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Constable Evans #4
Evan and Elle
Constable Evans joins Sergeant Watkins to follow a trail of clues that leads them to the South of England and then to France, and finally to the conclusion that a dangerous killer is loose in Llanfair, in Rhys Bowen's fourth Evan Evans mystery, Evan and Elle. There is both excitement and dismay in Llanfair when a new French restaurant opens. The glamorous owner, Madame Yvette, tries to win over the locals, and everything seems to be going well until a string of fires plagues the town. One night the restaurant burns down, and a body is found in the rubble.
228 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2000
259 people are currently reading
943 people want to read
About the author
Rhys Bowen
116 books9,652 followersI'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
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
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 182 reviews
June 20, 2023
Another murder takes place on Constable Evans' patch and he is called upon to assist. Since the local police are all busy with a possible drugs bust Evan finds himself taking a bigger role in the investigation than his position usually warrants, and he finds he likes it. Should he try for a Detective position after all?
This problem occupies his mind through most of the book while he simultaneously copes with a local fire bug burning down cottages, his usual problems with women, and even a quick trip to France when he discovers he is not good in tunnels. Of course he solves the murder and accidentally finds out who the fire bug is.
This was another great story set in the beautiful Welsh countryside. The characters are all entertaining, the mysteries are laid out well and the gentle humour makes it all such easy reading.
Plus I always like a book which leaves me smiling as I close the last page as this one certainly did.
This problem occupies his mind through most of the book while he simultaneously copes with a local fire bug burning down cottages, his usual problems with women, and even a quick trip to France when he discovers he is not good in tunnels. Of course he solves the murder and accidentally finds out who the fire bug is.
This was another great story set in the beautiful Welsh countryside. The characters are all entertaining, the mysteries are laid out well and the gentle humour makes it all such easy reading.
Plus I always like a book which leaves me smiling as I close the last page as this one certainly did.
December 30, 2023
Constable Evan Evans rushed to the cottage which was burning to the ground in Llanfair, a cottage which had been recently purchased by Englishers. The note on the gate was ominous - "leave, you're not wanted here" - Evan suspected arson, which was confirmed by Watkins and an obnoxious investigator named Potter. But it was when Madame Yvette, the new owner of the French restaurant in the village, called Evan late one night, also with a threatening note, that Evan knew they'd have to find the answers before it was too late.
And when Madame Yvette's restaurant burnt down with her barely escaping with her life, and a body was discovered in the rubble, suspicions rose in both Evan and Watkins' minds. Would they discover who the arsonist was? And was it anything to do with the local drug scene that the higher ups were looking into?
Evan and Elle is the 4th in the fun and entertaining Constable Evans series by Rhys Bowen and I enjoyed it very much. Light hearted, Evan is a good character, determined to see the best in (most) people. The Welsh countryside sounds divine - I would love to see it. I'm looking forward to #5 already. Recommended.
And when Madame Yvette's restaurant burnt down with her barely escaping with her life, and a body was discovered in the rubble, suspicions rose in both Evan and Watkins' minds. Would they discover who the arsonist was? And was it anything to do with the local drug scene that the higher ups were looking into?
Evan and Elle is the 4th in the fun and entertaining Constable Evans series by Rhys Bowen and I enjoyed it very much. Light hearted, Evan is a good character, determined to see the best in (most) people. The Welsh countryside sounds divine - I would love to see it. I'm looking forward to #5 already. Recommended.
March 19, 2018
Evan and Elle by Rhys Bowen is the fourth book of the Constable Evan Evans humorous mystery series set in late 20th century Wales. Constable Evan Evans is a kind, if socially naïve, young man. He's the sole constable for tiny mountain village Llanfair, where people are nicknamed by profession: Evans-the-Law, Evans-the-Meat, Evans-the-Post, Roberts-the-Pump, Harry-the-Pub, Owens-the-Sheep, Barry-the-Bucket. Evan fends off single women's advances, preferring his girlfriend Bronwen, the village schoolteacher. In this latest installment of life in Llanfair, Evan needs to find out who is setting local fires - could it be an extremist who does not tolerate outsiders moving into their Welsh village?
Yvette, a Frenchwoman who opens a restaurant in an abandoned church, is the talk of the town. Many village women enroll in French cooking class by Yvette. Evan and Bronwen enjoy a meal at the new restaurant one evening, savoring Yvette's delicious cuisine. That night, the restaurant burns down, with a murder victim inside.
Yvette escaped, but now is the primary suspect; Evan alone believes she's innocent of murder. When he learns that her previous restaurant also burned down, and her husband reputedly died in a boat accident, but his body was never found, he is compelled to go find out what happened, from the locals. He and his detective friend on the Caernarvon police force, Sergeant Watkins, travel to the south of England, and clues they find there lead them on to France.
Evan so enjoyed following clues with Watkins to solve the case, he wonders: should he give up village life and pursue a big-city detective career? Until he goes outside, sees the beautiful mountain scenery, and feels he truly belongs in Llanfair. An attractive young constable helps in the case. Evan is impressed by her intellect as well as her good figure, and wonders if he's ready for a permanent commitment. When he next sees Bronwen, his joy in her company reassures him.
