Quick Book Reviews with Philippa Hall

Fantasy Friday: Interview with Elise Kova

11 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

I interview Elise Kova about Arcana Academy You can email Philippa at: [email protected] can find the podcast on social media:Blues...

Steph McGovern interview & 5 star reads

07 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

I interview Steph McGovern about her book DeadlineAnd I review:Some Of Us Are Liars By Fiona Cummins Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins ReidThe Mournin...

Interview with Ben Aaronovitch

04 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Interview with Ben Aaronovitch about his brand new book Stone & SkyEmail Philippa: [email protected] can find the podcast on social ...

Belinda Bauer AND Esther Freud interviews

30 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

I interview Belinda Bauer about The Impossible Thing& interview Esther Freud about My Sister & Other LoversI also review Long Time Dead by T M...

My best books of 2025 so far!

27 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Top 2025 reads so farPhilippa reveals her Top 5 Crime Fiction, Top 5 Fantasy & Sci-Fi and Top 5 books from other genres for the year so far.Email ...

The Bookseller & The Bookwriter

23 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Interview with Philip Jones editor of The Bookseller Magazine and interview with Author Nick Alexander about his latest book Where Do We Go From ...

Interview with Elizabeth Lim about A Forgery Of Fate

20 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Interview with Elizabeth Lim about A Forgery Of Fate Elizabeth recommends:Luck Of The Titanic by Stacey LeeThe Floating World by Axie OhWolf For ...

Crime time! Martin Walker interview

16 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

I interview Martin Walker about An Enemy in the VillageI review: The Gathering by CJ Tudor. It's Always The Husband by CL Taylor& An Ember In The ...

Brand new V E Schwab interview

13 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

I interview V E Schwab about “Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil”V E Schwab recommends:Tipping The Velvet by Sarah Waters The Buffalo Hunter Hu...

Spotlight on promoting & reviewing books

09 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

I chat to Alison Barrow PR Director as a regular slot where we lift the lid on the publishing world. Today Alison answers a question about book b...

Linwood Barclay does HORROR

06 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

I interview Linwood Barclay about WhistleLinwood recommends 3 books:The Big Empty by Robert CraisLong Island by Colm TóibínTom Lake by Ann Patchett(...

David Headley discusses Capital Crime + an author interview

02 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

I chat to David Headley about Capital Crime. Information on the festival can be found here: https://www.capitalcrime.orgI interview Salma Ibrahim abou...

Ready for a BOOK TAG?

30 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

10 bookish things I don’t buy - book tag.(Book tag originally done by Shades of Orange on YouTube)BookmarksBooks signed by authorBook formats - not ...

Author interview with Jane Casey & Philippa's top picks

26 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

I interview Jane Casey about her latest book The Secret Room I review: This House of Burning Bones by Stuart MacBrideBy Your Side by Ruth Jones&n...

Have you read Sci-Fi Noir?

23 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

I interview Adam Oyebanji about Esperance Adam recommends:Places In The Darkness by Chris BrookmyreThe Naked Sun by Isaac AsimovAll System Red by...

Philippa's Page Turners: Food, ghosts & good books

19 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Interview with Daria Lavelle about Aftertaste.I review: Homemade God by Rachel JoyceNightshade by Michael ConnollyThe Honesty Box by Lucy Brazier...

Exploring Dystopian Fiction with 'The Quiet' Author Barnaby Martin

16 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

I interview Barnaby Martin about The QuietBarnaby’s book recommendations are:The Anglo-Saxons: A History of the Beginnings of England by Marc Morris...

Publishing secrets, books I love & a debut author

12 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Books, Authors, and Publishing SecretsI chat to Alison Barrow PR Director for the start of a regular slot where we lift the lid on the publishing worl...

Fantasy Writing Secrets: Joe Abercrombie about 'The Devils'

09 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Interview with Joe Abercrombie about his latest book The DevilsThe three books JOE RECOMMENDS:Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtryThe L A Quartet by J...

What's it REALLY like to open a bookshop?

