Quick Book Reviews with Philippa Hall

Some fabulous books! Philippa interviews Holly Watt about her paperback “To The Lions” and her more recent hardback “The Dead Line”. Philippa also reviews ”Just My Luck” by Adele Parks and the “The Bill Chill” by Doug Johnstone, as well as mentioning her lovely Facebook Podcast Group and the books they are reading. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A special episode! Philippa looks at book covers, how important they are, the process involved in deciding what sort of a cover a book should have, what influence an author has and the impact a retailer also has. With considerable help from (and thanks to) Phoebe Morgan, editorial director of HarperCollins and author. Her latest book is “The Babysitter” and is out now, with the most marvellous book cover, of course. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Philippa reviews “The Retreat” by Mark Edwards, “#Taken” by Tony Parsons, “Deep Work” by Cal Newport, “The Ghost Fields” by Elly Griffiths and “A Girl Called Justice” also by Elly Griffiths. Fiction, Non Fiction and Children’s fiction, all in one podcast! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Philippa reviews “The Darling Buds of May’ by H E Bates, “The Mothers” By Sarah Naughton, “Rules for Perfect Murders” by Peter Swanson and “Fair Warning” (Audiobook version) by Michael Connelly. Which will be her Book of the Week? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Philippa reviews some marvellous books including: “The Shelf” By Helly Acton, “Seven Lies” by Elizabeth Kay, “The Fate of Ten” by Pittacus Lore, “The Cockroach” by Ian McEwan and “The Tales of Beedle the Bard” by J K Rowling, the audible exclusive version. Which will be her book of the week? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Philippa reviews “The Curator” by M W Craven (out next month), “Flake” by Matthew Dooley (Graphic Novel), “Cows” by Dawn O’Porter (Paperback), “Beating About The Bush” by M C Beaton (Hardback) and “The Jane Austen Society” by Natalie Jenner (Audiobook). Such fun! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Philippa reviews: Audiobook “The Split” by Sharon Bolton, Graphic Novel “Locke & Key - Welcome to Lovecraft” by Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez, Hardback “Strangers” by C L Taylor, Paperback “Liar in the Library” by Simon Brett and Hardback “All That’s Dead” by Stuart Macbride. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Philippa does a RAINBOW stack of book reviews, which will make more sense if you see the picture on social media! This rainbow stack includes “The Wife” by Meg Wolitzer (Red), “Kill The Father” by Sandrone Dazieri (Orange), “One” by Sarah Crossan (Yellow), “And The Rest Is History” by Jodi Taylor (Green), “The Gods of Guilt” by Michael Connelly (Blue), “Lost Girls” by Angela Marsons (Indigo-ish) and finally “Hell’s Corner” by David Baldacci (Violet). What rainbow stack of good books can you make? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Philippa recounts an embarrassing event (apologies - it wasn't her greatest moment) and reviews “Fifty Fifty” by Steve Cavanagh, “Deadland” by William Shaw, “”Kingdom of the Wicked” by Derek Landy, “The Three Musketeers” featured by the Classics Illustrated, “Paper Girls - Volume 3” by Brian K Vaughan and Cliff Chiang, “Alex & Ada” by Jonathan Luna and Sarah Vaughn, and the book she is currently reading; “Strangers” by C L Taylor”. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Philippa reviews "Ash Mountain" by Helen Fitzgerald, "The Outcast Dead" by Elly Griffiths, "All In Her Head" by Nikki Smith and the graphic novel "Injection" by Ellis, Shalvey & Bellaire. Plus the book she has just started to read: "Fifty Fifty" by Steve Cavanagh. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Philippa comes clean about what she had planned for the podcast and her change of mind. She reviews 4 books: "The Fallout" by Rebecca Thornton, "Magpie Lane" by Lucy Atkins, "Logging Off" by Nick Spalding and "Blood Heir" by Amelie Wen Zhao. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Audiobooks and bookclubs - don’t give them up! In this episode Philippa reviews paperback “Trumpet” by Jackie Kay and hardback “Becoming” by Michelle Obama as well as audiobooks: "The Hobbit" - BBC Radio Dramatisation, "The Fellowship of the Ring" - BBC Radio Dramatisation, “Blott on the landscape” by Tom Sharpe and “Cragside” by L J Ross. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Philippa talks about how to get your reading mojo back at this difficult time. Books include: “Our little Cruelties” by Liz Nugent, “The Music Shop” by Rachel Joyce, “Keeper” by Jessica Moor and “The Hold Out” by Graham Moore. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At this strange time, Philippa looks at some slightly different books, which include: “The Last Best Hope” by Una McCormack, “You are a badass” by Jen Sincero, “Wetlands” by Charlotte Roche, as well as the Audiobook versions of: “Seriously I’m Kidding” by Ellen Degeneres and “The life and loves of a he devil” by Graham Norton. