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Merrily Watkins #7
The Smile of a Ghost
'A smile so cold, so bleak, so devoid of hope... only this perpetual, bitter... terminality.'
In the affluent, historic town of Ludlow, a teenage boy dies in a fall from the castle ruins. Accident or suicide? No great mystery, so why does the boy's uncle, newly-retired detective sergeant Andy Mumford take his personal fears to diocesan exorcist Merrily Watkins?
More people will die before Merrily, her own future uncertain, uncovers in those shadowed, medieval streets, a dangerous obsession with suicide, the nature of death and the afterlife.
In the affluent, historic town of Ludlow, a teenage boy dies in a fall from the castle ruins. Accident or suicide? No great mystery, so why does the boy's uncle, newly-retired detective sergeant Andy Mumford take his personal fears to diocesan exorcist Merrily Watkins?
More people will die before Merrily, her own future uncertain, uncovers in those shadowed, medieval streets, a dangerous obsession with suicide, the nature of death and the afterlife.
544 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2005
42 people are currently reading
569 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 109 reviews
August 28, 2025
The Ghost, The Goth & The Sperm Wall
When the nephew of retired policeman Andy Mumford is killed falling from a tower at Ludlow castle, he asks Merrily to help him because something feels wrong, and boy is he right. A goth star from the 80s, a group of teenage thugs, the ghost of 12th century Marion de Bruyere, a suicide chat room, a slimy psychiatrist, a ghost tour guide.. how does it all fit together? Also somebody is out to discredit Merrily's role as Deliverance Minister and Lol's getting poisoned pen letters from someone in his past..... gasp!!!!
Another brilliantly crafted mystery from Rickman (rip), think this one is the best so far.
When the nephew of retired policeman Andy Mumford is killed falling from a tower at Ludlow castle, he asks Merrily to help him because something feels wrong, and boy is he right. A goth star from the 80s, a group of teenage thugs, the ghost of 12th century Marion de Bruyere, a suicide chat room, a slimy psychiatrist, a ghost tour guide.. how does it all fit together? Also somebody is out to discredit Merrily's role as Deliverance Minister and Lol's getting poisoned pen letters from someone in his past..... gasp!!!!
Another brilliantly crafted mystery from Rickman (rip), think this one is the best so far.
June 24, 2019
This is my favorite Merrily Watkins to date. It’s set in the Border country between Wales and England, it features an English castle with Tudor connections (Ludlow), and there is folklore, in particularly that of the ghostly kind.
Merrily and Jane start the book happy. Lol is moving in across the way, and while Jane will be going to uni or leaving home soon, things are pretty ho-hum. That is until there is a death in Ludlow and that is followed by another one. But they could be suicide, except Merrily knows the man who is a relative to two of the victims. Of course, she gets involved. But there is also the question of the Deliverance Office and how certain segments of the church want to shut it down. Then Lol starts to have problems because, well, some people aren’t happy about an ex-mental patient having a relationship with the vicar. He’s also nervous about an up-coming concert.
So, like most Watkins books there is a slew of things going on and part of the wonderment is seeing how they might, just might fit together.
I’ll admit that I was little lukewarm about the series when I started reading, but it has grown on me. There are several reasons for this. The first is that Rickman writes good women. His women are totally believable. They are not always talking about men. It’s true that Jane might be a little advanced for her age and that her relationship with her mother perhaps borders too close on friends, but reasons for this are given in the series. It isn’t just Jane and Merrily’s relationship that is wonderful, but it is also Sophie and Merrily’s, and Sophie’s and Jane’s. The women in the book don’t get upset or jealous simply because another woman is better looking or if their husband spends time with a woman. Their concerns are far greater than simply relationships.
There is also Rickman’s treatment of mental illness. Lol and a few other characters are either recovering from or in the midst of mental illness. The reasons for such illness vary. The important thing is that those that stigmatize mental illness are shown to be wrong. Jane thinks that Lol is damaged and sensitive and must be wrapped in cotton wool, and this is somewhat how she thinks about her mother. Yet, Rickman illustrates that mentally ill does not mean damaged. Both Lol and Merrily aren’t as damaged or as weak as Jane or they themselves might think. The development of Lol over the course of the series has been wonderful. Furthermore, in this volume, also illustrates the cost of mental illness on those who are family.