All is well in Llanfair - Evan followed up solving the restaurant murder by solving the arson case with tact and kindness. I look forward to more entertaining reads in the series. They'd be cozy mysteries, save for one element: the protagonist is a police officer.
Yvette, a Frenchwoman who opens a restaurant in an abandoned church, is the talk of the town. Many village women enroll in French cooking class by Yvette. Evan and Bronwen enjoy a meal at the new restaurant one evening, savoring Yvette's delicious cuisine. That night, the restaurant burns down, with a murder victim inside.
Yvette escaped, but now is the primary suspect; Evan alone believes she's innocent of murder. When he learns that her previous restaurant also burned down, and her husband reputedly died in a boat accident, but his body was never found, he is compelled to go find out what happened, from the locals. He and his detective friend on the Caernarvon police force, Sergeant Watkins, travel to the south of England, and clues they find there lead them on to France.
Evan so enjoyed following clues with Watkins to solve the case, he wonders: should he give up village life and pursue a big-city detective career? Until he goes outside, sees the beautiful mountain scenery, and feels he truly belongs in Llanfair. An attractive young constable helps in the case. Evan is impressed by her intellect as well as her good figure, and wonders if he's ready for a permanent commitment. When he next sees Bronwen, his joy in her company reassures him.
All is well in Llanfair - Evan followed up solving the restaurant murder by solving the arson case with tact and kindness. I look forward to more entertaining reads in the series. They'd be cozy mysteries, save for one element: the protagonist is a police officer.
February 25, 2025
This was so exciting that I could hardly put it down for a minute to get anything else done. My husband guessed who the arsonist was but I didn't. 6 Stars!
March 15, 2024
Rated 3 stars. Charming contemporary mystery series set in Wales.
August 21, 2025
Evan And Elle is the fourth book in the Constable Evans series by award-winning British-born author, Rhys Bowen. The audio version is narrated by Roger Clark. When a cottage newly purchased by an English couple burns to the ground, a note left behind seems to point to Welsh nationalists. The police arson expert who examines the scene suggests to Evans the Law that he look amongst the people of Llanfair for the culprit. A second fire, note absent, but set by the same method, offers no further clues.
But then, Chez Yvette, the new French restaurant located, much to the disgust of Llanfair’s pastors, in the former Chapel Ebenezer on Llanberis Pass, is torched. The method is different, and there’s a dead body inside. Yvette Bouchard barely escaped with her life, and Evan is acutely aware that the restaurateur had received two threatening notes.
DS Jack Watkins is less than pleased to be dragged out of an exciting drug trafficking investigation for these arson cases, but when it turns out the unidentified victim was dead before the fire took him, things start to look more interesting.
Their investigation into his identity takes them to coastal Sussex, where they learn some disturbing facts about Madame Yvette. Needing to know more, they end up in a French village near Calais, and then Paris, as their case gets more and more complicated. Meanwhile, back in Llanfair, young Terry’s tales of an evil-looking man in a red car with a gun are dismissed as the product of an over-active imagination. There’s excitement and some real danger before matters are eventually resolved.
Whatever the action, the villagers provide an entertaining backdrop. In this instalment, the eternally competing pastors acquire vehicles to bring in elderly potential worshippers for Sunday services, while the women take lessons and try their hand at French cooking, to the dismay of their menfolk. Bowen does portray Watkins as an exaggeratedly bumbling boss, but that adds to the plentiful humour, while twists, turns and red herrings keep the pages of this Welsh cosy turning. Evan Can Wait is eagerly anticipated.
But then, Chez Yvette, the new French restaurant located, much to the disgust of Llanfair’s pastors, in the former Chapel Ebenezer on Llanberis Pass, is torched. The method is different, and there’s a dead body inside. Yvette Bouchard barely escaped with her life, and Evan is acutely aware that the restaurateur had received two threatening notes.
DS Jack Watkins is less than pleased to be dragged out of an exciting drug trafficking investigation for these arson cases, but when it turns out the unidentified victim was dead before the fire took him, things start to look more interesting.
Their investigation into his identity takes them to coastal Sussex, where they learn some disturbing facts about Madame Yvette. Needing to know more, they end up in a French village near Calais, and then Paris, as their case gets more and more complicated. Meanwhile, back in Llanfair, young Terry’s tales of an evil-looking man in a red car with a gun are dismissed as the product of an over-active imagination. There’s excitement and some real danger before matters are eventually resolved.
Whatever the action, the villagers provide an entertaining backdrop. In this instalment, the eternally competing pastors acquire vehicles to bring in elderly potential worshippers for Sunday services, while the women take lessons and try their hand at French cooking, to the dismay of their menfolk. Bowen does portray Watkins as an exaggeratedly bumbling boss, but that adds to the plentiful humour, while twists, turns and red herrings keep the pages of this Welsh cosy turning. Evan Can Wait is eagerly anticipated.
March 4, 2022
Auch der vierte Band der Reihe ist wieder sehr angenehm zu lesen. Ich mag diese ruhige, dörfliche Atmosphäre in Wales total und finde auch die Charaktere alle sehr passend gestaltet.
