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DCI Evan Warlow #4
Suffer the Dead
When a farmer and his son go missing whilst chasing thieves, DCI Evan Warlow and his team are called in to investigate.
Everything points to a botched raid by rustlers, but with no bodies, and little or no clues, the team quickly start chasing their tails. But even a hardened pro like Warlow isn’t prepared for the monstrous truth when, like a rabid sheepdog, it finally sits up and bites him on the leg.
Everything points to a botched raid by rustlers, but with no bodies, and little or no clues, the team quickly start chasing their tails. But even a hardened pro like Warlow isn’t prepared for the monstrous truth when, like a rabid sheepdog, it finally sits up and bites him on the leg.
Audiobook
First published August 2, 2022
1711 people are currently reading
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About the author
Rhys Dylan
22 books560 followershttps://www.facebook.com/Rhysdylanbooks
https://www.instagram.com/rhysdylanbo...
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.
https://www.instagram.com/rhysdylanbo...
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 216 reviews
July 23, 2022
This is book 4 in the series and is every bit as good as the previous ones and once again I found myself tearing through it as I didn't want to put it down.
This time, Evan and the team, minus Jess who is on leave following events in the previous book, are sent to a distant location when a father and son go missing and some brain fragments are found. At the same time, they have to contend with ongoing rustling activities and somehow get entangled into an old missing person case.
I love the characters and banter in this team. I feel like I know them personally at this stage.
There are several funny moments which counteract nicely the seriousness of the surrounding activities. Rhys in particular is hilarious, and mostly unintentionally. At the same time, Evan has to deal with some personal news of a serious nature so I found myself mixing the enjoyment with a lot of sorrow. Roll on book 5.
This time, Evan and the team, minus Jess who is on leave following events in the previous book, are sent to a distant location when a father and son go missing and some brain fragments are found. At the same time, they have to contend with ongoing rustling activities and somehow get entangled into an old missing person case.
I love the characters and banter in this team. I feel like I know them personally at this stage.
There are several funny moments which counteract nicely the seriousness of the surrounding activities. Rhys in particular is hilarious, and mostly unintentionally. At the same time, Evan has to deal with some personal news of a serious nature so I found myself mixing the enjoyment with a lot of sorrow. Roll on book 5.
August 2, 2022
It was great to catch up with Warlow and the team, I love the dynamics of the group and seeing what they have been up to, Rhys so far is one of my favourite characters and the banter between him and Warlow, well it’s one sided banter Rhys is still a little wet behind the ears. I won’t write about the storyline as I feel it’s the job of the blurb to peak your interest and doesn’t need re-telling in my review, but I will say another great read from the author
June 13, 2023
A sheep farmer and his son go missing in North West Wales, traces of their blood on a barn door are the only indication that murder may have occurred. The local police force are extremely short-staffed and Ewan and team dispatched to deal with the crime. They find an isolated area where sheep-rustling is a major problem for farmers, but was the crime committed by a gang of sheep thieves or is there some local issue simmering away below the surface. As Ewan says, he has a baa'd feeling about this case, although the team is bolstered by two young, enthusiastic members of the local force who I hope we meet again. My biggest concern at the moment is that I am binge reading this series at a rate that will mean I will soon be out of instalments to read!
October 12, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Murder, Sheep, and the Welsh Weather: DCI Warlow’s Got His Hands Full (and His Wellies On).
By book four in the DCI Evan Warlow series, I’ve officially stopped pretending I’ll “just read a few chapters.” Suffer the Dead had me saying that lie again—and, of course, I devoured it in a single sitting like a detective inhaling a bacon roll after a 12-hour shift.
This time, Warlow and the team are sent deep into rural North West Wales, where a farmer and his son have vanished and the only clue left behind is blood smeared across a barn door. Add in some suspicious sheep-rustling, a missing-person case that refuses to stay buried, and an isolated community with more secrets than a chapel bake sale, and you’ve got yourself another classic Rhys Dylan slow-burn thriller—with a wicked sense of humour to match.
