Title: Curfew
Author: Phil Rickman
First published February 26, 1993
625 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780425143346 (ISBN10: 0425143341)
Rating: 3.98
Overview
In the small town of Crybbe, on the border between England and Wales, lies a dark secret. Max Goff, a wealthy businessman, has big plans to transform the town into a thriving New Age community.
Little does he know that Crybbe was once a spiritual center of great power, protected by ancient standing stones that were destroyed for a reason. The town’s residents still practice dangerous rituals to keep the evil at bay, and Goff’s plans could unleash an ancient power unlike anything he’s ever encountered.
As darkness looms over Crybbe, Goff will have to confront the terrifying truth of the town’s past before it’s too late. Phil Rickman’s Curfew is a chilling novel that will leave you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
About the Author
Meet Phil Rickman, an award-winning TV and radio journalist originally from Lancashire. With five highly regarded novels under his belt, he captivated readers with his debut in the intriguing Merrily Watkins series, The Wine of Angels.
Today, Phil resides with his spouse on the Welsh Border.
Editoral Review
Curfew by Phil Rickman is a gripping and chilling novel that will leave readers on the edge of their seats. First published in 1993, it stands the test of time as a well-crafted piece of literature that showcases Rickman’s keen eye for detail and his ability to take readers on a suspenseful journey filled with twists and turns.
The book is set in a small English town that is overrun by a sudden wave of violence, with murders taking place almost every night. The police are unable to keep up with the pace of the killings and tensions run high as the townspeople turn on one another in a desperate bid to identify the culprit before another murder takes place.
Enter Sarah, a newcomer to the town, who is forced to navigate the dangerous terrain of a community that is on the brink of collapse. One of the strongest aspects of Rickman’s writing is his ability to create vivid and memorable characters.
Sarah is a compelling protagonist who is both flawed and relatable, making her an easy character to root for. Similarly, the supporting cast of characters – from the shady owner of the local pub to the bumbling police officers – are all well-drawn, adding depth to the story and creating a rich tapestry of personalities.
The tension throughout the novel is expertly crafted, with each murder ratcheting up the stakes and leaving readers wondering who will be the next victim. Rickman’s use of language is evocative, painting a picture of a town that is both beautiful and terrifying.
The use of the curfew, which prohibits people from leaving their homes after a certain time, adds an additional layer of tension, creating a sense of claustrophobia and danger that pervades the entire book. At times, the pacing can be a bit uneven, with some sections dragging while others move at breakneck speed.
Additionally, the twists and turns of the plot can sometimes feel a bit contrived, with some of the reveals feeling a bit forced. However, these are minor criticisms in the face of what is otherwise a highly enjoyable and suspenseful novel.
Overall, Curfew is an excellent example of the thriller genre, showcasing Rickman’s strength as a writer and his ability to craft a compelling story that will keep readers hooked until the very end. It is a must-read for fans of suspenseful and well-written novels, and it is sure to leave readers thinking about its themes of community, violence, and the nature of evil for days to come.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.
