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DCI Evan Warlow #8
A Body of Water: DCI Evan Warlow Crime Thriller, Book 8
The egg man cometh...When a delivery driver stumbles across the dead body of a reclusive author in a remote area within a stone’s throw of the Llyn Brianne dam, his first thoughts are that the elderly man has had a heart attack.
But the knife sticking out of the corpse’s chest tells a different story.
Dial in some missing walkers, a secretive cult, and the unwelcome presence of paranormal-hunting podcasters and DCI Warlow has his work cut out getting to the rotten heart of the case.
This dark murder mystery full of action and pathos with a dash of dark humor, will keep you guessing. Perfect for fans of JD Kirk. JM Dalgliesh, TM Reid and Simon McCleave.
But the knife sticking out of the corpse’s chest tells a different story.
Dial in some missing walkers, a secretive cult, and the unwelcome presence of paranormal-hunting podcasters and DCI Warlow has his work cut out getting to the rotten heart of the case.
This dark murder mystery full of action and pathos with a dash of dark humor, will keep you guessing. Perfect for fans of JD Kirk. JM Dalgliesh, TM Reid and Simon McCleave.
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First published June 13, 2023
1779 people are currently reading
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About the author
Rhys Dylan
20 books544 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 182 reviews
July 10, 2023
I don’t understand how this series is on book eight already, I remember reading the first one & being drawn in to Warlow’s team & taking Cadi for long walks (virtually of course!).
Opening with the discovery of a dead man in an extremely remote part of Wales the team are swiftly together, except Jess who is on a course in Cardiff. When two young female holidaymakers disappear too, the investigation appears to be a thankless task. There are only four properties within a few miles of each other & no CCTV. Where do they start? The staff & guests at the spiritual retreat or the lottery winning family who are not what they seem.
I love these books. The team are as familiar as old friends & the description of the variation in the Welsh countryside takes me back to family holidays & visiting relatives there. On top of that you have the plots. Never the same, which is some feat for police procedurals. A nice nod to DCI Bone too - if you know, you know. Fabulous.
Opening with the discovery of a dead man in an extremely remote part of Wales the team are swiftly together, except Jess who is on a course in Cardiff. When two young female holidaymakers disappear too, the investigation appears to be a thankless task. There are only four properties within a few miles of each other & no CCTV. Where do they start? The staff & guests at the spiritual retreat or the lottery winning family who are not what they seem.
I love these books. The team are as familiar as old friends & the description of the variation in the Welsh countryside takes me back to family holidays & visiting relatives there. On top of that you have the plots. Never the same, which is some feat for police procedurals. A nice nod to DCI Bone too - if you know, you know. Fabulous.
May 19, 2024
A Body of Water is book eight in Rhys Dylan's DCI Evan series. DCI Evan Warlow and his team were called to an isolated farm near the Llyn Brianne Dam after a delivery driver on his regular weekly route to an isolated area came across the body of a resident. At first, DCI Evan Warlow did not know how to proceed with this investigation until they realised something was not right in this quiet rural area of Wales. Involving secretive cult, paranormal hunters, a problematic seventeen-year-old boy, and missing walkers, all combine to make DCI Evan Warlow's investigation difficult. Still, he needs to find the answers before someone else dies. The readers of A Body of Water will continue to follow DCI Evan Warlow's investigation to discover what happens.
Wow, another fantastic book by Rhys Dylan that I engage with the characters and the story from the start. Rhys Dylan ensured that I kept to my chair and forgot about sleep until I finished reading A Body of Water. I love Rhys Dylan's portrayal of his characters and how they intertwine throughout this book. A Body of Water is well-written and researched. I like Rhys Dylan's description of A Body of Water settings, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of A Body of Water will learn about the isolated area around Llyn Brianne Dam in Wales and the role of drones in law enforcement investigations.
I recommend this book.
Wow, another fantastic book by Rhys Dylan that I engage with the characters and the story from the start. Rhys Dylan ensured that I kept to my chair and forgot about sleep until I finished reading A Body of Water. I love Rhys Dylan's portrayal of his characters and how they intertwine throughout this book. A Body of Water is well-written and researched. I like Rhys Dylan's description of A Body of Water settings, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of A Body of Water will learn about the isolated area around Llyn Brianne Dam in Wales and the role of drones in law enforcement investigations.
