A Word With The Dead

DCI Evan Warlow #17

by Rhys Dylan

A body in the hills. A missing man. An unreliable witness.

When a drone uncovers a dead cyclist in the West Wales countryside, DCI Evan Warlow is pulled into a case where the clues are scarce, the suspects slippery, and the motive buried deep beneath layers of power and deceit.


From a silent hospital ward to a shadowy woodland path, this is a mystery that exposes more than murder—it unravels a community.

Gripping, atmospheric, and disturbingly relevant.





Edge of the seat crime fiction. One Less Snake is the twisty 16th novel from bestselling crime author, Rhys Dylan. Perfect for fans of JD Kirk, Simon McCleave, and Peter Robinson

WHAT READERS ARE SAYING ABOUT Rhys Dylan’s INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLING DCI Warlow

"⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A tightly written story, by someone who knows how to write a chilling tale.” Amazon Review, THE ENGINE HOUSE

“⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Would give this book a ten if I could absolutely love it and what a great team they are making." Amazon Review, CAUTION DEATH AT WORK

"⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Love the writing, very compelling, captivating and comfortable to read. Thanks again for a brilliant book." Amazon Review, ICE COLD MALICE

"⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Wow, that was some read. Again, read in one sitting as the author has the uncanny knack of getting into your head and you thinking, just one more chapter then I'll go and do the housework!" AMZ Review, SUFFER THE DEAD

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Based in Wales this, a beautifully written police book with many twists and turns, but with great credibility. Certainly the best I've read for many a month, so roll on the next one.” AMZ Review, GRAVELY CONCERNED

"⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Justifiably the best around. Do yourself a favour and read this series.” AMZ Review, A MARK OF IMPERFECTION

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Great book, great series. From first to last an excellent series, especially the enjoyable side comments., likeable characters, and absorbing plots. More! More!" AMZ Review LINES OF INQUIRY

"⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐I cannot believe I have finished (for the time until book 15 is released.) I have read this series back to back, finishing one then downloading the next. Such fabulous story telling with wonderful characters that you so easily relate to. AMZ Review DRAGON’S BREATH

"⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐. Evan Warlow and his team are one of my favourites and I could find no fault at all with this book." AMZ Review, THE LAST THROW

Genres: Mystery, Crime, Procedural, Fiction

302 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 15, 2025

About the author

https://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.

Reviews

[Karen Oakley · Rating 2 out of 5]

I usually like this authors work but this book just didn't do it for me. It wasn't really exciting at all and if I have to listen to Gil Jones's jokes one more time I will scream! They are dreadful, not in the least bit funny and just slow the flow of the story down. It does seem as though the history lessons of the area are getting more plentiful too and are seeming like filler. Not what I am looking for in a crime thriller. I want to be thrilled! I love the rest of the team: DCI Warlow, Jess, Rhys, Catrin and Gina and wish there was more action involving these and not endless 'jokes' amongst them that just make me groan. Not sure if I'll continue with this series.

[Noreen · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book didn’t capture my imagination whatsoever despite the ridiculously high ratings. This is the 17th novel
from this prolific writer but the first I’ve read so maybe ardent readers of this series get it, I certainly didn’t.

There are several low points that I found slowed down the plot & made me loose interest (it took me 2 whole months to slog through this). The most annoying was the ubiquitous use of injecting the Welsh language everywhere, it’s unpronounceable making it difficult to remember places & things. There were too many characters, IMO, but one particular cop, a Sgt Gil Jones kept cracking dumb jokes and played song games by tweaking the titles. Who cares??? It didn’t belong in the story, making it hokey instead of a mystery thriller. Definitely not enough action.

Great title though!!! Kudos there!

Based on this one book alone, I won’t be reading anything further from this author

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read and loved the whole series of Welsh mysteries and I love to get the updates on all the great police characters. The men and women have their flaws but their banter and their care for each other is inspiring. This installment has a complicated plot and takes many turns before the end when everything, including some seemingly unrelated events, are well tied together. The details of the Welsh landscape and culture make the stories even more interesting, even if the language is inscrutable. Fortunately the author translates or explains the words, and there is a glossary, so the words do not detract from the story for Americans. DCI Warlow is a great mentor, thinker and compassionate leader. The pace is good and the suspense is maintained but there is also humor at times. Well-written police procedural!

