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.

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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, isolation, and the quiet terror of living with someone who manipulates from the shadows.

Will talks candidly about his off-grid life in the Swedish woods, why he writes his first drafts in intense six-week bursts, and how emotional stories like Adrift can take years to fully realise.

Together, they discuss:

• Writing while living off grid and why isolation fuels creativity
• Why Will avoids the publishing “noise” and trends
• How Adrift took five years to complete, despite a fast first draft
• Writing claustrophobic tension without exhausting the reader
• The psychology of control, gaslighting, and quiet manipulation
• Writing from a child’s point of view and the emotional toll it takes
• Why Will leaves much of the violence off the page
• The fear and excitement of starting a new novel
• How rereading favourite books shapes his writing
• The current reading crisis and why encouraging children to read matters more than ever

Will also shares what he’s currently reading, why he rereads authors like Shirley Jackson and Sarah Waters, and answers the most important question of all: what powered the writing of Adrift (spoiler: frozen dates, not biscuits).

A thoughtful, intense, and revealing conversation about storytelling, fear, and the importance of noticing unheard people in unseen places.

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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.

This conversation goes far beyond the book. Catriona opens up about writing through profound personal grief, why she cries while writing, and how love — especially between siblings — can become both a source of salvation and destruction. Together, they explore childhood trauma, abandoned places, hostile landscapes, and the unsettling idea that some environments remember what happened there.

They also dive into:

• The origins of Nowhere Burning and its unsettling setting
• Why Catriona prefers the word reveal over plot twist
• Horror, literary fiction, and why genre labels often miss the point
• The worst writing advice Catriona has ever received
• Creative writing courses, resilience, and finding your voice
• Why “dark” fiction makes people uncomfortable — and why that matters
• Books Catriona is reading and recommending right now
• Biscuits, dunking rules, and the surprising truth about stroopwafels

Alongside the interview, Philippa also reviews:

• The Favorites by Layne Fargo
• Body of Lies by Jo Callaghan — the gripping finale to the AI crime series

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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 far beyond algorithms, star ratings, and reading targets.

What begins as a discussion about social media platforms — from X and Instagram to BookTok — quickly becomes a deeper exploration of burnout, pressure, and reclaiming reading as a joy rather than a performance.

Together, Philippa and Jules talk about:

• Stepping back from social media and why it can be healthy
• The pressure to post, review, and read “enough” books
• Why it’s okay to DNF a book — and stop feeling guilty
• Star ratings, negative reviews, and whether every book needs an opinion
• BookTok hype, genre oversaturation, and discovering fantasy unexpectedly
• Physical books vs e-readers vs audiobooks
• Building real-life book communities and local book clubs
• Reading as escapism after emotionally demanding work

Jules also shares her most-loved books, her perfect reading day, thoughts on Goodreads vs StoryGraph, and settles the all-important biscuit debate (custard creams, for the record).

A calming, thoughtful episode for anyone who has ever felt overwhelmed by bookish noise — and a reminder that reading is allowed to be slow, personal, and joyful.

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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.

• 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

• 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.

• 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).

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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.

• 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.

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