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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