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Philippa tells a (frankly) terrible joke, so prepare yourself. She does a final review of "Haven't They Grown" by Sophie Hannah, now she has actually finished the book! She also reviews "Blood Red City" by Rob Reynolds, "Deep State" by Chris Hauty, "Everless" (audiobook version) by Sara Holland and "The Patient Man" (audiobook version) by Joy Ellis. She also answers a listener's/reader's question about the new Richard & Judy shortlist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Philippa looks at more great books including the audiobook version of “Imposter” by LJ Ross, “Watching From The Dark” by Gytha Lodge, “Dying Fall” by Elly Griffiths, “Haven’t They Grown” by Sophie Hannah and Graphic Novel “Heartstopper Vol 3” by Alice Oseman. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Philippa gets back to reviewing more books including: "The Waiting Rooms" by Eve Smith, "The House on the Lake" by Nuala Ellwood, "The Snakes" by Sadie Jones, "The Uncommon Reader" by Alan Bennett and the audiobook version of "Beneath the Surface" by Jo Spain. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode there is something a little different, as Philippa reviews her favourite bookish things that are not actually books! She lists her top 4 bookish podcasts, her favourite 4 book people on YouTube, 4 book-related twitter accounts and finally her 4 favourite bookish instagram people. Podcasts: Honest Author's Show, Simon Mayo's Books of the Year, Partners in Crime & Writer's Routine. Youtube: Lauren & The Books, SavidgeReads, Tom Reads Things and Chapter & Converse. Instagram: Gillian McAllister (gillianmauthor), Rachel (hellorach), CJ Taylor (cjtaylorauthor) and Years of reading Selfishly (yearsofreading). Finally with Twitter: Karen Sullivan (@orendabooks), Rob Hart (@robwhart), Phoebe Morgan (@Phoebe_A_Morgan) and Anne Cater (@annecater). Back to normal next week. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Philippa has found some chocolate and is back on form! Apologies for last week’s episode, dieting is clearly not a good idea. In this episode Philippa talks about lots of splendid books including: “Scythe” by Neal Shusterman, “One” by Sarah Crossan, “The Sky Is Mine” by Amy Beashel, “The Diary of a Bookseller” by Shaun Bythell & “Nothing Ventured” by Jeffrey Archer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Philippa is on a diet, so be warned, she can barely talk. Thank goodness there are some decent books to discuss! Philippa reviews "Bad Island" by Stanley Donwood, "The Babysitter" by Phoebe Morgan (now Philippa has finished the book) and "Agency" by William Gibson. Also reviewed is "Fence Volume 3" by C S Pacat and others, as well as the audiobook "Sleeping Giants" by Sylvain Neuvel, which Philippa has just finished listening to. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Philippa talks about the books she has read this week and what is keeping her from reading even more! Books include “A Room Full Of Bones” by Elly Griffiths, “Amour” by Stefania Rousselle, “Daisy Jones And The Six” by Taylor Jenkins Reid, as well as "Sleeping Giants" by Sylvain Neuvel and “The Babysitter” by Phoebe Morgan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Philippa looks at some of the most anticipated books due out in the next six months: “All The Rage” by Cara Hunter, “American Dirt” by Jeanine Cummins, “The Mirror & The Light” by Hilary Mantel, “House of Earth and Blood” by Sarah J Maas and “Chain of Gold” by Cassandra Clare, “The Agency” By William Gibson, “Strangers” by CL Taylor , “Fifty Fifty” by Steve Cavanagh (not ‘Strangers’ as Philippa mistakenly says, apologies), “The Curator” by M W Craven, “Star Trek: Picard: The Last Best Hope” by Una McCormack, “Nightshade (Alex Rider)” by Anthony Horowitz, and “Queenie” (paperback version) by Candice Carty Williams. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Book review podcast episode 38 in which Philippa looks at some fab books for you: “Angel” (Audiobook) by L J Ross, “Perfect Remains” (audiobook) by Helen Fields, “Pine” by Francine Toon, “The Escape Room” by Megan Goldin, “The Hunting Party” by Lucy Foley and “The Diary Of A Somebody” by Brian Bilston. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Philippa reviews 5 great ooks for you but with no chocolate in the house she finds it hard work! The books include: “Half of a Yellow Sun" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, “Are You Watching?” by @VincentRalph1 , “Golden State" by Ben H. Winters, “Believe Me” by J.P. Delaney, and “The Wife Between Us” by Greer Hendricks & Sarah Pekkanen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Philippa reviews the 6 books in the "Richard & Judy" Winter shortlist of 6 books. These include: "The Family Upstairs" by Lisa Jewell, "The Whisper Man" by Alex North, "Blood Orange" by Harriet Tyce, "The Silent Patient" by Alex Michaelides, "Where The Crawdads Sing" by Delia Owens and "She Lies in Wait" by Gytha Lodge. Some fabulous books, with 2-3 favourites. