Thousands of books. No time to waste. No spoilers. Ever. Quick Book Reviews — your twice-weekly reading companion with host Philippa HallWhat it is Quick Book Reviews is a spoiler-free book podcast hosted by Philippa Hall, published every Monday and Friday. Philippa reads widely so busy readers don't have to guess — delivering honest, enthusiastic, bite-sized reviews alongside in-depth author interviews and a friendly window into the publishing world.This is a warm, welcoming show for readers who love books but don't have time to read everything — and want someone they trust to help them choose what's next.FormatSpoiler-free reviews: Fast, honest breakd...
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Sep 28, 2026 · 34:25
This episode is a special one — Kate Atkinson joins me to talk about Our Noble Selves , her wonderful new novel set at the 1951 Festival of Britain. We talk about her traumatised…
Sep 25, 2026 · 10:11
A shorter episode this week, but a packed one. Philippa has an announcement, a question to answer honestly, and a book-related confession she has been sitting on for a while.…
Sep 21, 2026 · 40:40
Victorian Women Weren't Allowed to Play Football. They Did It Anyway. In 1897, a woman calling herself Nettie Honeyball founded Britain's first ladies' football club — and…
Sep 18, 2026 · 27:15
Philippa went to Harrogate Crime Festival and came back with an alarming number of books. Here is everything she picked up, was given, or had rescued from the ladies' toilets on…
Sep 14, 2026 · 39:14
Philippa is back with her first author interview in two months — and opens with a confession: she recorded the entire thing without plugging her microphone in. Apologies have…
Sep 11, 2026 · 25:29
Philippa is back from holiday — and the books made it to Rhodes eventually, after a handwritten letter to Athens customs explaining why a normal person would post books to…
Sep 7, 2026 · 37:25
Philippa reviews four books — including two she couldn't wait to tell you about — before a wonderful, wide-ranging conversation with C.J. Tudor about her latest novel Serenity…
Sep 4, 2026 · 14:33
No author interview, no book reviews — just Philippa's most personal episode of the year: her best reads of the first six months of 2026. Twelve books, one honourable mention,…
Sep 2, 2026 · 4:11
A short but exciting episode! Philippa announces a brand new format for the podcast: a Quick Book Reviews Book Club , running throughout October . The chosen book is The One You…
Aug 31, 2026 · 27:12
Bestselling author and broadcaster Fern Britton joins Philippa for a very special summer edition of Quick Book Reviews to talk about her wonderful new novel, A Cornish Legacy .…
Aug 28, 2026 · 23:45
Recorded live at Capital Crime Book Festival , Philippa talks to Gavin Bell — also known as Mason Cross, also known as Alex Knight — about his gripping new thriller 138 Main…
Aug 24, 2026 · 34:46
It's the Quick Book Reviews summer special, and Philippa is joined by the wonderful Elly Griffiths — bestselling author of the Ruth Galloway series — to talk holidays, her latest…
Aug 21, 2026 · 23:31
Recorded live at Capital Crime Book Festival , Philippa talks to C.J. Merritt about his whiplash international spy thriller Octagon — but first, a public service announcement:…
Aug 17, 2026 · 39:31
Philippa is joined by the legendary Lee Child — creator of Jack Reacher, published in over 120 countries with more than 40 million books sold — for this summer special. They…
Aug 14, 2026 · 22:59
Recorded live at Capital Crime Book Festival , Philippa talks to Ellie Levenson about her brilliantly genre-defying novel Room 706 — described by her own agent as "thrilling but…
Aug 10, 2026 · 29:37
Bestselling crime writer Karin Slaughter joins Philippa for a very special summer edition of Quick Book Reviews to talk about her new thriller, The Secrets We Hide . Karin talks…
Aug 7, 2026 · 23:51
Recorded live at Capital Crime Book Festival , this episode kicks off Philippa's August Friday series — shorter interviews with brilliant authors you should know more about.…
Aug 3, 2026 · 33:56
Bestselling psychological thriller author John Marrs joins Philippa for a Quick Book Reviews Summer Special to talk about his latest thriller, Dead in the Water . John and…
Jul 31, 2026 · 31:29
Philippa sits down with Ellery Lloyd — the husband and wife writing duo of Colette and Paul — to talk about their brilliant new novel Time to Burn , their Radio 2 Book Club…