Lastly, there is Rickman’s use of belief. Jane and Merrily believe different things, but there is a respect for letting someone believe in what they wish. This is true of most of the characters. And whether or not there really was a ghost and to certain degree the mystery itself are left, if not unanswered, then to the reader’s choice. Rickman does not judge.
Merrily and Jane start the book happy. Lol is moving in across the way, and while Jane will be going to uni or leaving home soon, things are pretty ho-hum. That is until there is a death in Ludlow and that is followed by another one. But they could be suicide, except Merrily knows the man who is a relative to two of the victims. Of course, she gets involved. But there is also the question of the Deliverance Office and how certain segments of the church want to shut it down. Then Lol starts to have problems because, well, some people aren’t happy about an ex-mental patient having a relationship with the vicar. He’s also nervous about an up-coming concert.
So, like most Watkins books there is a slew of things going on and part of the wonderment is seeing how they might, just might fit together.
I’ll admit that I was little lukewarm about the series when I started reading, but it has grown on me. There are several reasons for this. The first is that Rickman writes good women. His women are totally believable. They are not always talking about men. It’s true that Jane might be a little advanced for her age and that her relationship with her mother perhaps borders too close on friends, but reasons for this are given in the series. It isn’t just Jane and Merrily’s relationship that is wonderful, but it is also Sophie and Merrily’s, and Sophie’s and Jane’s. The women in the book don’t get upset or jealous simply because another woman is better looking or if their husband spends time with a woman. Their concerns are far greater than simply relationships.
There is also Rickman’s treatment of mental illness. Lol and a few other characters are either recovering from or in the midst of mental illness. The reasons for such illness vary. The important thing is that those that stigmatize mental illness are shown to be wrong. Jane thinks that Lol is damaged and sensitive and must be wrapped in cotton wool, and this is somewhat how she thinks about her mother. Yet, Rickman illustrates that mentally ill does not mean damaged. Both Lol and Merrily aren’t as damaged or as weak as Jane or they themselves might think. The development of Lol over the course of the series has been wonderful. Furthermore, in this volume, also illustrates the cost of mental illness on those who are family.
Lastly, there is Rickman’s use of belief. Jane and Merrily believe different things, but there is a respect for letting someone believe in what they wish. This is true of most of the characters. And whether or not there really was a ghost and to certain degree the mystery itself are left, if not unanswered, then to the reader’s choice. Rickman does not judge.
July 16, 2007
Phil Rickman is best known in the US for three books, 'Candlenight', 'Curfew', and 'December' all released in the early 90's. After 1994's 'December' he appeared to drop off the map. His other books are hard to find unless you mail order them. 'Smile Of A Ghost' is the latest in his series of books involving a female Anglican priest and exorcist named Merrily Watkins. I read the first two in the series about 5 years ago. My parents took a trip to England and asked me if I wanted anything special. "Anything recent by Phil Rickman" was my reply. They returned with the first two Merrily Watkins stories, "Wine Of Angels" and "Midwinter Of The Spirit". These were both quite good. On vacation in California last month I found this book, 'Smile Of A Ghost', in a Borders bookstore. It's a UK paperback on Pan McMillan. I believe this is the fifth book in the series and he makes references to events in the other books so if you haven't read them, these references mean very little. The story takes place in a few villages and towns in Wales. Several phrases and slang words used in the book are unfamiliar to me but it was easy enough to get a general meaning from the context. Most of the characters have been introduced in previous books. Although this book works fine as a stand-alone novel, I think the reader would be better served by starting with the first book in the series.
