**"MYSTICAL PATHS" - A Captivating Novel in the "Church of England Series"**

"MYSTICAL PATHS", the fifth novel out of six in the "Church of England Series" set in the 20th century, introduces us to Nicholas Darrow. The son of teacher/healer, spiritual advisor, psychic, and ex-Fordite monk Jon Darrow, Nicholas takes center stage here. The story begins in 1988 when Nicholas, a priest in the Church of England with a healing ministry, receives a call from an old friend, Venetia Flaxton. Her call triggers a flood of memories that carry him back to 1968, a seminal year in his life. At 25, a Cambridge graduate on the verge of ordination, Nicholas was confident in himself and his psychic gifts. However, beneath his projected veneer of sobriety and good sense, he led a licentious and dissolute personal life. He was determined to follow his elderly father into the Church of England. As the novel progresses, we witness a near-tragedy in Nicholas' life. Only by facing the truth about his relationship with his father can he find a way out of the darkness threatening to consume him. This finely crafted novel is populated with a diverse range of characters, each with their own engaging stories. For new readers to the series, they don't have to read the novels in sequential order. The author states that each book can be read independently, but the more books are read, the broader the view of the multi-faceted reality presented. And what a fascinating reality it is.

I did really enjoy this book.

It was truly a delight to read about the Church of England, which added a unique and interesting dimension to the story.

The setting of the 1960s was also captivating, as it brought a sense of nostalgia and a different era to life.

This was the first book I have read by Susan Howatch, and it has definitely made me a fan.

I will most certainly read more of her works.

In fact, I am now going directly into reading "High Flyer".

This book had Nicholas Darrow in it, and his character was so engaging that I can't wait to read further books with him in them.

I am excited to see where his story will lead and how he will develop in future installments.

I have a feeling that Susan Howatch's writing will continue to keep me entertained and engaged for a long time to come.

This is the fifth book in the "Church of England" series.

It delves far deeper than the ordinary and mundane problems, venturing into extremely profound and weighty matters. Some of the aspects it addresses are highly controversial within the church, yet it offers a great deal of food for thought. The bottom line is this: if you play with fire, you will most definitely get burned! Pride comes before a fall, and so on.

Memorable characters include Nicholas Darrow.

"Staggering out into the diesel fumes of Parliament Square, I leant against the railings by St. Margaret's church. Big Ben was chiming. After a while, I realised I was by the tube station, but I had no memory of getting there. Nearby was a shop defying the Sunday trading law by selling tourist junk. Hardly knowing what I was doing, I bought an ice-cream. But as soon as I sank my teeth into the flavorless white mess, the chill jolted me back to normality. It was as if I had finally got the stopper back on a bottle of sewage after I had opened it in the belief that it contained perfume."

Another memorable character is Lewis Hall.

"Wait." Lewis paused in his task of playing midwife to the truth and sought to calm me down. When I was silent, he said mildly: "That Gnostic shorthand of yours makes it sound as if you're describing something uniquely sinister, but before you die of fright, let me at least make some attempt to cut your nightmare down to size. Isn't this situation really rather commonplace?"

This psychological thriller is truly enthralling, presenting a captivating blend of theological debate, family saga, and Jungian philosophy.

It delves deep into the human psyche, exploring the complex relationships within a family and the profound questions raised by theology and philosophy.

The story weaves together these elements in a seamless and engaging manner, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat from beginning to end.

As the characters navigate through their personal and emotional turmoil, they are forced to confront their beliefs and values, leading to a series of revelations that will leave you stunned.

With its thought-provoking themes and masterful storytelling, this novel is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good psychological thriller that challenges the mind and touches the heart.

This series is ingeniously constructed around an English cathedral community.

Each book within the series zeroes in on one of the key players. What makes it truly fascinating is that all of these players are present throughout all of the books.

As a result, the reader has the unique opportunity to witness the same events from a variety of different perspectives.

The narrative is so engrossing that, in my humble opinion (IMO), it stands as Howatch's best work to date.

The detailed exploration of the characters and their interactions within the cathedral community creates a rich and immersive world that draws the reader in and keeps them hooked from start to finish.

Howatch's ability to present the same events in multiple ways, revealing new layers and insights each time, is a testament to her remarkable storytelling skills.

Whether you're a fan of historical fiction or simply enjoy a well-written and engaging series, this one is definitely worth checking out.

This particular installment is good, but it doesn't quite measure up to the other five within the series.

There are certain aspects that make it enjoyable, such as the engaging storyline and well-developed characters. However, when compared to its predecessors, it seems to lack that extra spark or uniqueness that made the others stand out.

The pacing might be a bit off in some parts, causing the flow to feel a little uneven. Additionally, some of the plot twists and turns that were so thrilling in the other installments seem a bit predictable here.