Jul 27, 2026 · 35:48
Philippa opens with a brief history lesson — the word "blurb" was invented in 1907 by a writer mocking self-congratulatory publishers, and his fictional creation Miss Belinda…
Jul 24, 2026 · 28:13
Philippa sits down with Robert Peston — ITV political editor, bestselling author, and reluctant biscuit convert — to talk about The Kill Switch , the third and final book in his…
Jul 20, 2026 · 44:52
Philippa is joined by T.M. Payne — and her co-conspirator Susie — for what may be the most gloriously chaotic episode in Quick Book Reviews history. There are kitchen implement…
Jul 17, 2026 · 30:43
Philippa sits down with the brilliant Jo Spain — 13 bestselling thrillers already published, translated into 17 languages, TV writer and producer — to talk about her…
Jul 13, 2026 · 43:30
Philippa opens with an update on the Great Book Parcel Saga — a box of holiday reading, a Greek customs office, a handwritten letter explaining why a normal person would post…
Jul 10, 2026 · 35:20
Philippa sits down with the brilliant Adele Parks — bestselling author of 25 novels, over six million copies sold, OBE for services to literature — to talk about her latest book…
Jul 8, 2026 · 41:37
Philippa is joined by three brilliant crime writers — Abir Mukherjee , Jane Casey , and Sarah Hilary — to talk all about St Hilda's Crime Fiction Weekend , the unique Oxford…
Jul 6, 2026 · 34:14
Philippa opens with a much-requested update on the Barcelona Kindle story — specifically, the one detail everyone wanted to know: did the Kindle survive? (It did. The case did…
Jul 3, 2026 · 28:38
Kate Eberle's debut novel If Books Could Kill sparked a 10-way bidding war, sold film and TV rights, and is being published in over 14 countries — and it's easy to see why. This…
Jul 1, 2026 · 26:59
Philippa welcomes back Alison Barrow , PR director at Transworld, fresh from Capital Crime, for a fascinating look behind the curtain of book publishing and promotion. The…
Jun 29, 2026 · 50:27
Philippa opens with a genuinely unbelievable true story — how a friend trapped in a locked Barcelona hotel toilet used her Kindle to prise the door open and escape. Reading saves…
Jun 26, 2026 · 30:42
Philippa sits down with Lindsey Kelk — writing as Elle Kelk — to talk about her brand new novel Hit or Miss , the first in the Junior Year Abroad series. With over three million…
Jun 22, 2026 · 24:44
Philippa has just received the most exciting email of the year: her holiday hotel has offered to receive a box of books in advance and put them in her room on arrival. The…
Jun 19, 2026 · 15:16
Are hardback books too expensive, too heavy, and past their sell-by date? A recent Guardian article made the provocative case that hardbacks should die — and Philippa has…
Jun 15, 2026 · 47:12
Philippa reviews four very different books — from Tintin to Elizabeth Strout — before sitting down with TV wine expert and debut crime novelist Olly Smith to talk about his…
Jun 12, 2026 · 30:14
Celebrate the weekend (nearly) with crime fiction royalty! In this episode of Quick Book Reviews , Philippa Hall sits down with the brilliant, Sunday Times bestselling author…
Jun 8, 2026 · 16:54
Welcome back to Quick Book Reviews! In this jam-packed, slightly different episode, Philippa takes you from a sweltering recording room straight into the heart of the UK book…
Jun 5, 2026 · 33:42
In this special episode of Quick Book Reviews , Philippa chats to Sharon Canavar , Chief Executive of the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival and Harrogate…
Jun 1, 2026 · 45:24
In this episode of Quick Book Reviews , Philippa chats to David Goodman about his latest spy thriller Solitary Agents , the follow-up to his brilliant debut A Reluctant Spy .…
May 29, 2026 · 24:29
In this episode of Quick Book Reviews , Philippa chats to bestselling thriller author Jack Jordan about his brand new novel, Deception — a tense, addictive thriller that asks one…
May 25, 2026 · 44:32
In this episode of Quick Book Reviews , it is feedback week! Please send Philippa your thoughts on the podcast, you can email here: quickbookreviews@outlook.com. You can find her…
May 22, 2026 · 26:01
This week on Quick Book Reviews , Philippa is joined by publishing powerhouse Alison Barrow for a fascinating behind-the-scenes conversation about the world of books, publishing,…
