Quick Book Reviews with Philippa Hall

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 Inspector Henley series.
We discuss:
Writing dark crime fiction with legal authenticity
How her background in criminal law shapes her storytelling
The emotional toll of writing morally complex characters
Building long-running crime series readers can’t quit
Why readers are drawn to justice-driven thrillers
Plus, Philippa shares thoughts on one of the most talked-about new psychological thrillers, Room 706, and what makes it such a compulsive listen on audio.
If you love crime fiction, legal thrillers, police procedurals, and intelligent psychological suspense, this episode is for you.
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
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 gripping new thriller The Weekend.
When six friends discover £1.6 million hidden in a cave during a New Year getaway, one question changes everything: do you hand it in — or keep it?
T.M. Logan discusses:
The moral dilemma at the heart of The Weekend
Why “what would you do?” drives his thrillers
Writing his 10th novel and the pressure of expectations
Being dropped by his US publisher — and rebuilding
How TV adaptations have (or haven’t) changed his writing
Turning personal fears into page-turning fiction
The craft of sustaining tension
Ice hockey inspirations and hidden Easter eggs
The reality of publishing success and uncertainty
We also talk about writing advice, perseverance, and why dark chocolate Hobnobs may (or may not) be a legitimate writing fuel.
If you enjoy psychological thrillers, moral dilemmas and high-stakes fiction that feels frighteningly close to real life, this episode is for you.
The Weekend by T.M. Logan is out now.
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

T.M. Logan interview
The Weekend
psychological thriller
crime fiction
British thriller author
writing process
bestselling author interview
moral dilemma thriller
TV adaptations
publishing industry insight
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 It Could Have Been Her.
Lisa talks candidly about writing morally complex characters, creating psychological tension without crossing credibility lines, and why her epilogues often carry the darkest revelations. She shares her unusual writing process — drafting without a plan, discovering twists late, and working at her kitchen table while the world carries on around her.
The conversation also explores:
The psychology of manipulation and trust in Don’t Let Him In
Why ordinary domestic settings can feel so sinister
The dark premise behind It Could Have Been Her
Whether modern thriller readers are harder to surprise
The difference between a twist and a reveal
The realities of building a long-term writing career
Publishing pressure, branding, and reader expectations
Audiobooks, reading slumps, and life as a bestselling novelist
Lisa also reflects on how her career has evolved, what she would (and wouldn’t) change, and the biscuit that powered the writing of her latest novels.
Alongside the interview, Philippa reviews:
Intelligence by Robert Newman
Strange Buildings by Uketsu
A War of Wyverns by S. F. Williamson
A wide-ranging and honest conversation with one of the most successful voices in contemporary psychological suspense.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 much-loved David Raker series.
Tim reflects on reaching a major milestone as a writer and explains how he balances writing for long-time fans while ensuring every book can be read as a standalone. He also shares the chilling real-world inspirations behind The Lost Women, including a vanished documentary crew and an almost unimaginable hospital disappearance.
During the conversation, Tim discusses:
Writing the 15th David Raker novel and how the series has evolved
Why empathy, not angst, defines his central character
Creating twists that genuinely surprise readers
Writing thrillers that balance darkness with emotional heart
Why he avoids chasing trends and market expectations
How the publishing landscape has changed over the last 15 years
The rise of audiobooks and how listening has transformed his own reading life
The challenges of social media for authors
Why characters matter more than ever in crime fiction
Tim also reveals his ideal (and nightmare) writing environments, reflects on reader pressure around plot twists, and shares the biscuits that powered the writing and editing of The Lost Women.
A conversation with one of crime fiction’s most consistent and compelling voices.
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
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 researching the much-talked-about SOL wearable e-reader glasses, Philippa shares her scepticism, the surprising reactions from early adopters, and asks listeners whether immersive tech could change how we read forever.
Before that, returning guest Alison Barrow, PR Director at Transworld, answers another listener question and offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at publishing today, including:
The standout debut novels to watch right now
Why audiobooks are booming and reshaping the industry
Spring publishing trends, from romantic fantasy to horror
How bestseller charts fail to reflect modern reading habits
Honest advice for anyone starting a career in publishing
The importance of positivity, curiosity, and commercial awareness
Alison also champions under-the-radar books she believes deserve far more attention and discusses why some extraordinary novels slip through the cracks.
A thoughtful, wide-ranging conversation about books, trends, careers, and the future of how we read.
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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.