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is an audiobook special! Whether you love audiobooks, just tried a few or have never listened to any, this could be of interest. Philippa looks at where to get them, how to listen and some of the audiobooks she has enjoyed but not previously covered. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode It’s the power of 3 with three amazing books, audiobooks & graphic novels to choose from! There are 3 Graphic Novels = “Ethel & Ernest” by Raymond Briggs, “The Adventures of John Blake” by Philip Pullman & “Cassandra Darke” by Posy Simmonds. 3 Audiobooks = “Nevermoor” by Jessica Townsend, “Breakers” by Doug Johnstone & “The Vicar of Dibley” by Richard Curtis. Three books = “You Can Change the World” by Margaret Rooke, “The House at Sea’s End” by Elly Griffiths & “The Island” by Victoria Hislop. Plus a listener’s question asking for Philippa’s 3 favourite things about Christmas!Quick Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Philippa recounts the awful thing that happened to her last night and then recovers enough to tell you about lots and lots of books: Violet by S J I Halliday (paperback), The Perfect Wife by J P Delaney (hardback), The Penguin Book of Christmas Stories (hardback), Christmas Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella (hardback), We Met in December by Rosie Curtis (audiobook), Poems for Christmas by MacMillan Collectors Library (hardback) & Cherringham (A Cosy Crime Series) Secret Santa by Matthew Costello & Neil Richards (audiobook). With a question for listeners and a move to weekly podcasts, there is a lot to cover! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Philippa chats about some fabulous books to consider including: “Ms Ice Sandwich” by Mieoko Kawakami, “The Dilemma” by B A Paris, “Heavenfield” by L J Ross & “On my god, what a complete Aisling” by Emery’s McLysaght & Sarah Breen. Plus more books coming up on the horizon and other bookish chat! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Philippa waffles on for far too long before she then starts talking about books! There are 7 books to review, so prepare for lots to choose from! "Impossible Causes" by Julie Mayhew, "A woman is no man" by Etaf Rum, "I will miss you tomorrow" by Heine Bakkeid, "Mr Todd's Reckoning" by Iain Maitland. Then the final three reviewed are: "Salt Lane" by William Shaw, "Nothing Important Happened Today" by Will Carver & finally "The Warlow Experiment" by Alix Nathan. We even squeeze in a listener's question and talk about different publishers. So many books! So little time! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New podcast episode (30)! Philippa is delighted to unbox her latest parcel from “Book Box Club” which has just arrived. There will be spoilers if you haven't opened yours yet and considerable excitement, for which we apologise in advance. The podcast also includes a look at some non-fiction titles due to be published in February, with thanks to The Bookseller for the information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 29 is here! Books books books! Philippa looks back in time to what she was reading a year ago to give you some more book ideas: "No Further Questions" by Gillian McAllister, "The Liar" by Steve Cavanagh, "The Night She Died" by Jenny Blackhurst, "The Wife" by Meg Wolitzer and "How Do You Like Me Now" by Holly Bourne. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode we have some absolute corkers! From the compelling "My Lovely Wife" by Samantha Downing, to the super "Sycamore Gap" by L J Ross & then "Poems For Happiness" introduced by Rev Richard Coles. Plus more bookish chat! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Philippa is on the edge of her seat reviewing "Die Alone" by Simon Kernick, "The Janus Stone" by Elly Griffiths and for especially for 'Non Fiction November' Philippa reviews "Easy Peasy Puppy Squeeze" by Steve Mann. There is a special type of literature festival to talk about and a listener's question. Lots of bookish discussions and chats! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode there may be some books you haven't heard of! Philippa starts with the more popular “Silent Companions” by Laura Purcell, but then moves on to “Address Unknown” by Kathrine Kressman Taylor and the audio radio drama version of “Star Wars”. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Philippa has a scary story (well it was scary for her!) and some fantastic new books to tell you about including "Grandmothers" By Salley Vickers, "PaperGirls (Volume 2)" by Cliff Chiang & others and "The Closer I Get” by Paul Burston. What can we say but WOW! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this podcast Philippa talks about some great books for you to consider and gives a controversial opinion while she runs and hides in a cupboard! Books reviewed “Body Tourists” by Jane Rogers, “ Our House” by Louise Candlish, “Tamara Drew” by Polly Summers and “Practical Magic” by Alice Hoffman. One book gets 9/10 and one gets 5/10 - but which is which??? