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Merrily Watkins #1
The Wine of Angels
The Rev. Merrily Watkins had never wanted a picture-perfect parish — or a huge and haunted vicarage. Nor had she wanted to walk straight into a local dispute over a controversial play about a strange 17th-century clergyman accused of witchcraft. But this is Ledwardine, steeped in cider and secrets. And, as Merrily and her daughter Jane discover, it is a village where horrific murder is an age-old tradition.
630 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1998
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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 468 reviews
December 9, 2025
Wonderful!!!
What a storyteller Phil Rickman is and the Merrily Watkins series is, probably, his best work yet.
This was the beginning of the Merrily Watkins story, prior to her becoming a Deliverance Minister (exorcist) within the Anglican Church.
In this story she is a newly ordained vicar and has just joined her first rural church, close to the Welsh border. Herefordshire is an area steeped in superstition, folklore and cider.
This was primarily a mystery, a missing girl, long hidden family secrets, hostility towards a female vicar and, just a hint of the supernatural.
All in all, an excellent read!
What a storyteller Phil Rickman is and the Merrily Watkins series is, probably, his best work yet.
This was the beginning of the Merrily Watkins story, prior to her becoming a Deliverance Minister (exorcist) within the Anglican Church.
In this story she is a newly ordained vicar and has just joined her first rural church, close to the Welsh border. Herefordshire is an area steeped in superstition, folklore and cider.
This was primarily a mystery, a missing girl, long hidden family secrets, hostility towards a female vicar and, just a hint of the supernatural.
All in all, an excellent read!
September 10, 2007
Phil Rickman is my favorite author and I would happily recommend any of his books, although this is probably one of my favorites. The Wine of Angels is part of a series that is part mystery and part supernatural. If you are lucky enough to find his books in the US (he is British) you will find them mistakenly (I think) shelved in the Horror section of your bookstore.
The main character is a female vicar named Merrily Watkins who is assigned to the village of Ledwardine on the border of England and Wales. As if she doesn't have a hard enough time simply because she is female, she is also selected to be the "Deliverance Consultant" (exorcist) for the Hereford(shire?) district of the Church of England. Merrily has a very precocious teenage daughter Jane, who is mortified that her mom is a priest but fascinated with the Deliverance part (and anything pagan). Other memorable characters include Sophie, the Bishop's no nonsense secretary who assists Merrily on occasion, and Gomer Parry, providing the local color for the village, a 70+ year old digger who is in the septic tank business and who is Merrily's self appointed defender and protector.
Rickman thoroughly researches the folklore covered in all of his books and is an incredible wealth of information on local traditions and village life in the border area. (He will more than likely reply if you contact him too!) Prior to the Merrily Wakins series, he wrote several other "spooky" books such as Curfew, Candlenight, December, The Chalice (which makes me want to visit Glastonbury), and the Man in the Moss. His books usually take about a year after publication in Great Britain before appearing in the US, unfortunately.
Highly, highly recommended!
The main character is a female vicar named Merrily Watkins who is assigned to the village of Ledwardine on the border of England and Wales. As if she doesn't have a hard enough time simply because she is female, she is also selected to be the "Deliverance Consultant" (exorcist) for the Hereford(shire?) district of the Church of England. Merrily has a very precocious teenage daughter Jane, who is mortified that her mom is a priest but fascinated with the Deliverance part (and anything pagan). Other memorable characters include Sophie, the Bishop's no nonsense secretary who assists Merrily on occasion, and Gomer Parry, providing the local color for the village, a 70+ year old digger who is in the septic tank business and who is Merrily's self appointed defender and protector.
Rickman thoroughly researches the folklore covered in all of his books and is an incredible wealth of information on local traditions and village life in the border area. (He will more than likely reply if you contact him too!) Prior to the Merrily Wakins series, he wrote several other "spooky" books such as Curfew, Candlenight, December, The Chalice (which makes me want to visit Glastonbury), and the Man in the Moss. His books usually take about a year after publication in Great Britain before appearing in the US, unfortunately.
Highly, highly recommended!
November 28, 2019
Having enjoyed some of Phil Rickman’s stand alone novels, I have meant to try his Merrily Watkins series for ever (not to mention that my good friend, Damaskcat, has long sung the praises of these books to me). Having recently taken a holiday, I decided that I would finally get around to trying this and I am pleased that I did.
This first in the series, sees Merrily Watkins, becoming Priest-in-Charge of the village of Ledwardine. It is supposed to be a quiet and peaceful parish, a time and place for her to relax and take stock, after working in big cities, with all their associated problems. Merrily is widowed, her unfaithful and crooked husband, dying in a car accident and leaving her a single mother to teenage daughter, Jane. Jane sees her mother being a vicar as something of an embarrassment, but seems willing to try to make the best of things. This includes the huge, cold, three storied vicarage – a house which immediately fills Merrily with dread.
Apart from the discomfort Merrily feels about her new home, she also finds herself immediately thrown into a local dispute. Newcomers, the Cassidy’s, want to reinstate an ancient village festival and revive the local cider industry. The planned festival includes a proposed play about a Seventeenth Century clergyman who was accused of witchcraft and it has invoked local passions; both for and against.
This is part a traditional crime story, but it also has a supernatural feel. It involves local traditions, lots of creepy characters and a changing village, with deep shadows from the past that cast their influence over the present. I liked many of the characters, including Merrily and Jane, local man Gomer, the eccentric Miss Devenish and former famous musician, Lol Robinson. Although the story is somewhat rambling, this suits the setting and I enjoyed being introduced to both the characters and the village of Ledwardine. I will certainly be keen to meet Merrily again and wish to continue the series.
This first in the series, sees Merrily Watkins, becoming Priest-in-Charge of the village of Ledwardine. It is supposed to be a quiet and peaceful parish, a time and place for her to relax and take stock, after working in big cities, with all their associated problems. Merrily is widowed, her unfaithful and crooked husband, dying in a car accident and leaving her a single mother to teenage daughter, Jane. Jane sees her mother being a vicar as something of an embarrassment, but seems willing to try to make the best of things. This includes the huge, cold, three storied vicarage – a house which immediately fills Merrily with dread.
Apart from the discomfort Merrily feels about her new home, she also finds herself immediately thrown into a local dispute. Newcomers, the Cassidy’s, want to reinstate an ancient village festival and revive the local cider industry. The planned festival includes a proposed play about a Seventeenth Century clergyman who was accused of witchcraft and it has invoked local passions; both for and against.
This is part a traditional crime story, but it also has a supernatural feel. It involves local traditions, lots of creepy characters and a changing village, with deep shadows from the past that cast their influence over the present. I liked many of the characters, including Merrily and Jane, local man Gomer, the eccentric Miss Devenish and former famous musician, Lol Robinson. Although the story is somewhat rambling, this suits the setting and I enjoyed being introduced to both the characters and the village of Ledwardine. I will certainly be keen to meet Merrily again and wish to continue the series.
