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DCI Evan Warlow #19
Cross Cut: A DCI Evan Warlow Novel
The dead don’t haunt Warlow. The living do.
When a refuse worker discovers the body of media student Nicholas Vernon in a quiet Welsh town, Detective Evan Warlow and his team are drawn into a case that spirals from routine enquiry to nightmare. Behind the whispers and online rumours lies a truth far darker than anyone is ready to face. A truth entangled in macabre obsessions and the plight of the homeless.
With forensic evidence thin on the ground and local loyalties running deep, Warlow must confront both a killer—and a truth about his own mortality he’s long avoided.
A gripping procedural with haunting undertones, this novel will keep you turning pages long into the night
Tense, gritty, and impossible to put down, CROSS CUT marks the nineteenth outing from bestselling crime author Rhys Dylan. A must-read 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 storytelling 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
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "I have read all the DCI Warlow books and can highly recommend them to anyone who loves crime novels. This had me hooked from page one and I did not see the ending coming at all. Brilliantly written and with engaging characters."AMZ Review. A WORD WITH THE DEAD
When a refuse worker discovers the body of media student Nicholas Vernon in a quiet Welsh town, Detective Evan Warlow and his team are drawn into a case that spirals from routine enquiry to nightmare. Behind the whispers and online rumours lies a truth far darker than anyone is ready to face. A truth entangled in macabre obsessions and the plight of the homeless.
With forensic evidence thin on the ground and local loyalties running deep, Warlow must confront both a killer—and a truth about his own mortality he’s long avoided.
A gripping procedural with haunting undertones, this novel will keep you turning pages long into the night
Tense, gritty, and impossible to put down, CROSS CUT marks the nineteenth outing from bestselling crime author Rhys Dylan. A must-read 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 storytelling 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
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "I have read all the DCI Warlow books and can highly recommend them to anyone who loves crime novels. This had me hooked from page one and I did not see the ending coming at all. Brilliantly written and with engaging characters."AMZ Review. A WORD WITH THE DEAD
- GenresMystery
310 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 27, 2026
1342 people are currently reading
147 people want to read
About the author
Rhys Dylan
22 books567 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 47 reviews
February 6, 2026
To be honest, this wasn’t my favourite Evan Warlow book. I felt the story dragged on and wasn’t as exciting as they usually are. Didn’t hear much about Cadi either.
But it was an enjoyable read and I look firwsrd to book 20.
But it was an enjoyable read and I look firwsrd to book 20.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Book 19 in the DCI Evan Warlow series and another great read. For anyone who hasn’t read the earlier books stop now spoiler incoming. In the last book Evan was diagnosed with a heart condition and is awaiting imminent surgery. Against his partner Jess’s wishes he has gone back to work, promising to take it easy. All the usual team members are back with some extra help from the local police as Evan and his team are moved to the local station for the period of the investigation.
Briefly, the body of a young man, Nicholas Vernon, was found by refuse workers in Fishguard, Wales. The police investigation finds out that he was a bit of a loner, no true friends, and looked after both of his ailing parents. He had an obsession with horror films and the police think his death could be connected to a TikTok fad. There are few suspects until a homeless man comes onto their radar, but something is making Evan uncomfortable.
At the risk of repeating myself I love this series and the great team of police officers. There is a side story going on involving Rhys and a stag party but I’ll say no more about that! It’s a very good plot, although I did guess the killer pretty early on, but that didn’t matter one iota. The issue of homelessness and mental health is dealt with sympathetically as is the danger of social media influence on children. Such a good read and as for that ending! My mouth dropped. Make sure you read the authors notes! That’s all…
Briefly, the body of a young man, Nicholas Vernon, was found by refuse workers in Fishguard, Wales. The police investigation finds out that he was a bit of a loner, no true friends, and looked after both of his ailing parents. He had an obsession with horror films and the police think his death could be connected to a TikTok fad. There are few suspects until a homeless man comes onto their radar, but something is making Evan uncomfortable.
At the risk of repeating myself I love this series and the great team of police officers. There is a side story going on involving Rhys and a stag party but I’ll say no more about that! It’s a very good plot, although I did guess the killer pretty early on, but that didn’t matter one iota. The issue of homelessness and mental health is dealt with sympathetically as is the danger of social media influence on children. Such a good read and as for that ending! My mouth dropped. Make sure you read the authors notes! That’s all…
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow, I can't believe that we are book 19 into the DCI Evan Warlow series and the series just keeps getting better, if that's at all possible.
