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Merrily Watkins #10
To Dream of the Dead
The village of Ledwardine has never been flooded in living memory, but as the river continues to rise with December rains, within days it will be an island. Electricity has been cut and the church is serving as a temporary mortuary for two people who drowned. Only one man feels safe: an aggressively atheist author who has been moved—for his own safety—into a secluded house just outside the village. Meanwhile, archaeologists—assisted by Merrily Watkins’s teenage daughter, Jane—are at work unearthing an ancient row of standing stones that some people would prefer stay buried. The atheist’s temporary home is close to the site, and his young wife is becoming conspicuously agitated. Is it the fear of discovery? With the flood water washing up Church Lane towards the vicarage and the shop running out of cigarettes, it looks to be a cold and complex Christmas for Merrily Watkins.
528 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2008
47 people are currently reading
530 people want to read
About the author
Phil Rickman
59 books806 followersPhil Rickman, also known under the pen names Thom Madley and Will Kingdom, was a British author of supernatural and mystery novels.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
February 9, 2009
I wait every year for Rickman's new book and this one did not disappoint. Merrily Watkins, his parish priest/diocesan exorcist, is one of the great characters in modern British mystery fiction - open, wise without always knowing it, conflicted in many ways, and always looking for explanations, both natural and supernatural. Her daughter, Jane, is also a well-developed, beautifully written character and I always look forward to the ups and downs of her relationships with both her mother and her college-age beau, Eirion.
Even if you don't like the mystery/thriller/crime fiction genre, this series is worth a try - Rickman always blends interesting elements of history, archaeology, and religion (both orthodox and more esoteric) with a real sense of humanity and compassion for his characters. He is comparable in his sense of atmosphere to two other favorites - Robert Goddard and Val McDermid.
Even if you don't like the mystery/thriller/crime fiction genre, this series is worth a try - Rickman always blends interesting elements of history, archaeology, and religion (both orthodox and more esoteric) with a real sense of humanity and compassion for his characters. He is comparable in his sense of atmosphere to two other favorites - Robert Goddard and Val McDermid.
January 2, 2015
This one is set at Christmas, but if anything it’s even darker and more cynical than usual for this series. Plus Ledwardine is in danger of flooding, which cheers no one but does keep Gomer Parry pleasantly busy. (I still want a “Gomer Parry Plant Hire” t-shirt.)
The writing is as engaging as ever, but this is one of the weaker books. It’s also the first one where the woo began to interfere with my ability to enjoy the story - I can’t help but think that Jane’s spiritualism would in fact interfere with her ambition to be an archaeologist. Meanwhile Merrily behaves less and less like an Anglican priest. She’s even more passive than usual.
Still, it's great to spend time with these characters, and the pervading cynicism is redeemed somewhat by a surprise love affair that I enjoyed very much.
The writing is as engaging as ever, but this is one of the weaker books. It’s also the first one where the woo began to interfere with my ability to enjoy the story - I can’t help but think that Jane’s spiritualism would in fact interfere with her ambition to be an archaeologist. Meanwhile Merrily behaves less and less like an Anglican priest. She’s even more passive than usual.
Still, it's great to spend time with these characters, and the pervading cynicism is redeemed somewhat by a surprise love affair that I enjoyed very much.
November 21, 2014
I particularly liked this because he gets archaeology right! So often archeaological digs are portrayed inaccurately in fiction. Not only did this not make me cringe, I was punching the air as he showed how archaeology is organised today. All the information about the Dinedor Serpent/Rotherwas Ribbon is spot on.
He gets Herefordshire County Council spot on too! For a local, there are parts of this book that don't read as fiction at all, because they're all too recognisable from the real world of Herefordshire politics!
He gets Herefordshire County Council spot on too! For a local, there are parts of this book that don't read as fiction at all, because they're all too recognisable from the real world of Herefordshire politics!
May 18, 2011
I'm really enjoying this. I had forgotten how exciting it is to read a novel which gains in momentum; that builds one's interest and curiosity as it progresses. I'm 3/4 of the way in to the book and I am riveted!
I updated this, but obviously it didn't save! I really enjoyed this. He is a novelist that builds momentum, I became more enthralled by the storyline as I progressed. Loved it.
I updated this, but obviously it didn't save! I really enjoyed this. He is a novelist that builds momentum, I became more enthralled by the storyline as I progressed. Loved it.
