Merrily Watkins is the most singular of crime fiction protagonists... As ever [Rickman]'s supremely skillful at teasing out the menace that lies behind English folk customs and legends and weaving them into a compelling contemporary narrative. - Mail on Sunday

IN THE DARK HEART OF THE COUNTRYSIDE...

Aidan Lloyd's cold and sombre funeral suggests he won't be resting in peace. But not even diocesan exorcist Merrily Watkins foresees its unearthly aftermath.

As a string of killings shakes the wintry Welsh border and a farming feud intensifies, Merrily - personally threatened by an enemy within - confronts secrets hidden in ancient dances and the walls of an enigmatic medieval church.

About the Author
Phil Rickman lives on the Welsh border where he writes and presents the book programme Phil the Shelf on BBC Radio Wales. He is the hugely popular author of the Merrily Watkins series and the John Dee papers.

Reviews
Merrily Watkins is the most singular of crime fiction protagonists... As ever [Rickman]'s supremely skillful at teasing out the menace that lies behind English folk customs and legends and weaving them into a compelling contemporary narrative. * Mail on Sunday *
Rickman is on top form here, as are all his characters... the plot is probably the most spine-tingling one to date. Delightfully sinister -- CrimeReview.co.uk
Ancient history, violent deaths, feuds, intrigues and murder. A most original sleuth. * The Times on the Merrily Watkins series *
Compassionate, original and sharply contemporary, Rickman's crime series is one of the best around. * Spectator on the Merrily Watkins series *
Few writers blend the ancient and supernatural with the modern and criminal better than Rickman. * Guardian on the Merrily Watkins series *
First rate crime with demons that go bump in the night. * Daily Mail on the Merrily Watkins series *
I have a thing for long series with complex characters, moral ambiguity and evocative writing, and Rickman's Merrily Watkins series is one of the very best. * Diana Gabaldon *



Book Information
ISBN 9781782396987
Author Phil Rickman
Format Paperback
Page Count 496
Imprint Corvus
Publisher Atlantic Books
Weight(grams) 340g
Dimensions(mm) 198mm * 131mm * 28mm