Phil Rickman, born March 6, 1950, was a British author who penned supernatural and mystery novels under his own name and the pseudonyms Thom Madley and Will Kingdom. He began his writing career after working as a journalist for the BBC. His prolific output included the popular Merrily Watkins series, which commenced in 1998, and the John Dee Papers series, initiated in 2010 and focusing on the historical mathematician and astrologer. Rickman also explored themes of folklore, religion, and the supernatural in his work, emphasizing the importance of personal belief in his writing process. He expressed dissatisfaction with being labeled solely as a horror writer, feeling his books transcended simple genre classifications. Rickman also contributed to music albums inspired by his books and hosted a BBC Radio Wales book program. He passed away on October 29, 2024, at the age of 74.

Rickman's literary output primarily consisted of supernatural and mystery novels, with a notable focus on the occult and folklore. His research into these areas was integral to his writing, as he famously stated, "If I can't believe it, it doesn't go in." This commitment to authenticity in his exploration of mystical and religious themes underscored his approach to storytelling. He was particularly known for his Merrily Watkins series, which began in 1998 and delved into the spiritual and uncanny. Another significant series, the John Dee Papers, explored the life and work of the Elizabethan mathematician and occultist John Dee, highlighting Rickman's interest in historical figures associated with esoteric knowledge.

To broaden his authorial reach and explore different narrative avenues, Rickman utilized several pen names. Under the name Will Kingdom, he published works such as 'The Cold Calling' and 'Mean Spirit.' The pseudonym Thom Madley was employed for the Marco series, including 'Marco's Pendulum' and 'Marco and the Blade of Night.' His most enduring creation, the Merrily Watkins series, began with 'The Wine of Angels' in 1998 and continued for many subsequent novels, establishing a significant body of work within the supernatural mystery genre. The John Dee Papers series, starting in 2010, offered a distinct focus on historical esoteric figures.

Phil Rickman's engagement with his work extended beyond the written word. He was involved in creating music albums that were thematically linked to his books, contributing to songwriting for these projects. His experience as a journalist for BBC World Service TV and BBC Radio 4 provided a foundation for his later media presence, including hosting the BBC Radio Wales book program 'Phil the Shelf.' The supernatural themes explored in his novels also found a visual medium when his second Merrily Watkins book, 'Midwinter of the Spirit,' was adapted into a three-part television drama by ITV in 2015.

“If I can't believe it, it doesn't go in”