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Merrily Watkins #11
The Secrets of Pain
The elite warriors of the Hereford-based SAS know all about pain and the enduring of it. Syd Spicer, ex-SAS trooper, has found himself back the Regiment - this time as its chaplain, responsible for the spiritual welfare of the hardest men in or out of uniform. Faced with a case which would normally be passed discreetly to Hereford diocesan exorcist Merrily Watkins, Spicer is forced, for security reasons, to try and handle it himself...and is coming close to a breakdown. Meanwhile, the scattered communities along the Welsh border have their own crisis. With recession biting deep, urban crime has spilled into the countryside and old barbaric evils are revived. When a wealthy landowner is hacked to death in his own farmyard, the senior investigating officer, DI Frannie Bliss is caught in the backlash, his private life in danger of exposure. With the framework of her own world beginning to crack, Merrily Watkins is persuaded to venture into areas where neither a priest nor a woman is welcome...to unearth secrets linked with the border's pagan past. Secrets which she knows can never be disclosed.
592 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2011
87 people are currently reading
696 people want to read
About the author
Phil Rickman
58 books805 followersPhil Rickman, also known under the pen names Thom Madley and Will Kingdom, was a British author of supernatural and mystery novels.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
December 7, 2025
tired and a little out of sorts, I relented and started another Merrily Watkins mystery 😉
the title wasn't the most encouraging, but it was what was available at the libraries...
this one was book 11 in the series (having only previously read book 1), and it started with characters recognisable from the first 😆 which was kinda nice 🙂 and maybe abit telling too re the series and the small community...
apparently (from a reference a chapter or two later) this novel is set 3 years on from the first novel.
the break leaves me abit more appreciative of the writing, which is quite taut 🙂
and I was happy that the exorcism aspect to the series and the main characters work, was now well established! 😉🙂
🌿🌳🍎🍏🩸🗡🩸🍏🍎🌳🌿
but 🙄 some of the language! 🙄 I think others have commented that the sentences often aren't full sentences, lacking the subject reference point iirc. I suspect this is deliberate, to create the kind of staccato (gunfire?) writing style, and pace... and possibly designed to be some kind of colloquial?? or it's possible the author might be annoying to have a conversation with outside of his books, if this is how he talks 😉
and some of the words, and word repetition! 🙄🙈
'sawn off', used to describe clothes, appeared 2+ times within the first half hour 😆 and reappeared later too...
'squirearchy' seemed another favourite word... I can't remember how many times it was used, but often a couple/few times in close enough succession to notice.
I kinda picture the author feeling quite smug about these word choices 😆
these weren't the only word focuses and repetitions, just the two that stayed with me.
🌿🌳🍎🍏🩸🗡🩸🍏🍎🌳🌿
there were alot of themes and threads, many of which were quite interesting...
the joint spiritual threads, - Christian and Pagan (as usual I think) - this time included:
🌟 Julian of Norwich, and her work, 'Revelations of Divine Love' 😃😍
🌟 Thomas Traherne (who featured big in the first novel) got the occasional mention again 🙂
🌟 Ley lines, neolithic structures, the ancient landscape of the area... 🙂
🌟 Mithras.. including some of the history of Mithraism, from Persia to Roman Empire 🐃 🦅 tho used in a specific way within a modern soldiers context for this novel 🤔
wrt the village/town of Ledwardine:
🌟 gentrification, which was pretty well explored I thought
🌟 the usual tensions between incomers to the place and the long established families...
🌟 migrant workers and the conditions they work under.
(I haven't fact checked the authors seeming assertation that most crime against migrant workers coming from other migrant workers, and wondered that this might be abit xenophobic 🤔)
🌟 military, particularly SAS, influence in an area, and it's impacts on individuals and relationships...
🌟 affairs, a usual ingredient I think... 🙄
🌟 murders, I've forgotten how many! 😆
🌟 and music! 😃
I enjoyed the songs included (Lol's), esp trackway man 🙂
🌿🌳🍎🍏🩸🗡🩸🍏🍎🌳🌿
I quite enjoyed the various threads of this one... tho there's a fair few to hold onto (especially as an audiobook), not sure if it might be abit too many this time... 🤔
and the author was abit sneaky in a place or three, suddenly throwing in a suspect that there hadn't been any mention of/clues about for some of the murders. I don't know if this is a usual part of crime fiction, and/or part of usual 'red herring' devices... 🤔
🌿🌳🍎🍏🩸🗡🩸🍏🍎🌳🌿
things that irked me:
the usual sexism and stereotyping, and that our lead character is never quite as strongly presented as she could be. the most sensitive male character is generally presented as abit of a 'lesser man'. and the use of threat of violence, and in particular sexual violence, towards women 😬🙄 aware this latter is used to create tension, but I think this author does it in a way that's also open to titillation. he's obviously not alone in this wrt alot of popular media, but I think it's both lazy and problematic. I remember realising in my late teens/early twenties that one of the things I'd been socialised to respond to/be attracted to in women was vulnerability (alongside a completely unachievable role of hero/rescuer) - it felt really creepy to recognise this, and I suspect this works on alot of people in the same way, and in some cases doesn't get recognised and addressed as part of maturing.
I suspect all the above are present in all of Phil Rickman's novels, and to me it feels like the author has some particular ideas around gender, masculinity and femininity, etc that will always create this bias and limit his imagination wrt female characters especially.
I felt abit ambivalent about the representation and use of migrant workers, which was again quite stereotypical, and was also stereotyping I think. tho I think I was particularly irked by the pronunciation of 'Romania' as 'Rumania', and I don't know fasure if that was writer or narrator 🤔
🌿🌳🍎🍏🩸🗡🩸🍏🍎🌳🌿
accessed as a library audiobook, read by Emma Powel, whose accents ranged about abit for Danny, Gomer and co, let alone the migrant workers, but generally did quite well and included more Welsh accents (including for Gomer 🙂) than the previous novel I read 😁
the title wasn't the most encouraging, but it was what was available at the libraries...
this one was book 11 in the series (having only previously read book 1), and it started with characters recognisable from the first 😆 which was kinda nice 🙂 and maybe abit telling too re the series and the small community...
apparently (from a reference a chapter or two later) this novel is set 3 years on from the first novel.
the break leaves me abit more appreciative of the writing, which is quite taut 🙂
and I was happy that the exorcism aspect to the series and the main characters work, was now well established! 😉🙂
🌿🌳🍎🍏🩸🗡🩸🍏🍎🌳🌿
but 🙄 some of the language! 🙄 I think others have commented that the sentences often aren't full sentences, lacking the subject reference point iirc. I suspect this is deliberate, to create the kind of staccato (gunfire?) writing style, and pace... and possibly designed to be some kind of colloquial?? or it's possible the author might be annoying to have a conversation with outside of his books, if this is how he talks 😉
and some of the words, and word repetition! 🙄🙈
'sawn off', used to describe clothes, appeared 2+ times within the first half hour 😆 and reappeared later too...
