Candlenight

Phil Rickman writes in the horror genre, but not with gratuitous, sadistic violence. His settings are atmospheric, his plots original, his prose tight and intelligent, and his characters likeably human. Candle Night is one of his very first novels, and it's folklore, mystery, murder, and human nature tightly packed between two covers. Glad I didn't read this story before I visited Wales, or I might have chickened out. A page turner.

This book is one of those spooky ones, where you keep wanting to cheer for the hero, but you have the feeling he's going to be killed at any minute. A modern English couple move to Wales where Claire's father left her his cottage. Things become strange from there. They are English and the Welsh are not too fond of things English. This is a very small town, where even people from the next village might be considered "foreigners." And guess what? There's something very evil afoot. Recommended if you're into gothic-type horror novels. I recommend reading Crybbe or Curfew as well.

I discovered Phil Rickman by accident about 10 years ago when I came across "Curfew" also known as "Crybbe", and it's been a very satisfying and reliable relationship. Candlenight has it's rough spots in comparison with his later works but compared with the drivil that is so shamelessly flogged on the best seller lists, this effort is stellar! The story is cohesive and teases on the paranormal rather than completely turning itself over to the horror genre. WARNING! Phil Rickman is a REAL writer. To enjoy his books you must be capable of paying attention and processing information. Since this book is a mystery you will be invited to figure things out for yourself and there will be no spoonfeeding of easy give-aways, and clues. If this isn't you then go find something more digestable on the New York Times best seller list.

I found CANDLENIGHT,first... not having ever heard of or read anything by Phil Rickman.....seeing it was endorsed by S. King was a bit of a plug to get my hand tugging at this book on the shelf....and it led to my hungered search for anything else I could find by this extraordinary, original (in a class of his own), and stunningly gifted writer. I was so happy to find a book of quality length and even more so quality of content of story. I opened it up and the journey began. I found unique blending of a fiction story, enterwoven with Wales own history and beliefs, I found clarification of wording, places, and understanding of this culture of people, and I found myself looking over my shoulder a lot! It is that smouldering awareness of perhaps there is some truth to tales, and it frames ones allure of 'all is right with the world uh huh' in giving ones mind that edge of wonder, and doubting that "all is right...." . Making sure the doors are locked, and feeling that it really won't matter...and still not being able to explain this to anyone who has not read Mr. Rickmans outstanding works. I finally felt that I had found a 'genre' of the type of books that dug inside and grabbed at many different feelings, that truly I could not put down...to the point of having on hand at least two copies...one for home, the other to go with me in my backpack. I am left feeling that bit of unsettledness that causes me to be ever in search of another book by him...and another...and I finally found an author who pulls me right into his creation-hesitating or not.......fearfull or not....ready or not.....and I would not miss it for anything. READ the works by this man...you won't regreat a single hour, a single page....CANDLENIGHT was my introduction to him, then followed with CURFEW (CRYBBE), third DECEMBER....I am find that this, in retrospect, was a good way to begin this journey...I just want to be able to access in the U.S. the rest of his works..and thank goodness that is coming true.