Book cover of The Fever of the World

Book description

'Brilliantly eerie' PETER JAMES

'Engrossing and beautifully dark . . . a cracking good read' JO BRAND

'A most original sleuth' THE TIMES

Welcome to the River Wye: a place of poetry, historic obsession... and occult murder.

The curious death of an estate agent is being investigated by detective David…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked The Fever of the World as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Phil Rickman decided to include Covid in this book, the latest in his Merrily Watkins series, and it pays off.

The wave of pain that Covid brought to the world is told sparingly and powerfully as the series hero, Merrily Watkins, tries to take on the burdens of all around her. Merrily is the most interesting hero of any series I read – vicar, single mother, and diocesan exorcist. She deals with human and (maybe) diabolical evil, and whatever your beliefs, you wish she were your local vicar.

Rickman’s ability to create an atmosphere is unparalleled. Whatever you believed at…

If you love The Fever of the World...

Book cover of December on 5C4

December on 5C4 by Adam Strassberg,

Magical realism meets the magic of Christmas in this mix of Jewish, New Testament, and Santa stories–all reenacted in an urban psychiatric hospital!

On locked ward 5C4, Josh, a patient with many similarities to Jesus, is hospitalized concurrently with Nick, a patient with many similarities to Santa. The two argue…

Want books like The Fever of the World?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 19 books like The Fever of the World.

Browse books like The Fever of the World

Book cover of Midwinter of the Spirit
Book cover of Undersong
Book cover of The Prelude

Share your top 3 reads of 2025!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,299

readers submitted
so far, will you?

📚 If you like The Fever of the World, you might also like...

Book cover of Courting the Sun: A Novel of Versailles

Courting the Sun by Peggy Joque Williams,

Can a free-spirited country girl navigate the world of intrigue, illicit affairs, and power-mongering that is the court of Louis XIV—the Sun King--and still keep her head?

France, 1670. Sixteen-year-old Sylvienne d’Aubert receives an invitation to attend the court of King Louis XIV. She eagerly accepts, unaware of her mother’s…

Book cover of Whispers on the Wind

Whispers on the Wind by Elizabeth Revill,

Wales between the wars, a place of poverty and a world full of anguish. Yet, there is hope. Within family, within community, and most of all in the brave heart of one young girl.

Set in the lush Dulais Valley; Carrie is fated to a life of hardship and sorrow,…

5 book lists we think you will like!