Der Fall selbst ist auch spannend, obwohl man manchmal etwas genervt ist, dass die nicht etwas schneller darauf kommen, was Sache ist. Aber vielleicht unterstreicht das sogar noch etwas die naive Gelassenheit der Figuren.
Der Fall selbst ist auch spannend, obwohl man manchmal etwas genervt ist, dass die nicht etwas schneller darauf kommen, was Sache ist. Aber vielleicht unterstreicht das sogar noch etwas die naive Gelassenheit der Figuren.
January 25, 2020
2020 bk 36. I spent the first part of the book looking for someone named Elle, until I remembered my basic French lessons from last summer. After that, I was more open to this book. A new restaurant, a French one not Welsh, over the hill along with mysterious fires, confuse Evan Evans. His officers introduce an arson dog and his handler (who expresses his bewilderment at being in a foreign land by belligerance) to aid Evan as they are involved in bigger doings. An interesting mystery that reaches back in time and across borders.
November 19, 2020
Die Krimiserie Rund um Constable Evans hat mir bisher sehr gut gefallen. Die Reihe umfasst mittlerweile 10 Bände. In "Mord à la Carte" ermittelt Evans zum vierten Mal. Der Titel ist auf Englisch unter "Evan and Elle" erschienen.
Die Atmosphäre in Llanfair hat mich gleich wieder in die Geschichte gezogen. Im Verhältnis zu anderen Teilen der Reihe gab es etwas weniger vom abwechslungsreichen Dorfleben. Dies lag unter anderem daran, dass die Ermittlungen Evans bis nach Frankreich führen.
Evans balanciert erneut zwischen den verschiedenen Parteien muss sich mit einem Unsympathen arrangieren und Avancen widerstehen. Mit seiner eher schüchtern Art und dem Hang dazu niemanden direkt vor den Kopf zu stoßen, ist dies allein schon eine gewisse Herausforderung für ihn. Doch erneut wird sein Ermittlersinn geweckt und er folgt hartnäckig seiner Spur.
Das Miträtseln war für mich in diesem Band etwas weniger aufregend, da ein Teil sehr offensichtlich war und beim anderen Teil es mir etwas schwerer gefallen ist eine eigene Theorie zu entwickeln.
Der Spannungsbogen hat mir gefallen, er wächst langsam und stetig und hat ein gelungenes Finale.
Gesprochen wird das Hörbuch, wie die vorherigen auch, von Omid-Paul Eftekhari. Seine Stimme passt ideal zu der Erzählung und er versteht es die Spannung zu steigern und auf den Hörer zu übertragen.
Insgesamt ein weiterer gelungener Teil der Reihe. Für meinen Geschmack hätte es noch die ein oder andere weitere Dorfszene geben können, denn diese verleihen der Serie den besonderen Charme.
Die Serie geht weiter mit Band fünf "Tod nach Regie". Der Klappentext verspricht erneut humorvolle und spannende Unterhaltung.
Die Atmosphäre in Llanfair hat mich gleich wieder in die Geschichte gezogen. Im Verhältnis zu anderen Teilen der Reihe gab es etwas weniger vom abwechslungsreichen Dorfleben. Dies lag unter anderem daran, dass die Ermittlungen Evans bis nach Frankreich führen.
Evans balanciert erneut zwischen den verschiedenen Parteien muss sich mit einem Unsympathen arrangieren und Avancen widerstehen. Mit seiner eher schüchtern Art und dem Hang dazu niemanden direkt vor den Kopf zu stoßen, ist dies allein schon eine gewisse Herausforderung für ihn. Doch erneut wird sein Ermittlersinn geweckt und er folgt hartnäckig seiner Spur.
Das Miträtseln war für mich in diesem Band etwas weniger aufregend, da ein Teil sehr offensichtlich war und beim anderen Teil es mir etwas schwerer gefallen ist eine eigene Theorie zu entwickeln.
Der Spannungsbogen hat mir gefallen, er wächst langsam und stetig und hat ein gelungenes Finale.
Gesprochen wird das Hörbuch, wie die vorherigen auch, von Omid-Paul Eftekhari. Seine Stimme passt ideal zu der Erzählung und er versteht es die Spannung zu steigern und auf den Hörer zu übertragen.
Insgesamt ein weiterer gelungener Teil der Reihe. Für meinen Geschmack hätte es noch die ein oder andere weitere Dorfszene geben können, denn diese verleihen der Serie den besonderen Charme.
Die Serie geht weiter mit Band fünf "Tod nach Regie". Der Klappentext verspricht erneut humorvolle und spannende Unterhaltung.
December 11, 2023
Another fun installment for Constable Evans in which he foils the plans of an arsonist and solves the murder of a stranger who died in one of the fires.
August 14, 2019
Wales Cozy
The title, is misleading. However, Constable Evans is yet again on the trail of an arsonist and murderer. This time, he has the full support of his immediate supervisor and they in turn have the grudging permission of their commander. They are off to both England and France in search of answers.
I am curious if the people of Wales really consider the English as "foreigners". Or is it just the characteristics of a tiny desolate village in North Wales. Either way, the atmosphere is charming and the people endearing.
