If you like thrillers set within real situations  that come with a paranormal flavor based on established legends… and are curious about a female protagonist who doesn’t fit the mold of a  single mom turned parish priest and (reluctant, skeptical?) Diocesan exorcist,  then  British author, Phil Rickman’s ‘Merrily Watkins’ series is for you!  I discovered Merrily, her daughter Flower and assorted friends  several years ago while in the UK and was instantly hooked.  Now I am eagerly awaiting the September release of  Rickman’s newest Merrily, “The Secrets of Pain”, on Amazon.  

Rickman’s skill in creating sense of place is brilliantly matched with a sense of other that is addictive.  He doesn’t write horror(and confesses that he doesn’t like horror) and yet his stories are haunting.  Before launching the ‘Watkins’ series, he authored four ‘stand alone’ novels, equally eerie, the first of which was Candlenight (1991).  

Last year(2010) he introduced a new series with ‘Bones of Avalon’, set in my favorite legendary Glastonbury, based on  Queen Elizabeth I’s famous and much maligned personal astrologer, Dr. John Dee.  However, no matter which of his books you choose, they are all ‘worth the read’.

 

 

 Photography ©Gaye F. Mack