September 21, 2023
The tenth book in the series sees the village of Ledwardine in danger of being flooded by the river due to the December rain. The awful weather coincides with the appearance of a TV crew whose show televises archaeological digs & it looks as if there may be some hope to save the buried ancient standing stones found by Jane. Meanwhile an infamous & controversial atheist mysteriously shows up in the village & rents the converted barn next to the dig field. Is this the perfect storm to uncover the hidden history of the village or a perfect nightmare for Merrily?
This is an odd one (& in this series that's more difficult than you think). There's really only the barest whiff of possible paranormal happenings & it's more about the dwindling role of religion in the UK's secular society & the poor state of archaeological funding. It's depressing to think that 15 years later, things are even worse in that sector. It never made sense to me why the powers that be would make developers responsible for paying for archaeological exploration of anything found whilst preparing a site, thereby costing them money & delaying the building work - it just always seem counterintuitive to me. I do appreciate the research the author does about the local area but wish that one day Merrily would stop being so passive, & that we get an actual haunting.
This is an odd one (& in this series that's more difficult than you think). There's really only the barest whiff of possible paranormal happenings & it's more about the dwindling role of religion in the UK's secular society & the poor state of archaeological funding. It's depressing to think that 15 years later, things are even worse in that sector. It never made sense to me why the powers that be would make developers responsible for paying for archaeological exploration of anything found whilst preparing a site, thereby costing them money & delaying the building work - it just always seem counterintuitive to me. I do appreciate the research the author does about the local area but wish that one day Merrily would stop being so passive, & that we get an actual haunting.
February 21, 2014
I have read several of the Merrily Watkins books. To be reading this one, which features flooding, in the early months of 2014, seemed appropriate.
The main impetus of the book is the excellent story, littered with twists and turns and surprises round many of the corners. That alone makes it worthwhile, but the way the author deals with the flood was an added bonus. People's 'it'll never happen here' and 'I'm staying put' atitudes were well drawn, giving an insight into the workings of the human psyche in this situation.
My only caveat with the Merrily Watkins stories, is that the characters all seem rather world-weary and negative. This is probably to be expected from the heroine (am I supposed to say hero? Not too good at pc!), considering her line of work. Jane has the potential for positive input, but I fear her youthful optimism is being worn away by 'life as it happens'. Is this totally inevitable?? I hope not!
The main impetus of the book is the excellent story, littered with twists and turns and surprises round many of the corners. That alone makes it worthwhile, but the way the author deals with the flood was an added bonus. People's 'it'll never happen here' and 'I'm staying put' atitudes were well drawn, giving an insight into the workings of the human psyche in this situation.
My only caveat with the Merrily Watkins stories, is that the characters all seem rather world-weary and negative. This is probably to be expected from the heroine (am I supposed to say hero? Not too good at pc!), considering her line of work. Jane has the potential for positive input, but I fear her youthful optimism is being worn away by 'life as it happens'. Is this totally inevitable?? I hope not!
October 16, 2019
I am a huge fan of this series anyway but this was one of the best ones I have read. I really really enjoyed it. Ledwardine village is facing floods and Merrily finds herself stuck when a confirmed atheist appears to be having some issues when he rents the barn next to Coleman’s meadow where in previous books standing stones have been found. Soon the village is complexly cut off and there is a killer loose. Frannie Bliss takes a bigger role when he seems to be losing the plot and taking all kinds of risks but there are a few surprises in store for him. A cracking good read from the master of “crime drama with a difference”
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April 4, 2013It usually takes me ages to read a Merrily Watkins book and by the end I've usually forgotten who is who! But this one I read quite quickly and I think this helped at the end. As usual there is hint of supernatural goings on but when you come down to it, it is usually just evil people trying to get what they want and the he'll with who gets hurt. Probably one of the most enjoyable Merrilys but I love them all!
June 16, 2010
I thought this book was a lot more involved that the earlier one I read in the series, the story is much more a murder mystery than a Deliverance one. It's almost Christmas and the village of Ledwardine is about to be cut off by floods, with a killer on the loose. Some great writing here, good descriptions again, interesting on the archeaology side as well.
September 15, 2018
Another good addition to the Merrily Watkins series of mysteries. I like the continued development of the characters, and how the plot threads interconnect with previous entries in the series. As always a compelling mixture of whodunit, folklore and good old fashioned melodrama.
September 7, 2022
4.5 stars.
This was great. I love this series as it successfully blends spirituality, folklore, crime, local history, archaeology and the supernatural.
This was great. I love this series as it successfully blends spirituality, folklore, crime, local history, archaeology and the supernatural.