[Lynne Goodman]

As far as I am concerned Rhys Dylan is on of the best authors of this genre. I have read many different authors but with the exception of one or two, the others can't compare. The only problem is that I can't put his books down and finish them too quickly. His style of writing, his characterizations
and his descriptions of the country side make for excellent reading. I don't always get Gil's sense of humour but I do know someone who is just like that.
One comment on the editing. There were a few errors (not many) that needed correcting. I haven't noticed this in any of his previous books.
Looking foirward to Book 18

[Julian Tremayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent story with Evan Warlow and his multi-talented team. Good to hear news of the domestic lives of other team members - and their difficulties. Like the humour - corny jokes and all - that make the series more enjoyable than most. Still a few unresolved background stories to unravel - as it were! There were rather too many typos in my kindle copy, perhaps the result of less than thorough proof reading. Looking forward to the next one in November.
Julian Tremayne, Cromer, Norfolk

[Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, I read it too fast

I always plan to take my time reading the latest Evan Warlow, but it's so good I speed through it instead. I liked this one, with its complex story and many relevant characters. Looking forward to the next one. And the Bone detective he mentioned toward the end is also a very good series.

[Rebecca Charlesworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another well written instalment from the DCI Warlow series, book 17 and yet the storylines just keep on getting better.
Warlow and the team are in the thick of things yet again when a young girl and her dad find a dead body while flying her drone. Was it an accident or was it something more sinister.

[J LEA · Rating 5 out of 5]

love this series

Every book has been a great read, the characters are real people with history and personal lives. Looking forward to number 18, thoroughly recommend each and every one.

[Carol A jowett · Rating 5 out of 5]

great read

Great to have DCIWarlow the team back. This time the case is mixed up with NHS Reviews and possible closures. As always nothing is as it seems. The team struggle to see any reason for an NHS chief to be murdered. There is far more to come. Great read.

[Snowy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book in this series. I love the way Evan and his team have developed together since the first book.
The storyline is very different from his other books, and relates to a topic very relevant nowadays. I think this has been the toughest crime the team has had to solve, with lots of threads but few clues. They all had to work hard to finally get their man, but by working as a team they succeed.
I love the team’s sense of humour, the way Gil winds up Rhys. I think this is the best book in the series so far.

[Jane Williams]

Lots of good material but sadly a few typos and inaccuracies.eg, did the cyclist break his left or right arm as both are described. Probably not that important but a bit irritating….
I do however look forward to the next story in November!

[Mrsbridgetsmithaol.Com · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another well crafted book

I enjoy both the stories and the style of writing too. The humour is great end the events well crafted.

[Mamareads · Rating 5 out of 5]

fantastic story as always

I have read every book in this series. I love the team that work with DCI Evan Warlow. Each plays an important part in solving mysteries. Yet each has his or her own backstory. Now looking for book 18!
Note to author.. keep writing. Please

[Mrs Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

as good as always

I’ve enjoyed this series and this is as good as ever. Love the main characters and how they work together.

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Word With the Dead by Rhys Dylan is book 13 in the DCI Evan Warlow series. Gareth and Megan Llewellyn are on Betws Mountain, trying out Megan’s birthday present – a drone. Caught on the screen is a body, that of the Chief Executive of Dyfed University Health Board. With the cost-cutting measures he was likely to implement for the NHS, the motive is surely not hard to find, and the suspects could be many. Set around a small, community hospital which is hiding a darker secret and the horror of what they find is palpable. All the team are back on deck. I love the sense of camaraderie amongst the team, the friendship and the humour, particularly from Gil. We have the bonus of the fascinating character of elderly Ivy Pugh. What a treasure she is. I love the author’s writing style. We see Evan’s softer side. It was hard to put the book down as I was so engrossed. One of my favourite series, not only for the wonderful storylines but because of the characters.

[Mary Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another great read in a brilliant series. Evan and team investigate when the body of a man is discovered and it seems there's no shortage of people who disliked the man. Emotions in the area are high as the man was tasked with making efficiencies in local services, and this is in an area where anger still simmers from mine closedowns years ago.