'squirearchy' seemed another favourite word... I can't remember how many times it was used, but often a couple/few times in close enough succession to notice.
I kinda picture the author feeling quite smug about these word choices 😆
these weren't the only word focuses and repetitions, just the two that stayed with me.
🌿🌳🍎🍏🩸🗡🩸🍏🍎🌳🌿
there were alot of themes and threads, many of which were quite interesting...
the joint spiritual threads, - Christian and Pagan (as usual I think) - this time included:
🌟 Julian of Norwich, and her work, 'Revelations of Divine Love' 😃😍
🌟 Thomas Traherne (who featured big in the first novel) got the occasional mention again 🙂
🌟 Ley lines, neolithic structures, the ancient landscape of the area... 🙂
🌟 Mithras.. including some of the history of Mithraism, from Persia to Roman Empire 🐃 🦅 tho used in a specific way within a modern soldiers context for this novel 🤔
wrt the village/town of Ledwardine:
🌟 gentrification, which was pretty well explored I thought
🌟 the usual tensions between incomers to the place and the long established families...
🌟 migrant workers and the conditions they work under.
(I haven't fact checked the authors seeming assertation that most crime against migrant workers coming from other migrant workers, and wondered that this might be abit xenophobic 🤔)
🌟 military, particularly SAS, influence in an area, and it's impacts on individuals and relationships...
🌟 affairs, a usual ingredient I think... 🙄
🌟 murders, I've forgotten how many! 😆
🌟 and music! 😃
I enjoyed the songs included (Lol's), esp trackway man 🙂
🌿🌳🍎🍏🩸🗡🩸🍏🍎🌳🌿
I quite enjoyed the various threads of this one... tho there's a fair few to hold onto (especially as an audiobook), not sure if it might be abit too many this time... 🤔
and the author was abit sneaky in a place or three, suddenly throwing in a suspect that there hadn't been any mention of/clues about for some of the murders. I don't know if this is a usual part of crime fiction, and/or part of usual 'red herring' devices... 🤔
🌿🌳🍎🍏🩸🗡🩸🍏🍎🌳🌿
things that irked me:
the usual sexism and stereotyping, and that our lead character is never quite as strongly presented as she could be. the most sensitive male character is generally presented as abit of a 'lesser man'. and the use of threat of violence, and in particular sexual violence, towards women 😬🙄 aware this latter is used to create tension, but I think this author does it in a way that's also open to titillation. he's obviously not alone in this wrt alot of popular media, but I think it's both lazy and problematic. I remember realising in my late teens/early twenties that one of the things I'd been socialised to respond to/be attracted to in women was vulnerability (alongside a completely unachievable role of hero/rescuer) - it felt really creepy to recognise this, and I suspect this works on alot of people in the same way, and in some cases doesn't get recognised and addressed as part of maturing.
I suspect all the above are present in all of Phil Rickman's novels, and to me it feels like the author has some particular ideas around gender, masculinity and femininity, etc that will always create this bias and limit his imagination wrt female characters especially.
I felt abit ambivalent about the representation and use of migrant workers, which was again quite stereotypical, and was also stereotyping I think. tho I think I was particularly irked by the pronunciation of 'Romania' as 'Rumania', and I don't know fasure if that was writer or narrator 🤔
🌿🌳🍎🍏🩸🗡🩸🍏🍎🌳🌿
accessed as a library audiobook, read by Emma Powel, whose accents ranged about abit for Danny, Gomer and co, let alone the migrant workers, but generally did quite well and included more Welsh accents (including for Gomer 🙂) than the previous novel I read 😁
August 24, 2012
Phil Rickman now seems to have settled in to a formula for writing his novels, with Merrily Watkins, Vicar of Ledwardine on the Welsh border, as protagonist, and the usual cast of supporting characters -- Merrily's daughter Jane, Gomer Parry of Gomer Parry Plant Hire, Lol Robinson the folk-rock musician trying to make a comeback, the Hereford police and a few others. The main villains are different, but a few of them continue from previous books.
There's nothing wrong with that; if you set stories in the same place, then it would be strange if the same characters did not appear again and again. The plot is, as in most of Phil Rickman's books, based on a crime that turns out to have religious or supernatural overtones, which is how Merrily Watkins, the diocesan exorcist, or, rather, "deliverance consultant", for the Diocese of Hereford gets involved.
In spite of these similarities, I must admit that I am hooked on books by Phil Rickman. If I see one I haven't read, I buy it. No ifs, no buts, no "I'll go home and think about it". It's an impulse purchase, immediate and compelling.
If I try to analyse why I like Phil Rickman's books, it becomes a bit more difficult. Perhaps it's because I also like the books of Charles Williams which have been described by some as "supernatural thrillers". In War in heaven Williams describes how supernatural evil manifests itself in a quiet English village, not unlike Rickman's Ledwardine. Williams has far greater theological depth than Rickman, but Rickman also gives a picture of at least a part of English society, which seems to me to be fairly true to life, and gives a picture of how social and intellectual trends affect ordinary people, with such things as fox-hunting, gentrification of the countryside, and even the trends in the Church of England reflected in the change of name from "diocesan excorcist" to "deliverance consultant". I'm not sure that any English diocese has actually done such a thing, but it is certainly the kind of thing they might do.
One of the trends that this book deals with is the macho military style of doing things, fostered by the wars that Britain has got involved in over the last few years, not reluctantly, but with a very macho eagerness. And so the book deals with the kind of spiritual problems that might arise at a military base, and especially one of the SAS, and what kind of spirituality might result.
This is one of Rickman's better novels, and I might have given it five stars were it not for a few quirks that were distracting, if not annoying. One was his habit of making the subject of the opening dialogue of many chapters (and sometimes sections within chapters) obscure. You simply have no idea what the characters are talking about, until a hint may (if you're lucky) be dropped about 10-15 lines down. And then you have to go back to the beginning again to make sense of it.
Another, and perhaps more minor quibble is the way Rickman treats St George. St George's Church, Brinsop, seems to be connected by leys to some of the events that take place. Merrily Watkins thinks that St George was "Turkish" and "Middle Eastern", and somehow being used to justify the crusades -- yet it was probably the crusaders who brought the cult of St Geoorge back to England, after encountering it in Palestine. And there were no Turks in the the Middle East in St George's time. At that time, in the Middle East, as one of Rickman's characters might have said, Turks were from Off. It was only much later that they took on the role of Incomers.