Despite these drawbacks, it still has its merits and can be an entertaining read for fans of the series. But if you're looking for the absolute best of the bunch, you might want to look elsewhere within the series.

Set in the late 1960s, this penultimate book from the Starbridge series delves into the life of Nicholas Darrow, the son of Father Jonathon Darrow. Nicholas has not only inherited his father's mystical powers but also harbors the desire to be ordained. However, the question looms large: will he follow in his father's disastrous footsteps?

As always, this is a highly satisfying tale that explores the themes of Christian fallibility and redemption.

Rereading this book, I find myself having more sympathy for the often obnoxious Nick Darrow. This second encounter with him, after coming across him again in Howatch's Benet's trilogy, has given me a new perspective. I can't believe I had forgotten Lewis from this book! He plays a crucial role in the later trilogy and here, he is like a breath of fresh air. I absolutely loved his interaction with Jonathon Darrow.

The story weaves a complex web of emotions, beliefs, and choices, making it a captivating read that keeps the reader engaged from start to finish.

An interesting, spiritual, and philosophical read awaits you. It is a captivating piece that delves into the depths of human nature, exploring the mysteries of the soul and the meaning of life. The words within these pages have the power to inspire, to challenge your thinking, and to open your eyes to new perspectives.

As you embark on this literary journey, you will be taken on a ride through different emotions and ideas. You may find yourself reflecting on your own life experiences, pondering the choices you have made, and considering the path that lies ahead. The author's unique style and profound insights will keep you engaged from start to finish, leaving you with a sense of wonder and a thirst for more knowledge.

Whether you are seeking answers to life's big questions or simply looking for a thought-provoking read, this article is sure to satisfy. It is a gem that will stay with you long after you have turned the last page, continuing to influence your thoughts and actions in the days to come. So, sit back, relax, and prepare to be amazed by this interesting, spiritual, and philosophical masterpiece.

I find myself continuously drawn back to the Starbridge novels. There are several reasons for this.

Partly, it stems from a sense of nostalgia for an Anglican world that seems to be disappearing. It's a world that once held a certain charm and significance.

Another aspect is the theology presented in an attractive packaging. The novels manage to explore deep religious and spiritual themes in a way that engages the reader.

But perhaps the main reason is simply the fun they offer. Rereading them is a source of entertainment and enjoyment.

Among them, Mystical Paths is likely my favorite. However, there are some sections that don't quite hit the mark. For instance, the parts where Nick Darrow contemplates whether he is a'replica' of his father John can be tedious and lack conviction.

Nonetheless, the overall appeal of the Starbridge novels remains strong for me, and I look forward to many more rereadings in the future.

Though I have relished several other books penned by Susan Howatch, I am completely at a loss to understand what on earth possessed me (if you'll pardon the pun) to persevere and finish this particular book.

The story was simply preposterous. Picture a plot that is set in the 1960s and in which a character who is very much like Harry Potter is on the verge of being ordained as a priest in the Church of England. Well, not precisely Harry Potter, but you catch my drift. It was utter nonsense.

Memo to self - always ensure that you have two things to read when you're stuck waiting in a long line or sitting in the dentist's office. This way, if one book turns out to be a dud like this one, you have a backup to keep you entertained and occupied.

It's a valuable lesson learned, and I'll be sure to follow this advice in the future to avoid such disappointments.

Nick Darrow is a young man who is both gifted and callow.

He is deeply connected to his spiritual and psychic father.

In his youth, he is a walking disaster, being promiscuous and arrogant, yet he is about to be ordained as an Anglican Priest.

Nick, the most charismatic of all of Howatch's protagonists, becomes deeply involved, to the point of obsession, with the disappearance and presumed death at sea of the glamorous Professor Christian Aysgarth.

His investigation takes him on a journey that leads straight to hell.

Eventually, he breaks down and finds himself being repaired by the dark and intense Rev. Lewis Hall.

"Mystical Paths" functions as a potboiler, a mystery, and a family study.

It examines the folly of people turning their gifts away from God and towards the satisfaction of their own ego.

The story reaches its climax in the most terrifying scene of the series.

Overall, "Mystical Paths" is strongly recommended for its engaging plot, complex characters, and thought-provoking themes.

It offers readers a thrilling and spiritually enlightening experience.

I was truly tempted to rate this book a 5. It's an incredibly odd page-turner thriller that really grabs your attention.

My ratings on here might be calibrated a bit too high, but never mind that. This book offers the usual mix of psychology, theology, and off-the-rails priests, among other things.

What makes it even more appealing are the pleasingly dark and spooky moments that keep you on the edge of your seat.

I've re-read it and still find it just as engaging as the first time.

The author does a great job of creating a mysterious and suspenseful atmosphere that draws you in and makes you want to keep reading.

If you're a fan of thrillers with a touch of the supernatural and a healthy dose of psychological drama, this book is definitely worth checking out.