June 2, 2014
4.5 stars. Terrific book. Definitely a favorite, and one I'm glad I own. I really wish this one hadn't been genrefied. In my opinion, this is not just any crime novel. This book is special. It has lots of depth. And these characters! My goodness. This man knows how to write. He really makes this village come alive. I am truly impressed. Not sure why this series isn't better known. What's not to like? British countryside, huge old spooky houses, eccentric people, ghosts/fairies, sheep(!).
What more do you want? I ask you. Oh, and terrific audio performance. Seriously, this series is a winner. It doesn't fit into any mold other than great. Please resist the urge to pigeonhole it into paranormal, mystery, etc., because really I could put this on my fantasy shelf. I could practically put it on a literary shelf. He is world building in this book. If you read it expecting a straight whodunit, I promise you will be disappointed. It's so much more than that.
I didn't love the ending, I thought it was a bit abrupt, but it did run to over 600 pages, so I can certainly understand why he chose to end it as he did. I'm dying to read the rest of this series. I believe there are nine so far, or something close. This had me totally enthralled, it was creepy and cozy at the same time (I know, but it truly was), and I just can't praise it highly enough. Loved it!
What more do you want? I ask you. Oh, and terrific audio performance. Seriously, this series is a winner. It doesn't fit into any mold other than great. Please resist the urge to pigeonhole it into paranormal, mystery, etc., because really I could put this on my fantasy shelf. I could practically put it on a literary shelf. He is world building in this book. If you read it expecting a straight whodunit, I promise you will be disappointed. It's so much more than that.
I didn't love the ending, I thought it was a bit abrupt, but it did run to over 600 pages, so I can certainly understand why he chose to end it as he did. I'm dying to read the rest of this series. I believe there are nine so far, or something close. This had me totally enthralled, it was creepy and cozy at the same time (I know, but it truly was), and I just can't praise it highly enough. Loved it!
September 11, 2024
3.5 fermented sweet cider stars rounded down to 3 stars: it just took too long to drink this libation!
A contemporary mystery/thriller that unfolds at a smoldering pace, with paranormal overtones that were more subtle than I was expecting.
The mystery at the heart of the story is a little over-the-top, but the excellent writing and well developed characters make up for it.
Unfortunately Merrily was the character I liked the least, being too quick to dismiss evidence of supernatural activity and ineffectual in her role as priest-in-charge. inflaming an already ongoing clash between the locals and the newcomers
The story could have been tighter, there were times when it seemed to lose its way, meander, and become a little plodding
Interesting what different reviewers focused on as their take-away:
🗣 the story was too long and the pace too slow
🗣 the juxtaposition of pagan and christian ideals
🗣 misogyny and violence toward women and girls
🗣 the English caste system of people who've done evil deeds for generations and
gotten away with it
🗣 Mother-daughter, and love, relationships
🗣 rekindling an interest in the music of Nick drake
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9azM... and/or
the poetry of Thomas Traherne
https://interestingliterature.com/201...
🗣 Merrily as a “woman priest”
🗣 the growing of apples and the making of apple cider
🗣 the convergence of well drawn characters that bring the village of Ledwardine
to life and makes the reader want to stay
Yes, the story imparts all of this and more; for me the take away concerns the weight of past events upon present activities and how history shapes places and people. Enough of a concern to read the next book in the series?......
A contemporary mystery/thriller that unfolds at a smoldering pace, with paranormal overtones that were more subtle than I was expecting.
The mystery at the heart of the story is a little over-the-top, but the excellent writing and well developed characters make up for it.
Unfortunately Merrily was the character I liked the least, being too quick to dismiss evidence of supernatural activity and ineffectual in her role as priest-in-charge. inflaming an already ongoing clash between the locals and the newcomers
The story could have been tighter, there were times when it seemed to lose its way, meander, and become a little plodding
Interesting what different reviewers focused on as their take-away:
🗣 the story was too long and the pace too slow
🗣 the juxtaposition of pagan and christian ideals
🗣 misogyny and violence toward women and girls
🗣 the English caste system of people who've done evil deeds for generations and
gotten away with it
🗣 Mother-daughter, and love, relationships
🗣 rekindling an interest in the music of Nick drake
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9azM... and/or
the poetry of Thomas Traherne
https://interestingliterature.com/201...
🗣 Merrily as a “woman priest”
🗣 the growing of apples and the making of apple cider
🗣 the convergence of well drawn characters that bring the village of Ledwardine
to life and makes the reader want to stay
Yes, the story imparts all of this and more; for me the take away concerns the weight of past events upon present activities and how history shapes places and people. Enough of a concern to read the next book in the series?......
March 20, 2014
After a startling beginning, the book settles down into boring English countryside life to the point of proper tedium and outraged civility.
I often felt as if I was reading a combination of Henry James and Jane Austen (neither of whom I enjoy), but if you do you might enjoy this book.
I was attracted to the book by the description that it had elements of the supernatural. What little supernatural there was was too subtle for me (a few dreams). So, if you are not into the supernatural, this book may be for you.
As for murder mystery, this is a book which requires patience and devotion. Merrily is wishy washy and inept and barely solves anything. I was more interested in the scenes in which her daughter Jane was in. At least they were not so boring.
So I am trying to figure why people like this series. I am guessing they like the English countryside life stuff, which I do not. (No Downton Abbey for me.) I would rather read Stephen King. If you don't like King, you might like this book.
I will give the next book a try just to see if it does anything more with the supernatural aspect. If not, end of series for me.
I often felt as if I was reading a combination of Henry James and Jane Austen (neither of whom I enjoy), but if you do you might enjoy this book.
I was attracted to the book by the description that it had elements of the supernatural. What little supernatural there was was too subtle for me (a few dreams). So, if you are not into the supernatural, this book may be for you.
As for murder mystery, this is a book which requires patience and devotion. Merrily is wishy washy and inept and barely solves anything. I was more interested in the scenes in which her daughter Jane was in. At least they were not so boring.
So I am trying to figure why people like this series. I am guessing they like the English countryside life stuff, which I do not. (No Downton Abbey for me.) I would rather read Stephen King. If you don't like King, you might like this book.
I will give the next book a try just to see if it does anything more with the supernatural aspect. If not, end of series for me.
July 18, 2016
3.5 stars
It was difficult to decide whether this was 3 or 4 stars, in the end I settled on 3 although that does seem unfair.
It's got over 600 pages but even so, it has taken me over 3 weeks to read it. The trouble is, that as a result of continuing to work on major garden redesign, my own, I have never had a sustained period of time to read this book. This has meant that I have grabbed 15 pages or so , whenever I could so I have had real trouble getting into it. That said I read the last 60 or so pages in one go yesterday and really enjoyed the conclusion and will probably look to read any of the sequels. Yes, in the end I quite liked Merrily, but liked Lol and Gomer more.
It was difficult to decide whether this was 3 or 4 stars, in the end I settled on 3 although that does seem unfair.
It's got over 600 pages but even so, it has taken me over 3 weeks to read it. The trouble is, that as a result of continuing to work on major garden redesign, my own, I have never had a sustained period of time to read this book. This has meant that I have grabbed 15 pages or so , whenever I could so I have had real trouble getting into it. That said I read the last 60 or so pages in one go yesterday and really enjoyed the conclusion and will probably look to read any of the sequels. Yes, in the end I quite liked Merrily, but liked Lol and Gomer more.