May 18, 2026 · 36:31
In this episode of Quick Book Reviews , Philippa chats to Ardal O’Hanlon about his new novel A Plot to Die For , the first book in his Blooming Murder Mystery series. Best known…
May 15, 2026 · 28:14
Bestselling author Veronica Roth joins Philippa to talk about her gripping new novel Seek the Traitor’s Son — a romantic dystopian fantasy packed with prophecy, danger and…
May 11, 2026 · 45:30
In this episode of Quick Book Reviews , Philippa talks to Tariq Ashkanani about his latest novel The Hollow Boys , a dark, atmospheric blend of crime, horror and small-town…
May 8, 2026 · 37:11
In this episode of Quick Book Reviews , Philippa is joined by the powerhouse writing duo Ellis Hunter — Kate Ellis Brown and Becky Hunter — to talk about their hugely anticipated…
May 6, 2026 · 32:45
In this special Wednesday episode of Quick Book Reviews , Philippa chats to bestselling author Laurie Gilmore , creator of the hugely popular Dream Harbor series, which has sold…
May 4, 2026 · 39:41
In this episode of Quick Book Reviews , Philippa is joined by Ilona Bannister to talk about her striking new novel Five — a tense, original and deeply thought-provoking thriller…
May 1, 2026 · 32:53
In this episode of Quick Book Reviews , Philippa is joined by bestselling author Tom Rob Smith to talk about his moving and deeply personal new novel, 20 Years Together . Known…
Apr 27, 2026 · 43:12
In this episode of Quick Book Reviews , Philippa is joined by Bella North to talk about her Oakwood Ranch series , beginning with Score to Settle . Bella also reveals the story…
Apr 24, 2026 · 46:19
Jo Callaghan joins Philippa to talk about Body of Lies — the gripping fourth and final Kat Frank and AIDE Lock thriller. We talk about: Why this series ends with book four The…
Apr 20, 2026 · 43:02
In this episode of Quick Book Reviews , Philippa Hall is joined by Sarah Hilary to talk about The Drowning Place , the gripping first novel in a new crime series set in the Peak…
Apr 17, 2026 · 33:00
In this insider episode of Quick Book Reviews , Philippa is joined by returning guest Alison Barrow , PR Director at Transworld (Penguin Random House), to answer a brilliant…
Apr 13, 2026 · 20:04
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…
Apr 10, 2026 · 30:37
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:…
Apr 6, 2026 · 45:29
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…
Apr 2, 2026 · 34:32
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…
Apr 1, 2026 · 39:56
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…
Mar 30, 2026 · 30:51
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,…
Mar 27, 2026 · 14:24
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…
Mar 23, 2026 · 37:52
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…
Mar 20, 2026 · 29:42
In this episode of Quick Book Reviews , Philippa talks to author Claire Leslie Hall about her extraordinary novel Broken Country — a story of love, grief, longing, and the…
Mar 16, 2026 · 47:34
Bestselling author Patrick Gale joins Philippa on the Quick Book Reviews Podcast to discuss his powerful new novel Love Lane, plus brilliant escapist book recommendations…
Mar 13, 2026 · 27:47
In this episode of Quick Book Reviews, Philippa speaks to actor, comedian and author Andi Osho about her third novel, Most Wanted . Most Wanted explores the housing crisis…
Mar 11, 2026 · 36:54
Full programme and booking information: https://www.hayfestival.com/hay-on-wye/home Planning a visit to the Hay Festival this year? In this special episode of Quick Book Reviews…
Mar 9, 2026 · 40:34
In this episode of Quick Book Reviews , Philippa speaks to bestselling crime author Nadine Matheson about her gripping new novel The Shadow Carver , the latest instalment in the…
Mar 6, 2026 · 31:17
Six Friends, £1.6 Million & One Fatal Decision – T.M. Logan on The Weekend In this episode of Quick Book Reviews, Philippa speaks to bestselling author T.M. Logan about his…
Mar 2, 2026 · 48:08
In this episode of Quick Book Reviews, Philippa is joined by global bestselling author Lisa Jewell to discuss her paperback hit Don’t Let Him In and her brand new summer release…
Feb 27, 2026 · 43:09
In this episode of Quick Book Reviews , Philippa is joined by bestselling author Tim Weaver to talk about his gripping new novel The Lost Women , the fifteenth book in the…
