The Secrets of Pain

We've not told you much about Phil Rickman's books yet, though there is a recent review of  To Dream of the Dead in our REVIEWS section. Here we fill the gap. (No, that's not what the Welsh call him)

The Secrets of Pain by Phil Rickman

Hardback at £18.99 
Those of you who have not come across this author's unusual pairing of country hating Scouse detective, Francis Bliss, and his real heroine, vicar/exorcist, Merrily Watkins, have missed a treat.

The ongoing conflict between established villagers and newcomers and between country folk and town folk, are central to his books, as is his evident concern for small town life. Despite being set across the border in Hereford, these themes will resonate with people in The Cotswolds. However, it is to be hoped that the mixture of crime and the almost supernatural elements of his plots are not quite so familiar to local residents.

His latest and best novel uses the extreme training methods of the SAS and their misuse as a constant threat hanging over Merrily and her daughter. However, the cruelty of cock-fighting gangs may not be a red herring and the creepily insane (or possessed?) are not to be ignored. There is tension from the first page as two of his characters battle their way through a violent winter storm only to witness horror in the snow and this tension hardly lets up through the entire book.

Well written and carefully plotted with moments of comedy to relieve the tension, this book is full of great characters and is gripping throughout. It also gives great value for its page count as well as for its quality (This new hardback runs to nearly 600 pages). 

First rate.

To Dream of the Dead

To Dream of the Dead

by Phil Rickman

Paperback at £7.99 (£5.99 with us)

This book is so good that, although it was published nearly three years ago, we felt we had to let you know about it. It is actually the tenth in the ‘Merrily Watkins’ series of crime novels but the author himself called in with it so I had an opportunity to read it before ordering some for the shop.

Though it is set in ‘Lewardine’ near Hereford, much of the subject matter could just as well apply to Moreton-in-Marsh. As in Moreton, local shops are under great pressure from super-markets and the inter-net. As in Moreton, there is argument as to the advantages or otherwise of a large new housing project. As in many of our surrounding villages, schools are closing while house prices force youngsters away from the area. And the plot unfolds during a heavy and continuous downpour which results in a flood, trapping people in the town.

After the discovery of the first murder victim, the author produces an increasingly claustrophobic atmosphere as the flood water rises and isolates the small market town. Vicar (and exorcist) Merrily Watkins, her Pagan teenage daughter, and their friend DI Francis Bliss, are central to much of the plot and the teasing out of clues. All three are totally convincing characters and I particularly liked the typical wit of Scouser Bliss. The plot is involving throughout and there are many twists and turns as the three gradually close in on the truth, each supplying part of the big picture. There are enough suspects for two novels, very believable minor characters and the author writes with passion about the demise of his small town and the way of the world. It is clever and complex but always entertaining and there are enough cliff-hangers to keep you reading. There are also surprises along the way and perhaps more than one moment that will make your hair stand on end.

I cannot remember a crime novel I have enjoyed more.

Samuel Lake and Phil Rickman

There is a book due in September that is sure to be my favourite children's book of 2011. Perhaps a few of you can work out what that will be?

However, I think I have already read my favourite adult book of the year in February. It was a proof copy so I cannot quote from it or show a jacket but I can let slip the title. Published in July, 'The Homecoming of Samuel Lake' is a superb novel that you will want to read more than once and to tell all your friends about. I'll come up with a review nearer the date but meantime, note the title.

Another review we'll put on the blog soon is for Phil Rickman's 'To Dream of the Dead'. Not only is this detective novel a good read, but it could easily have been set in Moreton in Marsh, rather than near Hereford, as much of the background could apply to our town. Disputes about new housing projects, small shops versus supermarkets, even a deluge that threatens to flood the town. However, Moreton-in-Marsh does not have a Merrily Watkins, vicar and amateur detective nor a very gruesome murder.

We hope to have a special price on this book soon and may, perhaps, see if we can entice Phil over from Hereford for a signing.