October 13, 2017
At a whim and because it came up in a group discussion, I decided this might make for good reading this time of year. Not that this book is overpowered by what I call the woo-woo factor, but there are plenty of eerie, mystical moments that helped me decide to add it to the Halloween book list.
The Wine of Angels is the series opener featuring Merrily Watkins, who has just received her first real assignment as a newly-ordained Anglican vicar. While visiting the village of Ledwardine, Herefordshire, deciding whether or not to "go for it" (take the job), she arrives just in time to witness a strange ritual under an old apple tree known as "The Apple Tree Man." It is supposed to be a traditional "wassailing," but one of the villagers (an "incomer," there only about a year and a half) takes it upon herself to add rifles to the mix, citing a reference in a book about collected folk customs. One of the long-time villagers, Lucy Devenish, contests that decision, saying that since it's not a local tradition, what they're doing may end up causing "offence" to the orchard itself, but rifles are fired anyway and Merrily stands by as one of the men blows off his own head. If that's not an attention-worthy opening to a novel, I don't know what is. That event will return to the story later, but in the meantime, the struggle between modern and traditional takes center stage in this mystery, and perhaps the villagers would have done well to heed Lucy's advice, especially after a local girl goes missing, last seen heading to the Orchard.
It's fun, it's intelligent, and it's not just another point A to point B mystery story with a tired plot that's been done over and over again; combined with the huge focus on the people in this book, the ongoing struggle between modernity and tradition, the mysteries of nature, and the secrets that foster behind closed doors sometimes for years, The Wine of Angels makes for a very, very good read. I'd forgotten just how much I enjoyed this novel and I went scurrying back to the shelf to grab the next one, Midwinter of the Spirit, for more.
Recommended for mystery readers who want more than just same old same old.
teensy plot bits revealed here for those who want to know:
http://www.crimesegments.com/2017/10/...
The Wine of Angels is the series opener featuring Merrily Watkins, who has just received her first real assignment as a newly-ordained Anglican vicar. While visiting the village of Ledwardine, Herefordshire, deciding whether or not to "go for it" (take the job), she arrives just in time to witness a strange ritual under an old apple tree known as "The Apple Tree Man." It is supposed to be a traditional "wassailing," but one of the villagers (an "incomer," there only about a year and a half) takes it upon herself to add rifles to the mix, citing a reference in a book about collected folk customs. One of the long-time villagers, Lucy Devenish, contests that decision, saying that since it's not a local tradition, what they're doing may end up causing "offence" to the orchard itself, but rifles are fired anyway and Merrily stands by as one of the men blows off his own head. If that's not an attention-worthy opening to a novel, I don't know what is. That event will return to the story later, but in the meantime, the struggle between modern and traditional takes center stage in this mystery, and perhaps the villagers would have done well to heed Lucy's advice, especially after a local girl goes missing, last seen heading to the Orchard.
It's fun, it's intelligent, and it's not just another point A to point B mystery story with a tired plot that's been done over and over again; combined with the huge focus on the people in this book, the ongoing struggle between modernity and tradition, the mysteries of nature, and the secrets that foster behind closed doors sometimes for years, The Wine of Angels makes for a very, very good read. I'd forgotten just how much I enjoyed this novel and I went scurrying back to the shelf to grab the next one, Midwinter of the Spirit, for more.
Recommended for mystery readers who want more than just same old same old.
teensy plot bits revealed here for those who want to know:
http://www.crimesegments.com/2017/10/...
August 29, 2012
Several years ago I read three books by Phil Rickman and was then frustrated that I couldn't find any others in local bookstores. For some reason, the advent of Amazon didn't make me realize that I now had a way to find his books. Until I got a Kindle for Christmas.
In January I discovered Rickman's Merrily Watkins series, and I am hooked. Since then I have read all of them except for the latest, which I will be reading shortly. These books aren't classic horror, but instead follow the life and investigations of The Church of England's self-doubting first female exorcist (excuse me, deliverance consultant), her teenage daughter Jane, eventual significant other/Nick Drake devotee/resurgent rock singer and guitarist Lol, and other friends, family, and antagonist. The characterization and the Welsh border settings create a rich texture that makes these stories live. Merrily's investigations don't always find supernatural explanations and she has yet, as of my readings, to perform a full-on exorcism, but instead they explore a world of thin places where the spiritual is always there, just beyond your vision. Well, usually beyond your vision.
The Wine of Angels is the first in the series (although I started with the next book, mistakenly thinking it was the first) and introduces many of the characters who will become important throughout the series as well as the black-and-white town of Ledwardine, which is itself a character in the stories. This tale begins with a suicide in an orchard and then follows a trail that exposes deep family secrets and the dark side of this peaceful little town's history.
I would highly recommend this series to anyone who likes mysteries and thinks that a touch of the supernatural enhances the tale. Rickman should be better known in America; there are few who rival his skill at telling compelling stories that draw the reader in with realistic characters and a sense of place.
In January I discovered Rickman's Merrily Watkins series, and I am hooked. Since then I have read all of them except for the latest, which I will be reading shortly. These books aren't classic horror, but instead follow the life and investigations of The Church of England's self-doubting first female exorcist (excuse me, deliverance consultant), her teenage daughter Jane, eventual significant other/Nick Drake devotee/resurgent rock singer and guitarist Lol, and other friends, family, and antagonist. The characterization and the Welsh border settings create a rich texture that makes these stories live. Merrily's investigations don't always find supernatural explanations and she has yet, as of my readings, to perform a full-on exorcism, but instead they explore a world of thin places where the spiritual is always there, just beyond your vision. Well, usually beyond your vision.
The Wine of Angels is the first in the series (although I started with the next book, mistakenly thinking it was the first) and introduces many of the characters who will become important throughout the series as well as the black-and-white town of Ledwardine, which is itself a character in the stories. This tale begins with a suicide in an orchard and then follows a trail that exposes deep family secrets and the dark side of this peaceful little town's history.
I would highly recommend this series to anyone who likes mysteries and thinks that a touch of the supernatural enhances the tale. Rickman should be better known in America; there are few who rival his skill at telling compelling stories that draw the reader in with realistic characters and a sense of place.
September 19, 2014
I'd give this a higher rating than two stars for Merrily's sections, but far too much time was spent on her daughter Jane's perspective. Jane had the potential to grow up someday and become an interesting person, but was in the most irritating adolescent arrogant state for most of the book. It really got up my nose that she has a sort of nature-magic awakening as a result of being stupid enough to get dangerously drunk and -- yeah, just stupid. The evil old country family plot didn't do much for me either. Just not my cuppa altogether.
December 24, 2013
This book is a mess but a very interesting mess, like a dragon's treasure mixed with a bookstore and thrown into a hurricane. Well, maybe not quite that jumbled. There's wonderful things to find like local superstitions and families behaving badly over the course of centuries, haunted houses and fairies and cider and mistaken identities and four different yet significant car crashes. The main character is a young, beautiful vicar with a teenage daughter and a dead husband who engaged in criminal activities.
