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cleverfoxwithcoffee's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
aliamaynard's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
rebellious_bookworm's review against another edition
5.0
I couldn’t put this book down. The story captured my attention from the start and kept me entertained all the way through. I will definitely be reading more from this author.
amothersmusings1's review against another edition
5.0
I have definitely been introduced to a new author in Martyn Waites and this excellent book "The Old Religion" will certainly not be my last by him. Having discovered that he is also the writer Tania Carver (which I have read and loved) and hailing from my neighbouring city of Newcastle, I will without doubt be reading many more books penned by this very talented and creative author. I thoroughly enjoyed this captivating story, thought it atmospheric, tense and had such a depth of characterisation I really could not put it down.
'An ex-undercover cop, Tom Kilgannon is in the Witness Protection Programme hiding from some very violent people and St Petroc offers him a chance to live a safe and quiet life. Until he meets Lila. Lila is a seventeen-year-old runaway. When she breaks into Tom's house she takes more than just his money. His wallet holds everything about his new identity. He also knows that Lila is in danger from the travellers' commune she's been living at. Something sinister has been going on there and Lila knows more than she realises. But to find her he risks not only giving away his location to the gangs he's in hiding from, but also becoming a target for whoever is hunting Lila.'
I liked Tom Kilgannon, mysterious, strong, fearless and the fact that he had a secret background past which wasn't revealed to the reader until the end made him and the storyline all the more intriguing and alluring. Set in beautiful Cornwall, the essence of the sea and the rugged coastline was captured perfectly. "The Old Religion" is based on the sinister and secretive paganism rituals of the Cornish old days within the small community of St Petroc and its inhabitants and the conclusion to this dark and chilling story literally blew me away.
I'm looking forward to the next intriguing Kilgannon novel which I understand is currently being written and I'd happily recommend this book and author, I really enjoyed reading it and will be now looking to buy and read his previous novels.
5 stars
'An ex-undercover cop, Tom Kilgannon is in the Witness Protection Programme hiding from some very violent people and St Petroc offers him a chance to live a safe and quiet life. Until he meets Lila. Lila is a seventeen-year-old runaway. When she breaks into Tom's house she takes more than just his money. His wallet holds everything about his new identity. He also knows that Lila is in danger from the travellers' commune she's been living at. Something sinister has been going on there and Lila knows more than she realises. But to find her he risks not only giving away his location to the gangs he's in hiding from, but also becoming a target for whoever is hunting Lila.'
I liked Tom Kilgannon, mysterious, strong, fearless and the fact that he had a secret background past which wasn't revealed to the reader until the end made him and the storyline all the more intriguing and alluring. Set in beautiful Cornwall, the essence of the sea and the rugged coastline was captured perfectly. "The Old Religion" is based on the sinister and secretive paganism rituals of the Cornish old days within the small community of St Petroc and its inhabitants and the conclusion to this dark and chilling story literally blew me away.
I'm looking forward to the next intriguing Kilgannon novel which I understand is currently being written and I'd happily recommend this book and author, I really enjoyed reading it and will be now looking to buy and read his previous novels.
5 stars
amelia3172's review
4.0
This spins one of those blink and you’ll miss it books, but is something you can read so quickly you blink and it’s over. It is a really satisfying book, well written and unpredictable, Waites does a fantastic job of creating beautifully human characters, and brilliantly evil villains. This book had me hooked practically all the way, and I truly loved reading it.
Admittedly this is nothing what I expected it to be. I entered this book thinking more of it would be centred around the occult, and whilst we saw much of this it was by no means the predominant focus. Instead, a lot of this book looks into cartels and addiction, something it paints in an incredibly realistic light. Only it contrasts bizarrely with the setting of Cornwall, however, Waited manages to depict village life in a way so true to life it borders in hilarity.
The plot is well constructed and plays out at a pace that allows both plot and character to breathe, but I never found myself bored even for a moment. The characters are both realistic and enjoyable to read from their point of view, each voice felt distinct and this is a great trait. This is one of few books I’ve read in which the author makes brilliant use of multiple points of view, really adding to the story rather than as a lazy plot device to advance the organic flow of the plot.
My one major complaint is the extent to which it pushes the boundaries of reality. Namely to the degree in which pretty much everyone in the town of St Petrochemical seems pretty bloody eager to commit murder. But otherwise, I loved this book and anticipate the chance to read more from Waites..
Admittedly this is nothing what I expected it to be. I entered this book thinking more of it would be centred around the occult, and whilst we saw much of this it was by no means the predominant focus. Instead, a lot of this book looks into cartels and addiction, something it paints in an incredibly realistic light. Only it contrasts bizarrely with the setting of Cornwall, however, Waited manages to depict village life in a way so true to life it borders in hilarity.