One of the pictures in the church shows St George dressed as a Roman soldier, and this is regarded by one character as very strange. Yet to all accounts, St George was a Roman soldier, so why should it be strange that an ancient picture in a church should depict him as one? One of the interesting things about St George is his very widespread popularity. He is one of the most universally popular saints of the Christian Church, from India to England, and from Russia to Ethiopia.
But desipite a few flaws, it's still a good read. And the next time I see a Rickman book I haven't read in a bookshop, I'll buy it, without hesitation. The greatest danger in readi ng it is that it has a tendency to shape my perceptions of England, English society, and the Church of England. Apart from the minor exceptions noted above, Rickman's descriptions are almost too credible.
There's nothing wrong with that; if you set stories in the same place, then it would be strange if the same characters did not appear again and again. The plot is, as in most of Phil Rickman's books, based on a crime that turns out to have religious or supernatural overtones, which is how Merrily Watkins, the diocesan exorcist, or, rather, "deliverance consultant", for the Diocese of Hereford gets involved.
In spite of these similarities, I must admit that I am hooked on books by Phil Rickman. If I see one I haven't read, I buy it. No ifs, no buts, no "I'll go home and think about it". It's an impulse purchase, immediate and compelling.
If I try to analyse why I like Phil Rickman's books, it becomes a bit more difficult. Perhaps it's because I also like the books of Charles Williams which have been described by some as "supernatural thrillers". In War in heaven Williams describes how supernatural evil manifests itself in a quiet English village, not unlike Rickman's Ledwardine. Williams has far greater theological depth than Rickman, but Rickman also gives a picture of at least a part of English society, which seems to me to be fairly true to life, and gives a picture of how social and intellectual trends affect ordinary people, with such things as fox-hunting, gentrification of the countryside, and even the trends in the Church of England reflected in the change of name from "diocesan excorcist" to "deliverance consultant". I'm not sure that any English diocese has actually done such a thing, but it is certainly the kind of thing they might do.
One of the trends that this book deals with is the macho military style of doing things, fostered by the wars that Britain has got involved in over the last few years, not reluctantly, but with a very macho eagerness. And so the book deals with the kind of spiritual problems that might arise at a military base, and especially one of the SAS, and what kind of spirituality might result.
This is one of Rickman's better novels, and I might have given it five stars were it not for a few quirks that were distracting, if not annoying. One was his habit of making the subject of the opening dialogue of many chapters (and sometimes sections within chapters) obscure. You simply have no idea what the characters are talking about, until a hint may (if you're lucky) be dropped about 10-15 lines down. And then you have to go back to the beginning again to make sense of it.
Another, and perhaps more minor quibble is the way Rickman treats St George. St George's Church, Brinsop, seems to be connected by leys to some of the events that take place. Merrily Watkins thinks that St George was "Turkish" and "Middle Eastern", and somehow being used to justify the crusades -- yet it was probably the crusaders who brought the cult of St Geoorge back to England, after encountering it in Palestine. And there were no Turks in the the Middle East in St George's time. At that time, in the Middle East, as one of Rickman's characters might have said, Turks were from Off. It was only much later that they took on the role of Incomers.
One of the pictures in the church shows St George dressed as a Roman soldier, and this is regarded by one character as very strange. Yet to all accounts, St George was a Roman soldier, so why should it be strange that an ancient picture in a church should depict him as one? One of the interesting things about St George is his very widespread popularity. He is one of the most universally popular saints of the Christian Church, from India to England, and from Russia to Ethiopia.
But desipite a few flaws, it's still a good read. And the next time I see a Rickman book I haven't read in a bookshop, I'll buy it, without hesitation. The greatest danger in readi ng it is that it has a tendency to shape my perceptions of England, English society, and the Church of England. Apart from the minor exceptions noted above, Rickman's descriptions are almost too credible.
November 24, 2012
Phil Rickman's most recent Merrily Watkins novel "The Secrets of Pain" is No. 11 in this popular series. Merrily, parish priest and deliverance minister (i.e. exorcist) for Ledwardine near the Welsh border, is once again embroiled in murder and mysterious events happening on her patch.
In this instance the death of a local farmer, and presence of an elite training facility run by former SAS personnel is linked to local archaeology dating back to the Romans.
And once again Merrily's long-suffering boyfriend Lol (Lawrence) is hovering on the fringes, helping out with the assistance of venerable plant hire operator Gomer Parry.
In this novel, Merrily's daughter Jane is on the verge of going to university, and is having doubts about the relevance of a career in archaeology. Their police detective friend Frannie (Francis) Bliss also has issues on the home front while attempting to solve a serious crime - and keeping a forbidden affair secret.
As with all the novels in this series, the parts dealing with Merrily's personal issues - with Lol, Jane, her job, her faith, and her parishioners, are the parts I enjoy most of all. Other readers might be impatient for the mystery to be revealed, and the murder solved. In typical Rickman style, it's never straightforward, and always complex.
Instead I find myself wondering for how much longer Merrily can keep neglecting Jane, sneaking Lol into her bed after hours, and stretching herself far too thinly in order to help all and sundry.
In this instance the death of a local farmer, and presence of an elite training facility run by former SAS personnel is linked to local archaeology dating back to the Romans.
And once again Merrily's long-suffering boyfriend Lol (Lawrence) is hovering on the fringes, helping out with the assistance of venerable plant hire operator Gomer Parry.
In this novel, Merrily's daughter Jane is on the verge of going to university, and is having doubts about the relevance of a career in archaeology. Their police detective friend Frannie (Francis) Bliss also has issues on the home front while attempting to solve a serious crime - and keeping a forbidden affair secret.
As with all the novels in this series, the parts dealing with Merrily's personal issues - with Lol, Jane, her job, her faith, and her parishioners, are the parts I enjoy most of all. Other readers might be impatient for the mystery to be revealed, and the murder solved. In typical Rickman style, it's never straightforward, and always complex.
Instead I find myself wondering for how much longer Merrily can keep neglecting Jane, sneaking Lol into her bed after hours, and stretching herself far too thinly in order to help all and sundry.
May 21, 2016
Another absorbing Merrily Watkins tale full of murder, mystery and Mithraism.
One of Merrily's fellow ministers dies suddenly of apparent natural causes not long after seeking exorcistic guidance. As Merrily tries to get to the bottom of whatever was worrying him, she learns of the militaristic-like worship of the Roman god Mithras. On the personal front the demands of Merrily's job and the resurrection of Lol's career are making it more and more difficult for Merrily and Lol to strengthen their relationship.