The title, is misleading. However, Constable Evans is yet again on the trail of an arsonist and murderer. This time, he has the full support of his immediate supervisor and they in turn have the grudging permission of their commander. They are off to both England and France in search of answers.
I am curious if the people of Wales really consider the English as "foreigners". Or is it just the characteristics of a tiny desolate village in North Wales. Either way, the atmosphere is charming and the people endearing.
February 15, 2018
Another winner in this series! I'd love to meet Evan!
September 23, 2019
Another fun book.
December 21, 2020
My favorite in this series so far!
September 19, 2021
Another fun read in this series
October 5, 2023
This series is getting better and better!
April 15, 2023
Another great murder mystery crossing the Welsh border as Evan Evans races to solve it. The author keeps my mind challenged as I try my deduction skills.
November 9, 2022
5 stars
This series reminds me of one of my favourites the Hamish MacBeth, but it's somehow better.
Evan is a nice likeable and quite smart constable in a Welsh village. In this instalment we have a french lady opening a restaurant and a series of arson happening in the peaceful village. The story is quite intricate and Evan digs deep to get to the bottom of it, and as always he comes through in the end.
This series reminds me of one of my favourites the Hamish MacBeth, but it's somehow better.
Evan is a nice likeable and quite smart constable in a Welsh village. In this instalment we have a french lady opening a restaurant and a series of arson happening in the peaceful village. The story is quite intricate and Evan digs deep to get to the bottom of it, and as always he comes through in the end.
January 22, 2023
Another enjoyable read in this series. Constable Evans is shocked by several fires which have ripped through various properties in and near Llanfair. Are they the work of Welsh Nationalists or not? When a body is discovered in the burnt out recently opened French Restaurant a new line of inquiry is opened. The action goes to the south of England the across to France as Evans and Watkins endeavour to solve the mystery.
June 15, 2019
Fun read. Evan is a low,ey Constible in North Wales small town, who seems to always get involved in solving murders, and does. Good job at it! The colorful characters make it a good read
June 25, 2019
Idylle mit Flecken
Buchmeinung zu Rhys Bowen – Mord à la Carte
„Mord à la Carte“ ist ein Kriminalroman von Rhys Bowen, der 2019 bei dp DIGITAL PUBLISHERS in der Übersetzung von Lennart Janson erschienen ist. Der Titel der englischen Originalausgabe lautet „Evan and Elle“ und ist 2000 erschienen. Dies ist der vierte Band um Constable Evan Evans.
Zum Autor:
Rhys Bowen wurde in Bath, England, geboren, studierte an der London University, heiratete in eine Familie mit historischen königlichen Verbindungen und verbringt nun ihre Zeit im Norden von Kalifornien und Arizona. Rhys Bowen ist die Bestseller-Autorin von mehr als dreißig Krimis. Zu ihren Werken gehören die Molly Murphy-Krimis, die in New York City um 1900 spielen, und die leichteren Royal Spyness-Romane über eine Adlige im England der Dreißigerjahre. Sie schrieb auch die Constable Evans-Krimis über einen Police Constabler im heutigen Wales.
Klappentext:
Als in dem walisischen Dörfchen Llanfair ein französisches Restaurant eröffnet, ruft das sowohl Begeisterung wie Verärgerung hervor. Die glamouröse Besitzerin, Madame Yvette, versucht die Dorfbewohner für sich einzunehmen und alles scheint sich gut zu entwickeln – bis eine Reihe von Feuern Llanfair erschüttert. Eines Nachts brennt das Restaurant bis auf die Grundmauern nieder und in den Trümmern findet sich … eine Leiche.
Constable Evan Evans verfolgt eine Spur von Hinweisen, die ihn über Südengland bis nach Frankreich führt und am Ende zu dem Schluss, dass in Llanfair ein gefährlicher Mörder sein Unwesen treibt.
Meine Meinung:
Der Sympathieträger in diesem Buch ist Evan Evans, der ein wenig schüchtern wirkt, aber doch der Schwarm vieler Frauen ist. Er ist der typische Dorfpolizist, der jeden kennt und den alle akzeptieren. Die übrigen Dorfbewohner sind mehr oder weniger liebenswürdig, haben auch die ein oder andere Macke, aber Gesetz-Evans kommt mit allen klar. Die Dorfgemeinschaft hat Probleme mit einigen Zugereisten, die etwas Besseres zu sein glauben. Als eine ihrer Villen in Brand aufgeht ist der Dorfpolizist gefordert. Einige ernste Themen werden auf unterhaltsame Weise angepackt: Fremdenfeindlichkeit, alleinerziehende Mütter mit einem Problemkind oder der Wettstreit zweier Kirchenpfarrer um die letzten Kirchgänger. Constable Evans spricht mit den Leuten und bildet sich seine Meinung. Sein kriminalistisches Talent kommt zum Tragen, als er mit einem Kriminalbeamten an die Küste und dann sogar nach Frankreich fährt, um dort zu ermitteln. Evan hat alles im Griff, außer vielleicht der Beziehung zu seiner Freundin.