Jess is on leave (thanks to the emotional shrapnel from the last book), so the team dynamic is slightly off balance. But somehow that makes the banter even sharper. The group’s camaraderie remains one of the series’ best features—warm, funny, and occasionally daft enough to make you snort into your tea. Rhys (the character, not the author) continues to deliver deadpan one-liners and accidental hilarity that provides just the right dose of levity amid the darker turns.
And dark it gets. Between the grisly discoveries and Evan’s own personal struggles—some heavy news that hits hard—this story balances sorrow and suspense beautifully. Dylan has a knack for letting emotional realism coexist with crime procedural grit; you laugh one page, you wince the next, and by the end, you realise you’ve grown quite attached to the lot of them.
The mystery itself is tightly wound, with plenty of red herrings (or should I say red sheep?) and unexpected twists. The addition of two young local officers brings a fresh energy to the investigation—enthusiastic, slightly naive, and exactly the sort of characters you hope stick around for future instalments.
Dylan provides plenty of moments when you realise you’ve been laughing at a sheep pun during a murder investigation and feel oddly okay about it.
As for those “anti-Christian” complaints floating around, honestly, everyone’s entitled to their own interpretation. Dylan’s stories deal in human contradictions, and if someone’s finding theological subtext in a murder mystery about sheep rustlers, that probably says more about them than the book.
Verdict:
Another brilliantly written, atmospheric, and darkly funny entry in what’s fast becoming one of the most bingeable British crime series out there.
By book four in the DCI Evan Warlow series, I’ve officially stopped pretending I’ll “just read a few chapters.” Suffer the Dead had me saying that lie again—and, of course, I devoured it in a single sitting like a detective inhaling a bacon roll after a 12-hour shift.
This time, Warlow and the team are sent deep into rural North West Wales, where a farmer and his son have vanished and the only clue left behind is blood smeared across a barn door. Add in some suspicious sheep-rustling, a missing-person case that refuses to stay buried, and an isolated community with more secrets than a chapel bake sale, and you’ve got yourself another classic Rhys Dylan slow-burn thriller—with a wicked sense of humour to match.
Jess is on leave (thanks to the emotional shrapnel from the last book), so the team dynamic is slightly off balance. But somehow that makes the banter even sharper. The group’s camaraderie remains one of the series’ best features—warm, funny, and occasionally daft enough to make you snort into your tea. Rhys (the character, not the author) continues to deliver deadpan one-liners and accidental hilarity that provides just the right dose of levity amid the darker turns.
And dark it gets. Between the grisly discoveries and Evan’s own personal struggles—some heavy news that hits hard—this story balances sorrow and suspense beautifully. Dylan has a knack for letting emotional realism coexist with crime procedural grit; you laugh one page, you wince the next, and by the end, you realise you’ve grown quite attached to the lot of them.
The mystery itself is tightly wound, with plenty of red herrings (or should I say red sheep?) and unexpected twists. The addition of two young local officers brings a fresh energy to the investigation—enthusiastic, slightly naive, and exactly the sort of characters you hope stick around for future instalments.
Dylan provides plenty of moments when you realise you’ve been laughing at a sheep pun during a murder investigation and feel oddly okay about it.
As for those “anti-Christian” complaints floating around, honestly, everyone’s entitled to their own interpretation. Dylan’s stories deal in human contradictions, and if someone’s finding theological subtext in a murder mystery about sheep rustlers, that probably says more about them than the book.
Verdict:
Another brilliantly written, atmospheric, and darkly funny entry in what’s fast becoming one of the most bingeable British crime series out there.
August 7, 2022
The DCI Evan Warlow series I have to admit is one of the best I’ve read, and just seems to get better with each book.
When a case of sheep killings turns into the disappearance of a farmer and his son, Evan Warlow and his team are sent to investigate. As ever with this series, you’re pulled straight into the action and although the pace at times made me turn the pages quickly to reach the climax, the humour which is woven through the book did make me both laugh and in places, groan at the puns. There’s also the addition of a couple of new characters who I hope may feature in further books. The twists that came were unexpected, with enough red herrings to keep me guessing until the last pages.