Meanwhile Jane is having her own crisis of confidence regarding her future and whether it should involve attending university. Jane continues to fight her own crusade against the forces of progress that threaten the traditional way of life and the very landscape of Ledwardine. Jane's focus this time is on bands of wealthy bankers and corporate types who come to Ledwardine to take part in military-style weekend retreats, and who Jane believes are taking part in cockfighting rings.
Frannie Bliss is busy with the murders of a prominent Hereford farmer, Mansell Bull, and two Polish girls, while also trying to keep his relationship with Annie Howe secret and having major problems with his ex-wife.
Merrily, Jane and Frannie's paths all intersect, and while Jane as usual places herself in great risk, it is Frannie who pays the biggest price at the end.
One of Merrily's fellow ministers dies suddenly of apparent natural causes not long after seeking exorcistic guidance. As Merrily tries to get to the bottom of whatever was worrying him, she learns of the militaristic-like worship of the Roman god Mithras. On the personal front the demands of Merrily's job and the resurrection of Lol's career are making it more and more difficult for Merrily and Lol to strengthen their relationship.
Meanwhile Jane is having her own crisis of confidence regarding her future and whether it should involve attending university. Jane continues to fight her own crusade against the forces of progress that threaten the traditional way of life and the very landscape of Ledwardine. Jane's focus this time is on bands of wealthy bankers and corporate types who come to Ledwardine to take part in military-style weekend retreats, and who Jane believes are taking part in cockfighting rings.
Frannie Bliss is busy with the murders of a prominent Hereford farmer, Mansell Bull, and two Polish girls, while also trying to keep his relationship with Annie Howe secret and having major problems with his ex-wife.
Merrily, Jane and Frannie's paths all intersect, and while Jane as usual places herself in great risk, it is Frannie who pays the biggest price at the end.
July 20, 2022
This one was kind of rough to read, but things mostly turned out ok.
November 8, 2015
Another enjoyable book in this fascinating mystery series, although the refrain can be depressing: ancient village culture being destroyed by the incursion of oblivious city folk. I like Merrily and Jane and Lol and Gomer Parry (Plant Hire) very much, and I’m also enjoying DI Bliss’s enlarged role in the series. I’m satisfied with Jane’s story arc, but I wish there was more progress in Merrily and Lol’s relationship.
The mystery is the usual sort of thing, a creepy murder with unprovable paranormal overtones linked to the ancient pagan history of Hereford. This is a good read, but not one of the best of the series.
The mystery is the usual sort of thing, a creepy murder with unprovable paranormal overtones linked to the ancient pagan history of Hereford. This is a good read, but not one of the best of the series.
July 4, 2019
This nearly 600 page novel dragged on and on. The plot didn't engage me - former and wanna be SAS soldiers playing fake war games. The story had too little Merrily and a lot of Jane, her daughter. I usually have a book on my kindle that I'll read when I wake up and can't get back to sleep. My least favorite of the series so far and it took me forever to read.
September 6, 2011
Fabulous book! I am actually a huge fan of Phil Rickman (I even belong to the Phil Rickman Appreciation Society on Facebook) and have read every single book he has ever written. This is latest Merrily Watkins (Exorcist with Hereford Diocese or more gently referred to as Deliverance). The start of the book is absolutely amazing. It slows down a bit (unless you find stories about the SAS truly absorbing)but really picks up pace a bit later. In fact, the overall pacing of the novel is very interesting... almost a character in itself ... much like skies, weather, natural phenomena always seem to play an important part in Mr. Rickman's book. Plus, all the characters we know and love are there. It almost felt like coming home. I would have liked to have seen more of a paranormal angle to the plot but I think he likes to keep us guessing. Anyway, the book was incredible. I couldn't put it down or even participate in a normal life for days!! Obviously I highly recommend it!!
October 8, 2012
Latest in the Merrily Watkins series and I'm beginning to feel it's run its course. This time the main theme is the SAS - what happens when the tough guys turn to religion. Rickman always likes to include topical themes and this time the subplots include immigrant workers on fruit farms and rural crime and ineffective rural policing.
Everyone trolls along quite happily in their usual furrows - Merrily and Lol stagnating in their relationship somehow, Jane still getting into trouble, Gomer still saving the day - but Rickman seems to have pulled back somehow and has stopped taking chances. The supernatural is pushed way back again (presumably in his quest for mainstream acceptance as a crime writer) and there is no real sense of menace. Sadly it all felt rather pedestrian.
Oh, and WAY too many people called Bull.
Everyone trolls along quite happily in their usual furrows - Merrily and Lol stagnating in their relationship somehow, Jane still getting into trouble, Gomer still saving the day - but Rickman seems to have pulled back somehow and has stopped taking chances. The supernatural is pushed way back again (presumably in his quest for mainstream acceptance as a crime writer) and there is no real sense of menace. Sadly it all felt rather pedestrian.
Oh, and WAY too many people called Bull.
October 15, 2022
This was hard going at times, and not as enjoyable as others in the series. However, I did like the settings, characters and mythological elements, that the author does so well.
October 13, 2011
So.... I had to take a break in the middle of this to calm down... Now that I have, it's definitely a 3-star book.
Let's go from the beginning. This is the first Phil Rickman I've ever read, so I come to Merrily Watkins, the lead character afresh. She's a CofE vicar and exorcist who lives in the village of Ledwardine on the Hereford/Shropshire/Powys border. Given that I live within an easy drive of the real life village of Leintwardine which is on the Hereford/Shropshire/Powys border, this was always going to be a little close to home... but then it moves into the SAS (quartered nearby) and a twisting of Mithraic religion and.... I rather like Mithras. Let me correct that, I give a fair amount of my time and energy to Mithras, so I'm not overly impressed with the interpretation of him given here, but then the point is made several times that what the SAS and their city friends have made of him doesn't necessarily have any bearing on the reality in the same way that the abomination of the crusades didn't necessarily have a lot of bearing on the pacifist version of christianity. The one really interesting new idea in the book is that the violent, militaristic version of 'churchianity' created by Paul was heavily influenced by Mithras given that Paul came from Tarsus which was a centre of Mithraic activity. I'm one of those who thinks Paul was simply a dangerous nutter and didn't need anyone else's influence to be highly toxic, but it's an interesting thought.
