Candlenight

Phil Rickman’s Candlenight presents a supernatural thriller set in a remote Welsh mountain village. The narrative follows Bethan, a schoolteacher who views local superstitions as primitive. She welcomes London journalist Giles Freeman and his wife Claire to their new home, hoping for fresh perspectives. The Freemans ignore warnings about the harsh landscape and its ancient pagan secrets. They become entangled in traditions involving corpse-candles, phantom funerals, and the bird of death. Rickman, known for his work in gothic fiction, explores the clash between modern sophistication and rural isolation. The story reveals how these communities hide bloody histories that persist into the present day. This book suits readers who enjoy atmospheric tales of rural horror and cultural conflict. It may not appeal to those seeking fast-paced action or urban settings. The narrative focuses on the insidious nature of old beliefs and their lingering power over new arrivals. Rickman draws on Welsh folklore to create a sense of dread that permeates the social fabric. The plot unfolds through the experiences of the newcomers as they uncover the village's dark past. The tension builds as the Freemans realize they have danced on the edge of an abyss. Their desire to absorb the culture leads them into a trap from which there is no easy escape. The author’s background in supernatural fiction informs the eerie tone and detailed depiction of local customs.