The messy parts are the way the characters act. They do things that their characters wouldn't do so as to help move the story along. The character of Lucy is a catalyst for much of this bizarre behavior but she isn't compelling enough to make me believe that people would act against their own inclinations so the story could come out right.
Anyway, I thoroughly enjoyed the mess and look forward to reading more books in this series. I hope the cider, the superstitions and the spirits reappear. There was certainly plenty of atmosphere though none of it turned out to be supernatural.
The messy parts are the way the characters act. They do things that their characters wouldn't do so as to help move the story along. The character of Lucy is a catalyst for much of this bizarre behavior but she isn't compelling enough to make me believe that people would act against their own inclinations so the story could come out right.
Anyway, I thoroughly enjoyed the mess and look forward to reading more books in this series. I hope the cider, the superstitions and the spirits reappear. There was certainly plenty of atmosphere though none of it turned out to be supernatural.
July 5, 2017
This story is what I call a slow burn. The intensity of the story starts off gradually and builds to a crescendo. Think Ravel's Bolero. In fact, I think I will listen to the 17 minute clip of it on YouTube while I write this review. It will probably take me that long to write it.
I won't give a synopsis of the story line. Read the book blurb and a couple pages of reviews, and you'll get the gist of it. Better yet, just read the book!
What I really liked about this book was the slow burn and the character development. I really liked several of the characters - Merrily, Jane, Lucy, Lol, Gomer Parry. (Sorry, but every time I read that name, I thought of Gomer Pyle. There were some similarities in character, or maybe I just interpreted it that way.) Phil Rickman was able to entice emotional reactions to the characters. A couple had me gagging at their vileness. Some I wanted to hug and make a cup of tea for them to help ease their tensions.
I really liked the atmosphere of the setting. It was dark and foreboding. I doubt I'll ever think of an apple orchard in quite the same way again. The meld of Paganism and Christianity added to the atmosphere.
What unnerved me at the beginning of the story was that Merrily, the vicar, frequently "used the Lord's name in vain". I write it that way for a reason. Saying "swearing" doesn't quite cover the subject. Being raised in a Christian home with preachers and missionaries peppered throughout my lineage, I would always cringe when a schoolmate would swear, "Jesus!" or "God dammit!" or.... okay, I know you get the picture. So, to read a vicar, a person of the cloth, swearing in like manner had me cringing again. I will say, though, that I rather enjoyed her justification.
And so begins yet another series. I've already purchased the next book!
I won't give a synopsis of the story line. Read the book blurb and a couple pages of reviews, and you'll get the gist of it. Better yet, just read the book!
What I really liked about this book was the slow burn and the character development. I really liked several of the characters - Merrily, Jane, Lucy, Lol, Gomer Parry. (Sorry, but every time I read that name, I thought of Gomer Pyle. There were some similarities in character, or maybe I just interpreted it that way.) Phil Rickman was able to entice emotional reactions to the characters. A couple had me gagging at their vileness. Some I wanted to hug and make a cup of tea for them to help ease their tensions.
I really liked the atmosphere of the setting. It was dark and foreboding. I doubt I'll ever think of an apple orchard in quite the same way again. The meld of Paganism and Christianity added to the atmosphere.
What unnerved me at the beginning of the story was that Merrily, the vicar, frequently "used the Lord's name in vain". I write it that way for a reason. Saying "swearing" doesn't quite cover the subject. Being raised in a Christian home with preachers and missionaries peppered throughout my lineage, I would always cringe when a schoolmate would swear, "Jesus!" or "God dammit!" or.... okay, I know you get the picture. So, to read a vicar, a person of the cloth, swearing in like manner had me cringing again. I will say, though, that I rather enjoyed her justification.
And so begins yet another series. I've already purchased the next book!
December 24, 2011
The Merrily Watkins series is one of those ‘genre-by-the-back-door’ series: it’s about the supernatural, but so subtle that readers normally put off by such things can read them as ‘a dark crime novel’ without too much unease.
Merrily Watkins is a single mother who, after the death of her husband, becomes ordained as a Vicar (or as they prefer these days, ‘a Priest-in-Charge’) . After working in the drug dens and crime zones of Liverpool, she is given the picturesque country parish of Ledwardine and a big rambling vicarage to take care of.
So far, so good. Unfortunately, her start in the village is not entirely promising. When visiting a local event incognito, meant to encourage the fertilisation of the apple trees in the winter, Merrily sees a local man die, though whether deliberate or suicide is unclear.
After that, things become decidedly creepier. The main apple tree in the village seems to be there for more than just producing apples and it appears to bear a grudge. The proposal of a play written by celebrated gay playwright Richard Coffey on a 17th century member of the church accused of witchcraft seems to bring nothing but trouble. A party by teenager Colette Cassidy leads to her going missing, possibly in the orchard where the apple tree resides.
As Merrily struggles to find her feet in the parish (and the conservative parishioners adjust to a woman priest) there is scandal, political shenanigans and a definite sense of unease. For there seems to be something going on in the vicarage and the Apple Tree Man seems to be on the rise....
In a way, this book has a timeless quality that puts the village of Ledwardine anywhere in rural England in the last 30 years or so. The characters are not really anything new: lecherous squire, outsiders to the village, bullying teenagers, a dotty old lady with local knowledge, simple local folk.... anyone who has listened to The Archers (BBC radio soap opera, longest running of its type in the world), or seen television programmes such as The Vicar of Dibley (a UK comedy series) or even Midsomer Murders (a UK crime series set in a quaint English village) and films such as The Wicker Man or Simon Pegg’s Hot Fuzz (2007) knows that one of the basic ideas is that beneath that seemingly-calm veneer, that place of tranquillity, there’s enough odd people, social climbing, bedhopping and back-stabbing to make Beverly Hills 90120 look positively serene.
Here we have the added twists of a pretty-switched-on, ex-punk priest with a nicotine habit, who also happens to be a single mother and a member of the clergy, and there’s just enough of a touch of the supernatural to make Ruth Rendell or Susan Hill readers happy.
We examine rural upheaval, and the importance of non-Christian traditions in a place that has such a close connection to the countryside. Beneath the seemingly sunny veneer there is clearly more going on in this sleepy village than you can see.
As the nights draw in and the shadows grow longer, this is a great atmospheric page turner. The characters are so well-drawn that you quickly feel to be part of the village itself, and as events become decidedly creepier their consequences become all the more important. One of the strengths here is Merrily’s down-to-earth nature. I was pleasantly surprised how quickly I warmed to Merrily here, and in particular her relationship with her teenage daughter Jane, who keeps Merrily grounded in sensibility is extremely well done, even when she seems to be involved in the unusual events at Ledwardine. Such solidly written characterisation helps set the scene for when things become odd, you trust the characters you’ve invested in to keep it real (or at least as real as you can in a supernatural novel.)
If I had any negatives, it is perhaps a little long in places. But this is perhaps to be expected with the introduction of new main characters and a large supporting cast. By the end there is a palpable tension that kept the pages turning. It’s all about the apples....
There are twelve other Merrily novels after this one. By the conclusion of this one, I can see her being one of the fixtures here, whilst I sit with a warming drink (perhaps mulled cider!) near to the fire, but also glancing into those shadows in the corner – just in case...
