In this episode of Quick Book Reviews, Philippa Hall is joined by Sarah Hilary to talk about The Drowning Place, the gripping first novel in a new crime series set in the Peak District. Together they discuss crime fiction, setting, writing atmosphere, rural communities, audiobook narration, and the journey of building a new series. T

Philippa also reviews two very different books:

Mars One by Charlotte Robertson — a high-stakes space thriller packed with sabotage, conspiracy, tension and reality-TV energy.

The Faraway Inn by Sarah Beth Durst — a warm, whimsical YA fantasy audiobook full of magic, comfort and cosy escapism.

There’s also a Hay Festival update: Philippa will be appearing with Sheila Kanani at Hay Festival on Friday 22 May 2026 at 8.30pm for The Starspotter’s Guide, a conversation about the night sky, stars and space.

If you enjoy:

crime fiction, thriller interviews, atmospheric mysteries, space thrillers, cosy fantasy, audiobook recommendations, and spoiler-free book chat, this episode is for you.

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In this insider episode of Quick Book Reviews, Philippa is joined by returning guest Alison Barrow, PR Director at Transworld (Penguin Random House), to answer a brilliant listener question about book marketing, ARCs, and social media influence.

If you’ve ever wondered:

• Why do some books dominate Instagram and BookTok?
• How do publishers decide which books get major promotion?
• Are ARC reviews always honest?
• Do great books get overlooked?

…this episode pulls back the curtain on the real publishing ecosystem.

• How publishers choose their “lead titles”
• The truth about ARCs (Advance Reader Copies) and influencer marketing
• Why you keep seeing the same books on Instagram
• How word-of-mouth, bookshops, and libraries still shape success
• The balance between authentic reviews and publisher relationships
• Why some incredible books quietly build audiences over time

• Whatever Happened to Madeline Stone – Louise O’Neill
• Mars One – Charlotte Robinson
• The Ending Writes Itself – Evelyn Clarke
• It's Not What You Think – Claire Mackintosh
• Elizabeth & Marilyn – Julie Owen Moylan
• The Wreck – Lizzie Stewart
• Slings & Arrows – Nick McLachlan

A thoughtful question from Johanne sparks an honest discussion about:

• Social media book promotion
• Authenticity vs visibility
• Whether “hyped” books can still be trusted

Alison Barrow is PR Director at Transworld (part of Penguin Random House UK), working with global bestselling authors and shaping major publishing campaigns.

Article mentioned in The Bookseller: https://www.thebookseller.com/comment/events-not-a-campaign-solution

Got a question for Alison?

Email: quickbookreviews@outlook.com

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More author interviews, book reviews (no spoilers!), and insider publishing chat every week.

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In this episode of Quick Book Reviews, Philippa Hall shares a mix of book recommendations, honest reviews, and practical tips for getting out of a reading slump.

Philippa also shares her experience appearing on BBC Breakfast and behind-the-scenes of recording while unwell (powered by Vonia and sheer determination!).

• The Drowning Place – Sarah Hilary ⭐ (highly recommended, potential book of the year)
• Solitary Agents – David Goodman ⭐ (thriller/spy crossover, gripping and accessible)
• Operation Bounce House – Matt Dinniman
• Look What You Made Me Do – John Lanchester

If you’re struggling to read or feeling stuck in a reading slump, Philippa shares what worked for her:

• Take a break from reading (it will come back!)
• Try a different format (audiobooks, graphic novels, poetry)
• Re-read a favourite book
• Limit your choices (pick a small stack and commit)
• Visit a bookshop or library for inspiration
• Don’t panic — reading slumps are normal

• The Wreck – Lizzie Stewart
• Slings and Arrows – Nick McLachlan
• A Family Matter – Claire Lynch

These three books completely reignited her love of reading.

Follow Quick Book Reviews for book recommendations, author interviews, and weekly podcast episodes.

📧 Email: quickbookreviews@outlook.com

📸 Instagram & Threads:

@quick_book_reviews

🎵 TikTok: @quickbookreviews

🐦 X: @quickbookrevie3

🦋 Bluesky: quickbookreviews

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