So: overall, this is a clever book written by a clever man. It has a few too many plot threads for my liking, which makes it diffuse and, at times, overly complex, but the ideas are immensely intelligent and Rickman makes a good fist of taking intricate esoteric ideas and rendering them palatable for people whose lives don't revolve around dreaming in all its aspects. The actual language is a reason for the loss of one star - there are way, way, way too many subject-less sentences, which, as a writer, drives me nuts. It may be an attempt to mimic speech, but I've never yet met anyone outside of a badly scripted episode of Spooks (and there are a few of those) who speaks without subjects in their sentences. It's lazy and unnecessary and makes my teeth ache and my toes curl which makes for slow and painful reading of something that should be effortless. The other lost star is for the diffuse nature of the plot and the very open ending to the emotional under-plot. It feels rather like a soap opera, where I've accidentally watched a single episode and am waiting for a denoument that will never happen. Which may be the case. I rather think there's an obvious 'wait for next year's exciting episode' tag at the end, but given that I probably won't, it's a tad tedious not to have more resolution.
Still, for fans, this is, I'm sure, the next great offering and for the rest of us... it was interesting. Myself, I think the title was rather wasted because he didn't, in the end, go into much of the secrets of pain, it's all alluded to at a distance, but the thought is there.
Let's go from the beginning. This is the first Phil Rickman I've ever read, so I come to Merrily Watkins, the lead character afresh. She's a CofE vicar and exorcist who lives in the village of Ledwardine on the Hereford/Shropshire/Powys border. Given that I live within an easy drive of the real life village of Leintwardine which is on the Hereford/Shropshire/Powys border, this was always going to be a little close to home... but then it moves into the SAS (quartered nearby) and a twisting of Mithraic religion and.... I rather like Mithras. Let me correct that, I give a fair amount of my time and energy to Mithras, so I'm not overly impressed with the interpretation of him given here, but then the point is made several times that what the SAS and their city friends have made of him doesn't necessarily have any bearing on the reality in the same way that the abomination of the crusades didn't necessarily have a lot of bearing on the pacifist version of christianity. The one really interesting new idea in the book is that the violent, militaristic version of 'churchianity' created by Paul was heavily influenced by Mithras given that Paul came from Tarsus which was a centre of Mithraic activity. I'm one of those who thinks Paul was simply a dangerous nutter and didn't need anyone else's influence to be highly toxic, but it's an interesting thought.
So: overall, this is a clever book written by a clever man. It has a few too many plot threads for my liking, which makes it diffuse and, at times, overly complex, but the ideas are immensely intelligent and Rickman makes a good fist of taking intricate esoteric ideas and rendering them palatable for people whose lives don't revolve around dreaming in all its aspects. The actual language is a reason for the loss of one star - there are way, way, way too many subject-less sentences, which, as a writer, drives me nuts. It may be an attempt to mimic speech, but I've never yet met anyone outside of a badly scripted episode of Spooks (and there are a few of those) who speaks without subjects in their sentences. It's lazy and unnecessary and makes my teeth ache and my toes curl which makes for slow and painful reading of something that should be effortless. The other lost star is for the diffuse nature of the plot and the very open ending to the emotional under-plot. It feels rather like a soap opera, where I've accidentally watched a single episode and am waiting for a denoument that will never happen. Which may be the case. I rather think there's an obvious 'wait for next year's exciting episode' tag at the end, but given that I probably won't, it's a tad tedious not to have more resolution.
Still, for fans, this is, I'm sure, the next great offering and for the rest of us... it was interesting. Myself, I think the title was rather wasted because he didn't, in the end, go into much of the secrets of pain, it's all alluded to at a distance, but the thought is there.
February 9, 2016
I'm totally hooked on the Merrily Watkin's books and this is a fine addition to the series. I consume them in the ISIS audio book editions from Audible and I think Emma Powell's fine readings add an extra dimension to Phil Rickman's own talent in bringing the main characters to life. I was in Hereford Cathedral last week and part of me was looking around to see if Merrily was lunching in the Refectory (but most likely she'd be out the back somewhere having a fag). It was also quite a thrill to stand in the side chapel with the (exquisite) Traherne windows which feature in a scene in the book knowing I was standing in Merrily's (fictional) footsteps. My wife was also getting a bit annoyed as I kept advising her that we mustn't park in the Plas Carreg estate...
The novels are also rich in references to all sorts of interesting side-topics which you feel will repay further research. They introduced me to the music of Nick Drake, the writings of Traherne, the doings of the Knight Templars. The Secrets of Pain points me at the SAS and Mithraism.
I'd say it is best to have read the previous volumes in the series, in order, because there are plotlines which straddle the books and the characters do develop and you do change your attitude to certain of them as they develop and you really do become invested in knowing what's going to happen to them. Jane, Merrily, Lol and Franny Bliss are all left at something of a cross-roads at the end of this novel and I look forward eagerly to finding out which routes they are going to take. The next book in the series The Magus of Hay is already loaded on my Ipod...
The novels are also rich in references to all sorts of interesting side-topics which you feel will repay further research. They introduced me to the music of Nick Drake, the writings of Traherne, the doings of the Knight Templars. The Secrets of Pain points me at the SAS and Mithraism.
I'd say it is best to have read the previous volumes in the series, in order, because there are plotlines which straddle the books and the characters do develop and you do change your attitude to certain of them as they develop and you really do become invested in knowing what's going to happen to them. Jane, Merrily, Lol and Franny Bliss are all left at something of a cross-roads at the end of this novel and I look forward eagerly to finding out which routes they are going to take. The next book in the series The Magus of Hay is already loaded on my Ipod...
September 28, 2023
When Vicar Merrily Watkins is asked by Huw Owen to give a talk to a new group of possible Deliverance workers, she is surprised to see ex-SAS man, Syd Spicer, hidden away in the shadows. Now back in the Regiment but as its chaplain, he seems withdrawn & troubled, but will not talk to Merrily about it. In other areas, there are strange goings-on in the fields around Herefordshire & crime is finding its way into the countryside as a local farmer is found murdered in his yard. DI Frannie Bliss is in the midst of it all whilst trying to juggle his divorce from Kirsty & his burgeoning relationship with boss Annie Howe, whilst Merrily's daughter Jane puts herself in danger (again).
The eleventh book in the series is a weird mix of violence & paganism. If like me, you are interested in Roman religious history in particular the similarities between Christianity & Mithraism, then it's rather interesting. If not, you may be a little bored. I didn't like the repeated references to cockfighting - anyone who fights any type of animal deserves the worst life can offer - although there was thankfully very little of the actual violence. The violence was definitely more of the human variety. This one was slightly better than the previous book but Jane is really getting on my nerves at the moment.
TWs: violence, death, animal cruelty/death.
