews

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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/16356/9781398502086

You can contact Philippa at: 

Email [email protected]

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quick_book_reviews

Threads: @quick_book_reviews

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@quickbookreviews

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Kickstarting 2026: The New Year Book Tag + Alison Barrow on What We’ll Be Reading

I 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 [email protected]

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quick_book_reviews

Threads: @quick_book_reviews

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@quickbookreviews

X: https://x.com/quickbookrevie3

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/quickbookreviews.bsky.social

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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 [email protected]

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quick_book_reviews

Threads: @quick_book_reviews

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@quickbookreviews

X: https://x.com/quickbookrevie3

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/quickbookreviews.bsky.social

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The 2025 Book Awards (According to Me): My Top Reads of the Year

You can contact Philippa at: 

Email [email protected]

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quick_book_reviews

Threads: @quick_book_reviews

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@quickbookreviews

X: https://x.com/quickbookrevie3

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