I recommend this book.
September 21, 2023
Another wonderfully written, funny, twisted and sometime scary story. I loved it.
July 16, 2024
Another good one.
September 28, 2024
I’m getting so good at solving these crimes, I should consider another occupation ! Warlow and I make a good team !
July 20, 2023
Satisfying
One of the better ones. Now I need to wait for Book 9 to be published in September. Oh well!
One of the better ones. Now I need to wait for Book 9 to be published in September. Oh well!
January 16, 2024
A Body of Water is the 8th 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 book is about a bloke called George who ends up meeting a timely end and 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!!!
This series is maturing with every book as we go along. Getting to know the characters more in-depth love it. This book is about a bloke called George who ends up meeting a timely end and 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!!!
May 21, 2023
I was fortunate to receive an ARC (advance reader’s copy). An elderly widow with an interesting past is found murdered. Two young women on holiday disappear. Is there a connection? DI Evan Warlow and his team investigate in this police procedural and I was kept in suspense until right near the end. The characters are people I enjoy spending time with and I learn more about them with each book in the series. The banter and humour is wonderfully written.
I really enjoy learning more about Wales; the history, legends, landscape and language enhances the stories. I highly recommend this book and the whole series, which is best read in order.
I really enjoy learning more about Wales; the history, legends, landscape and language enhances the stories. I highly recommend this book and the whole series, which is best read in order.
June 21, 2023
Series binge read!
Sadly I have just finished the eighth book in the Black Beacons series. Absolutely addictive! I couldn't put them down. The characters are brilliant, especially Gil! The descriptions of the Welsh countryside were fantastic! The stories made me cringe at times but they also made me laugh out loud, much to the amusement of my husband! As a retired nurse married to a retired policeman the sometimes gallows humour definitely hit the right note! If you want a really good read with, can I say, no holds barred then I would definitely recommend. Thank you Rhys Dylan. I can't wait for the next book!
Sadly I have just finished the eighth book in the Black Beacons series. Absolutely addictive! I couldn't put them down. The characters are brilliant, especially Gil! The descriptions of the Welsh countryside were fantastic! The stories made me cringe at times but they also made me laugh out loud, much to the amusement of my husband! As a retired nurse married to a retired policeman the sometimes gallows humour definitely hit the right note! If you want a really good read with, can I say, no holds barred then I would definitely recommend. Thank you Rhys Dylan. I can't wait for the next book!
June 15, 2023
A Perfect Mystery
I love this series and am gratified that the author can write them so quickly! Warlow is a dream. I am glad that he is not hassled by his superiors constantly as in some other books I have read. Molly and Cadi's relationship deepens. 😄 Gil's puns and jokes are getting worse! The story is intriguing and the suspense at the end is edge of the seat. Didn't see that one coming. As always, the beauty of the Wales countryside shines through it all. Bring on the next one.
I love this series and am gratified that the author can write them so quickly! Warlow is a dream. I am glad that he is not hassled by his superiors constantly as in some other books I have read. Molly and Cadi's relationship deepens. 😄 Gil's puns and jokes are getting worse! The story is intriguing and the suspense at the end is edge of the seat. Didn't see that one coming. As always, the beauty of the Wales countryside shines through it all. Bring on the next one.
June 25, 2023
Rhys Dylan never disappoints. The problem , the ONLY problem with his books is there aren’t enough and once you finish you have to struggle to find a next read. He hides his killers in plain sight but never gives away the mystery. I love the setting in Wales and the language thrown in to add to the native Welsh feel. His team are all very individual players and all well developed. From the cranky tending chief inspector to the wise cracking office genius.
I love this series but the next one isn’t out till sept 2023
I love this series but the next one isn’t out till sept 2023
June 16, 2023
Love Rhys Dylan's books
I enjoy Rhys Dylan's books because I used to live in Carmarthen and usually know exactly where he is by his great descriptions. He has some excellent descriptive lines such as his discription of Llandeilo being an angina town waiting for a bypass. All his characters are unique and it is no mean feat being true to these characters and their foibles throughout the books. Always sorry when I come to the last page - when can we expect the next?
