Let’s Talk Books with Helen Phifer

Welcome to the fifth in my six-part series of author/bookish people interviews. As you probably know by now I absolutely love books and reading, and I know many other people do, too. I thought it would be nice to chat to some of my bookish friends and find out about the books they love, and the reading experiences they’ve had.

This week I’m chatting to my fabulous friend, bestselling author Helen Phifer.

So delighted to have you here on the blog, Helen! I’m very much looking forward to learning about the books you love. With that in mind, let’s crack on with the first question. Can you remember the first book you ever read or owned?

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Naughty Amelia Jane by Enid Blyton – I loved it!

Another Enid Blyton book! I don’t think we’ve had anyone on this blog feature who hasn’t mentioned Enid Blyton. I loved Naughty Amelia Jane, too. What was your favourite book when you were a child?

The Magic Faraway Tree – I desperately wanted to find that tree and visit all those different worlds.

This is going to come as a shock, but I honestly can’t remember reading that book. Of course I’ve heard of it, but I have no memory of the story. Maybe I should treat myself to a copy and find out what I missed. If you were going to reread one children’s book now, which would you choose and why?

I’d love to reread The Magic Faraway Tree. Actually, I think I might.

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Yes, do it! What’s your favourite book as an adult? Why is it your favourite?

It’s got to be The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune. It’s a proper hug in a book, it makes you laugh, cry and fall in love with the characters and it’s also just brilliantly inclusive. I think it should be required reading in every secondary school in the UK.

I agree. It was my book of the year in 2024 and I’d recommend it to everyone. Do you write in your favourite genre? If not, which genre/s do you love to read?

I’ve been lucky enough to write stories in my favourite genres and have lovely publishers to put them out into the world. I love writing scary stories which is what I love to read, and I also adore witchy fiction. Again, I’m very lucky to have a publisher who let me write my own witchy book set in Salem.

And your publisher is very lucky to have such a talented writer of witchy fiction and scary stories! (As I’m sure they realise.) Tricky question, Helen. Which of your own books is your favourite?

It’s hard to choose because my first book, The Ghost House, is very special to me, but I have to say The Vanishing Bookstore because it’s a culmination of my years of writing experience, and the whole setting of the story is by far my favourite.

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I remember spotting The Ghost House in WH Smith when it came out in paperback. I was so excited and bought a copy immediately! And of course, I have my signed copy of The Vanishing Bookstore which sits proudly on my bookshelf. I know how much writing that meant to you. Talking of your own books, which of them has your favourite cover and why?

It’s not out yet, but the follow up to The Vanishing Bookstore is called The Book of Unwritten Stories and that cover is just beautiful, it has crow feathers on it, pretty pink flowers, a key. Everything I could have asked for.

Perfect! Who is your favourite book character? Why do you like them so much?

Can I have three? I love witchy women, so I would say it’s Aunt Ettie from the Morgan Brookes series and the two aunts Sephy and Lenny from The Vanishing Bookstore. They are older, wiser, witchy and live their lives their own way and it’s very freeing as a woman to be able to live that way.

A question now that I don’t think will be so tricky for you! What’s your favourite book to TV/film adaptation?

Practical Magic by far – I think it’s the only film I like better than the original book.

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Haha, I knew Practical Magic would make an appearance somewhere in this post! What’s the most beautiful or precious book you’ve ever owned? Why is it so special?

I love all my books, but I’d have to say my signed copy of Under the Dome by Stephen King. I’ve never read it, but because it’s signed by him it’s very special.

Wowsers! No wonder you’re chuffed with that! Which book do you wish you’d written?

Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman

I don’t know why I asked that, really! Finally, Helen, can you tell us about your next book?

It’s the witchy The Book of Unwritten Stories. It’s set in Salem and follows Dora, Lenny & Sephy as they move on from the dramatic events of book one, The Vanishing Bookstore. There is also a new character in this one who is much darker and I really love Morana for being the opposite of the English Sisters. It was great fun to write, plus it’s set in my beloved Salem.

Sounds wonderful! Thanks so much for sparing the time in your always hectic schedule to take part in the blog, Helen. Good luck with your future books.

The Book of Unwritten Stories

Click to buy - published September 10th 2026

‘This book could change your life for the better, my sweet daughter. If only you can find the courage to finish our family’s story…’

1680, Salem. Surrounded by lush herbs and colorful flowers, a young woman promises to keep her four-year-old daughter, Isadora, safe. Isadora’s father was an honorable man—but he was also truly dangerous. The book he left them must stay hidden until the time is right.

Present day. In the vintage emporium where she works, Morana shifts nervously as she traces the engraving of her name inside an old leather book. The pages are filled with delicate writing, but the ink stops half-way across the page. And now she sees why. ‘Only you will be able to finish these words and uncover my secrets, daughter.’ Orphaned as a child, Morana stifles a sob; could this be written by her mother?

But as Morana reads on, a dark shadow awakens. Someone has been waiting for Morana to open the book for generations.

Morana will soon learn that the family she has been separated from are full of whimsy and wonder, but they have been running from the truth for a very long time. And the secrets she uncovers could do more damage than she could ever imagine…

A spell-binding and utterly absorbing novel, perfect for fans of Weyward, The Lost Apothecary and Practical Magic.

About Helen Phifer

Helen Phifer is a bestselling crime writer of nineteen books including the Annie Graham, Lucy Harwin, Beth Adams and Morgan Brookes Detective series.

Helen lives in a small town in Cumbria, surrounded by miles of coastline and only a short drive from the beautiful Lake District.

She loves reading books that make the hairs on the back of her neck stand on end and is eternally grateful to Stephen King, Dean Koontz, James Herbert and Graham Masterton for scaring her senseless in her teenage years.

If you’d like to know more about Helen, you can check out her website. You can also follow her on Instagram and Facebook.