This is the second book about Merrily Watkins, parish priest of the English village of Ledwardine, single mother of teenaged Jane, and widow whose husband was killed in a car accident - with his mistress.
The word 'exorcism' has become a little too sensationalist for the Anglican church, but the need to rid properties of spirits, malignant and otherwise, still exists. The current exorcist for Hereford is nearing retirement, and none to reliable, so the Bishop has sent Merrily to train as a 'Deliverance Minister.'
Her first task in the new role (which is taken on in addition to her priestly duties) is in a hospital - Denzil Joy is dying, and the freaked out nursing staff are convinced he's evil.
As the plot unfolds Merrily has to cope with the bizarre misogyny of outgoing exorcist Canon T.H.B. Dobbs, Jane's strong opinions on the church and subsequent entanglement in New Age alternatives, the tragic death of Moon (a disturbed young woman convinced that she could connect with her ancient ancestors), the continuing presence of the enigmatic former pop star Lol, the desecration of more than one church, the renovation (and mysteriously missing panel) of the tomb of 13th century bishop St Thomas Cantilupe, the mystery of who is doing what to Dobbs after his hospitalisation for a stroke, the potential hijacking of a High Church rite by the forces of darkness, and her dawning awareness of the corruption of her own superior.
This latest installment in Rickman's series is densely and richly peopled; the bewildering array of events, plot lines and characters come together to create a striking and intact whole. He is able to concoct truly unique and vivid creations. If nothing else, I can almost feel the 'scritch scritch' of Denzil Joy's horny fingernail on my own palm (and I read this over a week ago - bit late on the posting). - Alex
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