What can you do when there is No One Near... High in the Welsh hills, a honeymoon getaway takes a dark turn when a rotting corpse is discovered in the rental property’s bedroom. In a dark, damp December, DCI Evan Warlow and his team head out to investigate. They find a victim who may not be as innocent as he first seems, and a rural community harbouring the worst kind of secrets. When a second victim is attacked and a third goes missing, Evan knows he’s up against a rogue killer with a Christmas list of his own. And it’s a deadly one. Can he unmask the culprit before the season's festivities turn into a bloodbath?
Rhys Dylan lives on the edge of the Black mountains of Wales with his wife and a dog who doesn't like the rain.
Though he has written books for children and adults under different pen names in other genres, the Black Beacons Murder Mystery series sees him return to crime and his love of Celtic noir and dark humour.
He hopes readers will find a brief escape from a very troubled world inside the stories. He does not expect to get rich as an author, but as someone once famously said, money can't buy you love, but it can get you some great chocolate digestives.
I hate to be that girl, but I've read way too many crime thrillers and unless they're incredible, I don't find myself remembering it. This wasn't even that memorable and the beginning droned on for so long. I know this is book 10 in a series, but I don't think I'd read any other of the series. 🫠
I have read the entire series so far and this edition lacked a little luster. The plot was twisty and I did not guess the ending. But the book ended in a cliffhanger, which is unusual for the author. The Christmas setting did not really enter in until the end where it did update the main characters. Since it was a dreary winter, there was also less emphasis on Wales locations, which I enjoyed in the previous books. Lots of tea and biscuits though.
Once again, Evan Warlow and his team are investigating a suspicious death - in a remote cottage at which a honeymooning couple were going to stay. It's almost Christmas, and Evan and his team want to solve this crime, but the murder victim appears to have been involved in some nasty (and illegal) business, and someone is out for revenge. As always, the characters are interesting, the story is intriguing, and I love the interactions amongst the team - Gil's humour and Rhys' naivete, especially. Well written, and worth reading - this is number 10 in the DCI Evan Warlow Crime Thriller series - and I'll be looking for #11 when it's ready.
The latest Richard Osman was available for collection from the library the same day as No One Near was published. The Osman is still unopened, as I first had to catch up with DCI Warlow and crew. The release timing on this one is perfect as it is set in the run-up to Christmas in Llandeilo and you should never under-estimate Gil Jones's ability to come up with suitably seasonal puns. If you are one of those who raise your eyebrows when the first Christmas decorations appear in October and sigh when Boney M starts the carol season in November, Evan is your soulmate. But the team has little time for seasonal cheer as a honeymoon couple finds the body of their landlord murdered in a gruesome manner. Motive seems lacking for a while until a falling Christmas decoration provides the necessary inspiration for Evan as the team digs deeper into the mystery. A solid mystery, beautiful setting and the team of detectives are becoming familiar friends with each instalment. I've pre-ordered the next one and highly recommend the whole series.
These books are becoming repetitive with much of the book devoted to tea and pastries consumed by the police group that Warlow leads. There is also an excessive amount of banter, meant to be funny, double entendre and witty put ons to befuddle the junior officer Rhys. The plots would be more effective if not interupted with these non essential fillers. A little goes a long ways. Warlow is good at his job of solving crimes, but the books are becoming irritating to read to the end.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 5-Star Review of No One Near by Rhys Dylan (A DCI Evan Warlow Crime Thriller)
Rhys Dylan once again proves his mastery of the crime thriller genre with No One Near, the latest installment in the DCI Evan Warlow series. This gripping novel is a dark, emotionally charged, and brilliantly plotted mystery that keeps the reader guessing until the final page.
Set in the hauntingly atmospheric landscape of mid-Wales, No One Near pulls us back into the world of DCI Evan Warlow, a man as deeply layered as the cases he investigates. When a solitary hiker stumbles upon a body near a remote quarry lake, what initially appears to be a tragic accident quickly unravels into something far more sinister. Warlow, still battling personal demons and the emotional toll of previous cases, is drawn into a chilling investigation involving long-held secrets, small-town loyalties, and buried trauma.
Dylan’s writing is sharp and evocative, capturing the rugged beauty and underlying menace of the Welsh countryside with cinematic flair. His pacing is perfect—never rushed, never dragging—allowing the suspense to build steadily as the investigation twists and turns through misleading clues and red herrings. Just when you think you have it all figured out, Dylan throws in another curveball, reinforcing his reputation for unpredictable, yet totally satisfying, storytelling.