Feb 23, 2026 · 29:20
In this special episode of Quick Book Reviews , Philippa explores a bold claim making waves across the book world: are wearable e-readers really the future of reading? After…
Feb 20, 2026 · 33:55
In this episode of Quick Book Reviews , Philippa is joined by bestselling author Will Dean to discuss his haunting psychological thriller Adrift — a novel that explores control,…
Feb 16, 2026 · 41:01
n this powerful and deeply honest episode of Quick Book Reviews , Philippa is joined by award-winning author Catriona Ward to discuss her haunting new novel Nowhere Burning .…
Feb 13, 2026 · 41:01
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…
Feb 9, 2026 · 48:52
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…
Feb 6, 2026 · 37:16
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…
Feb 2, 2026 · 52:13
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…
Jan 30, 2026 · 10:40
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…
Jan 26, 2026 · 44:22
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…
Jan 23, 2026 · 27:33
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,…
Jan 19, 2026 · 54:04
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…
Jan 16, 2026 · 45:38
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…
Jan 14, 2026 · 47:23
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…
Jan 12, 2026 · 38:47
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…
Jan 9, 2026 · 36:11
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:…
Jan 5, 2026 · 31:50
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:…
Jan 2, 2026 · 23:27
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…
Dec 29, 2025 · 13:42
The 2025 Book Awards (According to Me): My Top Reads of the Year You can contact Philippa at: Email quickbookreviews@outlook.com Instagram:…
Dec 26, 2025 · 41:30
In Conversation with Brad Fitt: Pantomime, Boxing Day & the Books He Loves. You can buy tickets for Brad Fitt's pantomime…
Dec 22, 2025 · 59:48
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…
Dec 19, 2025 · 35:21
It Should Have Been You by Andrea Mara, can be bought here: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/16356/9780857505873 All Her Fault by Andrea Mara, can be bought here:…
Dec 17, 2025 · 19:29
Philippa reviews eight thrilling reads out in 2026 You can contact Philippa at: Email quickbookreviews@outlook.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quick_book_reviews…
Dec 15, 2025 · 52:23
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…
Dec 12, 2025 · 53:21
You can buy Sick to Death by Chris Bridges here : https://uk.bookshop.org/a/16356/9780008698140 You can preorder The Death Bed by Chris Bridges here:…
Dec 10, 2025 · 34:21
I interview Carrie & David Grant about their new book Joy To The World You can buy their book here: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/16356/9781739417833 You can contact Philippa at:…
Dec 8, 2025 · 46:36
I interview Heather Morris about The Wish. You can buy The Wish by Heather Morris here: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/16356/9781786582164 Also: I review The Bookseller of Hay by…
Dec 5, 2025 · 27:14
Interview with Adrian Tchaikovsky about his latest book 'Made Things' In this conversation, Adrian Tchaikovsky discusses the themes of perspectives in literature, particularly…
Dec 1, 2025 · 51:09
Lauren’s Christmas Book Recommendations: Happily Ever After by Hannah Grace https://uk.bookshop.org/a/16356/9780349446684 A Christmas Ghost Story by Carol Ann Duffy:…
Nov 28, 2025 · 41:25
In this conversation, Philippa and Claire explore the concept of ideal and nightmare writing environments. They discuss how different settings, particularly those filled with…
Nov 24, 2025 · 54:11
I interview T M Payne about Count The Dead You can buy Count The Dead here: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/16356/9781662532535 I review We Live Here Now by Sarah Pinborough, The…
Nov 21, 2025 · 33:27
Let’s chat to Louise Penny about The Black Wolf Philippa interviews Louise Penny about her latest book The Black Wolf You can order The Black Wolf here:…
Nov 19, 2025 · 53:50
I talk through my 3 top fantasy books this month and interview the authors. I interview T L Huchu about Secrets of the First School (and the whole series). You can buy the book…
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