Recommended.
Merrily Watkins is a single mother who, after the death of her husband, becomes ordained as a Vicar (or as they prefer these days, ‘a Priest-in-Charge’) . After working in the drug dens and crime zones of Liverpool, she is given the picturesque country parish of Ledwardine and a big rambling vicarage to take care of.
So far, so good. Unfortunately, her start in the village is not entirely promising. When visiting a local event incognito, meant to encourage the fertilisation of the apple trees in the winter, Merrily sees a local man die, though whether deliberate or suicide is unclear.
After that, things become decidedly creepier. The main apple tree in the village seems to be there for more than just producing apples and it appears to bear a grudge. The proposal of a play written by celebrated gay playwright Richard Coffey on a 17th century member of the church accused of witchcraft seems to bring nothing but trouble. A party by teenager Colette Cassidy leads to her going missing, possibly in the orchard where the apple tree resides.
As Merrily struggles to find her feet in the parish (and the conservative parishioners adjust to a woman priest) there is scandal, political shenanigans and a definite sense of unease. For there seems to be something going on in the vicarage and the Apple Tree Man seems to be on the rise....
In a way, this book has a timeless quality that puts the village of Ledwardine anywhere in rural England in the last 30 years or so. The characters are not really anything new: lecherous squire, outsiders to the village, bullying teenagers, a dotty old lady with local knowledge, simple local folk.... anyone who has listened to The Archers (BBC radio soap opera, longest running of its type in the world), or seen television programmes such as The Vicar of Dibley (a UK comedy series) or even Midsomer Murders (a UK crime series set in a quaint English village) and films such as The Wicker Man or Simon Pegg’s Hot Fuzz (2007) knows that one of the basic ideas is that beneath that seemingly-calm veneer, that place of tranquillity, there’s enough odd people, social climbing, bedhopping and back-stabbing to make Beverly Hills 90120 look positively serene.
Here we have the added twists of a pretty-switched-on, ex-punk priest with a nicotine habit, who also happens to be a single mother and a member of the clergy, and there’s just enough of a touch of the supernatural to make Ruth Rendell or Susan Hill readers happy.
We examine rural upheaval, and the importance of non-Christian traditions in a place that has such a close connection to the countryside. Beneath the seemingly sunny veneer there is clearly more going on in this sleepy village than you can see.
As the nights draw in and the shadows grow longer, this is a great atmospheric page turner. The characters are so well-drawn that you quickly feel to be part of the village itself, and as events become decidedly creepier their consequences become all the more important. One of the strengths here is Merrily’s down-to-earth nature. I was pleasantly surprised how quickly I warmed to Merrily here, and in particular her relationship with her teenage daughter Jane, who keeps Merrily grounded in sensibility is extremely well done, even when she seems to be involved in the unusual events at Ledwardine. Such solidly written characterisation helps set the scene for when things become odd, you trust the characters you’ve invested in to keep it real (or at least as real as you can in a supernatural novel.)
If I had any negatives, it is perhaps a little long in places. But this is perhaps to be expected with the introduction of new main characters and a large supporting cast. By the end there is a palpable tension that kept the pages turning. It’s all about the apples....
There are twelve other Merrily novels after this one. By the conclusion of this one, I can see her being one of the fixtures here, whilst I sit with a warming drink (perhaps mulled cider!) near to the fire, but also glancing into those shadows in the corner – just in case...
Recommended.
July 24, 2024
Caveat Emptor: This is Merrily in Pre-Exorcist Days
Review of the Corvus paperback edition (April 1, 2011) of the MacMillan hardcover original (July 10, 1998).
I'm not going to bury the lede. This is the first of the Merrily Watkins series (1998-2021 and presumably ongoing) which is promoted as featuring, even in the GR synopsis for this book, the "female exorcist Reverend Merrily Watkins." BUT THERE IS NO EXORCISM IN THIS BOOK. This first book was written as a standalone crime & mystery thriller and Merrily was only later developed as the series character. Apparently the exorcism angle doesn't come into it until Book #2 Midwinter of the Spirit (1999).
So this still represents the introduction to the characters of Merrily Watkins and her teenage daughter Jane Watkins, and possibly several continuing characters in the vicarage and town of Ledwardine in Welsh & English border country. There are suspected hauntings, some bizarre deaths, some disappearances, perilous situations and ties to historical crimes and executions, i.e. there are lots of mystery angles to this. Just don't expect or hope for the drama of any exorcisms.
Once I got over my initial disappointment and some of the tiresome talk about cider and apple orchards and the teenage angst etc. I did finally settle in and enjoy the book. There was a historical mystery about an early vicar in the parish which was also solved. The finale section was especially gripping with Merrily on the one hand explaining the solutions to the various mysteries in the standard "gather all the suspects in a room" setting, with cut scenes toggling with daughter Jane who is confronted by the finally revealed culprit.
There was much to enjoy with the various historical references and background. For instance, there were excerpts from the writings of Thomas Traherne (c. 1636-1674). I especially enjoyed the constant references to singer/songwriter Nick Drake (1948-1974), whether it was to specific songs or even in the naming of chapter titles.
So this is good to read as background, but don't be fooled by the false advertising. Marked down to 3 stars for that. I do hope to continue with the series.
Soundtrack
I've enjoyed the music of Nick Drake for a long time, so this was a great opportunity to get reacquainted with his music. The musician apparently sold only 4,000 records in his lifetime and was only rediscovered gradually in the 1990s. The breakthrough came with an inventive 1999 Volkswagen commercial which excerpted Drake's song Pink Moon. This song is regularly referred to in the book. Although it has a foreboding quality in the book, for me it has always had a joyous quality.
Bonus Tracks
I'm adding some of my favourite cover versions of the Pink Moon song here. There is a baroque arrangement by the Ensemble Phoenix Munich which you can see in the front half of the video here. There is a mass amateur choir version by Toronto's own Choir! Choir! Choir! which you can see here.
Review of the Corvus paperback edition (April 1, 2011) of the MacMillan hardcover original (July 10, 1998).
I'm not going to bury the lede. This is the first of the Merrily Watkins series (1998-2021 and presumably ongoing) which is promoted as featuring, even in the GR synopsis for this book, the "female exorcist Reverend Merrily Watkins." BUT THERE IS NO EXORCISM IN THIS BOOK. This first book was written as a standalone crime & mystery thriller and Merrily was only later developed as the series character. Apparently the exorcism angle doesn't come into it until Book #2 Midwinter of the Spirit (1999).
So this still represents the introduction to the characters of Merrily Watkins and her teenage daughter Jane Watkins, and possibly several continuing characters in the vicarage and town of Ledwardine in Welsh & English border country. There are suspected hauntings, some bizarre deaths, some disappearances, perilous situations and ties to historical crimes and executions, i.e. there are lots of mystery angles to this. Just don't expect or hope for the drama of any exorcisms.
Once I got over my initial disappointment and some of the tiresome talk about cider and apple orchards and the teenage angst etc. I did finally settle in and enjoy the book. There was a historical mystery about an early vicar in the parish which was also solved. The finale section was especially gripping with Merrily on the one hand explaining the solutions to the various mysteries in the standard "gather all the suspects in a room" setting, with cut scenes toggling with daughter Jane who is confronted by the finally revealed culprit.