April 30, 2018
To Dream of the Dead is book number 10 in the Merrily Watkins series and even though the series is up to its 10th book it doesn't disappoint.
This book centres around the murder of a prominent Council official, but what does the official have to do with the archaeological dig at Coleman's Meadow. When a prominent atheist moves into the village the mystery deepens.
I thought this was another great addition to the series. I really enjoyed the fact the complicated copper Frannie Bliss got a bigger role. The book was atmospheric and tense, the mystery was once again well plotted. Huge fan of these books and have already moved onto number 11.
This book centres around the murder of a prominent Council official, but what does the official have to do with the archaeological dig at Coleman's Meadow. When a prominent atheist moves into the village the mystery deepens.
I thought this was another great addition to the series. I really enjoyed the fact the complicated copper Frannie Bliss got a bigger role. The book was atmospheric and tense, the mystery was once again well plotted. Huge fan of these books and have already moved onto number 11.
March 3, 2018
Being trapped in the house due to unusually large amounts of snow gives small insight into what it must be like to be hemmed in by flood water. This book starts tense, then builds and builds as Christmas approaches. The darkness swirls around the village, making everyone desperate and giving small things a significance they might not deserve.
I am deeply attached to the characters Phil Rickman has created and felt like I was drowning in their fears and troubles, a very affecting book, well written and achingly dramatic.
I am deeply attached to the characters Phil Rickman has created and felt like I was drowning in their fears and troubles, a very affecting book, well written and achingly dramatic.
December 30, 2020
An especially timely read around Christmas 2020.
January 17, 2022
How does one review a mystery without giving anything away? Well, for starters I appear to be reading this series out of sequence, as I started with this one and so i will just make a few notes to be going on with. The book is written in an easy to follow style without too many digressions as the characters emerge and one finds that Rickman allows them to grow in your imagination rather than creating a police sketch with accompanying background essays and so the book is fairly easy to follow; we meet a scouse copper Frannie Bliss, Vicar Merrily Watkins and her new-agey pagan herbal tea drinking daughter Jane, Lol the Nick Drake inspired singer songwriter who shares an emotional bond with Merrily and a few other coppers, religious fanatics, Grauniad journo's and local types.
The story is set in the Welsh/English borderlands in the town of Ledwardine, Herefordshire, and concerns the discovery of neolithic earthworks which have caused a rift between the council which wants to build on it and those concerned with its historical importance. After a councilor is found murdered the story web begins to draw in all the characters and reminded me somewhat of the telly cop show Midsomer Murders and had me wondering if perhaps that series' writers were fans of Rickman's novels, although this is much better written. Much is made of the importance of ancient beliefs, earthworks, stone circles and henges and the link between the people of the British isles and the very land itself.
The book is a lot of fun and I read it over the weekend and am very keen to read more of the series but will start at the begining with Wine of Angels although I have already started reading Rickman's debut novel Crybbe, so Merrily will have to wait until i'm done with that one.
The story is set in the Welsh/English borderlands in the town of Ledwardine, Herefordshire, and concerns the discovery of neolithic earthworks which have caused a rift between the council which wants to build on it and those concerned with its historical importance. After a councilor is found murdered the story web begins to draw in all the characters and reminded me somewhat of the telly cop show Midsomer Murders and had me wondering if perhaps that series' writers were fans of Rickman's novels, although this is much better written. Much is made of the importance of ancient beliefs, earthworks, stone circles and henges and the link between the people of the British isles and the very land itself.
The book is a lot of fun and I read it over the weekend and am very keen to read more of the series but will start at the begining with Wine of Angels although I have already started reading Rickman's debut novel Crybbe, so Merrily will have to wait until i'm done with that one.
November 3, 2020
I love Rickman's writing and how he uses the different POVs of his three main characters. Bliss gives real texture to the piece - though one day it would be nice to meet a procedural cop who isn't broken or on some kind of course to self-destruction. I REALLY liked his 'relationship' with Annie Howe.
The occult element is, once more, implied and I think in this book even less specified than in previous Merrilys. I found it a bit odd that Lol's FINAL debut at the pub was largely missed by the main players - it sort of when on in the background which is a shame because he's one of my favourite characters and I was quite looking forward to an exploration of how he felt about how things went.
But, I guess, this wasn't really about him.
I 'read' this for the first time on audio books and was struck by how much of the plot is actually driven by dialogue. It made for a choppy listen - though the narrative was EXCELLENT - and I think the next one will be read in paperback form. Will make add to the collection!