I enjoy Rhys Dylan's books because I used to live in Carmarthen and usually know exactly where he is by his great descriptions. He has some excellent descriptive lines such as his discription of Llandeilo being an angina town waiting for a bypass. All his characters are unique and it is no mean feat being true to these characters and their foibles throughout the books. Always sorry when I come to the last page - when can we expect the next?
June 18, 2023
Book 8 is a winner!
Another fantastic read by Rhys Dylan! I love reading a thriller where I’m so sure I know who did it, only to be proven very wrong. And A Body of Water did this for me.
I’m not going to get into the plot because if you’ve read the previous seven books you already know it’s going to be great!
One thing I will say though: the humour that is a constant is an added plus to the suspense aspect.
Already looking forward to Book 9!
Another fantastic read by Rhys Dylan! I love reading a thriller where I’m so sure I know who did it, only to be proven very wrong. And A Body of Water did this for me.
I’m not going to get into the plot because if you’ve read the previous seven books you already know it’s going to be great!
One thing I will say though: the humour that is a constant is an added plus to the suspense aspect.
Already looking forward to Book 9!
April 23, 2024
This has to be my favourite book yet. The team is nicely bedded down, and the camaraderie amoungst them is great fun to read. The crimes are always incredibly well thought out. This author pulls the reader in from the first page. If you haven't read any of the DCI Warlow books, please do. Start with 'The Engine House', it's a good read and sets the pace for the following in the series. I'm now patiently waiting for book 9 in the series to arrive. Bravo Rhys, a good job well done.
June 22, 2023
Another Great Book
This was another story of a murderer who thought he was better than the police. It had twists and turns and false trails. But DCI Warlow and team were on the job! I love the dynamics of the team and how well they work together. The beautiful Wales scenery is a big plus. I highly recommend this book! Beth P.
This was another story of a murderer who thought he was better than the police. It had twists and turns and false trails. But DCI Warlow and team were on the job! I love the dynamics of the team and how well they work together. The beautiful Wales scenery is a big plus. I highly recommend this book! Beth P.
July 6, 2023
Another fast moving, multi level crime mystery for Warlow's team to solve.
Another crime twisting murder mystery from Rhys Dylan who never fails to to keep the pages turning. Thanks for Evan and his misfits for their humor, dedication, and purpose in crime solving. It's nice to have a giggle along the way. 😉
Another crime twisting murder mystery from Rhys Dylan who never fails to to keep the pages turning. Thanks for Evan and his misfits for their humor, dedication, and purpose in crime solving. It's nice to have a giggle along the way. 😉
June 14, 2023
Excellent
Another terrific installment in this series. I love all the characters so much. They feel like an extended family to me now. Gil is hilarious as usual and Rhys is as gullible as ever. The plot is as intricate as ever and the landscape beautifully described.
Another terrific installment in this series. I love all the characters so much. They feel like an extended family to me now. Gil is hilarious as usual and Rhys is as gullible as ever. The plot is as intricate as ever and the landscape beautifully described.
June 9, 2025
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 5-Star Review of A Body of Water by Rhys Dylan
Rhys Dylan delivers yet another masterstroke in A Body of Water, the latest gripping installment in his atmospheric Welsh crime series. Set against the haunting beauty of Carmarthenshire's rural landscape, this novel masterfully blends psychological suspense with an intricate police procedural that will keep readers hooked from the first chilling page to the final, heart-pounding reveal.
The story opens with the discovery of a body in a reservoir—a place serene on the surface but brimming with secrets underneath. DCI Evan Warlow returns, still carrying the emotional weight of past cases and personal loss, but as sharp and relentless as ever. Dylan gives us a complex, believable detective whose flaws only add depth to his character. Warlow’s dogged pursuit of justice is both admirable and intensely human.
As the investigation unfolds, Dylan paints a vivid picture of small-town tensions, buried pasts, and the quiet menace of a community that guards its secrets too well. Every character, from suspects to side players, is drawn with precision, giving the novel a rich, immersive quality. The pacing is tight, the dialogue crackles with authenticity, and the plot twists come with just the right amount of shock and satisfaction.