There was much to enjoy with the various historical references and background. For instance, there were excerpts from the writings of Thomas Traherne (c. 1636-1674). I especially enjoyed the constant references to singer/songwriter Nick Drake (1948-1974), whether it was to specific songs or even in the naming of chapter titles.
So this is good to read as background, but don't be fooled by the false advertising. Marked down to 3 stars for that. I do hope to continue with the series.
Soundtrack
I've enjoyed the music of Nick Drake for a long time, so this was a great opportunity to get reacquainted with his music. The musician apparently sold only 4,000 records in his lifetime and was only rediscovered gradually in the 1990s. The breakthrough came with an inventive 1999 Volkswagen commercial which excerpted Drake's song Pink Moon. This song is regularly referred to in the book. Although it has a foreboding quality in the book, for me it has always had a joyous quality.
Bonus Tracks
I'm adding some of my favourite cover versions of the Pink Moon song here. There is a baroque arrangement by the Ensemble Phoenix Munich which you can see in the front half of the video here. There is a mass amateur choir version by Toronto's own Choir! Choir! Choir! which you can see here.
November 10, 2014
This is long and slow and suspenseful, and I very much liked the writing style. It has lots of short chapters, many of which begin or end with a bit of misdirection. I think this, along with the leisurely plotting, might annoy some readers but I was vastly entertained.
The story is a contemporary mystery/thriller with paranormal overtones, which were actually more subtle than I was expecting. The mystery at the heart is perhaps a little over-the-top, but the excellent writing makes up for it.
The setup: a newly ordained Anglican priest, a young widow with a teenaged daughter, takes up residence in a rural parish in England. She’s to preside at a picturesque medieval church at the border of a spooky old apple orchard, and she’s to live in an ancient vicarage which is huge and decrepit and feels haunted. She receives a mixed welcome from the locals, and she’s immediately thrown into a controversy surrounding the local legend of a 17th-century vicar who was accused of witchcraft.
The story is a contemporary mystery/thriller with paranormal overtones, which were actually more subtle than I was expecting. The mystery at the heart is perhaps a little over-the-top, but the excellent writing makes up for it.
The setup: a newly ordained Anglican priest, a young widow with a teenaged daughter, takes up residence in a rural parish in England. She’s to preside at a picturesque medieval church at the border of a spooky old apple orchard, and she’s to live in an ancient vicarage which is huge and decrepit and feels haunted. She receives a mixed welcome from the locals, and she’s immediately thrown into a controversy surrounding the local legend of a 17th-century vicar who was accused of witchcraft.
October 18, 2015
This was pretty good...in the end. Nearly put it down and gave up a couple of times. Had to get about 40% way through before I started to enjoy it. Have already got the next instalment ready to read. I liked the fact it was mystical/ paranormal genre but in a realistic and believable way which kind of made it creepier. Also liked the complexity of the characters.
June 7, 2019
A return to this series for me having read volume 3 some years ago. This is book 1 in the series and Merrily Watkins, newly qualified vicar, is installed as Priest-in-Charge (not quite a full vicar) in a small Herefordshire village in an enormous old vicarage where she and her teenage daughter Jane are rattling around like the proverbial peas. There is an undercurrent of unease starting with the unscheduled event during an apple orchard Wassailing ritual, and building through the book as it becomes clear that there are a number of very unpleasant secrets among old families, stemming back to at least the seventeenth century.
I liked the characters of Jane and old Gomer Parish, a retired plant and machinery man (who was still working in 'Crybbe', a non-Merrily Watkins Rickman novel I read a while back). My favourite character was the eccentric elderly woman, Lucy. I wasn't so keen on Merrily: I'm afraid I find her irritating, too quick to constantly dismiss evidence of supernatural activity and rather ineffectual for her role. I also wasn't happy that, as in 'Crybbe', the author once more resorts to killing off one of the more interesting characters although this time it was at least quite late on.
The revelations of what is really going on in the village are chilling but took too long to come out for me, and were over too quickly and skimpily. It was also left a bit vague as to a key event at the end . So given the problems I found, I would rate this a 3-star quite enjoyable read, but no higher.
I liked the characters of Jane and old Gomer Parish, a retired plant and machinery man (who was still working in 'Crybbe', a non-Merrily Watkins Rickman novel I read a while back). My favourite character was the eccentric elderly woman, Lucy. I wasn't so keen on Merrily: I'm afraid I find her irritating, too quick to constantly dismiss evidence of supernatural activity and rather ineffectual for her role. I also wasn't happy that, as in 'Crybbe', the author once more resorts to killing off one of the more interesting characters although this time it was at least quite late on.
The revelations of what is really going on in the village are chilling but took too long to come out for me, and were over too quickly and skimpily. It was also left a bit vague as to a key event at the end . So given the problems I found, I would rate this a 3-star quite enjoyable read, but no higher.
April 16, 2017
"The Wine Of Angels" is so much longer than normal, that continuance must be an idea that arose later. Its density delayed mystery and action but interest and curiosity are strong. It takes 100 pages before Phil Rickman's unusual story enters the residence where haunting should occur. An apple orchard is the other site of enchantment, abduction, and a murder. I was disappointed that the mystical instances in the orchard and vicarage, though suspenseful, were minor and few. Characters did not speak with ancient trees or fairies, nor see ghosts. I hope this series quenches the drought of adult paranormal fare. Our protagonist is supposed to become an exorcist!
I love following a lady reverend raising a teenager. Merrily is healing from a cheating marriage and Jane from her Dad's death, that negated divorce. I had five-star anticipation and despite pacing, intended four stars to applaud the fruit of ambitious creativity. Three stars became the fair assessment when I found the conclusion abbreviated; after a deluge of detail in several places where we didn't need it. The end action was so rushed, I am unclear about which vehicle struck whom and why the characters were there! We were not even shown how one character escaped captivity, which should not be.
Psychology and logistics need to make sense within any fiction. Jane was young enough to absorb Merrily's calling. If we estimate 5 years from the seminary to placement, Jane would have been 10. Neither would emit religious-wincing curses and Jane would find morning prayers normal. Finally, we should have acquainted the songwriter before narration turned to him. It took chapters to see that he belongs. A cruel ex-bandmate was needless but Laurence's ex-girlfriend, despite being less visible, became pivotal belatedly; both oddities in keeping with this imbalanced but fascinating novel.
I love following a lady reverend raising a teenager. Merrily is healing from a cheating marriage and Jane from her Dad's death, that negated divorce. I had five-star anticipation and despite pacing, intended four stars to applaud the fruit of ambitious creativity. Three stars became the fair assessment when I found the conclusion abbreviated; after a deluge of detail in several places where we didn't need it. The end action was so rushed, I am unclear about which vehicle struck whom and why the characters were there! We were not even shown how one character escaped captivity, which should not be.
