Kate Eberle on "If Books Could Kill": The Romance-Turned-Thriller That Started a 10-Way Book Auction
About this episode
Kate Eberle discusses her debut novel 'If Books Could Kill' and the unique journey of its creation and success.
Kate Eberle's debut novel If Books Could Kill sparked a 10-way bidding war, sold film and TV rights, and is being published in over 14 countries — and it's easy to see why. This rom-com-meets-thriller follows Roxy Mitchell, a romance novel superfan who wishes herself into her favorite author's next book... only to discover the author has swapped genres to crime thriller, and her dream date is now trying to kill her. In this episode, Kate joins Philippa to talk about: The meme that sparked the entire idea (yes, an Emily Henry meme) What it's actually like to live through a 10-way book auction in real time Writing a genre mashup nobody knew how to categorize — and why publishers loved it anyway Creating Grant Hoffman, the know-it-all love interest readers can't stop talking about Her dream (a library with snacks) and nightmare (a concert with FOMO) writing locations Why she's been hearing from readers whose partners think they've lost it from laughing so hard Plus: the book that's keeping Kate up at night right now, and the cookie that powered every word of If Books Could Kill . Mentioned in this episode: If Books Could Kill by Kate Eberle, Beach Read by Emily Henry, In Every…
Topics covered
- debut novel
- bidding war
- genre mashup
- rom-com
- thriller
- writing process
More episodes of Quick Book Reviews with Philippa Hall
- Warning: This Episode with T.M. Payne Contains Tongs, Ducks & Biscuit Demonstrations
- Jo Spain on Never to Be Found, Jōhatsu & the Japanese Art of Vanishing
- Tim Sullivan on The Tailor, George Cross & the Books That Went to Greece Without Me
- Adele Parks on Eyes on You, Twists, Pre-Orders & the Biscuit That Changed Everything
- St Hilda's Crime Fiction Weekend: Abir Mukherjee, Jane Casey & Sarah Hilary
- Amman Brar on Mr. Sidhu's Post Office — One of BBC News's 12 Books of 2026
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Quick Book Reviews with Philippa Hall podcast page.