Evan isn't having the greatest of times lately after suffering with a severe case of pneumonia and having to spend Christmas in hospital they discover that Evans ticker isn't doing so great either and will need to have an operation to rectify the problem.
But of course that doesn't stop Evan from returning to work even against his partner Jess's wishes.
And what a blinder of a case to work back into.
The body of a seventeen year old Nicholas Vernon is discovered by refuse workers in the small town of Fishguard in Wales.
Nicholas was a loner and didn't tend to mix well with others.
His passion was film especially the horror genre but has this new TikTok challenge that everyone is talking about and playing have anything to do with his death?
There is a side shuffle regarding Rhys and a stag do in Amsterdam, but I'll leave you to discover that one!
The touch on mental health, homelessness and the influence of social media on children was written brilliantly.
And of my gosh, that ending me on the edge of my seat.
Bravo Mr Dylan.
Evan isn't having the greatest of times lately after suffering with a severe case of pneumonia and having to spend Christmas in hospital they discover that Evans ticker isn't doing so great either and will need to have an operation to rectify the problem.
But of course that doesn't stop Evan from returning to work even against his partner Jess's wishes.
And what a blinder of a case to work back into.
The body of a seventeen year old Nicholas Vernon is discovered by refuse workers in the small town of Fishguard in Wales.
Nicholas was a loner and didn't tend to mix well with others.
His passion was film especially the horror genre but has this new TikTok challenge that everyone is talking about and playing have anything to do with his death?
There is a side shuffle regarding Rhys and a stag do in Amsterdam, but I'll leave you to discover that one!
The touch on mental health, homelessness and the influence of social media on children was written brilliantly.
And of my gosh, that ending me on the edge of my seat.
Bravo Mr Dylan.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Cross Cut by Rhys Dylan is book 19 in the DCI Evan Warlow series. I can’t believe this is book 19 in this wonderful series. A couple of refuse collectors make a grim discovery one morning on their rounds in Fishguard, Wales. It isn’t helped when it is the body of a teenager. Homelessness, and mental health, rears its sad head too. Evan is also dealing with personal issues. The team - Evan, Jess, Gil, Catrin, Rhys, Gina and even Cadi - all bring something great to the story and their relationships make it all work. They have different personalities, and these personalities bring humour, camaraderie and empathy to the story. The author has such a way with words, they just flow and wrap around you, and the books are a pleasure to read.
January 30, 2026
Another great read from Rhys Dylan. DCI Evan Warlow and his trusty team have to sift through the clues to solve the murder of a seventeen year old schoolboy. It doesn't help that the boy was into horror movies and a loner and when a mentally disturbed homeless man is added into the mix who cannot be found, it makes for a very frustrating time for the team. There is the usual Welsh history from Gil with the added banter from Rhys, especially with his forthcoming stag do to Amsterdam. The team rally around Warlow due to his upcoming heart surgery as he suffers with his own breathlessness frustration and the fuss being made. There is an unusual twist at the end and also the threat from the author of this being the last in the series! What? No!!! Then he gives us the next book out...PHEW!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is another riveting read all the way through from the discovery of the body of a teenage boy to the final page where things come to a head for Evan.
I found the involvement of a homeless man well done and I defy anyone to read this and not feel uncomfortable at the way society is at the moment. I was surprised at the reveal towards the end as I did not see that coming. My dismay and anger while reading the story thankfully was offset by Rhys and Gil's banter and also the events stag trip to Amsterdam.
What can I say about the finale....well I was open-mouthed initially in disbelief but then I read the footnote from the author which calmed me down. Phew.
I found the involvement of a homeless man well done and I defy anyone to read this and not feel uncomfortable at the way society is at the moment. I was surprised at the reveal towards the end as I did not see that coming. My dismay and anger while reading the story thankfully was offset by Rhys and Gil's banter and also the events stag trip to Amsterdam.
What can I say about the finale....well I was open-mouthed initially in disbelief but then I read the footnote from the author which calmed me down. Phew.