I gave it a four star rather than five, because I was also struck with how bloomin' miserable everyone was. There didn't seem any light in it all. Then I got to thinking that maybe the others were similar.
I'll have to think about that one and maybe revisit some of his earlier stuff.
The occult element is, once more, implied and I think in this book even less specified than in previous Merrilys. I found it a bit odd that Lol's FINAL debut at the pub was largely missed by the main players - it sort of when on in the background which is a shame because he's one of my favourite characters and I was quite looking forward to an exploration of how he felt about how things went.
But, I guess, this wasn't really about him.
I 'read' this for the first time on audio books and was struck by how much of the plot is actually driven by dialogue. It made for a choppy listen - though the narrative was EXCELLENT - and I think the next one will be read in paperback form. Will make add to the collection!
I gave it a four star rather than five, because I was also struck with how bloomin' miserable everyone was. There didn't seem any light in it all. Then I got to thinking that maybe the others were similar.
I'll have to think about that one and maybe revisit some of his earlier stuff.
August 18, 2025
Ongoing yes ..
I am a 75 yr old Northern European immigrant in the US .. daughter of a Baptist Pastor dad and Pentecostal mom, fully exposed to both righteousness and emotional overwhelm that religion has to offer. No surprise I am a retired mental health professional. About 25 years ago I formally chose the Episcopal Church for its beauty .. music .. liturgical discipline and open hearted assumption that humanity is a mess. And God is. Is. Our present rector and friend in rural WV is Church of England, with history as a Jungian, also a dual British citizen ... And he recommended this series to me. I am laughingly honored by both his person reading skill, and shared respect for faith in the midst. Of anything ... There are 16 books so far in the series and I wish very good health to Phil Rickman so we can have more. Cheers !
I am a 75 yr old Northern European immigrant in the US .. daughter of a Baptist Pastor dad and Pentecostal mom, fully exposed to both righteousness and emotional overwhelm that religion has to offer. No surprise I am a retired mental health professional. About 25 years ago I formally chose the Episcopal Church for its beauty .. music .. liturgical discipline and open hearted assumption that humanity is a mess. And God is. Is. Our present rector and friend in rural WV is Church of England, with history as a Jungian, also a dual British citizen ... And he recommended this series to me. I am laughingly honored by both his person reading skill, and shared respect for faith in the midst. Of anything ... There are 16 books so far in the series and I wish very good health to Phil Rickman so we can have more. Cheers !
November 2, 2017
Really enjoyed this one. It was very, very atmospheric, even more that the others I think. I have read the Bryant and May books and they use the weather in just the same way so that it becomes a major character in the story.
I have to admit that there was a great deal of angst for the vicar and her little group of cronies, a great deal and I felt heartily sorry for her - However, on the upside she didn't borrow the darned duffle coat. Mind you there were the red wellies - then again I'm partial to a pair of wellies myself.
Yes, one the the best ones that I've read up to now of this series. Only thing is I think I have missed one out and I hate it when I do that.
I have to admit that there was a great deal of angst for the vicar and her little group of cronies, a great deal and I felt heartily sorry for her - However, on the upside she didn't borrow the darned duffle coat. Mind you there were the red wellies - then again I'm partial to a pair of wellies myself.
Yes, one the the best ones that I've read up to now of this series. Only thing is I think I have missed one out and I hate it when I do that.
January 10, 2023
A return to Merrily after a break, and what a return! The sense of impending doom as the floods rise, the intricate plots, following familiar and well-liked characters as they develop - it was fantastic. As usual, though, I didn't quite understand the full motivation of one of the main characters, as the denouement is a bit rushed, but it didn't really matter.
I live in a village that is being developed into a town against the residents' wishes, so I can really feel for Jane and co. While reading it I even rushed out to confront a tractor driver hacking at the hedge behind our garden, thinking this is what Jane would do!
One of the best in the series, I think.
I live in a village that is being developed into a town against the residents' wishes, so I can really feel for Jane and co. While reading it I even rushed out to confront a tractor driver hacking at the hedge behind our garden, thinking this is what Jane would do!
One of the best in the series, I think.
January 25, 2023
In the midst of reading this (where Herefordshire is under threat of flooding), I happened to turn the telly on when the local news was on. Imagine my surprise to find a roving reporter standing in Hereford talking about the flooding. Major brain disconnect!
Anyway, floods aside, this book was good. As I’m finding with all the Merrily books so far, it’s slow going initially, but I ended up racing through the last third.