Das Buch ist sehr angenehm zu lesen und der Mix aus heiteren Passagen und ernsten Teilen ist gelungen. Manchmal vielleicht ein wenig zu viel klischeebelastet, aber der Unterhaltungsfaktor ist hoch. Auch der Kriminalfall ist durchaus kein Leichtgewicht und überrascht mit unerwarteten Wendungen.
Fazit:
Ein Cosy-Krimi der besseren Art, der spannend und unterhaltsam ist. Gerne vergebe ich vier von fünf Sternen (80 von 100 Punkten) und spreche eine klare Leseempfehlung für die Freunde ruhiger Krimis mit viel Atmosphäre aus.
Buchmeinung zu Rhys Bowen – Mord à la Carte
„Mord à la Carte“ ist ein Kriminalroman von Rhys Bowen, der 2019 bei dp DIGITAL PUBLISHERS in der Übersetzung von Lennart Janson erschienen ist. Der Titel der englischen Originalausgabe lautet „Evan and Elle“ und ist 2000 erschienen. Dies ist der vierte Band um Constable Evan Evans.
Zum Autor:
Rhys Bowen wurde in Bath, England, geboren, studierte an der London University, heiratete in eine Familie mit historischen königlichen Verbindungen und verbringt nun ihre Zeit im Norden von Kalifornien und Arizona. Rhys Bowen ist die Bestseller-Autorin von mehr als dreißig Krimis. Zu ihren Werken gehören die Molly Murphy-Krimis, die in New York City um 1900 spielen, und die leichteren Royal Spyness-Romane über eine Adlige im England der Dreißigerjahre. Sie schrieb auch die Constable Evans-Krimis über einen Police Constabler im heutigen Wales.
Klappentext:
Als in dem walisischen Dörfchen Llanfair ein französisches Restaurant eröffnet, ruft das sowohl Begeisterung wie Verärgerung hervor. Die glamouröse Besitzerin, Madame Yvette, versucht die Dorfbewohner für sich einzunehmen und alles scheint sich gut zu entwickeln – bis eine Reihe von Feuern Llanfair erschüttert. Eines Nachts brennt das Restaurant bis auf die Grundmauern nieder und in den Trümmern findet sich … eine Leiche.
Constable Evan Evans verfolgt eine Spur von Hinweisen, die ihn über Südengland bis nach Frankreich führt und am Ende zu dem Schluss, dass in Llanfair ein gefährlicher Mörder sein Unwesen treibt.
Meine Meinung:
Der Sympathieträger in diesem Buch ist Evan Evans, der ein wenig schüchtern wirkt, aber doch der Schwarm vieler Frauen ist. Er ist der typische Dorfpolizist, der jeden kennt und den alle akzeptieren. Die übrigen Dorfbewohner sind mehr oder weniger liebenswürdig, haben auch die ein oder andere Macke, aber Gesetz-Evans kommt mit allen klar. Die Dorfgemeinschaft hat Probleme mit einigen Zugereisten, die etwas Besseres zu sein glauben. Als eine ihrer Villen in Brand aufgeht ist der Dorfpolizist gefordert. Einige ernste Themen werden auf unterhaltsame Weise angepackt: Fremdenfeindlichkeit, alleinerziehende Mütter mit einem Problemkind oder der Wettstreit zweier Kirchenpfarrer um die letzten Kirchgänger. Constable Evans spricht mit den Leuten und bildet sich seine Meinung. Sein kriminalistisches Talent kommt zum Tragen, als er mit einem Kriminalbeamten an die Küste und dann sogar nach Frankreich fährt, um dort zu ermitteln. Evan hat alles im Griff, außer vielleicht der Beziehung zu seiner Freundin.
Das Buch ist sehr angenehm zu lesen und der Mix aus heiteren Passagen und ernsten Teilen ist gelungen. Manchmal vielleicht ein wenig zu viel klischeebelastet, aber der Unterhaltungsfaktor ist hoch. Auch der Kriminalfall ist durchaus kein Leichtgewicht und überrascht mit unerwarteten Wendungen.
Fazit:
Ein Cosy-Krimi der besseren Art, der spannend und unterhaltsam ist. Gerne vergebe ich vier von fünf Sternen (80 von 100 Punkten) und spreche eine klare Leseempfehlung für die Freunde ruhiger Krimis mit viel Atmosphäre aus.
September 2, 2019
Das Cover ist schön harmonisch.
Das war mein erstes Buch von Rhys Bowen, wird aber ganz sicher nicht das letzte sein.
Ich kam gut in die Geschichte rein, auch ohne die vorherigen Bände gelesen zu haben.
Diese werde ich nun aber nachholen.
Die Charaktere sind wirklich herzlich und schön dargestellt.
Ich fühlte mich sofort wohl in dem kleinen Dorf in Wales.
Ein richtig schöner Cosy Krimi.
Der Schreibstil war klar und sehr flüssig.
Den Fall fand ich sehr spannungsvoll und gut durchdacht.
Ich werde die Reihe zweifellos weiter verfolgen.
Eine Originelle Geschichte mit liebenswerten Charakteren.
