Evan Blessed

Constable Evans #9

by Rhys Bowen

Constable Evan Evans leaves behind the big city for the sleepy Welsh village of Llanfair. But murder follows him . . .

Evan Evans is merrily moving his wife-to-be’s belongings up to their idyllic mountain cottage when a young hiker knocks at the door.

His girlfriend Shannon has vanished somewhere on Mount Snowdon.

While out looking for the missing woman, the search party finds something very sinister — a trapdoor in the middle of the woods that leads down to a bunker. With chains and handcuffs hanging from the ceiling . . .

Meanwhile, Evans receives a threatening note in the post. Is the coded missive from whoever abducted Shannon?

Then his fiancée Bronwen disappears. Who is abducting the women of Llanfair? It’s a race against time for Evans and his team to find them before it’s too late.

Constable Evan Evans has his work cut out in this traditional Welsh village mystery.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Crime, Audiobook, Cozy, Adult Fiction

272 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

I'm a New York Times bestselling mystery author, winner of both Agatha and Anthony awards for my Molly Murphy mysteries, set in 1902 New York City.

I have recently published four internationally bestselling WWII novels, one of them a #1 Kindle bestseller, and the Tuscan Child selling almost a million copies to date. In Farleigh Field won three major awards and was nominated for an Edgar. My other stand-alone novels are The Victory Garden, about land girls in WWI and Above the Bay of Angels, featuring a young woman who becomes chef for Queen Victoria.
April 2021 will mark the publication of THE VENICE SKETCHBOOK--another sweeping historical novel of love, loss and intrigue.

My books are currently translated into 29 languages and I have fans worldwide.

I also write the Agatha-winning Royal Spyness series, about the British royal family in the 1930s. It's lighter, sexier, funnier, wicked satire. It was voted by readers as best mystery series one year.
I am also known for my Constable Evans books, set in North Wales, and for my award-winning short stories.

I was born and raised in England but currently divide my time between California and Arizona where I go to escape from the harsh California winters
When I am not writing I love to travel, sing, hike, play my Celtic harp.
Series:
* Constable Evan Mystery
* Molly Murphy Mysteries
* Her Royal Spyness Mysteries

Awards:
Agatha Award
◊ Best Novel (2001): Murphy's Law
Reviewer's Choice Award
◊ Historical Mystery (2001): Murphy's Law

Reviews

[Phrynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book the same way I have enjoyed the whole series which is now getting very close to its end.

It is a cosy there is no doubt, but it is a cosy with a bit of an edge, and there is no hyped up super sleuth, just a local copper doing the best he can. Luckily Evan's best is really good and he solves the whole thing. Not everyone has a happy ending though.

It is nice being on holiday - I read this straight through from cover to cover and loved it. Only one more book to go. I might have to save it for a while.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

With only a week to go until his and Bronwen's wedding, Evan Evans had no desire to get caught up in a case. But when a hiker declared his girlfriend was missing from up on Mt Snowdon, Evan immediately let his superiors know and the search was started. It was during the search for seventeen year old Shannon that an underground bunker was discovered near the railway station. Filled with supplies, a bed as well as handcuffs and more, the police were concerned enough to get forensics in. And with Evan receiving threats in the mail, in the form of music, they all wondered what was going on. But it was when Bronwen disappeared that they realised there was someone out there, determined to end both Bronwen and Evan's lives...

Evan Blessed is the 9th in the Constable Evans series by Rhys Bowen and it was another fun and entertaining episode. There appears to be one more, but at this stage it's only available on audible. I really enjoy Evan's character as well as Bronwen, Watkins, Betsy and many others. Set in the small Welsh town of Llanfair, surrounded by mountains and townsfolk who know each other well, I've loved the series from the beginning. Highly recommended.

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have really enjoyed this series! It's light enough that I'm not left feeling evil and gross afterwards, and there is just the right amount of suspense, humor, and romance (maybe I would like a bit more of this) :) But it's not offensive in any way--there is a smidgen of adult humor and some innuendo, but overall I LOVE these books and all of Rhys Bowen's books for that matter! She is a great author and I'm glad I stumbled upon her.