I felt for Jane far more in this book than in previous books - she finally appears to be learning from her past mistakes, instead of rushing into things without any thought of consequences.
Anyway, floods aside, this book was good. As I’m finding with all the Merrily books so far, it’s slow going initially, but I ended up racing through the last third.
I felt for Jane far more in this book than in previous books - she finally appears to be learning from her past mistakes, instead of rushing into things without any thought of consequences.
January 15, 2024
Skipped a few in the series to get to this one, largely because I just couldn't get my hands on them, but here the village is being flooded, an archaeological dig is being televised, a notorious atheoist is in hiding, a head is discovered in some ruins and Merrily is sort of the glue that holds all these things together as the various plot threads develop. I confess I'm treating these as rather light very casual listens, even though they are quite dark and dour and a bit miserable, so I'm doing the equivalent of skimming bits, but it is very good and deserves better from me, but also I'm a rebel and nobody tells me what to do.
July 1, 2023
I savor these books, am taking my time reading through the series. Why? Because this series is an absolute delight to read. The book starts off setting up multiple story lines...then builds until it all comes together. Merrily and Lol, Jane and Irene, Frannie Bliss, Gomer...all return as Ledwardine village is hit with a flood, some spiritual dilemma, a bit of the supernatural...and more archaeological wonder, which always means I spend time googling what Rickman writing about. As always well written, one of my favourite series
February 23, 2018
Great thriller, fast paced with lots of local interest for anyone who knows Hereford or the county.
Great sense of time and place with the unremitting rain pelting down on the old black and white buildings while everyone is hoping a great christmas, whatever that is.
Merrily and Jane are drawn into the debates about the archeological dig and Frannie Bliss is pushed out of a macabre murder investigation.
Twists and turns aplenty
Great sense of time and place with the unremitting rain pelting down on the old black and white buildings while everyone is hoping a great christmas, whatever that is.
Merrily and Jane are drawn into the debates about the archeological dig and Frannie Bliss is pushed out of a macabre murder investigation.
Twists and turns aplenty
June 25, 2021
Here's another engrossing Merrily Watkins paranormal crime fiction. All the major characters are in a pickle but luckily for them a "guardian" overlooking Coleman's Meadow seems to have their best interests at heart. . .It still got scary with the flooding and the grizzly murder but what interested me most was that everyone seemed to be at a romantic crossroads. I will undoubtedly need to read the next tome to see where Rickman takes his characters next.
August 2, 2023
I'm really enjoying getting back into the Merrily Watkins series after a bit of a break. As always great characters and plotting throughout. Corrupt councillors, dodgy archaeologists, line wolf Scouse policeman, angry atheists, fundamental evangelicals all bound up with Christmas floods, neolithic henges and of course the supernatural. What more can you ask all deftly woven together by Phil Rickman's fertile imagination!
August 27, 2023
Phil Rickman has me mesmerized with his tales of Merrily Watkins. The setting is written to dovetail perfectly with the plot -- menacing and poorly lit, keeping the reader on edge until the last page. Layer on this authentic dialog from diamond-cut characters (multi-faceted, polished to perfection, and developed with symmetries that complement beautifully) and you have a tale that puts you in a world just adjacent to your own. It's not just a story, it's an experience.
November 23, 2017
Not much to say on this other than I thoroughly enjoyed it (as I knew I would!) This is a series I follow avidly...& one of the few where I've actually read everything in order! Usually I would say that the sequence didn't matter but felt this very much followed on from Fabric of Sin (which I read three years before getting to this! Luckily it all came back to me)
Excellent :o)
Excellent :o)
January 10, 2026
This is the second time I’m reading this book so that should tell you readers how much I liked it. I do t usually reread a book. Phill Rickman knows how to create that ambience that makes the hair at the back of your head stand to attention. Love all his books. Loved his first ones. Amazingly good. Then came Merrily Watkins. All good. If you haven’t read this author I recommend you do.
January 11, 2020
Thank you Phil Rickman. For various reasons 2019 was tense, I needed to occasionally escape into a good book so with this in mind I decided to re-read the whole of the Merrily Watkins series. They didn't disappoint, each one is a gem, Phil Rickman is one of the best British authors there is.
April 28, 2025
Another blend of real life situations blended with the world of Merrily Watkins and friends. Floods, archaeology and of course murder, throw Christmas into the mix and a cast of interesting characters. Another saga in the Ledwardine series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews