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Cover of The Wine of Angels

The Wine of Angels

Phil Rickman (1998)

SubgenreDark Fantasy
Age groupAdult 18+
Content ratingPG-13
Pages (Standard (250-400))
SeriesMerrily Watkins #1
Setting
CSM age16+
Goodreads3.91

Content levels

ViolenceModerate
Sexual contentMild
LanguageModerate

Heroine archetypes

Reluctant Heroine

Protagonist archetypes

Outcast / Loner

Synopsis

‘The red soil and the long, wooded hills… the twisted houses with old bones of blackened oak. And the apples. Why were apples so wholesome while the orchard was so oppressive?’ The new vicar had never wanted a picture-postcard parish. But appearances deceive. Ledwardine has a hidden history of abuse and murder, and Merrily Watkins might do well to heed the anonymous message that speaks of *The Devil’s Minister* and adds: *let him lie. Be warned*. This is the novel that introduces Merrily Watkins, before the ongoing contemporary exorcism series begins with *Midwinter of the Spirit*.

Is The Wine of Angels appropriate for my child?

Suitable for most readers 16 and up.

This supernatural mystery involves a vicar investigating dark secrets in a rural parish with references to historical murder and abuse. Contains moderate violence, occult elements, and mature themes about evil.

What to know going in

This book has moderate violence, mild sexual content, and moderate language. Content notes include child abuse, murder, and violence.

Who'll love this

Teens interested in atmospheric mysteries with supernatural elements and small-town secrets will find this creepy and engaging.

Tags

MysterySupernatural HorrorEcclesiastical ThrillerRural Gothic