Mean Spirit (edition 2002)

Another excellent read from the pen of Phil Rickman. Sequel to The Cold Calling.

I finished reading Mean Spirit by Will Kingdom last night. Will Kingdom is the pseudonym of Phil Rickman. the books he writes under his own name are a series about a female vicar, Merrily Watkins, in the Church of England denomination. She is her diocese's deliverance minister or exorcist. I really enjoy Rickman's writing and will certainly be revisiting his books as I read new ones and reread the ones I already have. The Merrily Watkins series is interesting because it examines the tension between Christians and, for lack of a better word, New Agers even though they are often working towards the same end. The series also explores the psychology behind "hauntings" or "manifestations". The Will Kingdom books are supernatural thrillers as well, but with the balancing of a faith in the Christian God. They are well written as well and pass the time. As I was in Charles de Gaulle airport as well as on board two flights, I had the time. Of course, as is the case with scary books, I couldn't go to bed until I finished reading it. I like that Rickman/Kingdom brings characters forward from one book to another. It makes the world he creates more consistent and substantial. Mean Spirit was somewhat of a sequel to a book that I haven't read, yet. Kingdom is definitely scary adult fluff, while I feel there is a little more substance to Rickman but this isn't my last word on it.
Originally posted March 14, 2005