[Cybercrone · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well, I'm through the series now (I read the last one first) and they're good, light entertainment. My category for the series would be 'beach books', fine to read when you're not wanting anything to tax your brain at all.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun novel w/ Detective Constable Evan Evans, he and Bronwen are planning their wedding and a girl gets lost on Snowden Mountain where he lives, and so it begins.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Evan Evans series has been a favorite of mine from the beginning, and knowing that this is the penultimate book in that series made me delay reading it and the last book for some time. But I read it, loved it, and never saw the solution coming. And who wouldn't want to live in this Welsh town? Aaah, bliss!

[Christine Boldizsar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Light hearted mystery series. Enjoyable.

[John Reis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a faster read than she normally supplies. It was good. Evan and Bronwen marry after her rescue.

[Betsy Cornwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Warning! If you haven't already read the book jacket, don't bother. It's misleading and it has a spoiler.
The book itself is another satisfying Rhys Bowen read. I'm grateful for the glossary of Welsh terms at the beginning. As Evan and Bronwyn make the final preparations for their wedding, a puzzling case of a missing young woman arises. Then there's the mysterious bunker they found at the foot of Mt Snowden. Are the two related? It's hard to find a criminal when you don't even know what the crime was.
The tantalizing descriptions of the Welsh countryside and the uncomfortable combination of the new couple's very different families add an entertaining backdrop to a most creative mystery. Yes, this is a "cozy" mystery but don't get too comfortable. Evan Evans knows better than to take murder lightly.

[Lavins · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars

A new day a new challenge in Evan's life. Days away from his own wedding and a young girl disappears on the mountain. Himself and everyone else are doing everything in their power to find the girl, but then things are getting very personal and the worse is almost happening.

Great read! Loved it!

[Tasula · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this mystery in the long series of Highland police detective Evan Evans, he is about to get married to Bronwen, when a tourist reports his girlfriend is missing in the mountains. While searching for the disappeared woman, police find a bunker but no woman. I thought the mystery was pretty good, but the series is a bit too gentle for me, and also the wedding preparations, interfering mother and some old fashioned ideas about male/female roles were just not my cup of tea. I find Bowen's Royal Spyness series much more enjoyable.

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad, but I knew who the murderer was about halfway through the book

[Sandra Montgomery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent Evan story, this time I did not guess who “did it”. It was really different . Evan and Bronwen finally got married. Another excellent read from Rhys Bowen.

[Penelope · Rating 4 out of 5]

MY RATING GUIDE: 4 Stars. Several plot lines intermingled keeping me interested and guessing from beginning to end. Worth the time invested. I found my copy at my local public library.

1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= This was okay/cute; 3.5= I enjoyed it; 4= I LIKED THIS A LOT; 5= I Loved it, it was great! (I seldom give 5 Stars

In the mountain village of Llanfair, Snowdonia, Wales ~
DC Evan Evans, newly promoted to plainclothes division (in previous bk), and his fiancée Bronwen Price are to be wed in a fancy affair covered by Bronwen’s parents in two weeks time. Evan’s mother has unexpectedly arrived early and her thoughts about what constitutes a proper Welsh wedding do not mesh well with the plans being made.

Meanwhile in Evan’s work, a young woman who was apparently hiking with her boyfriend up Mt Snowdon got separated from him and hasn’t been seen since. Several searches have been made to no avail although other suspicious activities have turned up. The police are investigating a number of leads when DC Evans receives an anonymous threatening letter in the mail. With all efforts being made to find the missing woman and add up the clues, the police are beginning to fear the worst. Between finalizing wedding plans, setting up a new house, calming heated expectations of family and villagers, and working the unsolved case on his desk, Evan isn’t getting any sleep.

Comments ~
1) EVAN BLESSED is bk 9 in Rhys Bowen’s 10 bk Constable Evans Mystery series. It begins soon after bk 8. Each book could be read on its own but I prefer beginning with book 1 and reading in order, enjoying the continuing character development and relationships in the villages and police departments. I have enjoyed reading this series which I borrowed through my local public library.
2) EVAN BLESSED contains certain dark moments, such as the times in which the antagonist’s thoughts are 1st person (3 or 4, briefly). Several plots intermingle throughout the book, however, preventing EVAN BLESSED from getting too dark (which I avoid) and the story moves quickly without wallowing too long in any one area. As the series is drawing to an end (last book to come), Evan’s life and career seem to be turning a corner into new directions with fresh possibilities.
3) I recommend EVAN BLESSED (and this series) to readers who enjoy Cozy Mysteries and British (Welsh) Mysteries. EB was a pretty quick and easy read. I enjoy reading this series between longer books and/or different genres.