The main plot involves a young boy who is fascinated with the history of an old town and the castle there. The boy falls from the castle to his death and his uncle, a recently retired policeman who has been in several of the previous novels, is unconvinced that the boy's death was an accident. Merrily Watkins is not only an Anglican priest with her own church but also an exorcist with the politically correct title of "Deliverance Consultant". In these novels, the Church recognizes that sometimes ghosts and other supernatural presences affect their members so a few priests who have a gift for sensing these things are trained as Deliverance Consultants. Merrily attracts quite a bit of attention as not only a female priest but also as someone who consistently gets involved in high profile crime investigations. Merrily spends much of this book in conflict with two other church officials who are maneuvering to remove the Deliverance Consultant position from the Church and move her to a lower profile position. All of the characters are well developed. One of the most interesting is an 80's goth superstar who's sort of a mix between Siouxsie Sioux and Stevie Nicks who may or may not have murdered the boy.
Rickman is great at establishing characters and creating elaborate storylines that are great fun to watch play out. I enjoyed the settings and the language as well. I would love to visit Wales to see if it's anything like he describes in his books. Despite the title, this is not a supernatural thriller. There are a few moments in the story that suggest ghostly presences but it's always just suggested. This also isn't a traditional mystery and I imagine a lot of mystery readers are disappointed with this book because everything is not wrapped up neatly at the end. Rickman is a unique writer and Merrily Watkins is a character worth meeting. If you're unfamiliar with these books, "Wine Of Angels" is the first in the series and the best place to start. "Smile Of A Ghost" presents several interesting puzzles many great characters and wonderful British/Welsh dialogue. The fact that Rickman straddles several genres without giving in to any single formula and sets all of his stories in small Welsh bordertowns practically guarantees that he will never achieve the commercial success he deserves.
The main plot involves a young boy who is fascinated with the history of an old town and the castle there. The boy falls from the castle to his death and his uncle, a recently retired policeman who has been in several of the previous novels, is unconvinced that the boy's death was an accident. Merrily Watkins is not only an Anglican priest with her own church but also an exorcist with the politically correct title of "Deliverance Consultant". In these novels, the Church recognizes that sometimes ghosts and other supernatural presences affect their members so a few priests who have a gift for sensing these things are trained as Deliverance Consultants. Merrily attracts quite a bit of attention as not only a female priest but also as someone who consistently gets involved in high profile crime investigations. Merrily spends much of this book in conflict with two other church officials who are maneuvering to remove the Deliverance Consultant position from the Church and move her to a lower profile position. All of the characters are well developed. One of the most interesting is an 80's goth superstar who's sort of a mix between Siouxsie Sioux and Stevie Nicks who may or may not have murdered the boy.
Rickman is great at establishing characters and creating elaborate storylines that are great fun to watch play out. I enjoyed the settings and the language as well. I would love to visit Wales to see if it's anything like he describes in his books. Despite the title, this is not a supernatural thriller. There are a few moments in the story that suggest ghostly presences but it's always just suggested. This also isn't a traditional mystery and I imagine a lot of mystery readers are disappointed with this book because everything is not wrapped up neatly at the end. Rickman is a unique writer and Merrily Watkins is a character worth meeting. If you're unfamiliar with these books, "Wine Of Angels" is the first in the series and the best place to start. "Smile Of A Ghost" presents several interesting puzzles many great characters and wonderful British/Welsh dialogue. The fact that Rickman straddles several genres without giving in to any single formula and sets all of his stories in small Welsh bordertowns practically guarantees that he will never achieve the commercial success he deserves.
February 25, 2019
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
November 15, 2025
How did I miss this great series?!?
December 22, 2015
Ludlow in Shropshire is a really atmospheric town and Phil Rickman has captured this atmosphere in this enthralling story. Merrily Watkins has been told she must work with a colleague - Canon Sian Callaghan-Clark - and a psychiatrist - Nigel Saltash. Everything she is asked to do in the way of Deliverance must be referred to them first before any action is taken. Merrily is not happy about this as she is used to working on her own. Andy Mumford - newly retired police officer has his own problems adjusting to his changed status. When his nephew falls from Ludlow Castle and is killed he contacts Merrily because he feels something strange is happening in the town.
There are ghosts enough to satisfy the most avid ghost hunter in Ludlow as well as other - perhaps evil - influences. The Bishop of Hereford asks Merrily to look into the increasingly strange happenings in the town on an unofficial basis because no one wants a fuss made. This leads Merrily into many strange and dangerous situations where no one's motives are clear. All the familiar series characters are here - Lol Robinson, recently returned to Ledwardine and living in Lucy Devenish's old cottage; Jane - Merrily's teenage daughter; Sophie - the Bishop's secretary and Frannie Bliss - maverick detective.