05 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

I interview Laura and Ross from Station BooksStation Books website: https://stationbooks.co.ukHardy's Books Youtube channel: UCbQetFvMecZV9SxVQdI9gXgL...

Inside Spellbound: Georgia Leighton Talks Magic, Secrets & Sorcery"

02 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Interview with Georgia Leighton author of SPELLBOUNDGeorgia recommends:Beauty by Robin McKinley, Hamnet by Maggie O’FarrellSpinning Silver by N...

Uncovering The Cleaner – Mary Watson on Truth, Trauma & Tension

28 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Philippa interviews Mary Watson about THE CLEANER& Philippa reviews:I Bet You'd Look Good In A Coffin by Katie BrentThe Stand-In Dad by Alex Summe...

Author Antonia Hodgson Discusses 'The Raven Scholar': Journey from Historical Fiction to Epic Fantasy

25 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Interview with Antonia Hodgson about The Raven ScholarAntonia recommends:Greenteeth by Molly O’NeillThe Dispossessed by Ursula K. Le GuinThey by Ka...

Human Remains by Jo Callaghan | Killer Concepts & Crime Fiction with a Twist

21 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

I review: When women were Dragons by Kelly Barnhill, The Cure by Eve Smith. Two poetry books: Wild Remedy and Becoming By Poetry PrescriptionBore...

Unleashing A Language of Dragons: S. F. Williamson on Magic, Power & Storytelling

18 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Interview with S F Williamson about A Language of Dragons S F Williamson recommends:When Women Were Dragons by Kelly BarnhillThe Awakening of Mis...

Solving Mysteries with Jessica Bull | Insights on #AFortuneMostFatal

14 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

I interview Jessica Bull about "A Fortune Most Fatal"Books reviewed:Squeaky Clean by Callum McSorleyCarl's Doomsday Scenario: Dungeon Crawler Carl by ...

What's it like to work for a publisher & be a book influencer?

11 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

I interview Olivia-Savannah Roach We discuss being a book influencer and working in publishing.Links to Olivia’s channels:http://www.youtube.co...

History, crime and Alan Bennett

07 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Interview with Jo Harkin about “The Pretender” Book reviews:The Whalebone Theatre by Joanne QuinnA Voice in the Night by Simon MasonKilling Time b...

John Scalzi - When The Moon Hits Your Eye

04 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Interview with John Scalzi about his latest book “When The Moon Hits Your Eye” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

And then a Hero comes along.

31 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

I interview Katie Buckley about her book “Hero”And I review:The Lost Passenger by Frances QuinnDungeon Crawler Carl by Matt DinnimanThe Impossible...

Hannah Kaner Interview - Fallen Gods Trilogy

28 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Interview with Hannah Kaner about FAITHBREAKER Hannah recommends:Idolfire by Grace Curtis The Map of Knowledge by Violet MollerThe Spear Cuts Thr...

3 Book Reviews & Jamie West interview

24 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

I review:The Library of the Dead by T. L. HuchuMissing White Woman by Kellye GarrettSmall Bomb at Dimperley by Lissa Evans.And I interview Jamie West ...

Fantasy Friday - Rebecca Thorne interview

21 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

I interview Rebecca Thorne about “Tea You At The Alter” her latest book in the ‘Tomes & Tea’ quartet The 3 books that Rebecca recomme...

Three different (and really good) books

17 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Philippa interviews Trevor Wood about “The Silent Killer” and reviews Annie Bot by Sierra Greer & Only Big Bum Bum Matters Tomorrow by Damilar...

Fancy a festival of books?

14 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Philippa Interviews Heather Salisbury, Programme Manager of The Hay Festival.To book tickets for the Hay Festival and find out information about event...

Top Crime book & Kate Fagan interview

10 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today Philippa reviews: The Wolf Tree by Laura McCluskey Tell Me a Dragon by Jackie MorrisSpring Unfurled by Angela Harding.Plus Philippa in...

Friday Fantasy Special: Saara El-Arifi

07 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Philippa interviews Saara El-Arifi about her latest book CURSEBOUNDSaara’s three book recommendations are:The Deep by Rivers Solomon.The Fifth Seaso...