Psychology and logistics need to make sense within any fiction. Jane was young enough to absorb Merrily's calling. If we estimate 5 years from the seminary to placement, Jane would have been 10. Neither would emit religious-wincing curses and Jane would find morning prayers normal. Finally, we should have acquainted the songwriter before narration turned to him. It took chapters to see that he belongs. A cruel ex-bandmate was needless but Laurence's ex-girlfriend, despite being less visible, became pivotal belatedly; both oddities in keeping with this imbalanced but fascinating novel.
July 23, 2021
This is more a 4.5 or even a 4.75! :)
I love Phil Rickman. I first read Phil Rickman over twenty years ago. That book was Curfew (aka Crybbe) and I still have it. I love how he weaves British history with the supernatural and the contemporary. His books usually take place in small, sleepy, ancient English villages, the kinds of places you expect are probably pro-Brexit today. I especially love how thick his books are, the longer the better for savoring.
I had a dry spell before picking up this book, the first of a long series. It's about an Anglican minister who leaves London with her daughter to become the first female vicar in an English village. The village has competing dynamics similar to those in Curfew: the desire of some residents to go touristy while others want to hang on to their historical character. There is the sexism that Merrily must face because she is a woman still in a man's world. She also has a tense, but loving, relationship with her teenage daughter. This relationship felt real to me and I appreciated its inclusion.
Note that this was written in the 90s and there are a few small politically incorrect moments, but nothing to flip out about.
Essentially, the mystery boils down to what happened to a 17th century minister who killed himself in the apple orchard. A playwright who believes the minister was gay wants to stage a play about him in the church and this throws the village into an uproar that Merrily must navigate on her very first days.
I am so excited to have reencountered this writer and to find that he has tons of books I still have to read! :-0
I love Phil Rickman. I first read Phil Rickman over twenty years ago. That book was Curfew (aka Crybbe) and I still have it. I love how he weaves British history with the supernatural and the contemporary. His books usually take place in small, sleepy, ancient English villages, the kinds of places you expect are probably pro-Brexit today. I especially love how thick his books are, the longer the better for savoring.
I had a dry spell before picking up this book, the first of a long series. It's about an Anglican minister who leaves London with her daughter to become the first female vicar in an English village. The village has competing dynamics similar to those in Curfew: the desire of some residents to go touristy while others want to hang on to their historical character. There is the sexism that Merrily must face because she is a woman still in a man's world. She also has a tense, but loving, relationship with her teenage daughter. This relationship felt real to me and I appreciated its inclusion.
Note that this was written in the 90s and there are a few small politically incorrect moments, but nothing to flip out about.
Essentially, the mystery boils down to what happened to a 17th century minister who killed himself in the apple orchard. A playwright who believes the minister was gay wants to stage a play about him in the church and this throws the village into an uproar that Merrily must navigate on her very first days.
I am so excited to have reencountered this writer and to find that he has tons of books I still have to read! :-0
August 25, 2007
THE WINE OF ANGLES (Paranormal-England-Cont) - G
Rickman, Phil – 1st in series
Pan, 1999- Paperback
Rev. Merrily Watkins and her daughter, Jane, have come to Merrily's first parish in the small town of Ledwardine; a town whose history revolves around two families and the making of cider. Shortly after arriving, Merrily attends a wassailing where one of the citizens dies from gunshot. Merrily is beset with nightmares and the feeling there's literally more than can be seen and involves a persecution from centuries past.
*** I'm not certain why some feel the longer the book, the better the book. The story could have been tighter, but there were many strong points. The atmospheric details contribute strongly to the suspense and tension. Merrily and Jane are excellent characters with a realistic relationship that grows and develops with the story. There are interesting secondary characters who contribute strongly to the plot. Unfortunately there were times when the story seemed to lose its way and become rather plodding. I liked that the suspense didn't rely on clichés, but it was not all it could have been either. Still, there was enough to make me hope and read another in this series.
Rickman, Phil – 1st in series
Pan, 1999- Paperback
Rev. Merrily Watkins and her daughter, Jane, have come to Merrily's first parish in the small town of Ledwardine; a town whose history revolves around two families and the making of cider. Shortly after arriving, Merrily attends a wassailing where one of the citizens dies from gunshot. Merrily is beset with nightmares and the feeling there's literally more than can be seen and involves a persecution from centuries past.
*** I'm not certain why some feel the longer the book, the better the book. The story could have been tighter, but there were many strong points. The atmospheric details contribute strongly to the suspense and tension. Merrily and Jane are excellent characters with a realistic relationship that grows and develops with the story. There are interesting secondary characters who contribute strongly to the plot. Unfortunately there were times when the story seemed to lose its way and become rather plodding. I liked that the suspense didn't rely on clichés, but it was not all it could have been either. Still, there was enough to make me hope and read another in this series.
July 10, 2015
I was utterly bored at the start of this, I really didn't think I would finish it. Too wordy, too much background that ended up not having much to do with what the ending was and whatever else that was presently going on could have been left out. 589 pages? Totally unnecessary!
But then Jane caught my attention and I felt I could actually finish. Her storyline was much more interesting and really had the whole book been about her, it would have been much more satisfying!
With the last few chapters Rickman turned up the heat and the story was finally so absorbing I couldn't read fast enough and then BAM! Lame-ish ending! WHAT? Rickman could have spent more time on what actually happened and the aftermath.
I was disappointed that all that crap I had to read to get to the end then it wasn't expounded upon enough.
I have to rate this a 2-( its just OK) and that just because of the last few chapters!
But then Jane caught my attention and I felt I could actually finish. Her storyline was much more interesting and really had the whole book been about her, it would have been much more satisfying!
With the last few chapters Rickman turned up the heat and the story was finally so absorbing I couldn't read fast enough and then BAM! Lame-ish ending! WHAT? Rickman could have spent more time on what actually happened and the aftermath.
I was disappointed that all that crap I had to read to get to the end then it wasn't expounded upon enough.
I have to rate this a 2-( its just OK) and that just because of the last few chapters!
February 19, 2016
I read this book as part of the England by Counties Group and in an effort to discover new authors. It was very detailed and unbalanced. The first 2/3rds of the book was really slow then, after nearly giving up several times, things started to happen and the end was rushed. Sadly an unsatisfying read which was only saved by the fact that something did actually happen at the end of the story. Doubt very much I will be reading more in this series. Wish I could have enjoyed it like most of the other reviewers.
December 18, 2020
Creepy English villages with damned English caste system of people who've done evil deeds for generations and gotten away with it - and the evilness perpetrated on women and girls, of course. Plus, of course, spooky almost-ghosts. Or are they real?
Sometimes, I did wish the book's editors had told the author to push it along already, but essentially, the book is a very compelling read. I'm looking forward to book 2.
Sometimes, I did wish the book's editors had told the author to push it along already, but essentially, the book is a very compelling read. I'm looking forward to book 2.
June 28, 2022
One of Rickman’s best. It has the Rickman hallmark atmospheric quality, Reverend Merrily Watkins, and a village with a ghostly quietude. The plot (no need to go into details: murders-ghosts-exorcism in a remote village with a past) is absolutely delightful, very well peopled and paced. The resolution of the mystery and the end is satisfying. This is the best book for anyone looking for atmospheric, silent, cold mysteries in on a lonely fall-winter evening or night with a drizzle.