This was another page-turner, with the humour and teamwork as important to me as the actual investigation itself. I'm enjoying how we are seeing more of the personal lives of the various members of the team and Gil's rapport with an elderly woman was quite touching. The old hospital aspect had me quite spooked and I enjoyed how things became revealed to link it to the other events. Bring on book eighteen!

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so love this series. It was great to spend time with Warlow and the team. This time we learn some more of Wales history and how it impacts current affairs. The case kept me guessing until near the end. As events unfold we also see more of the team members private lives. As always there are humorous exchanges that lighten the mood. Highly recommend.

[Megan Delf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this book with its interesting and unforseen twist at the end. I also like the relationship between Evan and Jess. Maybe one day they will make it more permanent.

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 17 in the DCI Evan Warlow series and I’ve read them all. They all read well as standalone but the thing I love about this series is the brilliant repeat characters, largely Evan police team but some partners and of course the star of every book in my eyes gorgeous Cadi. Set in West Wales the scenery and the remoteness always adds to the tension.

Briefly, a father and daughter are out one day flying a new drone when they spot something. It’s a body that appears to have fallen off a bike and is clearly dead. The police soon discover that it is the Chief Executive of Dyfed University Health Board, and not a popular man, he is in the midst of implementing major cost cutting measures that are not being well received. There are also a number of calls being received from elderly Ivy Pugh about strange things happening in an abandoned hospital building. Unlike others Evan is inclined to think no smoke without fire.

This is uncannily relevant at the present time with all the concerns over the state of the NHS, although I’m not suggesting such drastic measures are appropriate! You can see how in a former Welsh mining community there could be simmering tensions over the mine closures being reactivated with the concerns over hospital closures. The team here go from strength to strength and I won’t repeat previous comment just to say they are fabulous and I love following their personal journey’s alongside their work. Another cracking book in this cracking series.

[Pauline Render · Rating 5 out of 5]

With A Word with the Dead, the 17th book in the DCI Evan Warlow series, Rhys Dylan has created another story which is impossible to put down once you start reading.
Beginning with a body which would never have been discovered without a father and daughter flying a drone, the story quickly escalates as Warlow and his team begin to uncover a very murky world of politics within the healthcare system. And with the victim having many enemies, it’s going to take all of the team’s dedication to discovering the truth, to discover who the killer is. There is plenty action, and as Evan, Jess and the others delve further, events take a very dark turn, leading me to read and turn the pages even faster.
I devoured this book in one sitting, partially because of the utterly compelling story, but also because Evan and the team are a family who I love meeting up with and living with, if even just for the time it took for me read this latest, awesome book.
Although this is the latest in this fabulous series, it can still be read as a stand-alone, but, to get the full pleasure of these wonderful characters, I would heartily recommend you start at the beginning.

[barbara a. woodruff · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a drone uncovers a dead cyclist in the West Wales countryside, DCI Evan Warlow is pulled into a case where the clues are scarce, the suspects slippery, and the motive buried deep beneath layers of power and deceit. A Health Executive is found dead in West Wales countryside by a youth flying her drone for the first time. Who is this person and who killed him. The investigation leads to more questions than answers. An elderly lady hears voices but many people think it is just the memories of the elderly until a young woman runs screaming to her door at 2:00 in the morning. Suddenly an explosion at a nearby abandoned hospital and the resulting fire has DCI Evan Warlow and his team trying to figure out what is happening.
this is a mystery that exposes more than murder—it unravels a community. Rhys Dylan again draws the reader into the story as the team of DCI Evan Warlow tries to solve what is happening. I can never get close to the last chapters of any of Rhys Dylan's books and must continue reading far into the night .The characters in the books seem like old friends now and I enjoy seeing their new adventures and seeing how their characters intact with the rest of the team

[J Davies · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shocking crimes and puns galore.
I'm a fan of Rhys Dylan and also of DCI Evan Warlow and of his team. Normally, 5 stars are a well-earned, no-brainer from me for this series, but sadly, the proofreading and/or editing let's this one down. Everything else about this book is up to the very high standard of the previous ones in the series.
A young girl, accompanied by her father, is using her birthday drone for the first time and discovers the body of a cyclist. The case quickly spirals into something much larger and complicated for Evan and the team to deal with. They do this in their usual efficient way.
I know that some readers have made disparaging comments about DS Gil Jones with his puns and other funnies and find them not appropriate. I disagree. For people who find themselves in highly stressful situations, the light relief of the "gallows humour" is a release and a necessary one. It definitely didn't spoil the story in any way from my perspective, but rather show the reader more of the character of the various cast members. Recommended.

