Quick Book Reviews with Philippa Hall

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

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.
📧 Email: [email protected]
📸 Instagram & Threads: @quick_book_reviews
🎵 TikTok: @quickbookreviews
🐦 X: @quickbookrevie3
🦋 Bluesky: quickbookreviews
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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
X: https://x.com/quickbookrevie3
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/quickbookreviews.bsky.social
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.