Wer ein Fan von Cosy Krimis ist, sollte die Constable Evans Reihe auf keinen Fall missen.
Das war mein erstes Buch von Rhys Bowen, wird aber ganz sicher nicht das letzte sein.
Ich kam gut in die Geschichte rein, auch ohne die vorherigen Bände gelesen zu haben.
Diese werde ich nun aber nachholen.
Die Charaktere sind wirklich herzlich und schön dargestellt.
Ich fühlte mich sofort wohl in dem kleinen Dorf in Wales.
Ein richtig schöner Cosy Krimi.
Der Schreibstil war klar und sehr flüssig.
Den Fall fand ich sehr spannungsvoll und gut durchdacht.
Ich werde die Reihe zweifellos weiter verfolgen.
Eine Originelle Geschichte mit liebenswerten Charakteren.
Wer ein Fan von Cosy Krimis ist, sollte die Constable Evans Reihe auf keinen Fall missen.
March 13, 2014
The new French restaurant in the village is the latest victim of the arsonist hitting the area. Only this time, a body is found in the aftermath. The colorful characters are back in full force and the plot is another great puzzle.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
June 5, 2018
Excellent book but I gave it only 4 stars because I could not figure out why in the world it was named “Evan and Elle”. There was NO character named Elle in the whole book, and unless Elle is welsh for something else I just don’t see why it was used
June 12, 2023
EVAN AND ELLE is bk 4 in Rhys Bowen’s Constable Evans of Snowdonia Wales, Cozy Mystery series.
MY RATING GUIDE: 3.5 Stars. I enjoy these but they aren’t my favorite Police Procedural or (Cozy) Mystery series.
1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= This was okay/cute; 3.5= I ENJOYED THIS; 4= I liked it a lot; 5= I Loved it, it was great! (I seldom give 5 Stars).
The mountain village of Llanfair, Snowdonia, Wales ~ Autumn
A year or two ago Constable Evan Evans, late 20’s, transferred from an urban Investigation Unit position in the south near the shipping docks to the northern small mountain village of his youth, Llanfair. Evans’ transfer essentially traded the former prestige, danger and excitement of solving important cases for the routine and relative quietness of a small village after witnessing the violent death of his father while working the job.
In EVAN AND ELLE, the villagers discuss recent newcomers settling into Llanfair - an English couple in their newly purchased and remodeled summer home and a lovely and talented French restauranteur. Meanwhile, Police Constable Evan Evans contemplates completing the necessary forms for detective training, wonders about his relationship with the young schoolteacher Bronwen, distributes local law and order and attempts keeping peace among the varied personalities of Llanfair. Questions regarding recent unexplained fires and a grim death within his village begin troubling his idle hours.
Comments ~
1) This is the 4th book I have read by Rhys Bowen. The tone and setting of her Constable Evans series reminds me of the Cozy Cornish Mystery series by MC Beaton featuring Hamish Macbeth which I am also reading through for the first time. EVAN AND ELLE could possible be read as a standalone mystery (or out of order) as all the elements needed to solve it are present. Relationships and personalities previously developed among certain villagers and police officers, however, might be missed.
READER CAUTION ~
PROFANITY - Minimal, if any.
VIOLENCE - Mild for a murder mystery.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - None.
MY RATING GUIDE: 3.5 Stars. I enjoy these but they aren’t my favorite Police Procedural or (Cozy) Mystery series.
1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= This was okay/cute; 3.5= I ENJOYED THIS; 4= I liked it a lot; 5= I Loved it, it was great! (I seldom give 5 Stars).
The mountain village of Llanfair, Snowdonia, Wales ~ Autumn
A year or two ago Constable Evan Evans, late 20’s, transferred from an urban Investigation Unit position in the south near the shipping docks to the northern small mountain village of his youth, Llanfair. Evans’ transfer essentially traded the former prestige, danger and excitement of solving important cases for the routine and relative quietness of a small village after witnessing the violent death of his father while working the job.
In EVAN AND ELLE, the villagers discuss recent newcomers settling into Llanfair - an English couple in their newly purchased and remodeled summer home and a lovely and talented French restauranteur. Meanwhile, Police Constable Evan Evans contemplates completing the necessary forms for detective training, wonders about his relationship with the young schoolteacher Bronwen, distributes local law and order and attempts keeping peace among the varied personalities of Llanfair. Questions regarding recent unexplained fires and a grim death within his village begin troubling his idle hours.
Comments ~
1) This is the 4th book I have read by Rhys Bowen. The tone and setting of her Constable Evans series reminds me of the Cozy Cornish Mystery series by MC Beaton featuring Hamish Macbeth which I am also reading through for the first time. EVAN AND ELLE could possible be read as a standalone mystery (or out of order) as all the elements needed to solve it are present. Relationships and personalities previously developed among certain villagers and police officers, however, might be missed.
READER CAUTION ~
PROFANITY - Minimal, if any.
VIOLENCE - Mild for a murder mystery.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - None.