The character development is one of the standout aspects of this book. Evan Warlow is portrayed with nuance and emotional depth—a dedicated detective whose haunted past continues to shape his present. The supporting cast, including familiar faces from earlier books in the series, are given meaningful roles, adding richness and continuity to the world Dylan has built.
What sets No One Near apart is its psychological intensity. This isn’t just a whodunit—it’s a why-did-they-do-it, exploring motive, guilt, and the weight of silence in close-knit communities. Dylan delves into the emotional consequences of crime, both for the victims and those left behind, making this not only a compelling thriller but a thoughtful, human story.
For fans of deeply atmospheric, character-driven crime fiction, No One Near is a must-read. Rhys Dylan continues to deliver stories that are as emotionally resonant as they are chilling and complex. Whether you’re new to the series or a returning fan, this novel stands strong on its own and leaves you hungry for more.
Highly recommended. 5 stars. A gripping, emotional triumph.
I’ve enjoyed Dylan’s DCI Warlow series up until this book. However, I have noticed a theme of the main characters being exasperated/criticising social justice causes and eco consciousness, along with general criticism of youth culture. Characters who care about these issues are portrayed for the most part as being extremely aggressive about their views and stereotypical to the point of ridiculousness (see the person who identified as a cat). This has progressively become more overt as the series has progressed.
It seemed to go to another level in No One Near - the critical commentary on “woke” culture was so frequent that it began to detract from my enjoyment of the book. Although partially relevant for one group of suspects, there were SO many superfluous internal monologues from the character complaining about these issues that I was rolling my eyes at points. I even started to think I should make notes every time irrelevant social issues were brought up just to see how frequent it was!
While I appreciate the author may be trying to flesh out his characters (several of whom may hold more “traditional” views because of their age) it’s become overkill at this point in the series. As a listener it’s frustrating to constantly have it brought up without it meaningfully contributing to the narrative in relation to the crime/mystery to be solved. Interestingly, the same social views seem to be shared by key characters despite regardless of age/gender which leads me to wonder if the author might be weaving his own personal views into his work at the risk of the narrative suffering?
And I’m not trying to say that I only want to read books that espouse a certain social or political view point! Books, even fiction, are here to make us think deeply and to expose us to new and different views about the world. But I hope Dylan starts to ask himself whether his exploration of these themes is a) multi dimensional and b) contributing or even relevant to the story he’s trying to tell. If the next book in the series is similar to No One Near, I probably won’t tune in again!
This is Book 10 of the DCI Evan Warlow series by Rhys Dylan. It is just before Christmas, and newlyweds Georgia and Cameron are heading into their secluded little rented cottage that is nestled in the hills in a valley in West Wales when they happen upon a man who has been tied up and hoisted to the ceiling in the upstairs bedroom. So much for the honeymoon suite! That is when Warlow and his team are called and they start investigating the situation.
The dead man is a local businessman and multiple “for rent” cottage owner who at first appears may just have been in the wrong place at the wrong time. But as Warlow and his team dig into the man’s background, more and more unsavory secrets begin to be revealed. Warlow starts to think there is more to this murder than he first thought. But when one of the dead man’s drinking buddies is attacked, and another suddenly goes missing, Warlow knows he is up against a killer with an agenda and who will stop at nothing to accomplish his deeds.
In my opinion, another brilliant novel from Rhys Dylan. Although I thoroughly enjoyed this one, it was not up there as one of my favourites. This is also the first book in the series that ends with a cliffhanger. That is something new. I guess we shall see what becomes of that in later novels. Now, I very much look forward to getting my hands on the next book in the series. Hopefully in the not too distant future.
Book 10 in the DCI Evan Warlow Series and another shocking case for Warlow and the team. DS Gil Jones is still making the most terrible puns, DC Rhys Harries is still eating his way through Wales and remains as gullible as ever and Warlow still hasn’t been able to share his feelings with Jess. He hasn’t taken my advice after book 9! I love how the case is interspersed with updates about the teams private lives and the interaction between them all is pure magic.
Briefly, arriving at their remote honeymoon rental in the Welsh hills Georgia and Cam finding a body hanging from the ceiling. Warlow and the team are investigating when a second man is attacked and left for dead. A connection between the two men is the best lead they have so far.
As always this is a well written and well plotted story but what makes it special is the characters. The police team are like old friends and of course the gorgeous Cadi steals every scene she is in. This reads well as a stand-alone but I guarantee you that if you read this you will want to read the rest of the series. A fabulous police procedural.
