'Night After Night' by Phil Rickman revolves around the eerie Knap Hall, which becomes the setting for a reality TV show called the 'Big Other' where celebrities with their own agendas are brought together. Grayle Underhill, the researcher, is tasked with investigating the haunted house, uncovering dark secrets and supernatural elements while navigating through the world of celebrity culture and paranormal challenges. The story slowly builds tension, blending reality TV drama with ancient secrets, creating a creepy atmosphere that keeps the reader engaged.

The plot of 'Night After Night' unfolds as Grayle delves deeper into the mysteries of Knap Hall, revealing the intertwined lives of the celebrity inhabitants and their hidden pasts. Phil Rickman's writing style intricately weaves together elements of horror, suspense, and character-driven storytelling, drawing readers into a world where reality television meets supernatural phenomena, culminating in a gripping narrative that balances modern pop culture with ancient mysteries.

Characters:

The characters, particularly Grayle Underhill and Cindy Mars Lewis, are well-developed but may not capture the reader's full attention, with varied supporting characters contributing depth.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is complex and character-driven, rich in detail, promoting suspense while blending psychological and supernatural elements.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot intertwines a reality TV show's filming at a haunted Tudor mansion, exploring both the history of the location and the secrets of its celebrity inhabitants. It combines elements of suspense with reflections on celebrity culture.

Setting:

The setting at Knap Hall, an eerie Tudor mansion, provides a rich historical context that enhances the atmospheric tension, merging elements of celebrity culture with the paranormal.

Pacing:

The pacing is slow initially, focusing on background and character introductions, but picks up significantly later in the narrative, though this slow start may be perceived as tedious.

Not an easy question. A case, there is, for saying that all houses are haunted and that this is rarely harmful. Everyone’s home holds the residue of sickness, physical and mental. Every house stores m...

Notes:

Phil Rickman is known for writing long, complex novels influenced by Welsh folklore.

He often provides rational explanations for the horror elements in his stories, leaving readers intrigued.

Rickman's series featuring Vicar Merrily Watkins is popular for its well-developed characters.

'Night After Night' features Grayle Underhill and Cindy Mars Lewis, characters from Rickman's earlier works.

The novel is set in a creepy Tudor mansion and involves a reality TV show.

The plot can be confusing, leading some readers to reread passages to understand the storyline.

Rickman's character development is praised, making readers feel connected to them.

The book explores themes of celebrity culture and the paranormal.

Readers felt that the first half of the book was slow and focused too much on background information.

The balance of supernatural elements and real-world events is a trademark of Rickman's writing.

Cindy Mars Lewis is a beloved character, known for her humor and depth.

Fans of previous books might enjoy the continuity and character overlaps in 'Night After Night.'

The story builds tension but some readers felt the ending was rushed with unresolved elements.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Medium content warnings apply, particularly for themes of supernatural suspense, mental health issues related to dark secrets, and the psychological tension inherent in the storyline.

From The Publisher:

A spooky supernatural thriller by the author of the Merrily Watkins series

Liam Defford doesn't believe in ghosts. As the head of a production company, however, he does believe in high-impact TV. On the lookout for his next idea, he hires journalist Grayle Underhill to research the history of Knap Hall-a Tudor farmhouse turned luxury hotel, abandoned by its owners at the height of its success. The staff has been paid to keep quiet about what happened there, but the stories seep through. They're not conducive to a quick sale, but Defford isn't interested in keeping Knap Hall for more than a few months. Just long enough to make a reality TV show that will run nightly. A house isolated by its rural situation and its dark reputation; six people-known to the nation but strangers to one another-locked inside; but this time Big Brother is not in control.

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About the Author:

Phil Rickman is the author of the John Dee series and the Merrily Watkins series.

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Night After Night

Phil Rickman

Book 3 in the series:Grayle Underhill & Bobby Maiden