4.12
Part of "Merrily Watkins" series
Midwinter of the Spirit by Phil Rickman is a gripping and chilling supernatural thriller that is sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats. The novel is the first in Rickman's Merrily Watkins series, which features a female priest who serves as the Deliverance Consultant for the Diocese of Hereford in England. In this role, Merrily is responsible for investigating and dealing with cases of suspected supernatural activity. In Midwinter of the Spirit, Merrily is called upon to investigate a series of strange occurrences at a local priory. The priory, which has a long and troubled history, is said to be haunted by the ghost of a former prioress who was brutally murdered. As Merrily delves deeper into the case, she begins to uncover a web of secrets and lies that threaten to destroy the community. Rickman's writing is atmospheric and evocative, perfectly capturing the eerie and unsettling mood of the story. The characters are well-developed and believable, and the plot is fast-paced and full of twists and turns. Merrily is a strong and relatable protagonist, and readers will find themselves rooting for her as she battles against the forces of darkness. One of the strengths of Midwinter of the Spirit is the way that Rickman blends elements of the supernatural with real-world issues. The novel touches on themes such as abuse, addiction, and mental illness, and the way that these issues can be exacerbated by the pressures of religious institutions. Overall, Midwinter of the Spirit is a must-read for fans of supernatural thrillers. It is a gripping and suspenseful novel that will keep readers guessing until the very end. Highly recommended...
Eleanor Catton
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