I found this seventh episode in the Merrily Watkins series to be every bit as good as the previous six and it kept me reading late at night to finish it - even though I have read it before when it was first published. Each of the books in the series can be read as a stand-alone novel but it adds an extra depth to your reading if you have read the previous instalments. I recommend both this book and the series as a whole to anyone who likes an extra dimension to their crime novels.
There are ghosts enough to satisfy the most avid ghost hunter in Ludlow as well as other - perhaps evil - influences. The Bishop of Hereford asks Merrily to look into the increasingly strange happenings in the town on an unofficial basis because no one wants a fuss made. This leads Merrily into many strange and dangerous situations where no one's motives are clear. All the familiar series characters are here - Lol Robinson, recently returned to Ledwardine and living in Lucy Devenish's old cottage; Jane - Merrily's teenage daughter; Sophie - the Bishop's secretary and Frannie Bliss - maverick detective.
I found this seventh episode in the Merrily Watkins series to be every bit as good as the previous six and it kept me reading late at night to finish it - even though I have read it before when it was first published. Each of the books in the series can be read as a stand-alone novel but it adds an extra depth to your reading if you have read the previous instalments. I recommend both this book and the series as a whole to anyone who likes an extra dimension to their crime novels.
October 12, 2012
This, the seventh mystery in the Merrily Watkins series, is the best so far. In this installment, Rickman moves the setting to Ludlow, an historic border town with a castle and cathedral. The story is loosely derived from local folklore about a lovelorn 12th-century aristocrat who flung herself from the top of the castle to her death. (In the afterword, Rickman says that the owners of the castle would not let him in to research the book--no ghosts in their castle! Silly.)
Rickman works over blowhard, publicity-hungry psychiatrists well in the character of Nigel Saltash, a jerk who puts many obstacles in front of Merrily's pursuit of evil. Other targets: New Age hipsters and career-driven Anglican priests. Yeah, these are pretty big targets that Rickman has hit before--but it's so satisfying to see them trashed.
All the characters are integral to the plot, from Andy Mumford, the now-retired detective to daughter Jane, who plays a small but important part. The stories with Jane as a major player beggar belief--the 16-year-old small-town England kid with the education and sophisticated tastes of a Cambridge grad. Also silly. What will happen when Jane leaves the vicarage for college? How will Merrily cope with life alone in the huge old house? How will Rickman cope with not having Jane on the scene to develop the plot?
Rickman works over blowhard, publicity-hungry psychiatrists well in the character of Nigel Saltash, a jerk who puts many obstacles in front of Merrily's pursuit of evil. Other targets: New Age hipsters and career-driven Anglican priests. Yeah, these are pretty big targets that Rickman has hit before--but it's so satisfying to see them trashed.
All the characters are integral to the plot, from Andy Mumford, the now-retired detective to daughter Jane, who plays a small but important part. The stories with Jane as a major player beggar belief--the 16-year-old small-town England kid with the education and sophisticated tastes of a Cambridge grad. Also silly. What will happen when Jane leaves the vicarage for college? How will Merrily cope with life alone in the huge old house? How will Rickman cope with not having Jane on the scene to develop the plot?
November 3, 2016
In the affluent, historic town of Ludlow, a teenage boy dies in a fall from the castle ruins. Accident or suicide? No great mystery—so why does the boy's uncle, retired detective Andy Mumford, turn to diocesan exorcist Merrily Watkins? More people will die before Merrily, her own future uncertain, uncovers a dangerous obsession with suicide, death, and the afterlife hidden within these shadowed medieval streets.
I'm on the fence about these books. They are usually interesting but suffer the problem of being about 100 pages too long. I don't mind books over 500 pages but only when something actually happens in the plot. The books in this series take 500 pages to cover adequately what 400 pages would have done brilliantly. And yet I still keep reading them. Rating: 3 stars.
