🕯️ Supernatural

Friends of the Dusk: Volume 14

✍️ Phil Rickman
Reader Score
4.5
(1 review)
$29.95
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📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

Merrily Watkins faces a bishop's reforms and a supernatural threat in Herefordshire.

Rickman constructs a mystery where administrative change intersects with spiritual danger. Merrily Watkins works as an exorcist in a region defined by its haunting landscapes. When construction work exposes old remains, she encounters resistance from church leadership eager to update their methods. The investigation leads her to a centuries-old dwelling where hidden histories of abuse surface. She must determine if the disturbances are natural or supernatural while defending her role within the diocese. The narrative explores how past sins resurface to challenge present beliefs.

Key Themes
diocesan exorcism ancient legends ecclesiastical reform
Literary Context

The story is set in Herefordshire and the Welsh Borders, regions known for their historic churches and rugged terrain. The narrative engages with the tension between traditional Catholic practices and modern institutional changes within the Church during the mid-2010s.

Difficulty
●● Medium
Recommended For Fans Of
M.R. James · Daphne du Maurier · Clive Barker
🕯️
Supernatural
🏛 Corvus 📅 2016 📖 460 pages 🌐 English 📔 Hardcover ISBN: 9781782396949

📝 Description: Friends of the Dusk: Volume 14

Phil Rickman brings his expertise in ecclesiastical mystery to this volume featuring Merrily Watkins, a diocesan exorcist. The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of Herefordshire and the Welsh Borders, where autumn storms reveal ancient bones on Castle Green. This discovery triggers a conflict for Merrily as a new bishop attempts to modernize the Church by eliminating archaic rituals like exorcism. She must investigate disturbing occurrences in a remote, historic house while grappling with her own faith. The story draws upon ancient legends and local history to weave a tale of insidious abuse linked to a malevolent force. Merrily navigates the tension between modern administrative changes and supernatural threats that refuse to remain buried. The plot requires her to confront both external darkness and internal doubts about the foundations of her religious practice. This book suits readers who enjoy atmospheric supernatural fiction rooted in specific geographic and religious traditions. It appeals to those interested in the clash between institutional reform and ancient practices. Readers seeking fast-paced action or non-religious horror may find the focus on ecclesiastical politics and faith-based conflict less engaging. The narrative remains grounded in the specific landscape of the Welsh Borders and the personal stakes of its protagonist.

💎 Our verdict on Friends of the Dusk: Volume 14

“
🩸
Horror Reads editorial team
Horror desk
Rickman effectively constructs a mystery where administrative change intersects with spiritual danger, utilizing the haunting landscapes of Herefordshire to enhance the mood. The narrative successfully weaves ancient legends with local history to reveal insidious abuse linked to malevolent forces. Merrily Watkins serves as a grounded protagonist navigating both supernatural threats and bureaucratic resistance from church leadership. The story excels in exploring the tension between modernization and traditional rituals, offering a nuanced look at faith under pressure. It is best suited for readers who enjoy psychological and gothic horror elements tied to specific cultural contexts. Those preferring rapid plot progression might find the pace deliberate, but the atmospheric depth and thematic richness regarding institutional reform provide a satisfying experience for the intended audience.
✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers who appreciate atmospheric supernatural fiction grounded in specific religious traditions will find this volume compelling. It appeals to those interested in the complex clash between institutional reform and ancient, archaic practices. The narrative offers a thoughtful exploration of how past sins resurface to challenge present beliefs, providing intellectual depth alongside horror. Fans of ecclesiastical politics and faith-based conflict will engage with Merrily Watkins’ internal doubts and external threats. However, those seeking fast-paced action or non-religious horror may find the focus on administrative change less engaging. The book suits audiences wanting a slow-burn mystery rooted in landscape and history rather than immediate visceral thrills.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —

Reader rating

4.5
Based on 1 reviews
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Horror Reads editorial team

Rickman effectively constructs a mystery where administrative change intersects with spiritual danger, utilizing the haunting landscapes of Herefordshire to enhance the mood. The narrative successfully weaves ancient legends with local history to reveal insidious abuse linked to malevolent forces. Merrily Watkins serves as a grounded protagonist navigating both supernatural threats and bureaucratic resistance from church leadership. The story excels in exploring the tension between modernization and traditional rituals, offering a nuanced look at faith under pressure. It is best suited for readers who enjoy psychological and gothic horror elements tied to specific cultural contexts. Those preferring rapid plot progression might find the pace deliberate, but the atmospheric depth and thematic richness regarding institutional reform provide a satisfying experience for the intended audience.

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