The eleventh book in the series is a weird mix of violence & paganism. If like me, you are interested in Roman religious history in particular the similarities between Christianity & Mithraism, then it's rather interesting. If not, you may be a little bored. I didn't like the repeated references to cockfighting - anyone who fights any type of animal deserves the worst life can offer - although there was thankfully very little of the actual violence. The violence was definitely more of the human variety. This one was slightly better than the previous book but Jane is really getting on my nerves at the moment.
TWs: violence, death, animal cruelty/death.
May 13, 2013
Hovering between a 3 and a 4 on this one.
I love the Merrily Watkins series, but, while still far above the average run-of-the-mill detective story, this one didn't seem one of Rickman's best.
The plot was as complex and compelling as ever, but the different strands didn't seem to knit together quite as well and the Mithras stuff didn't seem as scary or intriguing as the paranormal stuff in some of the earlier books. Or maybe it's just that I've read so many of the series, it's now coming to seem less impressive?
I liked the relationship development between Bliss and Howe, though. And it was definitely an unputdownable read.
I love the Merrily Watkins series, but, while still far above the average run-of-the-mill detective story, this one didn't seem one of Rickman's best.
The plot was as complex and compelling as ever, but the different strands didn't seem to knit together quite as well and the Mithras stuff didn't seem as scary or intriguing as the paranormal stuff in some of the earlier books. Or maybe it's just that I've read so many of the series, it's now coming to seem less impressive?
I liked the relationship development between Bliss and Howe, though. And it was definitely an unputdownable read.
September 3, 2025
This book wasn’t for me…where to start!
1) faaarrr tooo looong. Over 500 pages and not much action
2) weak and annoying main characters
3) odd phrasing and writing style
Elements of the story were good, such as the cult around Mithras and the sub plot involving the police characters. However not a lot goes on until the last few hundred pages.
Merrily Watkins is meant to be a vicar, but the only way you know this is by the references to wearing a dog collar and her being seemingly annoyed at having to take services, not by her beliefs or behaviour.
If this book was at least 200 pages shorter and more to the point it might have gotten 3 stars!
1) faaarrr tooo looong. Over 500 pages and not much action
2) weak and annoying main characters
3) odd phrasing and writing style
Elements of the story were good, such as the cult around Mithras and the sub plot involving the police characters. However not a lot goes on until the last few hundred pages.
Merrily Watkins is meant to be a vicar, but the only way you know this is by the references to wearing a dog collar and her being seemingly annoyed at having to take services, not by her beliefs or behaviour.
If this book was at least 200 pages shorter and more to the point it might have gotten 3 stars!
October 24, 2019
Another solid Merrily Watkins outing, this time with an SAS theme. Syd Spicer ( from the remains of an altar) appears to be having some issues with deliverance but soon is found dead. Prompting Merrily to investigate as she feels she should have been able to do more to help him. Meanwhile 2 Romanian girls and a local farmer have been killed keeping the police and Merrily busy. Jane is her usual Slightly annoying and ever so rash self but finds herself in a very unpleasant predicament as a result. I half read and half listened to this and was pleasantly surprised to hear Lol’s songs sung! And sung well so a quick trip over to amazon and I am the proud owner of 2 lol Robinson albums which are surprisingly brilliant and add some great atmospherics when reading. This really is an excellent series.
December 29, 2015
Merrily Watkins finds out that Syd Spicer - who she has worked with before - has problems of his own now he is back with his old regiment, the SAS, as their chaplain. For reasons of secrecy he has to deal with whatever he has discovered without reference to Merrily, even though the matter would normally be referred to her as Diocesan Deliverance Consultant. But supernatural matters are something which make Syd uncomfortable.
Merrily's daughter Jane is getting herself into dangerous situations and fears the destruction of the village of Ledwardine as she knows it; Barry - landlord of the Swan - fears for his livelihood as a local businessman wants to buy the pub; Lol Robinson - musician - fears he will have to choose between his career and his love for Merrily. There are dark forces at work as the countryside around Hereford and Ledwardine is hit by the recession and the only people making money are people offering adventure weekends for men - SAS style.
The police have their own problems with the murder of a local farmer and unrest among the farming community who believe the force is not interested in rural crime. Frannie Bliss - coping with the breakup of his marriage and his very new relationship with Annie Howe - is finding life full of quicksand.
This is a densely plotted novel which keeps the reader enthralled throughout. Strands are woven and interwoven with modern concerns resulting in the revival of pagan influences. Myths and legends are never far below the surface of the peaceful country life. Tensions exist between the incomers who want to see everything preserved - provided they can still make their livings in the way they choose. Everyone is interconnected and knows everyone else. People choose not to tell unless they are forced into a situation where they have to.
The book can be read on many levels: the tensions between traditional and modern in the countryside; what is real against what is fake; personal and public lives; war and peace; and the age old battle between good and evil. It will repay re-reading to understand all the nuances. The first time through the reader concentrates on the story. Will Jane be all right or has she gone too far this time? Can Merrily help Syd with his problems when Syd does not seem inclined to confide in her by any sort of overt method? Can the police solve the horrific murders they are confronted with? Are these masculine adventure weekends really a good idea and do they result in better men?
This is an excellent addition to the Merrily Watkins series, though perhaps not the best one to start with if you have not read any of the earlier ones. It is best to read the series in order starting with The Wine of Angels (Merrily Watkins 1)
Merrily's daughter Jane is getting herself into dangerous situations and fears the destruction of the village of Ledwardine as she knows it; Barry - landlord of the Swan - fears for his livelihood as a local businessman wants to buy the pub; Lol Robinson - musician - fears he will have to choose between his career and his love for Merrily. There are dark forces at work as the countryside around Hereford and Ledwardine is hit by the recession and the only people making money are people offering adventure weekends for men - SAS style.
The police have their own problems with the murder of a local farmer and unrest among the farming community who believe the force is not interested in rural crime. Frannie Bliss - coping with the breakup of his marriage and his very new relationship with Annie Howe - is finding life full of quicksand.
This is a densely plotted novel which keeps the reader enthralled throughout. Strands are woven and interwoven with modern concerns resulting in the revival of pagan influences. Myths and legends are never far below the surface of the peaceful country life. Tensions exist between the incomers who want to see everything preserved - provided they can still make their livings in the way they choose. Everyone is interconnected and knows everyone else. People choose not to tell unless they are forced into a situation where they have to.
The book can be read on many levels: the tensions between traditional and modern in the countryside; what is real against what is fake; personal and public lives; war and peace; and the age old battle between good and evil. It will repay re-reading to understand all the nuances. The first time through the reader concentrates on the story. Will Jane be all right or has she gone too far this time? Can Merrily help Syd with his problems when Syd does not seem inclined to confide in her by any sort of overt method? Can the police solve the horrific murders they are confronted with? Are these masculine adventure weekends really a good idea and do they result in better men?