March 25, 2017
This the first Merrily Watkins mystery I've read and it was great. Well written, with detailed characterizations, it's a perfect Evil-in-an-English-Village creepy mystery.
October 18, 2015
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, I am a great fan of Phil Rickman and I have just watched the dramatization of Midwinter Of The Spirit on T.V. which was excellent!
Merrily Watkins is a widow with a teenaged daughter. She is also a vicar and not just an ordinary one but a Deliverance minister, a more modern name for an exorcist. After being ordained as a minister she is given her first parish in Liverpool where she learns to deal with many difficult inner city problems. This however does not prepare her for her second parish in the village of Ledwardine in Herefordshire. Her new parishioners are entirely different, suspicious of having a female minister and many of them very set in their ways, very superstitious and believe in the old country lore. There is definitely an atmosphere of evil and after a series of dreadful events Merrily is called upon to use her skills as a Deliverance minister. She and her daughter are threatened and there is a real fear for their lives.
A great read.
Merrily Watkins is a widow with a teenaged daughter. She is also a vicar and not just an ordinary one but a Deliverance minister, a more modern name for an exorcist. After being ordained as a minister she is given her first parish in Liverpool where she learns to deal with many difficult inner city problems. This however does not prepare her for her second parish in the village of Ledwardine in Herefordshire. Her new parishioners are entirely different, suspicious of having a female minister and many of them very set in their ways, very superstitious and believe in the old country lore. There is definitely an atmosphere of evil and after a series of dreadful events Merrily is called upon to use her skills as a Deliverance minister. She and her daughter are threatened and there is a real fear for their lives.
A great read.
January 5, 2014
I had really hoped to like this, as it seemed concerned with something I am very fond of, the weight of the past upon the present and how it shapes places and people. But I could not believe the characters, Merrily in particular; she does not seem like someone who has faith, I could not find the frame of belief in the way she approaches the world, and so her choices seemed more and more haphazard. More than that, however, I felt that Rickman did not trust me as a reader; he establishes certain dynamics, but then rather than building upon them he repeats, over and over, as though he thinks they might have been forgotten or misunderstood. I should have thought more of it had it been tighter, and more concerned with nuance -- perhaps, really, if it had been the same book but not trying to write within a genre which demands certain set-pieces.
May 5, 2021
“Tears are the Wine of Angels ...
the best ... to quench the devil’s fires.”
Merrily Watkins arrives in the town of Ledwardine in Herefordshire with her 15 year old daughter Jane to be the new Priest-in-charge of the local Ledwardine church. Her arrival inflames an already ongoing clash between the local people and those who are newcomers. A request is made to use the church as the site to put on a play to illustrate a lesser known aspect of local history - the story of Wil Williams a vicar from 1670 who was found hanged in an apple orchard.
Merrily finds herself struggling with her own past and the effect the new vicarage has upon her haunting her dreams. Her daughter has her own struggles to fit in and becomes friendly with a local woman Lucy Devenish who knows a great deal about the historical significance of the orchard.
*
I was interested in reading this as I had watched the TV mini series based on the 2nd book in the series Midwinter of the Spirit which I had enjoyed. I found the story slow getting started but that is not unusual with a new series as you need to establish the characters and the world they inhabit so a lot of time is spent introducing us to the characters and the village and the traditions versus the past. I think my expectations were of a story that would be a bit more paranormal and spooky but to me this was more of a mystery and a psychological thriller and I was a little disappointed as I had wanted something different from the mysteries I often read.
However, I did enjoy the journey and I found it an easy read and zipped through it quicker than I normally would for a book this length. I was not really sure I really liked the style enough to want to explore further but maybe I am being a bit unfair being a first in the series as I did like the characters and I am curious to see what will lie ahead for them.
the best ... to quench the devil’s fires.”
Merrily Watkins arrives in the town of Ledwardine in Herefordshire with her 15 year old daughter Jane to be the new Priest-in-charge of the local Ledwardine church. Her arrival inflames an already ongoing clash between the local people and those who are newcomers. A request is made to use the church as the site to put on a play to illustrate a lesser known aspect of local history - the story of Wil Williams a vicar from 1670 who was found hanged in an apple orchard.
Merrily finds herself struggling with her own past and the effect the new vicarage has upon her haunting her dreams. Her daughter has her own struggles to fit in and becomes friendly with a local woman Lucy Devenish who knows a great deal about the historical significance of the orchard.
*
I was interested in reading this as I had watched the TV mini series based on the 2nd book in the series Midwinter of the Spirit which I had enjoyed. I found the story slow getting started but that is not unusual with a new series as you need to establish the characters and the world they inhabit so a lot of time is spent introducing us to the characters and the village and the traditions versus the past. I think my expectations were of a story that would be a bit more paranormal and spooky but to me this was more of a mystery and a psychological thriller and I was a little disappointed as I had wanted something different from the mysteries I often read.
However, I did enjoy the journey and I found it an easy read and zipped through it quicker than I normally would for a book this length. I was not really sure I really liked the style enough to want to explore further but maybe I am being a bit unfair being a first in the series as I did like the characters and I am curious to see what will lie ahead for them.
December 16, 2020
I am still not entirely sure what I think of this book. Overall, I enjoyed the book. Even though it is quite long, I never really thought it dragged, and I enjoyed reading the story. It did take quite a bit (about half of the book?) to get to the point where I didn't want to put it down though.
I was a bit alarmed that this might have a huge supernatural component, but it was well done and reasonably believable.
Looking forward to reading another.
I was a bit alarmed that this might have a huge supernatural component, but it was well done and reasonably believable.
Looking forward to reading another.
July 13, 2017
Just finished it, and I must say that I feel I've thrown away a day's worth of reading. It started out very promising, with a nice, incisive portrait of small town life. By the middle of the novel, I was growing increasingly uncomfortable with the way the author was portraying the two main female characters, as well as the supporting female characters. Another customer review used the word "misogynistic." I think Rickman would disagree, but I don't. Two intelligent, well educated women who conveniently don't talk to each other for the first two thirds of the book for no other reason than a plot device is, I think, inherently dishonest at best. At worst, it lends credence to the view that women are such silly creatures, needlessly keeping secrets from each other, but still they're more in tune with the earth and the cycle of nature, so of course they're both psychic. Jesus wept.
The actual plot doesn't get going until the above noted 70% point. Then, in the last chapter, .... well, no spoilers, but it ends abruptly.
Note to heterosexual women readers: You ever been with a guy who thinks he's really great in the sack, but can't seem to find the little man in the boat? And then when he does, can't seem to figure out what he's supposed to do, but by God, he's going to keep at it forever, so you fake it? And then he's on top of you and done in less than five minutes? Yeah, that's what this novel was like.
The actual plot doesn't get going until the above noted 70% point. Then, in the last chapter, .... well, no spoilers, but it ends abruptly.
Note to heterosexual women readers: You ever been with a guy who thinks he's really great in the sack, but can't seem to find the little man in the boat? And then when he does, can't seem to figure out what he's supposed to do, but by God, he's going to keep at it forever, so you fake it? And then he's on top of you and done in less than five minutes? Yeah, that's what this novel was like.
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