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's an October wrap-up but which was Philippa's favourite? With a total of 29 books read in the month (yikes!) and a mixture of paperbacks, hardbacks, audiobooks and graphic novels, there are lots to choose from. Philippa lists her top 10/12 reads, but who will make the top three?... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Philippa talks about a recent read she loved, an audiobook with a surprise ending and two other publications. Included in the podcast are: "The Home" by Sarah Stovell, "Such a Fun Age" by Kiley Reid, "The Silent Patient" by Alex Michaelides and "Paper Girls - Volume 1" by Brian Vaughan. There is also a listener's question and more bookish chat. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's award time! Looking for some new crime books to read? Well join Philippa as she talks through last night’s CWA Award Ceremony - an annual event for the Crime Writers Association. Philippa celebrates the winners, talks through their books and joins in with some much needed drinks and snacks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Philippa discusses rating books V films, she gives her verdict on 2 audiobooks she has just finished "1984" by George Orwell (BBC Dramatisation) and "Bossypants" By Tina Fey. She discusses the recently published "Doing Time" by Jodi Taylor and a YA graphic novel "Fence (Volumes 1&2)" by C. S Pacat. She mentions Victober and the Hay Festival Winter Weekend, as well as other books she is currently reading/listening to! Lots of chat and lots of nonsense. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Philippa has some great books to review including "The Night Before Christmas" by Adam Kay, "Highfire" by Eoin Colfer, "The Dark Matter" by Doug Johnstone, "The Boy, the Mole, The Fox and The Horse" By Charlie Mackesy and "Heartstopper Volume 2" by Alice Oseman. Then Philippa happily unboxes the latest Book Club Box and makes a complete fool of herself....as usual! Happy days. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Philippa reviews some brilliant recent reads, from "Between Two Evils" by Eva Dolan and "Someone is Lying" by Jenny Blackhurst as well as "Heartstopper Volume 1" by Alice Oseman. With more bookish chat and another listener's question, there is a lot to talk about! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this festival special, Philippa talks for far too long (sorry!) about her day at Cheltenham Literature Festival, taking you through the different events, authors and books. Particular authors covered in this episode include: Elly Griffiths, Jason Webster, Luca Veste, Stuart Neville, Doug Johnstone, Chris Brookmyre, Mark Billingham, Juno Dawson, Natalie Haynes & Daisy Johnson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Philippa talks about her first literary festival experience that did not go according to plan, she reviews The Secret of Cold Hill by Peter James, Girl on Fire by Tony Parsons, Street Runners of New York by Matthew Reilly and A Beer in the Loire by Tommy Barnes. Philippa also answers a listener’s question and provides other bookish chat. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

All the top books! In this episode Philippa reviews books she has recently given 9/10. These include: Sleep by C L Taylor, Nightingale Point by Luan Goldie, Confessions of a Bookseller by Shaun Bythell, The Confession by Jessie Burton and Animal Farm (Graphic Novel) by George Orwell, illustrated by Odyr. Philippa considers a listener’s question (but doesn’t answer it!) and provides other bookish chat. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Philippa chats (despite a sore throat) about: Moving by Jenny Eclair, Cross Kill by James Patterson, The Warehouse by Rob Hart, The Dangerous Kind by Deborah O’Connor, Pet by Akwaeke Emezi & finally Dark Matter by Blake Crouch. What a selection! Find out Philippa’s favourites from these, with a surprise read and a listener’s question, as well as other bookish chat. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

September Re-cap! In this episode Philippa talks about the books she read in September, highlights her top 3 as well as some other interesting reads. Books mentioned include: Never Have I Ever by Joshilyn Jackson, The Testaments by Margaret Attwood, The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo, No Big Deal by Bethany Rutter, The Long Call by Ann Cleaves and many others! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Philippa talks about the newly announced Richard & Judy Shortlist of books for Winter which are: Sleep by C L Taylor, The Familiars by Stacey Halls, My Sister the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite, The Butterfly Room by Lucinda Riley, My Lovely Wife by Samantha Downing and The Sentence is Death by Anthony Horowitz. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Philippa chats about 3 books she has read (The Long Call by Ann Cleaves, No Big Deal by Bethany Rutter & No Way Out by Cara Hunter), she looks at children's books (due to be published in December) and offers a surprise read which is actually a series of books (by Robert Thorogood). She answers a listener's question and has even more bookish chat. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.