But what truly sets A Body of Water apart is Dylan's ability to evoke atmosphere. The water itself becomes almost a character—reflective, deceptive, and ultimately revealing. His prose is sharp and elegant, elevating the story beyond just crime fiction into something almost literary.
This is not just a murder mystery—it’s a deeply engaging narrative about guilt, memory, and the ripples of long-concealed truths. Rhys Dylan is a master of his craft, and A Body of Water is proof that he only gets better with each novel.
Highly recommended for fans of crime fiction who crave intelligence, emotion, and immersive storytelling.
Rhys Dylan delivers yet another masterstroke in A Body of Water, the latest gripping installment in his atmospheric Welsh crime series. Set against the haunting beauty of Carmarthenshire's rural landscape, this novel masterfully blends psychological suspense with an intricate police procedural that will keep readers hooked from the first chilling page to the final, heart-pounding reveal.
The story opens with the discovery of a body in a reservoir—a place serene on the surface but brimming with secrets underneath. DCI Evan Warlow returns, still carrying the emotional weight of past cases and personal loss, but as sharp and relentless as ever. Dylan gives us a complex, believable detective whose flaws only add depth to his character. Warlow’s dogged pursuit of justice is both admirable and intensely human.
As the investigation unfolds, Dylan paints a vivid picture of small-town tensions, buried pasts, and the quiet menace of a community that guards its secrets too well. Every character, from suspects to side players, is drawn with precision, giving the novel a rich, immersive quality. The pacing is tight, the dialogue crackles with authenticity, and the plot twists come with just the right amount of shock and satisfaction.
But what truly sets A Body of Water apart is Dylan's ability to evoke atmosphere. The water itself becomes almost a character—reflective, deceptive, and ultimately revealing. His prose is sharp and elegant, elevating the story beyond just crime fiction into something almost literary.
This is not just a murder mystery—it’s a deeply engaging narrative about guilt, memory, and the ripples of long-concealed truths. Rhys Dylan is a master of his craft, and A Body of Water is proof that he only gets better with each novel.
Highly recommended for fans of crime fiction who crave intelligence, emotion, and immersive storytelling.
June 12, 2023
Book 8 in the DCI Evan Warlow Series which opens with two members of his team undertaking a charity walk with six other police officers but arriving back they don’t have time to celebrate as their phones beep. A delivery driver has found the body of an elderly man, George Marsden, stabbed outside his remote cottage. It’s great being back in Wales with the team, although one short as Jess is away on a course in Cardiff and her daughter Molly is staying with Warlow and his black labrador Cadi. As always this was a well written and plotted story with a number of potential killers on the radar.
Briefly, during the investigation into the murder the readers see two girls, Lucy Pargeter and Nola O’Brien kidnapped and taken to a remote building where they are left bound and gagged. It’s only a few days later that the missing girls come to the attention of the police. Are the two cases related?
I love all the descriptions of the countryside, you can almost feel that you are walking the hills with them, although I’m more up for a quad bike. All sorts going on for the team to investigate with a family of unhelpful lottery winners, a health retreat that claims to be able to cure illness and addiction and a podcast team looking for paranormal occurrences all thrown into the mix. There were also a few clues dropped during the book that I picked up, so proud! The red herrings will keep you guessing pretty much until the end. For police procedural lovers like me you will also spot reference to author TG Reid’s detective DCI Bone - a nice touch. Another cracking book from this author which I read in a morning it was so immersive. Loved it.
Briefly, during the investigation into the murder the readers see two girls, Lucy Pargeter and Nola O’Brien kidnapped and taken to a remote building where they are left bound and gagged. It’s only a few days later that the missing girls come to the attention of the police. Are the two cases related?
I love all the descriptions of the countryside, you can almost feel that you are walking the hills with them, although I’m more up for a quad bike. All sorts going on for the team to investigate with a family of unhelpful lottery winners, a health retreat that claims to be able to cure illness and addiction and a podcast team looking for paranormal occurrences all thrown into the mix. There were also a few clues dropped during the book that I picked up, so proud! The red herrings will keep you guessing pretty much until the end. For police procedural lovers like me you will also spot reference to author TG Reid’s detective DCI Bone - a nice touch. Another cracking book from this author which I read in a morning it was so immersive. Loved it.
