THE FIRST INSTALMENT IN THE MERRILY WATKINS SERIES The Merrily Watkins series will have you hooked. Join Merrily in her chilling tales of murder, mystery and intrigue. Few writers blend the ancient and supernatural with the modern and criminal better than Rickman. - Guardian 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.