This is an excellent addition to the Merrily Watkins series, though perhaps not the best one to start with if you have not read any of the earlier ones. It is best to read the series in order starting with The Wine of Angels (Merrily Watkins 1)
December 21, 2012
The Secrets of Pain is the 11th book in the reliable Merrily Watkins series about an insecure single mum who just happens to be the Diocese of Hereford's exorcist, or, as the fearful Church of England prefers in these sensitised times, deliverance consultant. Some of the props are moved around and the drapes changed but it's basically the same set - and no bad thing at that. A bloody, bizarre and possibly sexually-charged murder to begin proceedings, followed by the slow unfolding of various interlinked elements of violence, perverted sexuality, sacrilegious or occult goings-on and a sprinkling of red herrings to complete the air of menace and mystery.
Rickman is a workmanlike author who can rise to the occasion - he's particularly good when juxtaposing elements of old country customs and practices with modernity, such as the vicious cockfight-organising thugette Victoria Buckland, and the doomed Marinescu sisters, who didn't deserve their bloody and appalling fate, unlovely though they be. He brings to life the thudding despair of a grim Hereford council estate - dead end lives in the back of beyond - crisply and cleanly. The underlying theme of the Merrily series - that Herefordshire is a borderland in every sense, half English, half Welsh, half land of the living, half of the dead, threads through this novel as strongly as any of its predecessors.
Yet some elements jar: the action scenes can be a bit clunky, almost like he's trying to novelise a film (I'm still not entirely clear what happened with Barry's face) and Merrily's self-doubt occasionally seems contrived to keep the central character a little more interesting.
But it works: pulled together, it's pacy, pretty exciting, has the occasional shock and surprise in store and there's something to be said for an author who, 11 books in, can still think of new dimensions to the ghostlands at the edge of the cathedral city. In this, it's the shade of the SAS, and an older, more sinister regiment, a band of brothers with a frightening capacity for ruthless, merciless violence, when called for. What's a chain smoking lady vicar with spiritual quandaries to do?
Rickman is a workmanlike author who can rise to the occasion - he's particularly good when juxtaposing elements of old country customs and practices with modernity, such as the vicious cockfight-organising thugette Victoria Buckland, and the doomed Marinescu sisters, who didn't deserve their bloody and appalling fate, unlovely though they be. He brings to life the thudding despair of a grim Hereford council estate - dead end lives in the back of beyond - crisply and cleanly. The underlying theme of the Merrily series - that Herefordshire is a borderland in every sense, half English, half Welsh, half land of the living, half of the dead, threads through this novel as strongly as any of its predecessors.
Yet some elements jar: the action scenes can be a bit clunky, almost like he's trying to novelise a film (I'm still not entirely clear what happened with Barry's face) and Merrily's self-doubt occasionally seems contrived to keep the central character a little more interesting.
But it works: pulled together, it's pacy, pretty exciting, has the occasional shock and surprise in store and there's something to be said for an author who, 11 books in, can still think of new dimensions to the ghostlands at the edge of the cathedral city. In this, it's the shade of the SAS, and an older, more sinister regiment, a band of brothers with a frightening capacity for ruthless, merciless violence, when called for. What's a chain smoking lady vicar with spiritual quandaries to do?
Read
August 28, 2016This is such a terrific series and one I'd gotten away from awhile back thinking there were no more books to come. Serendipitously it recently came to my attention that Rickman published two more books in the Merrily Watkins series three years after he completed "To Dream of the Dead" the last one I'd read. I couldn't wait to get right into "The Secrets of Pain" and it does not disappoint. As with all other stories in this excellent series, the plot is complex, creepy and compelling, combining modern issues with ancient religion and the paranormal. Merrily, a vicar in small town Ledwardine on the Welsh border, is the Diocese Deliverance minister and is always brought in for mysterious cases of murder and mayhem that have otherworldly connotations. The fact that she's the mother of an 18-year old, headstrong and idealistic daughter, romantically involved with a down and out folk musician trying to make a success of his music again and does not wear the collar easily (always struggling to reconcile her beliefs and emotions with the expectations and politics of the church) makes her a most interesting protagonist. The reoccurring supporting characters: Jane, Lol, Gomer Parry Plant Hire and especially Detective Frannie Bliss in this particular story are equally interesting and well-developed. This story brings in the British SAS, an ancient religion of warring Romans called Mithraism and the current controversies of immigration and increasing crime in England in a rich and intricate plot that is very satisfying. This story, unlike others, focuses less on the occult and more on modern day policing and current issues but I do not feel that lessened the enjoyment of this book. For a meaty, well-written and captivating series steeped in the traditions and myths of old England, Phil Rickman's Merrily Watkins series cannot be beat. Highly recommended.
August 12, 2022
Merrily is still struggling with her vocation: "In her darkest moments she thought that, if exorcism hadn't found her, she might not have stuck this job. How feeble was that, if the only way you could convince yourself that you were more than just another badly paid professional carer was by re-enacting medieval rituals and seeing what happened?" Again, she is dealing with old dark forces, Jane is endangering herself and Lol is trying to protect Merrily as best he can. In this one the SOS (British Special Forces I presume) and the Roman military religion, Mithraism, form a conjoined horror which supplies the backstory for the tale. I felt Rickman hit a good balance between the secular/spiritual crime resolution and the personal stories of our now well-known and well-developed characters. Still, the whole thing might have been too scary for me if Gomer Perry weren't there. Love him.
December 30, 2014
I do so love this series but this book wasn't the usual gripping read for me. Right from the off I found it a bit confusing (I had to read the first couple of pages 2 or 3 times, somehow my addled little brain couldn't understand what was going on - duh!) Rickman's style is a bit choppy & changey (I know what I mean!) & I like that about it, it's all part of the character of the series & what I expect but this time I found myself struggling with the continuity as the story cut from one character or storyline to another. Maybe I was just fugged up with a Christmas cold, whatever, it was still a good read despite not being one of my favourites & I'd still recommend it....just don't make it the first you read in this series.
July 17, 2013
Fascinating plot in the latest in the series of Merrily Watkins books, dark but very enjoyable read, another book it was hard to put down. I don't want to say too much because of spoilers. I must say that the characters are left, at the end, in very interesting places and Phil Rickman will face challenges to prevent them sinking into banal cliches as far as relationships are concerned. I suspect he will succeed.
July 6, 2020
Merrily without Merrily.
Merrily Watkins is one of the best fictional characters of the last 20years and Phil Rickman's writing is also up there with the best, so normally the result is a very satisfying read.