Although I think Suffer The Dead can be read as a stand-alone, I would strongly recommend reading the first three books in the series if only to appreciate the camaraderie, the humour, the very different personalities which make for a great team, but most definitely for Rhys Dylan’s style of writing which makes you feel part of the team and right there among the action. It’s another great read from this author and I’m already looking forward to the next.
When a case of sheep killings turns into the disappearance of a farmer and his son, Evan Warlow and his team are sent to investigate. As ever with this series, you’re pulled straight into the action and although the pace at times made me turn the pages quickly to reach the climax, the humour which is woven through the book did make me both laugh and in places, groan at the puns. There’s also the addition of a couple of new characters who I hope may feature in further books. The twists that came were unexpected, with enough red herrings to keep me guessing until the last pages.
Although I think Suffer The Dead can be read as a stand-alone, I would strongly recommend reading the first three books in the series if only to appreciate the camaraderie, the humour, the very different personalities which make for a great team, but most definitely for Rhys Dylan’s style of writing which makes you feel part of the team and right there among the action. It’s another great read from this author and I’m already looking forward to the next.
August 4, 2022
Rhys Dylan's Warlow series is really shaping up as a stand-out in a very popular genre. I read 4-5 books a week on average, and most of them are crime/thriller/police-procedurals. A lot of these are either forgettable, or downright badly written. At this stage it takes a real story-telling talent to keep my interest piqued, and to keep me waiting impatiently for the next installment. Rhys Dylan is definitely in this category.
His characters are realistic and well thought out and they keep the reader's attention and interest. There's a good balance of humour and darkness in his work, especially in this book. This story picks up on a lot of threads from the previous books, but still maintains a stand alone plot which is very well paced. I read a bit last night and then got completely hooked tonight, I couldn't put the book down until I finished it, well after 1 a.m. A story worth the tired eyes in the morning!
His characters are realistic and well thought out and they keep the reader's attention and interest. There's a good balance of humour and darkness in his work, especially in this book. This story picks up on a lot of threads from the previous books, but still maintains a stand alone plot which is very well paced. I read a bit last night and then got completely hooked tonight, I couldn't put the book down until I finished it, well after 1 a.m. A story worth the tired eyes in the morning!
November 9, 2022
I was so disappointed with this one. Quite a good plot, interesting characters. The lazy, stereotypical way the author dealt with the Christians and Christian belief in traditional marriage and biblical beliefs on LGBTOQA++ issues was so disappointing, shallow and annoying. Lazy labelling of Christian belief is becoming far too common.
The soppy way the sickness and death of the alcoholic ex wife was disappointing too. Alcoholism destroys families. I will not be reading this writer again.
The soppy way the sickness and death of the alcoholic ex wife was disappointing too. Alcoholism destroys families. I will not be reading this writer again.
May 19, 2023
I am really enjoying this series and find the stories well written and the character development ongoing and well done.
August 8, 2022
It is hard to quantify what it is about these books which makes them so good. That the team were accepting of a new DCI from the beginning even though he was at that time retired? The way in which the team gel and find ways of helping and reassuring one another without actually saying anything? These things happen in other books but this series has something extra. It may be that we know that many of them are carrying extra burdens but the point is not laboured - although Warlow’s private life got more of a mention than usual in this book.
The realisation of who and why the killer is came at the worst possible time for the team and the descriptions were all too realistic. I don’t want to go into too much detail but there are a few “What the heck?” moments here which will keep the reader wondering for much of the book.
I didn’t want to put it down, I was glued to it but equally, sad to come to the end of it. Make sure you have plenty of time to read before starting this book because it will grab your attention and will not let go.
The realisation of who and why the killer is came at the worst possible time for the team and the descriptions were all too realistic. I don’t want to go into too much detail but there are a few “What the heck?” moments here which will keep the reader wondering for much of the book.
I didn’t want to put it down, I was glued to it but equally, sad to come to the end of it. Make sure you have plenty of time to read before starting this book because it will grab your attention and will not let go.
June 5, 2023
Anti-Christian sentiment in this book.
Very negative comments regarding Biblical values as compared to the current ultra liberal society norms. So disappointed. I have enjoyed the authors other books, but no more for me.
