Phil Rickman

Phil Rickman (6 March 1950 – 29 October 2024), also known under the pen names Thom Madley and Will Kingdom, was a British author of supernatural and mystery novels.

Rickman was born on 6 March 1950 in Lancashire and worked as a journalist for BBC World Service TV and BBC Radio 4. He published his first book, Candlenight, in 1991, and began his Merrily Watkins series in 1998. In 2010, he began the John Dee Papers series, which focused on the English mathematician and astrologer, John Dee.

Rickman also worked on several music albums based upon his books and helped write many of the albums' songs. He lived in Wales for most of his life and resided in Hay-on-Wye with his wife as of 2020. He presented the BBC Radio Wales book programme Phil the Shelf.

Rickman researched the folklore, religion, and supernatural themes of his books, saying "If I can't believe it, it doesn't go in". He also voiced his unhappiness over his earlier critics which labeled him a horror writer. He said that he felt that the books did not fit neatly within that genre.

Rickman died on 29 October 2024, aged 74.