READER CAUTION ~
PROFANITY - ? Rarely, if at all.
VIOLENCE - PG. This book involves murder but is not overly dark or graphic.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - None.

[summersoul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Detective Constable Evan Evans will gerade zu einem Banktermin, den er und seine Verlobte Bronwen haben, als plötzlich der Wanderer Paul Upwood vor ihm steht und ihm erzählt, dass seine Freundin Shannon Parkinson verschwunden ist. So steigen wir gleich mit Evan zusammen in die Ermittlungen ein, die für ihn diesmal sehr persönlich werden. Denn er und Bronwen geraten ins Fadenkreuz des Täters und befinden sich somit in große Gefahr.

Ich bin wieder gerne mit Detective Constable Evan Evans auf die Spurensuche gegangen. Man merkt, dass er nur langsam in seine neue Stellung bei den Zivilfahndern hineinwächst und streckenweise seine alte Stellung doch etwa vermisst. So kann er sich bei seinen Ermittlungen nur schwer daran halten, immer zuerst die Erlaubnis seines Vorgesetzten Detective Inspector Watkins einzuholen, wenn er einer neuen Spur nachgehen will. Ich konnte Evan was das angeht durchaus verstehen. Zumal er sonst immer freie Hand hatte, weil ihn keiner ernst genommen und Watkins ihn vor den Vorgesetzten teilweise auch beschützt hat. Zudem juckt es Evan einfach in den Fingern, wenn er einer neuen Spur nachgeht was nachvollziehbar ist.

Die Ermittlungen waren von Anfang bis Ende spannend. Was diesmal auch daran lag, dass in einigen Kapiteln der Schreiber der mysteriösen Briefe zu Wort kommt, wodurch man noch mal einen anderen Blick auf den Fall bekommt. So habe ich versucht, mit Evan und dem Rest des Teams den Zusammenhang zwischen dem Verschwinden von Shannon Parkinson und den mysteriösen Briefen, die Evan erhält, zu ziehen, was mir nicht ganz gelungen ist. So war ich am Ende über die Auflösung überrascht, da ich damit nicht gerechnet hätte.

Die Handlungsorte und Figuren wurden von der Autorin bildreich beschrieben, sodass ich alle vor Augen hatte. Zudem hat sie es geschafft, die bedrückende Atmosphäre und die Verzweiflung der Ermittler über mangelnde Fortschritte über die Seiten hinweg zu mir zu transportieren, sodass beides spürbar wurde.

Fazit:
Ein spannender Krimi, in dem Detective Constable Evan Evans in einem verzwickten Fall ermittelt, der für ihn sehr persönlich wird. Ich bin gerne mit Evan und dem Rest des Teams auf die Spurensuche gegangen und habe versucht herauszufinden, in welchem Zusammenhang die mysteriösen Briefe an Evans mit der verschwundenen Shannon Parkinson stehen. Am Ende konnte mich die Autorin mit der Auflösung überraschen, denn damit hätte ich nicht gerechnet.

[Judith Shadford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating, because my previous reading of Rhys Bowen's work (Her Majesty's Frightfully Secretce Service series), is written in a voice as giddy and teenage (though set in the 1920s's), equally involved with dressing for dinner, trying to be cool that Queen Mary (dowager) asks her to tea, and marrying her hot Irish secret agent. Evan Evans--yes, set in Wales-- is a hard-working detective on the Caernarfon Police Force. He, too, is getting married. to Bronwen, whom his thin-lipped mother calls Miss Price. But the writer's voice is straight-forward, serious, almost prosaic. Howwever, Bowen drops in local color that is entrancing. We are familiar with the modest range of Welsh surnames: Jones, Davies, Thomas, Williams, which includes first names. We meet Evan Evans, of course. Then there is Evan-the-Meat (butcher), Mrs Owens-the-Sheep (keeps sheep), Evan-the-Milk (milkman).