Very negative comments regarding Biblical values as compared to the current ultra liberal society norms. So disappointed. I have enjoyed the authors other books, but no more for me.
April 24, 2025
Although I found this dull, I gave it two stars because I got all the way through it, and the answer to the crime surprised me. Also, the main character was so irritated all throughout and then raging at a witness he thought was a hypocrite really put me off. No thanks.
September 8, 2024
Suffer The Dead is book four in Rhys Dylan's DCI Evan Warlow series. Due to illness and a staff shortage, DCI Evan Warlow was seconded to another police force to investigate a double murder case. He found only one constable on arrival, so he was pleased when his team arrived to help with the investigation. At first, there were too many avenues to explore, and the team had no idea which direction to follow. Will this be the case that best DCI Evan Warlow? The readers of Suffer The Dead will continue to follow DCI Evan Warlow's investigation to discover what happens.
I love this series set in Wales, which I know little about. However, reading books by Rhys Dylan has allowed me to learn about the Welsh countryside and culture. I engaged with the story and the characters of Suffer The Dead from the first page, and it continued to the end, which caused me another sleepless night so that I could discover what had happened. I love Rhys Dylan's portrayal of his characters and how they intertwine throughout this book. Suffer The Dead is well-written and researched by Rhys Dylan. I like Rhys Dylan's description of the settings of Suffer The Dead, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of Suffer The Dead will understand some of the consequences of being a chronic alcoholic and how it affects everyone around them. Also, the readers of Suffer The Dead will learn the consequences of animal theft for farmers.
I recommend this book.
March 3, 2024
This crime was not on DCI Warlow's patch so he and most of his team had to stay away and work outside their comfort zone but with the help of some very capable young coppers, they got into the swing of a rural crime with a very different community to what they are used to.
Even Gill got out in the field and proved to still have what it takes!
I liked the way Rhys was portrayed as a clever and deeper character than first thought and the close friendship that has developed between Jess and Evan.
As you would expect, we are learning more about each character with each story and I am thoroughly enjoying this aspect as well as the actual mystery involved.
There is just enough humour to keep it real. Gill can be a cracker!
I'm looking forward to reading the next in this series.
Even Gill got out in the field and proved to still have what it takes!
I liked the way Rhys was portrayed as a clever and deeper character than first thought and the close friendship that has developed between Jess and Evan.
As you would expect, we are learning more about each character with each story and I am thoroughly enjoying this aspect as well as the actual mystery involved.
There is just enough humour to keep it real. Gill can be a cracker!
I'm looking forward to reading the next in this series.
January 8, 2024
Gripping until the end and a lovely team of detectives.
October 22, 2025
These audiobooks are so addicting I love them
December 13, 2025
Enjoying this series revolving around DCI Warlow and his team of investigators. He's a complex man with a strong moral compass who brings out loyalty and the desire to go the extra step from his team. Well drawn characters who are easy to invest in.
January 9, 2025
solid 4.5 stars. fabulous twist and unusual action scene.
February 17, 2024
Book 4 keeping it fresh! A crime with only blood and tissue splatter on a farm door send Evan and the crew minus Jess to the northern borders. Is it linked to sheep theft? Evangelical nutters? Keeping sex secrets? .... that's the mystery. Gil is really developed in this book. Love running around with this team.
June 20, 2023
The team of Welsh detectives really grows on me. All the books in the series continue the stories behind the detectives who are varied and interesting. Evan Warlock, the senior DCI is experienced, somewhat jaded and compassionate. He is flawed too and in this book his family issues weigh him down. The setting in rural Wales makes the mysteries even more intriguing to an American reader, and yet the story of the struggling farmers could be set in the US too. Some of the place names and the occasional words in the Welsh language are lost on me but you really don't need to know them or pronounce them. The plot in Suffer the Dead is complicated and I did not figure it out until the dramatic ending. There is just the right balance of suspense, grit, investigative work and humor here. I will definitely continue with the series.
June 4, 2025
It was an OK read ....
Until the author decided to showcase his disdain for Christianity, and like all if those who scorn peop!e who believe differently than themselves, he used extremism to paint with a broad brush.