And Rhys Dylan has done it again! In the 10th book of the DCI Evan Warlow series, No One Near had me gripped from the first page when a honeymoon couple find more than they expected in the cottage they’d booked. Set just before Christmas, the last thing Evan and his team need is the discovery of a man, brutally and viciously murdered. Reading this book is like coming home to a warm, loving and at times, sarcastic family. Albeit, one which deals in the more horrific side of humanity. There’s action right from the start with a few twists, humour in the form of Gil and dilemmas for both Evan and Rhys. I was kept guessing all the way through the story, and the way it ended, I’m champing at the bit for the next instalment! This is a brilliant series which never goes stale, rather, each book just gets better and better as you become more invested in the lives of Evan, Jess and the rest of the team.
No One Near is the 10th book in this series and WOW, what can I say it's great to have the unique team back together with their own quirks I have come to love to yet solve another crime. This book can be read as a standalone if you want. It's as the characters are now friends and you really truly empathise with them and feel what's is happening to them.
This series is maturing with every book as we go along. Getting to know the characters more in-depth love it. This is where the team start trying to solve the crime on your marks get set go!!
It has all you need from a brilliantly written story, captivating, engrossing and twists and turns to keep you engaged throughout. I always feel a little sad when I finish the last page of the book. But as always looking forward to my next instalment of DCI Evan Warlow and a little cute dog called Cadi (bless).
I highly recommend this book or series you won't be disappointed loved it!!!
No One Near is the tenth novel in this well-penned series. A honeymoon getaway turns into a nightmare for a young couple as they find a body in their rental cottage. What the Wolf will uncover will be even darker. This wonderful story hooked me in from the first page. It starts off strong and improves throughout. It was tense, well-plotted, and well-paced. Add in the interactions between the characters, especially DCI Evan Warlow and his team, and this book is a winner. Master Storyteller Rhys Dylan has done it again! He has a way of combining the right amount of murder, intrigue, and twists and turns. He draws you in and keeps you wanting more. Each time I finish his latest story, I’m sad and rather impatient for the next action-packed addictive story to drop. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The whole gang are back together in No One Near book 10 in the DCI Evan Warlow series. I just absolutely love this series, it's like putting on your comfy pjs and having a great time with the whole family! Except of course there's always murder and mayhem in Wales! Georgia and Cam have booked a secluded in the middle of nowhere cottage for their honeymoon. With all the things they planned to do finding a dead body in the cottage wasn't one of them. Warlow and the team are given the task to find the murderer before they can strike again and with the Christmas holidays just a few day's away will they manage to capture them before Santa comes down the chimney? Another brilliant read from the outstanding Mr Dylan.
I'm loving this series. The fiendish cases are not what would be expected in a rural area, but they are dealt with by DCI Evan Warlow and his small team. The writing is very good and what stands out for me as well as the cases themselves is the gallows humour of the team. Some may find this out of place regarding the seriousness of the crimes, but it clearly eases the tension and builds and bonds the team together, and the line are brilliant! This time we have an horrendous murder that starts off a shocking tale of revenge. There's also further developments in the personal stories of the team. We also have a couple of teasers for the next book in the series which thankfully he released before long.
The tenth book in the DCI Evan Warlow Series & another cracking read. The familiar faces are all there - Gil, Rhys & Jess, not forgetting the adorable Cadi. If you haven’t read this series before, I don’t know why, this will read as a standalone but I would recommend starting at the beginning. The characters are as important as the crimes.
A honeymoon couple arrive at the cottage they’d booked & are in for a huge shock.
That’s it, I’m saying no more about the plot, you just need to read it. The characters are so realistic with just the right amount of gallows humour & banter but, of course, there is a serious side too. A tense & well-constructed police procedural which left me wanting more. Just as well I have book 11 already.
This was a brilliant read as usual. It's hard to believe we're at book ten already. I hope this series goes on forever!
A couple on their honeymoon make a horrible discovery when they arrive at their rental home. Initially Evan and the team are wondering who would hate the man enough to kill him in that way as people thought highly of him, but soon discover that he was not as liked as initially thought. This was a riveting tale, and the gradual reveal of exactly the kind of man the dead man was, was particularly gripping. If I hadn't had visitors, I would have read this within the day as it was very hard to put down as usual. Can't wait for the next one.
Another terrific installment in the series. A well timed festive theme set just before Christmas and the team are all busy with festive plans and keen to solve the murder before the day itself. As usual we explore the team's personal lives from the serious topics of Catrin going through IVF to the Vicar of Dibley scenario of Rhys contemplating having two Christmas dinners to keep everyone's family happy! Rhys gets the lion's share of the comedy moments. The team is also up against it with a victim with some nasty secrets and a murderer determined to punish those he thinks are guilty in a very gruesome manner.
I always enjoy returning to DCI Wardlow and his team. On the run up to Christmas, the gruesome murder of a landlord who rents vacation cottages throws the team into a flurry of activity at a particular busy time and complicated by a storm and black ice.