The plot is well constructed and plays out at a pace that allows both plot and character to breathe, but I never found myself bored even for a moment. The characters are both realistic and enjoyable to read from their point of view, each voice felt distinct and this is a great trait. This is one of few books I’ve read in which the author makes brilliant use of multiple points of view, really adding to the story rather than as a lazy plot device to advance the organic flow of the plot.
My one major complaint is the extent to which it pushes the boundaries of reality. Namely to the degree in which pretty much everyone in the town of St Petrochemical seems pretty bloody eager to commit murder. But otherwise, I loved this book and anticipate the chance to read more from Waites..
ralphball's review
4.0
What a setting! As someone who lives in a dry, often drought stricken country I loved reading about a cold, seaside setting. Lot's of rain and misery really makes me happy.
I really enjoyed the book. Unlikable characters? Check. Small town mystery? Check. Is this a Stephen King? No? Ok.
It was a subtle mystery too, no ridiculous exploits by everyday citizens and it wrapped up neatly.
High five Mr Waites!
I really enjoyed the book. Unlikable characters? Check. Small town mystery? Check. Is this a Stephen King? No? Ok.
It was a subtle mystery too, no ridiculous exploits by everyday citizens and it wrapped up neatly.
High five Mr Waites!
fictionophile's review
5.0
For my complete review of this novel visit: https://fictionophile.wordpress.com/2019/04/28/the-old-religion-by-martyn-waites-book-review/
I really enjoyed this novel. The Cornish landscape was vividly rendered. The "Old Religion" only too real as well.
The reader is not told whether the Morrigan character is a man or a woman. The author keeps you guessing - which adds to the mystery. I'll admit, I didn't guess Morrigan's identity before hand.
Tom was a likable character. Though he was emotional fragile, he was morally and physically strong. The peripheral characters were also well drawn and interesting.
The premise of how desperate people are easily led to do just about anything if it improves their condition, is an unwelcome truth.The writing kept me engrossed throughout and I eagerly turned the pages to find out how the author would tie up the plot. Make no mistake, this is a chilling, sometimes bizarre, tension-filled, dark thriller with a very satisfactory ending.
I've discovered that Tom Killgannon is to return in further books - which I look forward to reading.
Highly recommended!
4.5 stars rounded up
I really enjoyed this novel. The Cornish landscape was vividly rendered. The "Old Religion" only too real as well.
The reader is not told whether the Morrigan character is a man or a woman. The author keeps you guessing - which adds to the mystery. I'll admit, I didn't guess Morrigan's identity before hand.
Tom was a likable character. Though he was emotional fragile, he was morally and physically strong. The peripheral characters were also well drawn and interesting.
The premise of how desperate people are easily led to do just about anything if it improves their condition, is an unwelcome truth.The writing kept me engrossed throughout and I eagerly turned the pages to find out how the author would tie up the plot. Make no mistake, this is a chilling, sometimes bizarre, tension-filled, dark thriller with a very satisfactory ending.
I've discovered that Tom Killgannon is to return in further books - which I look forward to reading.
Highly recommended!
4.5 stars rounded up
annarella's review against another edition
5.0
I'm more a cozy mystery type of reader but once I started this book I couldn't put it down.
It has a dark atmosphere and a sense of danger that keep you reading to understanding what's coming.
I really like the main characters, with their secrets and emotional baggage, as well as the description of the places, and the twist and tricks of the plot.
i hope this is the first in a series and look forward to reading other books by this writer.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to Bonnier Zaffre and Netgalley for this ARC
It has a dark atmosphere and a sense of danger that keep you reading to understanding what's coming.
I really like the main characters, with their secrets and emotional baggage, as well as the description of the places, and the twist and tricks of the plot.
i hope this is the first in a series and look forward to reading other books by this writer.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to Bonnier Zaffre and Netgalley for this ARC
liseyp's review against another edition
5.0
A thrilling read with a darkly gothic feel
Tom Kilgannon is trying to start a new life in a Cornish village so out of the way that not even Poldark is interested in filming there. Working in the local hotel bar he sees the Round Table regulars who meet there and hears about their campaign to attract investment to the area through a longed-for commercial marina. What he doesn’t know is that their campaign goes much further than letter writing and schmoozing the decision makers - embracing the power of the old religion.
Combining a core crime thriller with the unsettling backdrop of a gothic horror is a great combination. Tom Kilgannon is a strong, well-written character who carries the plot well. I’m looking forward to reading more about him.
Tom Kilgannon is trying to start a new life in a Cornish village so out of the way that not even Poldark is interested in filming there. Working in the local hotel bar he sees the Round Table regulars who meet there and hears about their campaign to attract investment to the area through a longed-for commercial marina. What he doesn’t know is that their campaign goes much further than letter writing and schmoozing the decision makers - embracing the power of the old religion.
Combining a core crime thriller with the unsettling backdrop of a gothic horror is a great combination. Tom Kilgannon is a strong, well-written character who carries the plot well. I’m looking forward to reading more about him.
futuresabove's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Rape