Favourites? book tag

03 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Philippa reviews: The Poppy War by R F KuangA Serial Killer’s Guide to Marriage by Asia Mackay. Deadfall by A K TurnerPlus Philippa does t...

Breakdowns & Books - see trigger warnings in notes

28 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

I talk to Tyrone from BookishDadReads about his experience with mental health challenges and the books.Please note we discuss some serious subjects in...

There's a new CARA HUNTER book out!

24 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

I interview Cara Hunter about her brand new crime book “Making A Killing”And I review The Dentist by Tim Sullivan Bridget Jones’ Diary by H...

Kindness & Killing with Helen Fields

17 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today I interview Helen Fields about her book, The Profiler, And review: The Teller of Small Fortunes by Julie LeongBy Any Other Name by Jod...

Strongly recommended...

10 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

I interview Kate Greathead about The Book Of George I review: Life Hacks for a Little Alien by Alice Franklin. The Dentist by Tim Sulli...

T J Klune Special

07 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Interview with T J Klune about The Bones Beneath My SkinT J Klune recommends: Flamer by Mike CuratoTales from the Gas Station by Jack TownsendClo...

Welcome back! We chat to Jenny Morris

03 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

I interview Jenny Morris about 'An Ethical Guide to Murder'. Plus I review 'Family Politics' by John O’Farrell, 'Beautiful Ugly' by Alice Feene...

Grady Hendrix special!

31 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

I talk to Grady Hendrix all about his new book “Witchcraft for Wayward Girls”Grady’s 3 book recommendations are:The Tulip Touch by Anne Fine, an...

TOP BOOKS of 2024 & Elly Griffiths Interview

16 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I interview Elly Griffiths about her new book “The Frozen People” and I give my top 12 books of 2024.ALSO:Elly recommends 3 books for us:Beautiful...

Wreckages, Houses & Hauntings

09 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I interview Dan Malikin about “The Wreckage of Us”I also review “Witchcraft for Wayward Girls” by Grady Hendrix, “How to Tell a Haunted...

Christmas book recommendations with Lauren

02 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I am joined by Lauren, from Lauren And The Books on Youtube to discuss Christmas, seasonal reading and our top 5 Christmas books.Link to Lauren’s Yo...

History, Lists, Fairytales &Trekkers

25 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I interview Toby Clements about his latest book “A Good Deliverance”I also review:The List of Suspicious Things by Jennie GodfreyRed Shirts by Joh...

End of Year Book Tag

18 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I mention Everything You Have by Kate RubyAnd review: Frankie By Graham NortonThe Waiting by Michael ConnellyThe Pumpkin Spice Cafe by Laurie Gil...

Are we thrilled?

11 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I interview Louise Candlish about her latest book “Our Holiday”Philippa reviews:Green Dot by Madeleine Gray Here One Moment & Apples...

Theatres, Violins, Ledges & Lanterns!

04 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I interview Anne Corlett about her latest book The Theatre of Glass and Shadows  and I review:The Instrumentalist by Harriet Constable,The Lanter...

Have you read this?

28 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I Interview Lucy Jane Wood about her book “Rewitched”.I review:“We Solve Murders” by Richard Osman“Precipice” by Robert Harris“Dallergut...

Thrills and spills

21 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I interview Ellery Lloyd about their latest book “The Final Act Of Juliet Willoughby” I review: Isolation Island by Louise MinchinHolmes...

Loving and not loving

14 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I interview Laura Dockrill author of I Love, I Love You, I Love You,I review:The Hotel Avocado by Bob MortimerOnce Upon A Broken Heart by Stephanie Ga...

You need to read this!

07 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I interview Jane Casey about her latest book “A Stranger In The Family”and I review After The Storm G D WrightPity by Andrew McMillan Alex Ri...

Kings & Emperors

30 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I interview Annie Garthwaite about her latest book The King's Mother and I review:Graveyard Shift by M. L. Rio, Long Live Evil by Sarah Rees...