The story: a girl goes missing on Mt Snowdon in northern Wales. One year ago, almost to the day, I went up Mt Snowdon on the narrow gauge, rack and pinion railway to the top, and returned the same way. Even in mid-October people were climbing from its base in Llanberis in flip-flops, shorts, babies in backpacks...just as described in Evan Blessed. The initial missing person adventure, 2 weeks before his wedding, involves both mothers, shopping in antique stores and genuine detective work that is wholly absorbing. Murder, attempted murder, kidnapping, storms and the countryside of Snowdonia, all nicely and easily crafted. Pretty impressed with the range of Ms Bowen.

[Avid Series Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

Evan Blessed by Rhys Bowen is the ninth book of the Evan Evans mystery series set in contemporary Wales. Evan is now a plainclothes detective, a career goal of his for years. However he learns that his time is no longer his own; he is frequently called to investigate cases on his 'time off', and work late into the night. This plays havoc with activities to plan his upcoming wedding, and furnish his newly restored mountain cottage. Fortunately his bride-to-be Bronwen is understanding of his new responsibilities, which bodes well for their future.

A hiker reports his girlfriend missing, which isn't a crime, and can't be acted upon by the police (at first). When her glove is found near a lake, the police search for a body. Then a hidden bunker is discovered on the mountainside; possibly evidence of planned abduction; now it's a criminal case. Evan dutifully follows up on clues his superiors find worthy of investigation, but when the case keeps running into dead ends, he eventually needs to use his own good sense and intuition to solve the case. By then he's desperate - because the killer has taken his bride-to-be!

Light and humorous, in all aspects but one (Evan is a policeman) it's a cozy mystery. It's a shame to see this series drawing to a close. The landscape descriptions are so wonderful, I wish I could also watch the episodes in a film series.

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've really enjoyed this series. Each book has been better than the last and it's been good to get to know several of the characters as the story of Evans career in the police force has progressed.

Although there have been several murders over the series the stories have all been very different. Not too gruesome or vivid descriptions and enough twists and turns in the clues to keep the readers interest. Often a chance remark early in the story is the vital clue to point us in the right direction but so subtle that having thought of it we quickly forget until eventually something reminds us of it.

There's also been the bonus of the chance to learn a few words of Welsh and to enjoy the descriptions of the lovely Welsh countryside.

I'm sure this series would make for good television.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 9th book in the series and I listened to the audio version. Evan and Bronwyn are making the final preparations for their wedding which has turned into a far bigger affair than they initially planned. Evan has gotten pulled into a case of a missing hiker and in the search, the team comes across a hidden bunker that looks like it has been set up to keep a captive. As he works on the case, Bronwyn has been furnishing their cottage and wants to make it just right. But Evan’s life is about to get more difficult when they realize he is being sent clues, all relating to music and seem to relate to the bunker. When another kidnapping occurs close to home, Evan must do everything he can before it is too late.

[Mary Monks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by this author.
The title is quite cute! It is one of many by her and all other titles are as cute!!! "Evans Above", "Evan Help us" and so on!
Evans is the policeman in a small Welsh town. When a hiker returns and reports that his girlfriend has not returned from their hike, Evans begins the investigation into her disappearance. The extensive search reveals no useful clues. but does leave some important questions unanswered.
Evans takes the case very seriously of course, but when his fiance goes missing, it all becomes very personal.
I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it if you are after a fast moving plot, and a somewhat relaxing read.

[Dragonreading · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wieder ein toller Krimi um Constable Evans und dieses Mal darf er sogar seine Verlobte Bronwen heiraten. Doch erst einmal bringt der neue Fall Gefahren nicht nur für Evans sondern auch für seine Verlobte mit sich. Ich war von Anfang an in der Geschichte gefangen und da es für mich der zweite Band dieser Reihe ist, habe ich alte Bekannte wieder getroffen. Der Schreibstil der Autorin gefällt mir gut, sowie die Tatsache, dass man bei ihren Krimis immer verleitet wird mitzurätseln, allerdings ist das Ende dann doch anders als erwartet.

Wirklich ein Lesegenuss mit gut ausgearbeiteten Charakteren und viel Spannung. Davon lese ich gerne mehr.

[Sandra Kandler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tödliche Melodie Band 9
Rhys Bowen
KRIMINALROMAN

Wow was für ein Buch! Total spektakulärer Fall, sogar mit Thrillelementen.

