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tracey78's review
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
perfectlymisaligned's review
4.0
Became slightly rushed, and confusing at the end...but still a great ride of a book.
megan_prairierose's review
3.0
Not as good as some of his earlier Merrily books, but still enjoyable.
fdallachy's review
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I can't write an unbiased review of these books, because the series is just perfectly suited to my interests and enjoyment. A slow-burn, but with a lot of heart, a lot of intelligence, and just the right touch of eeriness.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Miscarriage and Suicide
velvetsun's review
4.0
Became slightly rushed, and confusing at the end...but still a great ride of a book.
evapalhay's review
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
david66's review
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
The 7th in the Merrily Watkins series that I've read with varying degrees of involvement. These books might be a bit stodgy but they're right in my wheelhouse; crime mysteries with a (possible) supernatural element. This was an interesting mystery with a fascinating setting and is chock full of interesting characters both likeable and abhorrent. The story is compassionate with plenty of non-preachy social commentary. A good read but not one of his best.
kiwi_fruit's review against another edition
3.0
Mystery meets supernatural. A female priest who is also a trained deliverance minister (a.k.a. exorcist) investigates the death of a young boy at Ludlow castle.
The case, which involves an ex policeman, a 12 century ghost, a retired goth singer, the suicide of a young girl and church politics, is quite creepy. I liked the layered and realistically portrayed characters, the plot was also intriguing and well paced with a number of suspenseful scenes. The British contemporary detective atmosphere and the writing style reminded me of J.K. Rowling writing as Robert Galbraith in the Cormoran Strike series.
Despite the resolution being more complex than necessary, I enjoyed this book much more than I expected. 3.5 stars
The case, which involves an ex policeman, a 12 century ghost, a retired goth singer, the suicide of a young girl and church politics, is quite creepy. I liked the layered and realistically portrayed characters, the plot was also intriguing and well paced with a number of suspenseful scenes. The British contemporary detective atmosphere and the writing style reminded me of J.K. Rowling writing as Robert Galbraith in the Cormoran Strike series.
Despite the resolution being more complex than necessary, I enjoyed this book much more than I expected. 3.5 stars