Ready for a Winter Weekend?

27 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I speak to Helen Bagnall, Head of Programmes and Engagement at The Hay Festival about the special Winter Weekend later this year. For more inform...

Am I a book tart?

23 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I interview C L Miller about “The Antique Hunter's Guide To Murder”Plus I review: The House In The Cerulean Sea by T J KluneThe Housemaid by Freid...

Let's interview Stuart Neville

20 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I interview Stuart Neville about “Blood Like Mine”Stuart recommends:House of Bone and Rain by Gabino Iglesias.The Cracker Mirror by Chris Brookmyr...

A change in reading?

16 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Philippa interviews MICHAEL DONKOR about his book "Grow Where They Fall"Philippa reviews:A Discovery Of Witches - Deborah Harkness The Examiner b...

Book love

09 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

2 books, 2 audiobooks & 2 graphic novels plus I interview Sarah Beth Durst about “The Spell Shop”I review:Clear by Carys DaviesQueen B by Juno...

Good books & bad books

02 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I interview Ellie Keel, debut author of THE FOUR, I review:I Hope This Finds You Well by Natalie Sue, Bay of Thieves by Megan Davis, Th...

Are short books ok?

26 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I review abridged books on BBC Sounds and interview Sally Hepworth.I review:“Yellowface” by Rebecca Kuang“Factory Girls” by Michelle Gallen&nb...

Book choices!

19 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I interview Sam Taylor about “The Two Loves Of Sophie Strom”PLUS I review “The Blue Hour” by Paula Hawkins“Life Sentence” (Audiobook)...

Read this book (please)!

16 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

A bonus episode to celebrate Philippa’s best book of the year.“The Betrayal of Thomas True” by A J West,A J West recommends 3 books:A London Spy...

Best books over the last 5 years

12 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We are celebrating 5 years of the podcast with episode 300. We are joined by Steve Cavanagh to discuss his latest book “Witness 8” and Philip...

Book Thoughts & Denzil Meyrick

05 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Interview with Denzil Meyrick about ‘The Estate’Plus Philippa reviews:The Ministry of Time by Kaliane BradleyMy Mess is a Bit of a Life by Georgia...

Great books!

29 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Interview with M W Craven about The Mercy ChairAnd Philippa reviews:Double Indemnity by James M CainI Will Ruin You by Linwood BarclayThe Return by Vi...

Favourite books from holiday

22 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I interview LAURA KAY about her latest book called MAKING ITLaura RECOMMENDS 3 books: Experienced by Kate YoungUnsuitable - A history of lesbian ...

Pirates, Passion & Positivity

15 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I interview Francesca de Tores about her book called Saltblood plus I review:Where The Heart Should Be by Sarah CrossanThe Husbands by Holly GramazioT...

Loves, Libraries & Murders

10 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I interview Laura Wood about her new book “Under Your Spell” Plus I review:Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books by Kirsten MillerClos...

What's it like to work in a bookshop?

07 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We talk all about Independent Bookshop Week - what, why & where.I talk to bookshop manager Ruth Brookes from Booka bookshop all about what makes I...

Legal Dramas & Fave books.

03 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I interview L.J. Shepherd about her book The Trials of Lila Dalton I also review Sandwich by Catherine NewmanThe Troop by Nick CutterPiglet ...

The Wild Swimmers with William Shaw

27 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

William Shaw about his latest book: The Wild SwimmersPlus I review My Father's House by Joseph O'Connor, The Last Resort by Heidi Perks and The Other ...

Imran Mahmood Interview & book reviews

20 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I interview Imran Mahmood about his latest book called 'Finding Sophie'Plus I review ‘Dead Head’ by C J Skuse and ‘Greenwild - The World Behind ...

What is Puzzle Fiction?

13 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I interview Samuel Burr about The Fellowship of Puzzlemakers plus I review:You Are Here by David NichollsDark Sacred Night by Michael ConnellyThe...

Lucy Vine Interview & Book Reviews.

