Phil Rickman, Author and Broadcaster, Passes Away at 74

The supernatural author Phil Rickman, whose writing Stephen King once described as “remarkable,” has passed away at the age of 74. Also a journalist, Mr. Rickman presented a program on BBC Radio Wales and gained significant recognition for his Merrily Watkins mystery series. His narratives, centered on a pragmatic female priest and exorcist, were adapted into the three-part ITV drama series “Midwinter of the Spirit,” featuring Anna Maxwell Martin in 2015. Born in Lancashire and having resided for most of his adult years in Powys and Herefordshire, Mr. Rickman’s death occurred on Tuesday. During the 1980s, Mr. Rickman served as a reporter for Wales Today, subsequently hosting his literary program, Phil the Shelf, on BBC Radio Wales for over two decades. His career as an author commenced in 1991 with his inaugural novel, Candlenight. He authored over twelve installments in his Merrily Watkins mystery series, achieving sales exceeding 350,000 copies. Stephen King characterized Mr. Rickman’s output as “remarkable… something new and creepy,” whereas Jilly Cooper praised his writing as “wonderfully spooky” and “utterly compelling.” The Echo of Crows, his concluding novel, is scheduled for publication next year. In a statement of remembrance, Carolyn Hitt, editor for BBC Radio Wales, commented: “Phil made a huge contribution to the station and Welsh literary life through his book programme Phil the Shelf, which he presented for many years.” “As an accomplished author himself, he brought a deep knowledge of the craft of writing to the programme – the interviews he conducted with some of the biggest names in fiction were always insightful and revealing.” “He was also particularly supportive of new writers, providing guidance and advice. Our thoughts are with Phil’s family and friends at this sad time.” Sarah Hodgson, his editor, stated: “His loss will be felt deeply by all who had the pleasure of knowing and working with him, and by his many readers around the world.” She added that it offered “some consolation” that he had completed his last novel, a fresh investigation for Merrily Watkins, set for release next year. His agents, Ed Wilson and Andrea Hewson, remarked: “Crimewriting has lost a true one-off in Phil Rickman – a writer whose kindness and generosity, both with fans and other writers, was as well-known as his brilliant books.” Additionally, Mr. Rickman was an enthusiastic musician, frequently performing at venues in Hay-on-Wye, Powys.