I'm on the fence about these books. They are usually interesting but suffer the problem of being about 100 pages too long. I don't mind books over 500 pages but only when something actually happens in the plot. The books in this series take 500 pages to cover adequately what 400 pages would have done brilliantly. And yet I still keep reading them. Rating: 3 stars.
November 10, 2014
I’m still enjoying this series very much, and I remain enchanted with Rickman’s writing style. This has great characterizations, a spooky ambiance and an engaging mystery. I love the short chapters with mini-cliffhangers which alternate between the increasingly suspenseful converging storylines - still suspenseful even though I’ve caught on to the author’s trick of misdirection.
Plotwise: Merrily is saddled with a “Deliverance advisory panel” which seems to have a hidden agenda; a boy obsessed with Ludlow history and the reputed ghost of Ludlow Castle falls to his death; a retired 80’s goth music star with a seriously creepy obsession with death retires in Ludlow to the great unease of some of her conservative neighbors.
While each novel has a standalone plot, I think they’re much better read in order to appreciate the development of the recurring characters.
I read so little of this genre that I don't even have goodreads shelves for horror or paranormal books. I may have to add a shelf just for this author, because "mystery" is really inadequate.
Plotwise: Merrily is saddled with a “Deliverance advisory panel” which seems to have a hidden agenda; a boy obsessed with Ludlow history and the reputed ghost of Ludlow Castle falls to his death; a retired 80’s goth music star with a seriously creepy obsession with death retires in Ludlow to the great unease of some of her conservative neighbors.
While each novel has a standalone plot, I think they’re much better read in order to appreciate the development of the recurring characters.
I read so little of this genre that I don't even have goodreads shelves for horror or paranormal books. I may have to add a shelf just for this author, because "mystery" is really inadequate.
June 24, 2015
Twist and turns galore. As always, excellent writing and great characters. I'm such a Merrily Watkins fan. I think I'm going to cry when there are not more books in the series.
August 13, 2020
As a state-side Anglophile with sketchy hips- loved walking the the narrow streets of Ludlow, a castle town on the Welsh Borders, as this next occult mystery unfolded. Our Rev. Watkins is getting sidelined by her own church during a series of suspicious deaths in this old city. A now familiar set of characters comes to Merrily's rescue, though it is only Merrily who manages to understand what is spiritually at play and to save the next victim. Complex plotting, interesting characters, but in this one location was everything. One of the best ones in the series.
December 26, 2021
This series continues to be unlike any other and Merrily Watkins refreshingly does not always have all the answers.
July 21, 2022
As always with Rickman's novels, this offers the reader an exquisitely-depicted setting with wonderfully-diverse characters. I found the mystery surrounding the death of the young boy compelling, both as it pertained to legends connected with the ruined church and with gang activity in the area. Another great listen in audio format.
October 11, 2010
There's more than one ghost in historic, medieval Ludlow, and not all of them are dead yet. There's legendary Marion, who jumped to her death from the Hanging Tower at Ludlow Castle, more than 500 years ago, and she's still making personal appearances. There's Robbie Walsh, the 14 year old history buff who falls from the tower as the novel opens, and the reverberations from his death refuse to dissipate. There's Bella Donna, burnt out Goth pop star, who thinks Ludlow is her own personal heaven, and wanders the streets and churchyards singing about Wee Willie Winkie. Finally, there's Lol, almost-famous rock musician who can't quite escape his troubled past.
Into this mix steps the Reverend Merrily Watkins, diocesan exorcist, who's being hounded by some newly appointed consultants who seem to want to shut her down. The mayor of Ludlow believes the castle must be spiritually cleansed, before the weirdness that has recently taken hold in town can be brought under control. But there are just as many hidden agendas among the principle characters as there are among the ghosts.
Smile is an eloquently written ghost story wrapped in a mystery, and the suspense never flags. The final scenes are nothing less than captivating, and the reader is left wanting more Merrily mysteries. First rate fiction.
Into this mix steps the Reverend Merrily Watkins, diocesan exorcist, who's being hounded by some newly appointed consultants who seem to want to shut her down. The mayor of Ludlow believes the castle must be spiritually cleansed, before the weirdness that has recently taken hold in town can be brought under control. But there are just as many hidden agendas among the principle characters as there are among the ghosts.