Until the author decided to showcase his disdain for Christianity, and like all if those who scorn peop!e who believe differently than themselves, he used extremism to paint with a broad brush.
August 28, 2022
The fourth in the DCI Evan Warlow series & they just get better & better. Picking up one of these books is like sitting down to have a chat with old friends - you know they are going to be great company but you’re unsure of the way the conversation will go.
Warlow & his team are dispatched away from their normal patch to help out ‘up north’ as they are short of senior investigators. A disturbing discovery of blood & brain matter on an isolated feed store door leads to a case involving sheep rustling, a missing son & the vagaries of Chapel in a rural community.
Always well written with a great sense of place, I love these books. The characters in the team are brilliant even those that only drop in for a few morsels of information. The banter is spot on &, in places, needed. Gallows humour to the fore at times.
Highly recommended & I can’t wait for the next one.
PS More Cadi next time
PPS Can I adopt Rhys please? Or is that asking for trouble?
Warlow & his team are dispatched away from their normal patch to help out ‘up north’ as they are short of senior investigators. A disturbing discovery of blood & brain matter on an isolated feed store door leads to a case involving sheep rustling, a missing son & the vagaries of Chapel in a rural community.
Always well written with a great sense of place, I love these books. The characters in the team are brilliant even those that only drop in for a few morsels of information. The banter is spot on &, in places, needed. Gallows humour to the fore at times.
Highly recommended & I can’t wait for the next one.
PS More Cadi next time
PPS Can I adopt Rhys please? Or is that asking for trouble?
August 18, 2022
I feel like I'm a little bit late to the party on this authors books ~ my invite must have got lost in the post, but I certainly intend to rectify this after reading this absolute gem of a thriller.
DCI Evan Warlow and his team head to the north of their patch to investigate a case with little in the way of evidence and even fewer leads. What follows is a compelling and extremely well crafted story. The author manages to weave dark humour into a thrilling novel, I must admit that I didn't see the ending coming ~ I thought I had it cracked, and then the author threw in yet another twist.
I am grateful to the author for the opportunity to read this as an ARC, and am submitting my honest review.
Now, I'm off to download the rest of the series!!
DCI Evan Warlow and his team head to the north of their patch to investigate a case with little in the way of evidence and even fewer leads. What follows is a compelling and extremely well crafted story. The author manages to weave dark humour into a thrilling novel, I must admit that I didn't see the ending coming ~ I thought I had it cracked, and then the author threw in yet another twist.
I am grateful to the author for the opportunity to read this as an ARC, and am submitting my honest review.
Now, I'm off to download the rest of the series!!
January 24, 2024
Another great book by Rhys Dylan
I stayed up way too late a few nights reading this book. Just like the ones before it, I couldn’t put it down. One thing I really like about the books is the descriptions of the scenery. I often look up the towns or areas on Google maps to see where they are headed. I’ve been to Wales once but it was many years ago. I remember it as being ruggedly beautiful. I’m so looking forward to reading the next book which is already waiting for me to get started.
I stayed up way too late a few nights reading this book. Just like the ones before it, I couldn’t put it down. One thing I really like about the books is the descriptions of the scenery. I often look up the towns or areas on Google maps to see where they are headed. I’ve been to Wales once but it was many years ago. I remember it as being ruggedly beautiful. I’m so looking forward to reading the next book which is already waiting for me to get started.
April 30, 2024
Was good, then not.
I really enjoyed these books until I got to this volume. The food and tea references got to be too much...it seemed like eating and drinking tea pervaded the story to fill up pages. That was getting bad but then there were the political references that were snuck in here and there. The further I got into the book, the more they appeared. We get enough of that in the daily news and that is why I gave it one star instead of a three - the three resulting from the incessant use of food, eating and tea to fill pages.
I really enjoyed these books until I got to this volume. The food and tea references got to be too much...it seemed like eating and drinking tea pervaded the story to fill up pages. That was getting bad but then there were the political references that were snuck in here and there. The further I got into the book, the more they appeared. We get enough of that in the daily news and that is why I gave it one star instead of a three - the three resulting from the incessant use of food, eating and tea to fill pages.