May 26, 2023
I absolutely adore the Warlow series from reading the first chapter in book one The Engine House to now finishing book eight A Body of Water.
The gang are back, well almost as Jess is on a course but she does pop in from time to time. Her daughter Molly is staying with Evan whilst she is away which pleases his dog Cali no end!
When a call comes in regarding the murder of 84 year old George Marsden in a very remote part of Wales close to the Llyn Brianne Dam it doesn't take long for the gang to arrive due to them all, well apart from Gil and Evan that is as they where doing a charity hike near by.
But things take a dramatic turn for the worse when two young females who where holidaying close by go missing and with only four properties within a few miles of each other in this remote place and absolutely no CCTV the team have there work cut out trying to find a murderer and who has abducted the woman.
Out of the four properties one that belonged to the murder victim another which the woman where staying there is also The Retreat a spiritual retreat for some very intriguing guests and staff and the last property belonging to a family who recently won the lottery but have a chequered past.
It's wonderful how Rhys Dylan takes you on a journey through the remote ness of Wales and the myths and legends that surround where they are.
Brilliantly written characters and the series just makes you feel like apart of the family.
The gang are back, well almost as Jess is on a course but she does pop in from time to time. Her daughter Molly is staying with Evan whilst she is away which pleases his dog Cali no end!
When a call comes in regarding the murder of 84 year old George Marsden in a very remote part of Wales close to the Llyn Brianne Dam it doesn't take long for the gang to arrive due to them all, well apart from Gil and Evan that is as they where doing a charity hike near by.
But things take a dramatic turn for the worse when two young females who where holidaying close by go missing and with only four properties within a few miles of each other in this remote place and absolutely no CCTV the team have there work cut out trying to find a murderer and who has abducted the woman.
Out of the four properties one that belonged to the murder victim another which the woman where staying there is also The Retreat a spiritual retreat for some very intriguing guests and staff and the last property belonging to a family who recently won the lottery but have a chequered past.
It's wonderful how Rhys Dylan takes you on a journey through the remote ness of Wales and the myths and legends that surround where they are.
Brilliantly written characters and the series just makes you feel like apart of the family.
June 12, 2023
This is the 8th in the DCI Evan Warlow series and unlike some other series, this one just gets better with each book.
Briefly, when a delivery driver finds the body of a reclusive author, it’s down to DCI Warlow and his team to find out who would murder an elderly man and bring the killer to justice. But things get far more complicated than they ever imagined with the added problems of missing walkers, a secretive retreat and some highly unwanted hunters of the paranormal. But Warlow and his team do what they do best with unrelenting determination. This is an action packed read, and the description of the places they go to conjures up the true desolation of this part of Wales. There is some wonderful humour which goes some way to alleviate this dark story, especially Rhys’ personal dilemma.
This is another brilliant 5* book for me and although you could read it as a stand-alone, I seriously recommend reading the others in the series and meet the team from the beginning, which you instantly feel a part of.
Briefly, when a delivery driver finds the body of a reclusive author, it’s down to DCI Warlow and his team to find out who would murder an elderly man and bring the killer to justice. But things get far more complicated than they ever imagined with the added problems of missing walkers, a secretive retreat and some highly unwanted hunters of the paranormal. But Warlow and his team do what they do best with unrelenting determination. This is an action packed read, and the description of the places they go to conjures up the true desolation of this part of Wales. There is some wonderful humour which goes some way to alleviate this dark story, especially Rhys’ personal dilemma.
This is another brilliant 5* book for me and although you could read it as a stand-alone, I seriously recommend reading the others in the series and meet the team from the beginning, which you instantly feel a part of.