Smile is an eloquently written ghost story wrapped in a mystery, and the suspense never flags. The final scenes are nothing less than captivating, and the reader is left wanting more Merrily mysteries. First rate fiction.
January 20, 2018
Very solid mystery with a touch of horror. I like the switch of venue to Ludlow. Author Phil Rickman remains a master of misdirection, so that it is very hard to predict how the mystery will be solved. Bringing in the element of church politics (not something much in play since the 2nd book) gives the narrative a bit of punch. It's also interesting to see how Merrily, once so reluctant in her Deliverance Minister role, now is protective of it. Jane is not as big of a part in the book, but remains a very vibrant character. But the setting was the real magic part of this book for me.
September 29, 2020
Rickman gets me every time. The stories start out rather slow and barely interesting and before you know it you cannot put the book down. I did especially enjoy this one taking place in Ludlow as that is one of my favorite places ever visited. And I was lucky to visit off season and had the castle and most of the town nearly to myself. But this is also a very sad story on several levels, sadder than most have been so far. And it has the usual ambiguity between religion and science; faith and proof. I always find the suspension of definition satisfactory.
September 8, 2010
Featuring reluctant exorcist-priest Merrily Watkins, this book is my favourite in the series to date. In this story, the Rev'd Watkins has grown into her role as diocesan exorcist, as well as her relationship with Lol Robinson. Her daughter, Jane, too has matured. All of this makes for an excellent setting in terms of the relationships, allowing for smooth plot development and the exploration of yet more supernatural themes.
January 25, 2015
So many bad guys, of all shapes and sizes, that you can't imagine who dunnit or how on earth Merrily will find her way to safety out of their ensnaring evil plots. This volume moved along quite quickly, and is notable for less time the good guys spend agonizing over their own thoughts, and more actual puzzle solving. Also, Lol continues his hero turn from the last book, and everyone learns why you should never ever allow Jane to make decorating decisions.
August 8, 2015
A great story, and a page turner. I truly wanted to know what was going to happen to the characters. There was the usual Merrily Watkins magic, and conflict between Church and Pagan ideology. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.
August 22, 2015
I had got very tired of this series, but must admit that this one appealed to me much more than the last three or four. Less paranormal hokey-pokey, and more psychology and underground church politics, the mystery kept my interest to the end.
July 5, 2019
I didn't really enjoy this book. I kept going because I know Ludlow and enjoyed the areas. Discrepancies were annoying is staying at the services on Severn Bridge and looking out over the river- that hasn't been possible for years and yet he has included the new Tesco in Ludlow.
September 19, 2016
Stayed up half the night to finish it. Really great writing and intriguing storyline.
February 11, 2022
every one so far is the best one
i read reviews for each new merrily novel now, before i begin them. there is always at least one that says, 'this one is the best so far.' well, so far each one i have read has been the best one so far. i become more immersed in the very real world building and the indelible characters, those that steadily develop through the series and the lovely cameos, who you are pleasantly surprised to encounter again--even if just for a brief hello. onto the next best one now. i have total confidence in this author. the narrative grounds so fully into believability, with the history and emotional realism of the characters, it is easy to suspend disbelief when the supernatural elements emerge and escalate through each book to each beautiful deliverance/resolution.
i read reviews for each new merrily novel now, before i begin them. there is always at least one that says, 'this one is the best so far.' well, so far each one i have read has been the best one so far. i become more immersed in the very real world building and the indelible characters, those that steadily develop through the series and the lovely cameos, who you are pleasantly surprised to encounter again--even if just for a brief hello. onto the next best one now. i have total confidence in this author. the narrative grounds so fully into believability, with the history and emotional realism of the characters, it is easy to suspend disbelief when the supernatural elements emerge and escalate through each book to each beautiful deliverance/resolution.
March 22, 2018
I must admit this was the first of the series where I started to wonder half way through if I was convinced by this one, however I couldn't have been more wrong as the story came to it's thrilling climax.
