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
OMG! I have never heard of this author but Dr. Dee is one of my favorites as is Avalon! Can’t wait to get the book! Your blog is quite intriguing!
Thanks for the nice comment on my blog, Kathleen….you can also check out my website https://www.gayemack.com if you are interested in more of my work…
Phil Rickman is a wonderful author to read and keeps you on your toes…He is just one of those writers who makes you wanting more instantly the moment you finish whichever book you have finished…..he has a great interactive website as well, so be sure to check it out…and yes, Glastonbury/Avalon is a favorite destination of mine and is the subject of my historical thriller which is currently making the rounds of literary agents for representation; time will tell if it finds a home!
I absolutely adore Phil Rickman’s books- he is one of the best writers around!
I cannot wait for the release of his latest book- so looking forward!
Thanks for the comment Sophia! As a writer of historical fiction, I too, have loved all of Rickman’s books in this series…especially when he sneaks in some ‘history’ He has a new one coming out, I think in November or it might be a bit earlier!
Hello again, Gaye!
Could I please get the title of Rickman’s new release out in November, which you mentioned to me in your response?!
Right now, I am in the throes of ecstasy reading ‘Night after night’!
What an utterly brilliant writer!
Sophia
Sophia, hi….I don’t remember now…funny I was just talking about him yesterday. BUT I’m sure if you go on his website, it would be there: http://www.philrickman.com or it might be philrickman.co.uk
He is a brilliant writer…I JUST finished a wonderful book(another UK author) who reminds me of him. Will North …just finished his ‘No Harm’ takes place in very mystical Cornwall…its EXCELLENT.