06 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I Interview Lucy Vine all about her latest book Date With Destiny and I also review:The Berlin Letters by Katherine ReayCan’t Spell Treason wit...

Interview with Helen Lederer

03 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Special Friday Episode Interview with Helen Lederer about her new book Not That I’m BitterPLUS Helen recommends the following books:Big Girl, S...

C J Skuse Interview

29 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I interview C J Skuse author of the Sweetpea series, the lates one is “Thorn In My Side”.I also review A Sign Of Her Own by Sarah MarshFive Minds ...

Women's Prize - Predictions & Reactions to the Fiction Shortlist

24 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This is a short episode of two halves; the first recorded earlier this week with Philippa's top 6 books that she would like to see on the shortlist an...

Lesley Thomson & Women’s Prize Reviews

22 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I interview Lesley Thomson about her latest book “The Mystery of Yew Tree House”Plus I review 4 more books from the Women’s Prize Fiction Longli...

Caz Frear Interview & Women’s Prize reviews.

15 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I Interview Caz Frear about her latest book “Five Bad Deeds”Plus I review 4 more books from the Women’s Prize Fiction Longlist which include:Nig...

Friday special with Alexandra Potter

12 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Friday special with Alexandra potterI interview Alexandra Potter about her latest book “More Confessions of a Forty Something F Up”Alexander’s b...

C L Taylor interview AND more Women's Prize reviews

08 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I interview C L Taylor about her latest book “Every Move You Make”. Plus I review another four books from the Women’s Prize Fiction longlis...

Women's Prize & Alina Khawajah

01 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I discuss the Women's Prize Longlist and interview Alina Khawajah about her latest book “Maya’s Laws of Love”Plus I review four books from the W...

Biscuit free books?

25 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I interview Stuart Turton about his new book (publication date 28 March) “The Last Murder At The End Of The World”.I review Hotel du Lac by Anita ...

Brilliant things!

18 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

So sorry for the short episode due to illness and echo from having to record at work!This week I mention the following:City On Fire by Graham Bartlett...

Hay Festival 2024 Special

15 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I interview Heather Salisbury, Programme Manager of The Hay Festival all about the festival in Hay On Wye from 23rd May to June 2nd 2024.You can find ...

Two Faves and One Flop

11 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

eThis week we have two favs and one flop.I Interview with Oskar Jensen about “Helle and Death” and review “They Both Die at the End “ by Adam ...

Crime, AI and a series.

04 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Interview with Jo Callaghan about her latest book called “Leave No Trace” the follow on to “In The Blink Of An Eye”.I also review “In Bloom”...

3 Great books

26 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Philippa interviews Robert Thorogood about his latest book in the Marlow Murder Club Mystery called “The Queen of Poisons” She also reviews “In ...

Two favs and one flop

19 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week I interview Chloe Seager about her book “Open Minded” and review “The Spy Coast” by Tess Gerritsen and more. Hosted on Acast. See ac...

A variety pack!

12 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week I interview Araminta Hall about her book “One Of The Good Guys”.And I review a variety of stories:“The Exhibitionist” By Charlotte M...

FAVS of the week

09 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

FAVS OF THE WEEKI tell you about my favourite things this week:FILM: American Fiction the film, directed by Cord JeffersonBOOK: Booksops & Bonedus...

Fancy a series?

05 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this week, by sheer fluke, each book I review is part of a series.I interview Jessica Bull about her debut “Miss Austen Investigates”...

Is Kindle a swear word?

29 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The final short episode before we are back to the usual interviews and book chat.This episode looks at Kindles and other E-readers. Plus Philippa give...

Favs & Flops

22 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This is another short episode looking at some books Philippa read recently and while there were some huge favourites there were also some flops. Which...

Ditch The Reading Slump!

15 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Before the regular interviews restart on 5th February, we look at a few different aspects of reading and come up with some thoughts and recommendation...

Goodbye

18 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I interview Lizzie Huxley-Jones author of “Make You Mine This Christmas” and also review a mixture of Christmas and non-Christmas books, as well a...