Das Cover ist sehr aussagekräftig und gefällt mir. So kann man Constable Evans Cottage vorstellen. Die Story kommt diesmal total spektakulär daher und hat alle anderen Bände total übertrumpft. Ich hab fast Herzrasen bekommen, doch aufhören zu lesen konnte ich nicht. Genial fand ich dass es diesmal 2 Fälle gab und die Lösung war in weiter Ferne.

Ich bin gespannt wie es im finalen Band weitergeht und vor allem was sich die Autorin einfallen hat lassen...

Die Reihe ist wirklich Top! 🔝

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sigh! Only one more Constable Evans Book and I'm done the series.. Wonder how soon I could reread? I need more Welsh mysteries.

Evan and Bronwen are very close to the wedding when a girl is missing on the mountain.
All of the police force is looking in various places when some tips, mailed to Evans and then to Bronwen start appearing. Messages in sheet music and some written clues indicating this has happened before. Bronwen disappears when her parents arrive in town for the wedding and Evan is thrown into a dark hole that seems to be a torture chamber at the same time.

Things are not always as they seem and Evan, though injured with a shoulder injury solves the mystery and rescues Bronwen.

[Kathleen M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy Rhys Bowen books, this one once again had Evan Evans, trying to get married, trying to solve a mystery and finding that not all coincidences point can be summed up together. Really enjoyed the book, again as one can when it involves, missing people and possible murder, but still a fun, fast read. One thing I like about Rhys Bowen books, is that sometimes you are lead on a chase you and you can't figured out the motive until it is found out by the people trying to solve the mystery in the book. Having said that I did know who was going on with the first missing person, before the end of the book.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I swear the series is getting better

As Evans and his bride to be prepare for their upcoming wedding, a female tourist disappears.
As Evans and his co workers search for the young woman, he starts getting strange, cryptic messages taunting him. Then things go from bad to devastating worse.
The only criticism I have with this book is that Evan Evans seems to stumble or fumble himself into the right path in each an every book. It is becoming almost comical - in a bad way. Too formantic.

[Sharyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

One more to go. I just love this series. This one was a little different, a little creepier because it begins with an insight into the villain. Evan Evans and Bronwen are about to get married when a 17 year old girl disappears and a search begins, a search that opens up other possible crimes. What I love is that this all takes place in a small Welsh village. There is always a little vocabulary list of Welsh words ( which I can never remember from book to book!!) I am going to miss all the characters when I finish the last book.

[Helen Douglas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most anxiety-provoking Constable Evans Mystery

This book was great! It offered 3 murder mysteries, not just one. It was the best & fastest page turner with Bronwen in critical danger. Along with the exciting plot, this book revealed the satisfying dynamic and teamwork of Evan's co-workers as they all try mightily to save her from a serial snatcher. It was wonderful to see how Evans, Watkins, Davies and Hughes all worked together to solve the crimes.

Best of all we get a peek at the long-awaited wedding of Evan and Bronwen!

[Keith Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have thoroughly enjoyed the whole series although it is, like the curate's egg, 'excellent in parts' I know Snowdonia well, having climbed there frequently back in the '50s before I moved to NZ. I know Cryb Goch having crossed it many times, it can be a challenge in winter needing alpine equipment, ice axe etc and am pretty sure where Llanfair would be if it were real.
This story ends with Evan and Bronwen leaving on honeymoon. I hope they continue to have more adventures which we can read about in a continuation of the series, those two rather grow on you

[Vicki · Rating 3 out of 5]

My review 3.0

Evans' search for a hiker gone missing in the Welsh hills places his fiancé in the path of a killer in this tantalizing installment in this award-winning author's cozy series

A book club book--simple, clean and fun. There is an element of mystery without any blood but with some twists. The book was not a thoughtful read, but easy read and I particularly enjoyed the descriptions of the Welsh hills after a recent trip there.

[Elisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

The last of the Evan Evans series by Rhys Bowen, which I have been eating up at the rate of one every day or two (they are such candy that I feel guilty about posting all of them on Goodreads. ) Enjoyed this one as much as the others, though rather resented having the hero's wife being put in jeopardy. As I said before, these are an engaging mix of Agatha Christie and All Creature Great and Small, creating a cosy Welsh village that it is fun to live in for a while.