August 21, 2025
Evan And Elle is the fourth book in the Constable Evans series by award-winning British-born author, Rhys Bowen. When a cottage newly purchased by an English couple burns to the ground, a note left behind seems to point to Welsh nationalists. The police arson expert who examines the scene suggests to Evans the Law that he look amongst the people of Llanfair for the culprit. A second fire, note absent, but set by the same method, offers no further clues.
But then, Chez Yvette, the new French restaurant located, much to the disgust of Llanfair’s pastors, in the former Chapel Ebenezer on Llanberis Pass, is torched. The method is different, and there’s a dead body inside. Yvette Bouchard barely escaped with her life, and Evan is acutely aware that the restaurateur had received two threatening notes.
DS Jack Watkins is less than pleased to be dragged out of an exciting drug trafficking investigation for these arson cases, but when it turns out the unidentified victim was dead before the fire took him, things start to look more interesting.
Their investigation into his identity takes them to coastal Sussex, where they learn some disturbing facts about Madame Yvette. Needing to know more, they end up in a French village near Calais, and then Paris, as their case gets more and more complicated. Meanwhile, back in Llanfair, young Terry’s tales of an evil-looking man in a red car with a gun are dismissed as the product of an over-active imagination. There’s excitement and some real danger before matters are eventually resolved.
Whatever the action, the villagers provide an entertaining backdrop. In this instalment, the eternally competing pastors acquire vehicles to bring in elderly potential worshippers for Sunday services, while the women take lessons and try their hand at French cooking, to the dismay of their menfolk. Bowen does portray Watkins as an exaggeratedly bumbling boss, but that adds to the plentiful humour, while twists, turns and red herrings keep the pages of this Welsh cosy turning. Evan Can Wait is eagerly anticipated.
But then, Chez Yvette, the new French restaurant located, much to the disgust of Llanfair’s pastors, in the former Chapel Ebenezer on Llanberis Pass, is torched. The method is different, and there’s a dead body inside. Yvette Bouchard barely escaped with her life, and Evan is acutely aware that the restaurateur had received two threatening notes.
DS Jack Watkins is less than pleased to be dragged out of an exciting drug trafficking investigation for these arson cases, but when it turns out the unidentified victim was dead before the fire took him, things start to look more interesting.
Their investigation into his identity takes them to coastal Sussex, where they learn some disturbing facts about Madame Yvette. Needing to know more, they end up in a French village near Calais, and then Paris, as their case gets more and more complicated. Meanwhile, back in Llanfair, young Terry’s tales of an evil-looking man in a red car with a gun are dismissed as the product of an over-active imagination. There’s excitement and some real danger before matters are eventually resolved.
Whatever the action, the villagers provide an entertaining backdrop. In this instalment, the eternally competing pastors acquire vehicles to bring in elderly potential worshippers for Sunday services, while the women take lessons and try their hand at French cooking, to the dismay of their menfolk. Bowen does portray Watkins as an exaggeratedly bumbling boss, but that adds to the plentiful humour, while twists, turns and red herrings keep the pages of this Welsh cosy turning. Evan Can Wait is eagerly anticipated.
June 3, 2024
I like Rhys Bowen's books enough that I chose to read a dozen of her books during this calendar year, and I like this series, but not as much as her Molly Murphy and Her Royal Spyness series. Don't ask why, because I wouldn't be able to tell you!
In the first book or two of the series, Constable Evans reminded me a lot of M.C. Beaton's Hamish McBeth, a character I don't like much at all, but now I'm starting to warm up to him. He's not lazy or reluctant to do his job, he's simply content in his surroundings and realistic about his job. I'm glad I've been listening to the audiobooks from this series and the narrator has to pronounce all the Welsh words in the stories; I would never have gotten them right by reading the printed words :)
There were a few things going on in this book that Constable Evans and the rest had to try to solve, and I was entirely wrong about which character was responsible for them. When a body eventually was discovered, though, there were a lot of potential suspects to think about. Again, I was completely wrong about the culprit, and equally wrong about the motive.
I have a few of Ms. Bowen's stand alone books to read, as well as the next books in her other two series, but I'll return to Wales at least once more before the year is over to see what adventure awaits Evan, Bronwyn and the rest.
In the first book or two of the series, Constable Evans reminded me a lot of M.C. Beaton's Hamish McBeth, a character I don't like much at all, but now I'm starting to warm up to him. He's not lazy or reluctant to do his job, he's simply content in his surroundings and realistic about his job. I'm glad I've been listening to the audiobooks from this series and the narrator has to pronounce all the Welsh words in the stories; I would never have gotten them right by reading the printed words :)
There were a few things going on in this book that Constable Evans and the rest had to try to solve, and I was entirely wrong about which character was responsible for them. When a body eventually was discovered, though, there were a lot of potential suspects to think about. Again, I was completely wrong about the culprit, and equally wrong about the motive.
I have a few of Ms. Bowen's stand alone books to read, as well as the next books in her other two series, but I'll return to Wales at least once more before the year is over to see what adventure awaits Evan, Bronwyn and the rest.