[Allison Valentine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, book 17 already in the Warlow series but it can easily be read as a stand alone, but I'd urge you to read them from the beginning as you really get the feel of all the amazing characters.

When a father and daughter take a drone out into the west Wales countryside, they discover a body of a cyclist that clearly has died, after contacting the police it becomes obvious that foul play was involved.
Evan and the team are called in to investigate and when the body is identified as the Chief Executive of Dyfed University Health Board with plenty of enemies behind him. It is going to push the team to try and discover who would want to murder him and why?

I absolutely adore this series and the characters are written brilliantly.
It's like having a second family that you can't wait to see again.

[Timothy Scherr · Rating 5 out of 5]

as always, Great Job!

Sir, I have enjoyed this series since the beginning! You’re a wonderful storyteller with beautiful descriptions of the land, its history, and the feelings it elicits in the characters- I want to visit!
The characters are strong snd well developed and you weave their relationships beautifully . You provide the perfect balance of personal issues with professional focus. You make readers invest in and live/hate your characters and want to share in their lives. The cases and detective work are always believable, accurate, and reflect the real world challenges of suspect behavior, witness weaknesses, press interference, and sensible solving. Always a pleasure to read your stories! Thank you! Diane Scherr

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

These DCI Warlow books are always very satisfying and this one is no different. Thoroughly enjoyed it and for once the team came through unscathed. The team is not only well trained and highly motivated but have a high degree of mutual respect and affection which makes them all the more effective. Over recent books we have seen the maturing of the younger detectives and a great deal of professional development amongst them all. I always look forward to the publication of a new book in the series and am already eagerly anticipating the next one.

[Lucy Hayward · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great story with lots of twists and turns

As usual, Evan Warlow and his team chase down criminals in the beauty of the Welsh countryside.

I enjoy the story threads that are woven through this and earlier novels and provide context to both the characters we encounter. It makes it far more realistic as a read and as a believable situation.

My only gripe would be about typos and proof reading mistakes that should have been picked up before the publication stage..... I don't recall this as from previous stories so maybe it's an isolated attack of the gremlins.

[a d bromley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I feel we are coming to the end of Mr Warlow and his team - in effect having come full circle from the Engine House story, with this latest. We are back to people trafficking, and Mr Warlow's health, Jess's difficult relationship with her ex., and in this story I did feel that there was insufficient meat on the bones of the story - plenty of skeleton, but a reader's relationship with the team was a little thin and cool.
I have pre-ordered the next book, but it is almost as though one can anticipate .....

[Valerie Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!!!!!!

The twists and turns are enough to make your head spin. The characters are so believable some good others downright evil. I was completely immersed in the story so much I felt I was there. Things took a totally unexpected turn which knocked me for six. Fantastic. So brilliantly written. This has to be the absolute best of the series's and considering I've already said that 16 times it just goes to show how brilliant this book is. Thank you so much for giving me so much pleasure. 👍😊

[Carol May · Rating 5 out of 5]

A tangled TALE keeps Warlow and his crew, puzzled and tired

Who knew little old ladies could be so helpful? 80 something Ivy hears noises down by the old hospital. She’s thought to be a bit addled, always calling the police about these noises. Then the national health service president comes to the area and is killed. It just keeps going on in a very circuitous manner. Author Rhys Dylan is a master keeping you on the edge of your seat wondering how this is going to turn out. Don’t miss it.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent installment in this series

Would have been 5 stars but for the annoying amount of text mistakes. I wished for a red pen to start circling them halfway the book. Aside from that irritating distraction this was a very enjoyable trip into the Welsh world of Even Warlow. The mystery was intriguing, the characters are interesting. Dylan brings this team to life with a deft hand and an appealing sense of humor. I'm already looking forward to the next installment.