When a disused church is bought by a young pagan couple, who intend to use it for their own rituals, the evangelical local rector reacts with fury.
In an isolated community on the Welsh border, an atmosphere of stifling menace develops - with the persecution of innocent people, false accusations and the formation of a Christian vigilante group. Diocesan deliverance consultant Merrily Watkins is expected to keep the peace as this cauldron of conflict threatens to boil over into serious violence, Merrily uses all the diplomacy she can muster. But, as the confrontation moves towards its climax, she is unaware of a personal threat against her from a deranged and violent man.
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"Merrily Watkins, book 3 - this one's a little bit different. For a start, it's not really set in Ledwardine (it's mostly set in a different part of the diocese, closer to Wales - in fact the church which is the main focus is actually in Wales) and Lol doesn't feature (he's in Birmingham, doing a psychology course). The basic plotline is that a pagan couple have bought a farmhouse which includes a ruined church. They plan to celebrate pagan ceremonies there, and Merrily, having been alerted to this via. an appearance on a 'Zoo TV' show on paganism, is encouraged to investigate by the new bishop. There then follows a very complex plot, including an evangelical preacher with a dark past, a pagan leader with an equally dark spot in his past, the press, TV, a car crash, Jane's new boyfriend, and more. It's very, very good, but if you've already read the first two, you probably don't need any encouragement from me to read this one!" — Laisterdyke (5 out of 5 stars)
"Merrily Watkins, book 3 - this one's a little bit different. For a start, it's not really set in Ledwardine (it's mostly set in a different part of the diocese, closer to Wales - in fact the church which is the main focus is actually in Wales) and Lol doesn't feature (he's in Birmingham, doing a psychology course). The basic plotline is that a pagan couple have bought a farmhouse which includes a ruined church. They plan to celebrate pagan ceremonies there, and Merrily, having been alerted to this via. an appearance on a 'Zoo TV' show on paganism, is encouraged to investigate by the new bishop. There then follows a very complex plot, including an evangelical preacher with a dark past, a pagan leader with an equally dark spot in his past, the press, TV, a car crash, Jane's new boyfriend, and more. It's very, very good, but if you've already read the first two, you probably don't need any encouragement from me to read this one!"
" I'm now totally addicted to this series!! Brilliant reads, but no matter how many times they describe Merrily, I always see Dawn French :P "
" I couldnn't put it down. Kept reading through the night until day break. For me, that's a sign of a good read. "
" I loved this book. Although long it kept me thoroughly engrossed and I was actually sad when it ended. I loved the character of Betty: I wanted to be her pal in real life. Only weakness was I also felt that Merrily could be a stronger character. Enjoy! "
" First time I have read Phil Rickman and loved it! I loved the plot and ending! Will read more of him for sure!!! "
" good story, but sort of falls apart at the end ...slightly farfetched ...even for Rickman "
" Not quite as compelling as the first two in the series. "
" Another great book. The author manages not to regurgitate the same story again and again, the characters develop and new ones are introduced. Book by book I am becoming embroiled in the happenings of Ledwardine without, yet, feeling bored by it. "
" This is the third book in the Merrily Watkins series. This one had some nice spooky elements and some interesting pagan stuff. I am loving this series and will be starting book 4 soon! "
" There were some interesting parts to this story. I liked the idea of witches taking over a defunct church. But I just have to remember that I don't like mysteries. Oh well. "
" Spooky and wonderful! "
" Hereford Diocese exorcist Rev.Merrily Watkins is dispatched to cool things down when a Revivalist Minister starts inciting hatred of a young pagan couple that have bought an ex church. She finds that the locals are concealing plenty of nasty secrets "
" Beautifully written Merrily Watkins mystery, with all the strands carefully woven together into a fascinating outcome. "
" Not as good as the first two in this series....hope The Cure of Souls is better! "
" The best in the series so far - simply couldn't put it down. "
" This was really good. Even better than Midwinter of the Spirit. I couldn't put it down. Highly recommended. "
" Enjoyed. Good story, easy read..I love the settings and the mix of characters and the wee twists to keep you interested. A real who dun it, set in middle England/Wales "
" 3rd Phil Rickman in a row and I'm still loving every 'Merrily' minute of them. Brilliant! "
" The Merrily Watkins series can be gritty and a bit frightening, but it is a great read. I own almost all of Rickman's books. They are keepers. "
" Third in an engaging series featuring a "psychic-forensic priest", that is a clergy tasked with exorcism, who is coincidentally an attractive widow challenged by a realistically obnoxious teen daughter. "
" Good witches and bad witches and good christians and bad christians, a decommissioned church ruin, murder, exorcism, teenage hormones and what not. Great series! "
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