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Now… could this have been because they’d recognised its obvious merits… or because the more expendable Midwinter would now go up against Episode 3 of what would be the year’s most successful (10 million viewers) BBC drama, Doctor Foster, saving the costly Unforgotten from the embarrassing possibility of, er, being rapidly forgotten? The Merrily Watkins series follows the protagonist as she tries to acclimate to life in a village that isn’t quite what it seems. I liked how the story started to develop abit more, and the different threads of history, folklore, magic, spirituality, social realities... Though one who knows the genre can probably guess the major twist as soon as they see the pieces set up, it was at least told in a way that seems like it is treating it as a twist. I was not surprised by it, and I guess that's also a part of the genre, yes?, to play by certain rules so the reader can feel clever. Another, sort of anti-twist, I found much more enlightening. Without spoilers I guess this seems like nonsense, but that's ok.
This book begins with the suicide of one of the oldest residents in town, which was very unexpected. The story then goes on to explain part of Ledwardine’s history, where Wil Williams, a 17th century priest was murdered and hanged for witchcraft. Stephen Adler- a homosexual actor obsessed with this event- then decides to produce a play about Wil William’s death with his partner. This doesn’t bode well with some of the old families, who are fearful about the secrets that will be unveiled with the staging of the play. She has also made a new friend at school, one that is as drawn to spiritualism as she is. Other Book Series You May Like We then get to see more about Jane when her friend Colette mysteriously disappears after claiming to see visions in an ancient apple orchid.The series focuses primarily on Merilly, she focuses on actual demons and her own personal demons. Trying to bring up her 16 year old daughter single handedly after the death of her husband who'd been having an affair. The Police call in Merilly to help with a Satantic killing and a world of nasties is opened up. The art of the novel is the question of relationships. Not so much marriage, though that is touched on as well, but romantic relationships and family relationships. There is Jane who not only faces a crisis of faith but also suffers through romantic problems with Irene as she worries about whether or not her mother is throwing away a relationship with Lol. Lol, Jane thinks, is spending too much time with a singer who really resembles Kate Bush. Unlike you,’ he [Bliss] said. ‘I’m norra doctor.’ His voice intensified. ‘And don’t you ever friggin’ dare repeat this to anybody. But I’d say she was also killed by Mrs Watkins.’ stuff that I couldn't unsee... stuff that I think was also to please and tease someone else/a more normative reader 😕
I really liked the atmosphere of the setting. It was dark and foreboding. I doubt I'll ever think of an apple orchard in quite the same way again. The meld of Paganism and Christianity added to the atmosphere. Having enrolled at a theology college, she started working as a curate in Liverpool, and then moved to Herefordshire, where she becomes the priest-in-charge in a country parish known as Ledwardine. She eventually becomes a Deliverance Consultant/exorcist. Jane, Watkins’ daughter, has an obsession with spiritualism. And it doesn’t take her long to find like-minded people at her school, kids that find the idea of spirits, and exorcists, and Satanism alluring. Merrily's daughter Jane still comes across as a stronger character... tho then suddenly vulnerable while intoxicated, and again the women are weaker/weakened 😕😬 I was losing interest, especially as the style kinda read/sounded like it was constantly in a bad mood 😆
What Is The Next Book in The Merrily Watkins Series?
Anthea White batting for the side of light for her little clergyperson and condescending that perhaps a blessing would not cause offense.
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