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kikiandarrowsfishshelf's review against another edition
3.0
It was somewhat ironic reading this on a kindle considering. I do prefer real books to ebooks. It's an okay story and mystery. A bit Midsome Murders too.
shibamistress's review against another edition
5.0
One of the best books in the series, and worth reading! Fans of this series should be happy with this book, even though we are missing some old friends: both Jane and Lol are away, and even Gomer Parry Plant Hire only makes a small appearance. But don't worry--we have Frannie Bliss, still recovering from his injuries in the previous book, to help Merrily, and some other characters from a book further back in the series (and from another Phil Rickman book) show up too.
As always, the writing is strong, and the characters are well developed--it's like catching up with old friends every time I read a book in the series. But the mystery aspect is strong is always, and the backstory--the history of the book selling town of Hay, and some of the darker aspects of ceremonial magic--is also quite well done.
Lovers of this series will find this a strong book, and people who haven't read the series should begin the series, but probably this is not the best book to begin with, as it does help to have an understanding of relationships and characters.
For those looking for intelligent, character driven mysteries with a touch of the supernatural, you can't do better than this series. The books are far better written than the Elizabeth George series, but they share similarities in that they are character driven and complex. And these are in no way "paranormal" books--rather they draw on the mystery of everyday life and Merrily's job (she is a "deliverance consultant," i.e. exorcist), and also tie into the nature of people's beliefs and practices. The supernatural elements are always intelligently integrated and not unbelievable.
As always, the writing is strong, and the characters are well developed--it's like catching up with old friends every time I read a book in the series. But the mystery aspect is strong is always, and the backstory--the history of the book selling town of Hay, and some of the darker aspects of ceremonial magic--is also quite well done.
Lovers of this series will find this a strong book, and people who haven't read the series should begin the series, but probably this is not the best book to begin with, as it does help to have an understanding of relationships and characters.
For those looking for intelligent, character driven mysteries with a touch of the supernatural, you can't do better than this series. The books are far better written than the Elizabeth George series, but they share similarities in that they are character driven and complex. And these are in no way "paranormal" books--rather they draw on the mystery of everyday life and Merrily's job (she is a "deliverance consultant," i.e. exorcist), and also tie into the nature of people's beliefs and practices. The supernatural elements are always intelligently integrated and not unbelievable.
lizbarr's review
4.0
Another twisty-turny entry in the Merrily Watkins series. Rickman has his usual vivid sense of place and history, but sheds some of the supporting cast in favour of returning characters from previous books.
The writing is almost too oblique in parts, but it was a compelling supernatural mystery nonetheless.
The writing is almost too oblique in parts, but it was a compelling supernatural mystery nonetheless.
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