Candlenight

Thanks I will keep my eyes peeled. I like a good read

a big fan of Phil Rickman's books. I have read the early ones - candlenight, man in the moss etc but much prefer the Merrily Watkins books which are more character driven and less gothic horror.
I may be biased but I live in the area he describes in these (welsh borders/herefordshire) so can identify with both place and character.
the paperbacks can be picked up quite cheaply on Amazon and the like (other booksellers are available )
not only that - the MW books are BIG (400 pages at least) so a very good read.

Read reviews on Amazon and have ordered the first 3 of Merrily Watkins - so looking forward to reading them. Will keep eye out in charity shops though, my favourite place for buying books.

I haven't seen the Merrily Watkins books as yet, but since I want to read all the books I shall be looking out for them. Thought that Candlenight would make a really good film or tv series.

mollie65 is your village a bit sinister?

Love Phil Rickman! He also writes as Will Kingdom so you can get those as well, roses! And the Merrily Watkins ones are accurate about locations so you can wander about the Welsh Marches looking at stuff.

rosesarered - I hope not my favourite book is the one on Ludlow 'the smile of a ghost' - lived there for a while so I know the town well.
recommend anyone starting on MW begins with the first - 'prayer of the night shepherd' - I didn't as I came in somewhat sideways with whatever was in the local library but have now purchased all the series (with the exception of the 'magus of hay' (his latest) which is a bit pricey) and will read in the correct order in a year or so.
not everyone likes them - but I find the characters and setting so well drawn and he writes from what is obviously a lot of research. Gomer Parry reminds me of my late father - same swear words and vocabulary

sorry - the first one is 'the wine of angels'

My three are due to arrive tomorrow, just in time for my Jolly in Dorset next week.

Thanks mollie and everyone for all the info!I heard [only this week] that Will Kingdom was his other writing name , and remembered reading one years ago called Mean Spirit which was rather good.I shall get Wine Of Angels for my Kindle.Isn't it great when you get a new pile of books to read that you're looking forward to, or the same [sort of] on my Kindle; I gloat over them!It's like having a full pantry and fridge.Gomer Parry is the tractor driver[ and earth moving machinery] bod isn't he?
I have been to Ludlow a couple of times, it's lovely and feels so very old I can imagine it being a bit creepy after dark.So, hands up, who lives in a village like Crybbe?

Thank you for the recommendations - I have duly downloaded 3 and can't wait to give them a try! I like the analogy with the full pantry. Off for an early night I think