Quick Book Reviews with Philippa Hall

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.
Books Featured in This Episode
What Happened That Night — Nicci French
The Exes — Leodora Darlington
Trust — Hernan Diaz
My Husband’s Wife — Alice Feeney
In Her Defence — Philippa Malicka
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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

📚 Books mentioned in this episode:
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.
📚 Books reviewed in this episode:
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.
📚 Books featured in this episode:
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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📸 Instagram & Threads: @quick_book_reviews
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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.
📧 Email: [email protected]
📸 Instagram & Threads: @quick_book_reviews
🎵 TikTok: @quickbookreviews
🐦 X: @quickbookrevie3
🦋 Bluesky: quickbookreviews.bsky.social
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