Step into the eerie, enchanting world of Merrily Watkins, where ancient evils lurk in the shadows of a quaint English village! Phil Rickman’s Merrily Watkins series is a spellbinding blend of supernatural mystery, Gothic horror, and religious drama. Centered on a chain-smoking Anglican priest and single mother turned exorcist, this series delivers chills, heart, and a richly atmospheric setting that keeps readers hooked.
In the picturesque yet haunting town of Ledwardine, near the Welsh border, Merrily navigates paranormal disturbances, skeptical locals, and her own wavering faith. With her rebellious teenage daughter, Jane, by her side, Merrily’s journey is as much about personal struggles as it is about battling malevolent forces. If you love stories that weave human flaws with otherworldly suspense, this series is your next obsession.
How Merrily Watkins Began
Phil Rickman, a former BBC journalist with a passion for folklore and the supernatural, introduced Merrily Watkins in 1998 with The Wine of Angels. Inspired by the mysticism of the Welsh border and the real-life role of Anglican deliverance ministers, Rickman crafted a unique protagonist: a female vicar grappling with the paranormal. His research into church practices and local legends gave the series its authentic, grounded feel, despite its otherworldly elements. Rickman, who passed away in 2024, rejected the horror label, preferring to call his work ‘spiritual procedurals’—a fitting term for Merrily’s investigative adventures.
The Heart of Merrily Watkins
The series spans 17 books, each plunging Merrily into chilling mysteries. The Wine of Angels (1998) introduces Ledwardine, where a ghostly poet and a sinister apple orchard set the stage for Merrily’s arrival. In Midwinter of the Spirit (1999), Merrily becomes the diocese’s Deliverance Consultant, facing possession and satanism in Hereford Cathedral. A Crown of Lights (2001) explores pagan-Christian tensions, while The Fever of the World (2022) weaves Wordsworth’s poetry into a haunting tale of the Wye Valley.
Rickman’s stories blend Gothic atmosphere with psychological depth, set against a backdrop of ancient stones, pagan rituals, and cursed landscapes. Themes of faith, doubt, and the clash between old traditions and modern life resonate throughout. Merrily’s flaws—her cigarette addiction, her struggles as a mother, and her battles with patriarchal church figures—make her relatable, while the supernatural elements, often ambiguous, keep you guessing. Ledwardine itself feels alive, its cobbled streets and timber-framed houses hiding secrets that span centuries.
Why Merrily Watkins Resonates
The Merrily Watkins series has carved a niche in supernatural fiction, appealing to fans of mystery and folk horror alike. Its ITV adaptation, Midwinter of the Spirit (2015), brought Merrily to a wider audience, with Anna Maxwell-Martin capturing her gritty charm. Readers praise Rickman’s ability to balance human malice with paranormal dread, creating stories that feel plausible yet terrifying. The series’ exploration of female leadership in a male-dominated church adds a timeless layer of social commentary.
Despite its cult status, the series’ loyal fanbase and critical acclaim—over 350,000 copies sold—prove its staying power. Its blend of spiritual intrigue and rural mystique continues to captivate, making it a hidden gem for those seeking something beyond typical horror.
- First Book: The Wine of Angels (1998)
- Total Books: 17, ending with The Echo of Crows (2024)
- Setting: Ledwardine, Herefordshire, near the Welsh border
- Adaptation: ITV’s Midwinter of the Spirit (2015)
Ready to unravel the mysteries of Ledwardine? Grab The Wine of Angels and dive into Merrily Watkins’s thrilling world of supernatural suspense!