December 11, 2021
Wales... as the third kingdom of the UK and about as separate from the mainstream English as another country especially to some Welsh. For they have their own language or dialect and some of them were purists or nationalistic or ambivalent about their 'separateness'... as in, they want to be exclusive and/or inclusive yet they also want England's protection and all the necessary laws to maintain their sort of uniqueness from the rest of the united kingdoms. And so it happened that the haughty English family who built a modern vacation house on their mountain had that house burned to its stone foundations hours after they left... then a tool shed on the grounds of the monstrous Swiss chalet hotel also burned down... followed by the newly opened French restaurant. All were arson attributed to a rabid nationalistic Welsh group given the threatening notes in relation to those burned properties. But a 'Wales for the Welsh' entity would not bother themselves with out~of~the~way sleepy village like Llanfair, would they? A fiery Mystery for Evans to warm himself on... the ELLE on the title might refer to the female or feminine in French hence to Madame Yvette the restaurateur as well as the phrase Heaven and Hell.
July 24, 2025
Constable Evan Evans is enjoying a leisurely Sunday evening in the pub when one of the villagers rushed in with news of a fire on the mountain. It seems a cottage bought as a holiday home by an English couple is burning out of control. This is the first of a spate of fires in the area.
When a French lady, Madame Yvette, opens a restaurant in a deserted chapel near Llanfair, several people were scandalised, others impressed by the high quality cuisine and several ladies of the village enrolled in the French cookery classes run by Madame Yvette. But all is not as it seems. When another fire destroys the restaurant and a body is discovered in the burned building, Evan and Sergeant Watkins find themselves following a trail which takes them first to Southern England and then to France.
The third and fourth episodes in this cosy crime series are as enjoyable as the previous ones, with entertaining characters and storylines which include twists, drama and misdirection. Since Evan was more involved in the second case it makes him wonder if being a village community policeman is enough for him or whether he should apply to train as a detective. Evan’s relationship with Bronwen is getting more serious, but that hasn’t stopped Betsy the barmaid flirting with him.
When a French lady, Madame Yvette, opens a restaurant in a deserted chapel near Llanfair, several people were scandalised, others impressed by the high quality cuisine and several ladies of the village enrolled in the French cookery classes run by Madame Yvette. But all is not as it seems. When another fire destroys the restaurant and a body is discovered in the burned building, Evan and Sergeant Watkins find themselves following a trail which takes them first to Southern England and then to France.
The third and fourth episodes in this cosy crime series are as enjoyable as the previous ones, with entertaining characters and storylines which include twists, drama and misdirection. Since Evan was more involved in the second case it makes him wonder if being a village community policeman is enough for him or whether he should apply to train as a detective. Evan’s relationship with Bronwen is getting more serious, but that hasn’t stopped Betsy the barmaid flirting with him.
November 9, 2021
Mord a la card / Band 4
Rhys Bowen
KRIMINALROMAN
Die Reihe des Constable Evans mitzuverfolgen wird mit jedem Band spannender und spektakulärer.
Das Cover trifft das Setting auf dem Punkt und der Fingerabdruck gehört wem?
Dieser Band finde ich ist ganz speziell aufgebaut. Zwar einfach gehalten, aber beim entblättern der Lösung, wer der Verbrecher ist, entfaltet sie sich wie eine Artischocke die sich pellt.
Getrieben vor lauter Spannung, konnte ich nicht mehr aufhören zu lesen. Wissbegierig hab ich alles aufgesaugt und mein Hirn zermartet, wer der Mörder/Verbrecher sein kann. Kurz vor Ende löst sich das Rätsel und man kann endlich tief durch schnaufen.
Zum Inhalt des Kriminalromans gibt es zu sagen dass er französisch angehaucht ist. Die Deutsch/Französische Dialoge sind 1a rübergebracht. Nur bei den französischen Essensköstlichkeiten konnte ich mich nicht anfreunden, es war einfach zu wenig auf dem Teller!
Ansonsten kann ich wirklich diesen und die 3 vorhergehenden Bände empfehlen. Ich mach mich dran Band 5 zu lesen...
Rhys Bowen
KRIMINALROMAN
Die Reihe des Constable Evans mitzuverfolgen wird mit jedem Band spannender und spektakulärer.
Das Cover trifft das Setting auf dem Punkt und der Fingerabdruck gehört wem?
Dieser Band finde ich ist ganz speziell aufgebaut. Zwar einfach gehalten, aber beim entblättern der Lösung, wer der Verbrecher ist, entfaltet sie sich wie eine Artischocke die sich pellt.
Getrieben vor lauter Spannung, konnte ich nicht mehr aufhören zu lesen. Wissbegierig hab ich alles aufgesaugt und mein Hirn zermartet, wer der Mörder/Verbrecher sein kann. Kurz vor Ende löst sich das Rätsel und man kann endlich tief durch schnaufen.
Zum Inhalt des Kriminalromans gibt es zu sagen dass er französisch angehaucht ist. Die Deutsch/Französische Dialoge sind 1a rübergebracht. Nur bei den französischen Essensköstlichkeiten konnte ich mich nicht anfreunden, es war einfach zu wenig auf dem Teller!
Ansonsten kann ich wirklich diesen und die 3 vorhergehenden Bände empfehlen. Ich mach mich dran Band 5 zu lesen...
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