Although I am quite fond of this series and appreciate Gil's witty comments, these humorous additions are a little overdone in this book--as it the continuous comments about Rhys' voracious appetite. A little less would provide a better balance. The ending also bothered me a bit; if felt a bit too implausible.
So...as always, entertaining and involving, but not my favorite in this series.
Good63,149 ratings68 reviews What can you do when there is No One Near... High in the Welsh hills, a honeymoon getaway takes a dark turn when a rotting corpse is discovered in the rental property’s bedroom. In a dark, damp December, DCI Evan Warlow and his team head out to investigate. They find a victim who may not be as innocent as he first seems, and a rural community harbouring the worst kind of secrets. When a second victim is attacked and a third goes missing, Evan knows he’s up against a rogue killer with a Christmas list of his own. And it’s a deadly one. Can he unmask the culprit before the season's festivities turn into a bloodbath?
Good.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
3.5 On hoopla I would have said a solid 4, but maybe bc I’m listening to these in order, the dad jokes are getting old fast. I feel like there were one or two in the first few and now it’s like a dad joke every sentence. I loved the story line and the characters but felt all the jokes were a distraction and didn’t add much to the story. I also didn’t know why they were so focused on Jordan and was sad it was the brother bc he seemed to overcome so many obstacles. Oh- whoops this is for the book after this one in the series but I’ll know what I mean if I ever need to remember if I read this one or not.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
A NON is a rental property where in theory there is No Owner Near and so complete privacy is ensured. These getaways are remote, secluded, and ideal for a honeymoon, or, that is the idea until a dead body beats you to it. The body of the owner, no less.
A well constructed and credible plot but who is responsible for the first murder is not clear until well into the story. Christmas is approaching and that puts extra pressure on Warlow's team to get on with the investigation.
I very much enjoy the exploration of the characters of the team and their development. The humour is an added bonus.
The plot does leave one issue unresolved, and I guess it will resurface in a later book.
This was a great whodunit and kept me pondering just who done it. The descriptions of the scenery took you right there! The rapier wit had me laughing and saying 'good one!' to no-one in particular. 😂 It was so nice to visit with everyone in the book, as they feel like old friends now. Come on, Evan, make a move! 🤷🏼♀️👍 Good luck Catrin! 👶 Rhys, you need to marry that one - she's a keeper! And God love Gil! He loves his Lady Anwen and is hilarious with the grans. He slays me! Happiest of holiday wishes! 🕎🎄🕊
The first two thirds of the book made me believe this would be 4-star read, but the last third the plot and action deteriorates into confusion tying all the knots to the extreme. Initially I was happy to be back in Wales following DCI Warlow's investigation along with his team as they work to solve a brutal murder. As the investigation deepens they uncover possible motivation behind the murder. I just erased description of plot that would qualify as a spoiler. So...that's all for now.
The DCI Evan Warlow books are gritty reads, from the first to the last. They could be read as standalones, but the reader would get some much more from reading the series.
Evan and the team are called in when a rotting corpse is found at a rental property, where a honeymooning couple had planned to get away from it all. Digging into the victim gives the team more than a little pause for thought. And raises a lot more questions, unearthing secrets into the bargain.
Thoroughly enjoyed this read, and looking forward to the next one
Brilliant, as usual! I love this series and the regular cast of characters including dog. They are all so real, human and funny...that is, except for the deplorable puns. This one was exciting and left me guessing. Can't wait for the next one which may be a bit of continuation. A huge thank you to the author who keeps cranking new episodes out in spite of family events and a demanding Emma. 😁
As always, I enjoyed the character development - Warlow’s team in particular are well drawn, quirks and all, and I follow their lives with interest. The mystery plot is engaging - and worrying! I’ll think twice before I rent a secluded cabin! And of course the settings are so clearly described that I would love to see them in person! Thanks for a holiday gift, Rhys!
Read this on holiday… appropriately enough a Christmas present from my son… in a secluded countryside log cabin… where things that go bump in the night are mostly squirrels on the roof… I think… what a cracking yarn… Evan and the team had me up all night trying to work out what’s coming next whilst young Rhys made my tummy growl thinking about food! Back home now and my first task is… book 11!
Book 10 of 12 of Rhys Dylan's DCI Evan Warlow series is right up there among the best mystery books available. It is set in Wales and you get to learn a bit about the country and the language. It is a joy to read Mr. Dylan's books. DCI Evan Warlow aka the Wolf, is another detective with baggage. You get to meet his grown sons and his lab, Cadi. They are good reads and you learn new things. Give yourself a treat and read this series.