Read
August 8, 2025It’s a privilege to be able to read this quality series on my Kindle plan. The characters are well developed. I’m beginning to really get to know Gil and the Lady Anwen. At the very end when the publisher, Gil, and DCI Warlow are scattering George’s ashes I had chills when Gil’s sang Gwahoddiad. I was able to pull up a beautiful Welsh men’s choir performing it beautifully. I enjoy the mysteries but I particularly value learning about other land and cultures. I have to admit I read
this series side by side with my iPhone next to my Kindle, looking up Welsh pronunciations. I’d like to say I’m mastering it but at least I’ve been able to add the “h” before the “ll” in the town names and it is surprisingly easy to pronounce it that way. I have renewed admiration for William, the Prince of Wales, who gave his first speech to the Welsh people in their native tongue. I’m falling in love with this warm, ancient culture and its people. A hearty thank you to Mr Rhys Dylan for so generously drawing his readers into his homeland. Brilliant!
this series side by side with my iPhone next to my Kindle, looking up Welsh pronunciations. I’d like to say I’m mastering it but at least I’ve been able to add the “h” before the “ll” in the town names and it is surprisingly easy to pronounce it that way. I have renewed admiration for William, the Prince of Wales, who gave his first speech to the Welsh people in their native tongue. I’m falling in love with this warm, ancient culture and its people. A hearty thank you to Mr Rhys Dylan for so generously drawing his readers into his homeland. Brilliant!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 2, 2024
Dylan gets better & better!
I absolutely love Rhys Dylan’s writing! The characters in this series are interesting and well defined; the stories intriguing, with the landscape as a vivid part of the setting, almost a character itself. The rich descriptions of the Welsh countryside are delightful!
I started listening to the audiobooks as well, and found them to add such a depth of experience that I went back to listen to the books I had finished reading. Tobias Weatherburn has to be one of the best reader/actors ever, his accents and character voices are that amazing. I’m hoping that all books in the series will be recorded by him eventually.
I would love to revisit Wales one day. I was lucky enough to go hiking with college friends in the 70’s, as well as a weekend trip with the hubby. We live much much farther away now but Rhys Dylan has brought it alive in his stories - I’m collecting place names for the bucket list!
I absolutely love Rhys Dylan’s writing! The characters in this series are interesting and well defined; the stories intriguing, with the landscape as a vivid part of the setting, almost a character itself. The rich descriptions of the Welsh countryside are delightful!
I started listening to the audiobooks as well, and found them to add such a depth of experience that I went back to listen to the books I had finished reading. Tobias Weatherburn has to be one of the best reader/actors ever, his accents and character voices are that amazing. I’m hoping that all books in the series will be recorded by him eventually.
I would love to revisit Wales one day. I was lucky enough to go hiking with college friends in the 70’s, as well as a weekend trip with the hubby. We live much much farther away now but Rhys Dylan has brought it alive in his stories - I’m collecting place names for the bucket list!
July 16, 2023
One of the aspects that I enjoy about this series is how the author incorporates mundane activities into the plot. In this case, an Amazon delivery driver finds the body of one of his regular customers with a knife in the chest. The elderly man lived alone in a house on a remote Welsh hillside and at first is not an obvious target for a murder. But then it turns out that he used to be a spy and had a second career as best-selling author of spy-thrillers. And where are the missing hikers of the nearby Airbnb and could there be a connection with the place offering spiritual retreats nearby. DCI Evan Warlow and team must solve this one without Jess Allenby who is away on a course. Another excellent instalment in the series. Having binge read the first 8 books in the series, I must now patiently await the arrival of the next book.
August 15, 2023
This is only the second I have read in this series, the first being no.1. I did enjoy this one. It has a strong sense of place, well integrated into the action. The team work well together, sharing information, so the detection process is by no means down to one brain. I did manage to work out the culprit about half way through - unusual for me as I don’t try to guess or work it out. This, however did not lessen the tension or spoil my engagement.
I think it would have been better if I had read the intervening books. I had some trouble telling some chapters apart and suspect I’d have developed a better idea of roles and strengths from the intervening books. While I won’t rush immediately, I’d be interested in going back to the previous books - in order.
I think it would have been better if I had read the intervening books. I had some trouble telling some chapters apart and suspect I’d have developed a better idea of roles and strengths from the intervening books. While I won’t rush immediately, I’d be interested in going back to the previous books - in order.
