The old religion by Martyn Waites is a book which veers between village of the damned and Wicker man. It is a story about a post Brexit Cornish village called st Petroc which are bidding for a new marina complex which it really needs for the economy. The main character Tom Kilgannon works as a barman. He is a very complex character who is running from a dark past. He comes home one night to find a traveler girl called Lila who is running away from the other travelers who want to hurt her. When Rachel a cop turns up at Tom’s house, Lila runs taking Tom’s coat which contains his new identity. In the background is the story of Kyle a missing tourist who has disappeared and Lila knows more about it than she lets on. I enjoyed this book although it was brutal at times exposing the seedier side of life. Lila is a victim and a survivor a strong character who has been dealt a rough deal in life.
The book was easy to read and the story unfolded slowly at times, kept you guessing and the plot was good. I would read more of his books.
The book was easy to read and the story unfolded slowly at times, kept you guessing and the plot was good. I would read more of his books.