The story centre's this time on Ludlow Castle and the legend of a ghost, but is the ghost causing a recent number of deaths or are they all linked in a far more mysterious way? Factor in a pop star obsessed with death and retired policeman with no time on his hands and you have a brilliant set up for another of the Merrily Watkins mystery stories.
This was a brilliant book and kept me guessing right until the end. Onto the next!
The story centre's this time on Ludlow Castle and the legend of a ghost, but is the ghost causing a recent number of deaths or are they all linked in a far more mysterious way? Factor in a pop star obsessed with death and retired policeman with no time on his hands and you have a brilliant set up for another of the Merrily Watkins mystery stories.
This was a brilliant book and kept me guessing right until the end. Onto the next!
May 26, 2020
Have I ever mentioned that I love Merrily Watkins books? I went online this morning and looked at pictures of Ludlow; castle, church, town---it is a beautiful place! Living in the US, I don't get to ever see medieval churchs. The only castles would be props at a mini golf place or Disney world. You can imagine ghost stories in places like Ludlow not in Idaho. And could Ludlow castle perhaps be Hogwarts in a parallel universe?
So Merrily takes me on a historic tour of her world every time a read her stories! The story is good, the atmosphere is better. This one is number 7 only 5 more to go. Hopefully Mr. Rickman gets writing.
So Merrily takes me on a historic tour of her world every time a read her stories! The story is good, the atmosphere is better. This one is number 7 only 5 more to go. Hopefully Mr. Rickman gets writing.
May 1, 2025
the first book in the series I can honestly say I read in one day! Absorbing from start to finish. The book shows a very realistic depiction of the way self harm is portrayed in more unsavoury corners of the internet, forboding in the way this only got worse in the ten years since the book was released. I knew girls like Jemmie and Sam in school and it was disturbing to remember that time... Anyway, Rickman weaves all the threads into a satisfying, but ambiguous conclusion. Extra points for being set in beautiful Ludlow!
October 24, 2017
I think this was one of the best for me. As with all of them there is a long list of characters, including the town and the weather. The story was intricate, and intriguing and all the angst and confusion and ultimately bravery seeing the goodies triumph. Parts of this were very poignant and some of it quite brutal but all in all it was an enthralling read with a very satisfactory ending.
I wish Merrily would stop nicking Jane's clothes, even the torn ones. Come on woman, smarten up.
I wish Merrily would stop nicking Jane's clothes, even the torn ones. Come on woman, smarten up.
August 20, 2019
An old ghost story in an up-an-coming town; a young boy falls (jumps?) from the tower just like the ghost...and a strange woman, former rock star, wanders around the castle looking to talk to ghosts... It gets stranger from there, and in the background are some people from Merrily's church who want to get rid of the Deliverance Program, and her with it. Twists and turns as usual, and a few surprises.
October 16, 2019
The best Merrily Watkins yet
This really is the best book in the series so far.
Merrily has had a Deliverance Committee pushed on her and can't do anything without discussing it with them first.
Then there is a number of apparent suicides at Ludlow Castle , one of them being ex DS Andy Mumford's nephew.
And that is just the start of her problems.
The Smile of a Ghost is a cleverly written novel full of twists and turns that kept me gripped.
Recommended.
This really is the best book in the series so far.
Merrily has had a Deliverance Committee pushed on her and can't do anything without discussing it with them first.
Then there is a number of apparent suicides at Ludlow Castle , one of them being ex DS Andy Mumford's nephew.
And that is just the start of her problems.
The Smile of a Ghost is a cleverly written novel full of twists and turns that kept me gripped.
Recommended.
February 2, 2020
This is a superb series of novels. I came late to the Merrily Watkins' party and this is the seventh in the series and probably my favourite so far.
Phil Rickman is undoubtedly the most innovative and creative a plotter I've had the pleasure to read. Just when you think you have it all worked out he comes up with a curve ball that you couldn't possibly have picked up on.
First rate and highly recommended.
Phil Rickman is undoubtedly the most innovative and creative a plotter I've had the pleasure to read. Just when you think you have it all worked out he comes up with a curve ball that you couldn't possibly have picked up on.
First rate and highly recommended.
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