September 19, 2022
Four stars because…
As much as I liked the plot and the characters, and would have given it 5 stars, the author (along with many British authors) chose to portray Christians in a very negative, judgmental light. I nearly quit reading when Warlow was at the height of his utter disgust for the “bigoted Christian.” Other than that real let down, it was a good plot, and Rhys is still adorable and quite adept at solving crimes. He nailed it midway through.
As much as I liked the plot and the characters, and would have given it 5 stars, the author (along with many British authors) chose to portray Christians in a very negative, judgmental light. I nearly quit reading when Warlow was at the height of his utter disgust for the “bigoted Christian.” Other than that real let down, it was a good plot, and Rhys is still adorable and quite adept at solving crimes. He nailed it midway through.
November 2, 2022
Another Interesting and surprising tale.
I read Mr. Dylan's novels both for stories but also for his detailed description of the history, geography, and culture of a place where I've never been. I've had the pleasure of visiting Britain, Scotland, and Ireland but never Wales. He has whetted my appetite and I must visit Wales. After that, I'll try Northern Ireland to finish the British Isles and U.K. I can't wait.
I read Mr. Dylan's novels both for stories but also for his detailed description of the history, geography, and culture of a place where I've never been. I've had the pleasure of visiting Britain, Scotland, and Ireland but never Wales. He has whetted my appetite and I must visit Wales. After that, I'll try Northern Ireland to finish the British Isles and U.K. I can't wait.
December 4, 2023
This wonderful vastly underrated series and author delivers another cracking read. High tension and fast flowing this story is quite the page turner. But what makes this series of books special is the banter between the characters- the comedy element adds balance to the storyline. Evan Warlow continues to be an interesting and formidable character and still has so much more to give. Excellent read
March 25, 2025
Well, as usual, I spoke too soon. The language in this one was worse than the last book. It was a gruesome story (well, they are murder stories, so there’s that). But this one took a lot of low shots at people of faith. Just because someone doesn’t live up to their profession doesn’t mean all people of faith are the same. Just saying.
August 21, 2023
I could only read t55% of his book. It was so boring. No real plot, very slow for anything to happen. Very little did happen!!!!
Worse book that I have read in years.
My advice - just don't do it!
Worse book that I have read in years.
My advice - just don't do it!
July 10, 2025
Okay, most books that I read aren’t Christian per se. Actually, I find plots in Christian fiction to be pretty repetitive. I also prefer the suspense genre. Most Christian books are romance. I like Grisham, Baldacci and am getting into Coben. I read plenty of books where the characters don’t claim to be Christian. I read plenty of books that don’t mention God. I read plenty of books where I don’t agree with some of the morals exhibited by the characters. That being said, this is the first fiction book I have read that specifically mentions Christianity for the purpose of attacking it. Here are some examples from the book after a suspect in a murder case is brought in for questioning. The suspect gives a testimony of his Christian beliefs regarding marriage. The following comments are then made by other characters: *religious bigot *Check the calendar, it’s 2022.*I don’t blame him (regarding someone who doesn’t attend church) *How about simple acceptance? (regarding extramarital affairs and alternative lifestyles) *I am glad my father didn’t make me go to chapel. *Nothing like the reek of hypocrisy (regarding Christianity) The other characters then go so far as having to step outside because Christian beliefs literally stink.
I really liked the first three books in this series. They were highly interesting and pretty clean. I had some empathy for the main character. Unfortunately, I am not going to pay $13ish to be made to feel like I am rotten to the core. Unlike the author, I respect other people’s choices to disagree with me. Being specifically attacked by someone I am giving money to, however, is not something I can continue to do. Sadly, I am finished with this author.
I really liked the first three books in this series. They were highly interesting and pretty clean. I had some empathy for the main character. Unfortunately, I am not going to pay $13ish to be made to feel like I am rotten to the core. Unlike the author, I respect other people’s choices to disagree with me. Being specifically attacked by someone I am giving money to, however, is not something I can continue to do. Sadly, I am finished with this author.
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