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July 16, 2024When a delivery driver stumbles across the dead body of a reclusive author in a remote area within a stone’s throw of the Llyn Brianne dam, his first thoughts are that the elderly man has had a heart attack. But the knife sticking out of the corpse’s chest tells a different story.
Why would anyone target such a defenceless victim? That’s the first problem DCI Evan Warlow has to solve when he and his team arrive to investigate. But soon, some missing walkers, a secretive cult, and the unwelcome presence of paranormal-hunting podcasters all add to the team’s woes. But the killer is abroad and has already ended one innocent life. If Warlow can’t peel away the layers to get to the rotten heart of the case and quickly, more deaths are sure to follow.
Good.
Why would anyone target such a defenceless victim? That’s the first problem DCI Evan Warlow has to solve when he and his team arrive to investigate. But soon, some missing walkers, a secretive cult, and the unwelcome presence of paranormal-hunting podcasters all add to the team’s woes. But the killer is abroad and has already ended one innocent life. If Warlow can’t peel away the layers to get to the rotten heart of the case and quickly, more deaths are sure to follow.
Good.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 13, 2025
Another Treat from Rhys Dylan
When I was a kid, I read and enjoyed ALL of the Nancy Drew Mysteries. I came to know her and her steadfast companion George. For those of you who aren't familiar with these books, George is a girl. I got a kick out of that. But mostly I liked the bond between these two.
In the Evan Warlow mysteries, there is an easy camaraderie between the members of his team, a smooth way of working together. Their bonds are strong. Each plays an important part in putting together the puzzle that reveals the killer(s.) Although never without a victim, the team always remains focused on revealing the villain in a way that satisfies critical readers.
I look forward to reading the next in the series. I bet you will too.
When I was a kid, I read and enjoyed ALL of the Nancy Drew Mysteries. I came to know her and her steadfast companion George. For those of you who aren't familiar with these books, George is a girl. I got a kick out of that. But mostly I liked the bond between these two.
In the Evan Warlow mysteries, there is an easy camaraderie between the members of his team, a smooth way of working together. Their bonds are strong. Each plays an important part in putting together the puzzle that reveals the killer(s.) Although never without a victim, the team always remains focused on revealing the villain in a way that satisfies critical readers.
I look forward to reading the next in the series. I bet you will too.
May 26, 2023
I received an ARC of this book and am pleased to say I enjoyed this one as much as the previous 7. DCI Evan Warlow and his team need to solve the unexplained death of elderly George Marsden who lives in a remote area of their patch of Wales. Solving this mystery has Evan and his team looking at the few residents of (and visitors to) the area, wondering what they're hiding, trying to understand why someone killed George, and finding out a few secrets along the way. The mention of the lead character from another series I've begun to read, T G Reid's DCI Bone of Campsie Fells, was a nice touch.
June 19, 2023
Another twisting story from Rhys Dylan.
This time DCI Evan Warlow and his team have to travel to the northern and of their territory which entailing a lot of travelling to and fro from their Carmarthen HQ across some very barren terrain where quad bikes come into their own.
Along the way to a breath taking conclusion we have YouTubers, a pseudo religious retreat, a reclusive and difficult family of lottery winners and two disappeared women as well as the initial murder that starts it off.The ECO navigates through all this in his inimitable way. As ever gallows humour and puns abound.
This is a hard to put down fast paced read.
This time DCI Evan Warlow and his team have to travel to the northern and of their territory which entailing a lot of travelling to and fro from their Carmarthen HQ across some very barren terrain where quad bikes come into their own.
Along the way to a breath taking conclusion we have YouTubers, a pseudo religious retreat, a reclusive and difficult family of lottery winners and two disappeared women as well as the initial murder that starts it off.The ECO navigates through all this in his inimitable way. As ever gallows humour and puns abound.
This is a hard to put down fast paced read.
May 26, 2023
A Body of Water, the eighth book in the Beacons Murder Mystery series is a fast-paced police procedural. A murdered elderly man. Two missing women. The only commonality is the remote location. No worries, though. With DCI Evan “The Wolf” Warlow and his team on the case, all mysteries will be resolved in this great read. Tight writing, unexpected twists, and relatable characters made it impossible to stop reading this gem. I am eagerly awaiting the next book by Rhys Dylan. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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