The Remains of an Altar
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Review
Compassionate, original and sharply contemporary. Rickman's crime series is one of the best around - Spectator
First rate. A passionate, flawed modern woman, every bit as concerned with the intricacies of crime as with demons that go bump in the night - Daily Mail
Probably his best book - Sunday Telegraph
First rate. A passionate, flawed modern woman, every bit as concerned with the intricacies of crime as with demons that go bump in the night - Daily Mail
Probably his best book - Sunday Telegraph
Daily Mail
First rate. A passionate, flawed modern woman, every bit as
concerned with the intricacies of crime as with demons that go bump in the
night
concerned with the intricacies of crime as with demons that go bump in the
night
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
29 of 29 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
That's the truth--I've never read a bad book by Phil Rickman, even when he was writing traditional horror stories. Since he's started the Merrily Watkins mystery series, the books get better and better. This one starts slowly, builds up tension, and ends with a stunning climax. There is a supernatural element for those who like it and an engrossing mystery, but the book is essentially character-driven, with the spirit of Edward Elgar tying everything together.
Mr. Rickman's ability to weave earth magic, the possibility of a ghost, the difficulty of faith, and the concreteness of daily life is masterful.
Mr. Rickman's ability to weave earth magic, the possibility of a ghost, the difficulty of faith, and the concreteness of daily life is masterful.
19 of 19 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
It's very difficult to find anything to fault with the Merrily series, and it's impressive that Phil seems to be able to maintain the character-driven intensity of his protaganists so far into the run. Merrily, Jane and Lol are stunningly three dimensional, and, coupled with Phil Rickman's unmatched dialogue, they are brought into the "high definition", making their lives, loves and fears all the more vivid.
Remains of an Altar probably won't surprise any fan of the series, but is also rich and accessible to newcomers (those from "off"). Those wishing for the Celtic goth-horror of the earler novels will be disappointed. Instead, Phil Rickman treats us to a little light around the edges of the door, a muslim shroud of the unexplained which is far more unsettling for its lack of definition and it's everyday nature. Again, the story is rich in geographical and historical detail, but rather than paint a gold-tinted haywain a la Constable, this book in particular pays close attention to the rawness of country life, and the brutal elements lurking within the summer hills like worms in cider apples.
Highly recommended
Remains of an Altar probably won't surprise any fan of the series, but is also rich and accessible to newcomers (those from "off"). Those wishing for the Celtic goth-horror of the earler novels will be disappointed. Instead, Phil Rickman treats us to a little light around the edges of the door, a muslim shroud of the unexplained which is far more unsettling for its lack of definition and it's everyday nature. Again, the story is rich in geographical and historical detail, but rather than paint a gold-tinted haywain a la Constable, this book in particular pays close attention to the rawness of country life, and the brutal elements lurking within the summer hills like worms in cider apples.
Highly recommended
14 of 14 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
the latest in the Merrily Watkins series is primarily set in around the Malvern Hills where allegedly paranormal normal happenings - a ghostly bike rider seemingly causing drivers to have accidents - and more secular problemss - a local pub has become a venue for music and perhaps other nefarious goings-on. Merrily, comes in to investigate the sightings of the bike rider and finds herself embroiled in local discord, a local vicar who let's her face the situation on her own - and a local composer/choir master and Elgar fanatasist. Meanwhile, back in Ledwardine Jane, Eirion, Lol and Gomer are up against a County Councillor involved in the proposed building of new houses in a local field that may or may not have spiritual significence for the village. As usual, you can rely on Phil Rickman to weave a tale that slowly draws you in and then ensnares you. His use of narrative to make characters real is second to none. For regular readers the themes found in previous books are at the forefront of this novel and they wont be disappointed!
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
mystical, social & psychological intrigue leading to a crescendo of...
I was fascinated to find so many disparate elements drawn together in this story: horror, religion, New Age mysticism, violence, English landscape,classical music,ghost haunting... Read more
Published 10 days ago by S. Robinson
Another great read from Rickman.....
It took me a while to get into this one, having said that, think it is one of his best! Fascinating storyline involving Elgar and unexpected ending. Read more
Published 8 months ago by Anna Biggs
My least favourite Merrily book, but still SUPERB.
This is my least favourite of the Merrily books, so it's proof of the high standard of Phil's writing, that I still don't hesitate to give it FIVE STARS. Read more
Published 9 months ago by Caitlin Sagan
Mundane Horror
I have had a soft spot for Phil Rickman for many years. His early novels like Candle Night, Crybbe and The Man In The Moss were excellent. Read more
Published 19 months ago by Colin Leslie
Elgar and ghosts
Merrily Watkins - Deliverance Consultant to the Diocese of Hereford - is asked to visit a small village where a stretch of road has been the scene of several accidents, some fatal. Read more
Published 22 months ago by Damaskcat
Another Rickman Goodie
So much has already been written on the plot of this that I won't bore anyone by repeating it.
Rickman is a rare treat as he always comes up with the goods and this book is no... Read more
Rickman is a rare treat as he always comes up with the goods and this book is no... Read more
Published on 1 Feb 2009 by Readalot
And the sky is still there as well
It's been a constant in the Merrily Watkins series, unlike some of Mr Rickman's other excellent books, that the supernatural elements take place largely in the background of... Read more
Published on 15 April 2008 by Zander Nyrond
Worst Merrily Yet
This is the worst Merrily mystery I've read. All the previous ones have had solid supernatural / exorcism content which made them interesting. This one had zero. Read more
Published on 2 April 2008 by Harsh Critic
Another classic enhanced by the reader
Well done, Mr Rickman. Yet another gripping tale.
This time I would also like to compliment the reader, Julie Maisey. Read more
This time I would also like to compliment the reader, Julie Maisey. Read more
Published on 2 Feb 2008 by Ms. Catherine Hamilton
Time to give Merrily a holiday......
I am a huge fan of Phil Rickman and have enjoyed the Merrily Watkins series of books, but this was dull stuff. Read more
Published on 20 Jan 2008 by Celtia
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