Picture a British storyteller who weaves eerie mysteries with a dash of humor, set in the misty Welsh borders—meet Phil Rickman! Born in Lancashire, this master of supernatural fiction has captivated readers with his Merrily Watkins series, blending crime, folklore, and the paranormal. From his journalism roots to crafting novels that echo Stephen King, Rickman’s tales are as haunting as they are heartfelt.
The Making of Phil Rickman
Phil Rickman, born on March 6, 1950, in Lancashire, England, started as a journalist, reporting for BBC World Service TV and BBC Radio 4. His knack for storytelling shone early, fueled by a love for mysteries and spy stories. A documentary on English settlers in Wales won him a journalism award in 1987, but fiction called louder. In 1991, his debut novel, Candlenight, launched his career, blending Celtic magic with suspense.
Settling in the Welsh Marches, Rickman found inspiration in the region’s ancient landscapes—tumuli, castle mounds, and old stones. His wife, Carol, a former journalist, became his editor, and together they crafted stories from their farmhouse near Hay-on-Wye. Rickman’s meticulous research into folklore and religion ensured his supernatural tales felt authentic.
Phil Rickman’s Unforgettable Stories
Rickman’s Merrily Watkins series, starting with The Wine of Angels in 1998, is his crown jewel. The series follows Merrily, a chain-smoking Anglican priest and exorcist, navigating murders and paranormal phenomena in rural Herefordshire. With over 350,000 copies sold, the series’ blend of crime, humor, and supernatural intrigue has drawn comparisons to Stephen King. Midwinter of the Spirit, the second book, became a 2015 ITV miniseries starring Anna Maxwell Martin.
Beyond Merrily, Rickman explored historical mysteries with the John Dee Papers, starting with The Bones of Avalon in 2010. These novels feature the Elizabethan astrologer Dr. John Dee, delving into Tudor intrigue and the occult. Standalone works like Candlenight and Crybbe (retitled Curfew in the U.S.) showcase his early horror roots, rich with Welsh mythology and rural charm.
Rickman’s style is grounded yet thrilling, weaving folklore, religion, and human flaws into narratives that feel real. His settings—sleepy villages with dark secrets—pulse with authenticity, thanks to his journalism-honed eye for detail. He also dabbled in music, co-writing albums inspired by his novels, like Songs from Lucy’s Cottage.
Why Phil Rickman Matters
Phil Rickman’s work transcends genre, blending crime, horror, and history into ‘spiritual procedurals’ that explore faith, community, and the unknown. His Merrily Watkins series redefined clerical sleuths, offering a female exorcist who’s relatable yet extraordinary. Fans adore his rich casts, from gruff Gomer Parry to troubled Lol Robinson, and his ability to make the supernatural credible.
Despite a stroke in 2018, Rickman’s legacy endures. His final Merrily novel, The Echo of Crows, set for 2025, promises more haunting tales. Adapted for TV and celebrated by readers worldwide, Rickman’s stories have left an indelible mark on supernatural fiction, proving small villages can hide big mysteries.
- Born: March 6, 1950, in Lancashire, England
- Key Works: Merrily Watkins series, John Dee Papers, Candlenight
- Notable: Hosted BBC Radio Wales’ Phil the Shelf until 2022
- Award: Wales Current Event Affair Reporter of the Year (1987)
About Phil Rickman
Snag The Wine of Angels and dive into Phil Rickman’s spellbinding world of mystery and the supernatural!