Unfortunately take the main ingredient away and you are left with just a well written book. Here Merrily was reduced to an almost secondary role and the satisfaction level suffered accordingly.
Good but not the series best.
Merrily Watkins is one of the best fictional characters of the last 20years and Phil Rickman's writing is also up there with the best, so normally the result is a very satisfying read.
Unfortunately take the main ingredient away and you are left with just a well written book. Here Merrily was reduced to an almost secondary role and the satisfaction level suffered accordingly.
Good but not the series best.
October 12, 2021
Number 11 in the reread. This is not my favourite in the series. The set up and initial third to half of the book is just off somehow. However, the final third and the conclusion in particular is very good. The main problem is this just doesn't feel like a Merrily series book in the concluding section.
The Roman history and ghost story elements are actually fascinating stuff.
The Roman history and ghost story elements are actually fascinating stuff.
September 26, 2011
Good to read about Merrily, Lol, Jane, Gomer, Bliss and co again, but sadly this isn't one of the better ones in the series. Crime story pretty average, supernatural elements very limited. Hope the next one's an improvement.
August 2, 2016
As with all Phil Rickman books, this was amazing, it was so nice to meet Merrily again, and Jane ,Lol, Bliss and the lovable Gomer, always a great story, and always has you sitting on the edge of your seat.
November 26, 2011
Excellent book. Great series. Trouble I want to know what happens next.
July 17, 2023
'...Had what you might call a spiritual experience where I seen the poetic truth of ley lines. Looked at the veins in my wrist and seen the arteries of the countryside. Magic, that was.’
‘I thought it was acid.’
‘Well, aye, it was, but a vision’s a vision, ennit?' [loc. 3489]
Jumping from the first to the eleventh in a series means discovering that a lot has happened in the intervening nine books... Having read and enjoyed The Wine of Angels, first in the Merrily Watkins series, I found The Secrets of Pain in my well-populated Kindle TBR folder, and dived in.
Merrily, formerly the new vicar of Ledwardine on the Welsh Borders, is now a bona fide Deliverance Consultant for the Diocese of Hereford: that is, a professional exorcist. She encounters an old friend, SAS soldier turned chaplain Syd Spicer, who seems unsettled about something from his past. But hey, 'every SAS chaplain worth his kit knows thirty-seven ways to kill with a wooden cross': surely Syd can look after himself? Because there's plenty else on Merrily's plate: her daughter Jane's plans to sabotage a local landowner who's running shooting weekends at the Lodge; the savage murder of a local farmer; the deaths of two Romanian refugees in nearby Hereford; the reports of shadowy figures coming up from the river...
There are more perspectives in this novel than in The Wine of Angels, and plenty of plot that isn't directly related to Merrily and Ledwardine. The local police are attempting to find the murderer or murderers, and their complicated web of personal relationships might affect their investigations. There's still plenty of psychogeography, weirdness and the supernatural, from Alfred Watkins and his Old Straight Track to Julian of Norwich, from Mithraism to motor sports, with a diversion into exactly why the SAS have moved their headquarters to a site at the junction of two Roman roads, in the shadow of an Iron Age hillfort. Several delightful new characters join the 'starter set', in particular Miss White, currently resident in a care home (all the staff are scared of her) but with 'over fifty years’ experience of the techniques for personal growth circulating in the ruins of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. Tragically, I shall have to read the rest of the series!
Interesting Phil Rickman interview, describing Merrily as "a decent woman trying to do a medieval job in a scornful world".
Read for Shop Your Shelves Bingo, Summer 2023: purchased 31 MAR 2018, prompt 'In the Same Series'.
May 11, 2018
I think following The first novel this is probably my favourite of the Merrily Watkins mystery’s so far.
We have all the elements here for a true lay great story. We have a murder, we have mysterious SAS activities occurring in a secure compound, followed by another double murder. How do these link to Merrily, we when her old buddy Syd Spicer turns up at a deliverance course he seems convinced an old evil, from his past has come back, but what is he chasing or is he running!
I think what I particularly liked about this book was we got to see much more of certain characters. I really enjoyed the chapters that focused on Bliss and his police work, his new relationship was also quite refreshing. Equally the chapters with Jane and her pursuit of keeping Ledwardine a special place are quite touching. Was great to visit the mischievous Athena White too, another great of this book.
All in all probably one of my favourites of the series and although it is a large book the story is well paced with enough detail. There weren’t any sections I felt were overwritten or dull. Love this series, onto number 12!
We have all the elements here for a true lay great story. We have a murder, we have mysterious SAS activities occurring in a secure compound, followed by another double murder. How do these link to Merrily, we when her old buddy Syd Spicer turns up at a deliverance course he seems convinced an old evil, from his past has come back, but what is he chasing or is he running!
I think what I particularly liked about this book was we got to see much more of certain characters. I really enjoyed the chapters that focused on Bliss and his police work, his new relationship was also quite refreshing. Equally the chapters with Jane and her pursuit of keeping Ledwardine a special place are quite touching. Was great to visit the mischievous Athena White too, another great of this book.
All in all probably one of my favourites of the series and although it is a large book the story is well paced with enough detail. There weren’t any sections I felt were overwritten or dull. Love this series, onto number 12!
February 18, 2018
I have enjoyed all the previous Merrily Watkins books and this one was no exception. The historical aspects were particularly interesting in this one.
But, and over the series this But has been getting bigger, Jane! In this book, the girl began to grate on my last nerve. I understand the need for her character, the ‘know it all’ attitude about her hobbies and the relentless bad decision making she does, but I can’t grasp why no one in the village (or the county police!) seems to notice how bloody annoying she is. Not one person genuinely challenges her for snooping, trespassing, treating her boyfriend like crap, looking down her nose at people or speaking like Vicky Pollard. It is easier to buy into the possible paranormal and religious ideas in the Merrily Watkins universe, than to believe that Jane still hasn’t come to real harm with the number of risks she takes or been pulled up for how she behaves towards people.
But, and over the series this But has been getting bigger, Jane! In this book, the girl began to grate on my last nerve. I understand the need for her character, the ‘know it all’ attitude about her hobbies and the relentless bad decision making she does, but I can’t grasp why no one in the village (or the county police!) seems to notice how bloody annoying she is. Not one person genuinely challenges her for snooping, trespassing, treating her boyfriend like crap, looking down her nose at people or speaking like Vicky Pollard. It is easier to buy into the possible paranormal and religious ideas in the Merrily Watkins universe, than to believe that Jane still hasn’t come to real harm with the number of risks she takes or been pulled up for how she behaves towards people.
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