February 2, 2026
This is one of my favorite series of books. The Welsh police characters are well developed and you get to love hearing about what is happening to them. There is a good mix of character development and police procedural here. This time the plot explores the impacts of social media challenges on teenagers, homelessness and even a Welsh nationalist movement behind the scenes. That all adds up to a complicate and twisty plot. Just as you think the crime is solved, you will be wrong. The main policeman Evan Warlow is having a personal health crisis and the team all pulls together to support him. It all comes together for an un-put-downable book.
January 30, 2026
Said it once (well actually more like 18 times lol) and will say again, a cracking read. A great well written storyline from the author as always. A group of characters that I have read about from the start and how the dynamics of the group have evolved over the course of the series. Warlow and the crew are doing what they do best. I won’t write about the storyline as the blurb does a good enough job of telling you the gist of the story, but I will say each and every book in the series is a 5 ⭐️ read.
February 1, 2026
I enjoy this author's work; I enjoy this series.
This one drives home how the world we live in has changed in such a way that the youth of today look only to social media for approval through challenges that, when I was young, were called dares. This book makes the reader look hard at what is acceptable and ask how we make the world a safer place for our children and those who are lost due to mental health issues, along with homelessness.
Dear author, by the way, thank you for the most acceptable ending.
This one drives home how the world we live in has changed in such a way that the youth of today look only to social media for approval through challenges that, when I was young, were called dares. This book makes the reader look hard at what is acceptable and ask how we make the world a safer place for our children and those who are lost due to mental health issues, along with homelessness.
Dear author, by the way, thank you for the most acceptable ending.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The DI Evan Warlow series just keeps getting better. I love the characters and character development, the pace, the humour and the interesting cases. In some books we learn something about the history or geography of Wales and that’s always fascinating. This time the case deals with some timely issues that make us think about how we view and handle different marginalized people. An excellent read that was hard to put down.
January 28, 2026
DCI Warlow for the win!
Love this series. Start from book 1 and follow along with twists, turns, educational Welsh language tutorials with glossary (for us non-Welsh speakers) and the building of an amazing team of inspectors (police to Americans like me) who piece together law infractions with wit, skill, humor and biscuits & tea. (Cookies and tea to Americans). I truly enjoyed the whole series and am grateful there will be a 21st book to look forward to.
Love this series. Start from book 1 and follow along with twists, turns, educational Welsh language tutorials with glossary (for us non-Welsh speakers) and the building of an amazing team of inspectors (police to Americans like me) who piece together law infractions with wit, skill, humor and biscuits & tea. (Cookies and tea to Americans). I truly enjoyed the whole series and am grateful there will be a 21st book to look forward to.
January 29, 2026
I love this series; however, this book was not up to the standards of the previous books. There were a lot of proofreading errors in this one.
Also, I had the mystery figured out very early on. I will always keep reading for the characters and the bigger arcs. I hope Dylan continues the series and figures out the crossover to the Anna (can't remember her last name), which I will start reading next.
Also, I had the mystery figured out very early on. I will always keep reading for the characters and the bigger arcs. I hope Dylan continues the series and figures out the crossover to the Anna (can't remember her last name), which I will start reading next.
January 31, 2026
Cross Cut
Holidays are always good but being able to sit in the sun and read the whole book in one day was fantastic. As usual it was absolutely spellbinding. At one point I thought it was Lane who had planted the clean knife but as usual the actual reason was a complete surprise. Can't wait to read your next book. I thoroughly recommend that if you haven't read one of Rhys books I suggest you should. You will be caught up with the plot and won't want to give it up.
Holidays are always good but being able to sit in the sun and read the whole book in one day was fantastic. As usual it was absolutely spellbinding. At one point I thought it was Lane who had planted the clean knife but as usual the actual reason was a complete surprise. Can't wait to read your next book. I thoroughly recommend that if you haven't read one of Rhys books I suggest you should. You will be caught up with the plot and won't want to give it up.
February 3, 2026
Always a pleasure
Have been a fan of Warlow since the first novel. Characters are realistic and become like old friends after the first read. Plots well developed and there's always just enough personal detail to make the story believable and in my case, bring me back to a future novel just to get reacquainted with the crew. Looking forward to the next installment. Highly recommend these novels.
Have been a fan of Warlow since the first novel. Characters are realistic and become like old friends after the first read. Plots well developed and there's always just enough personal detail to make the story believable and in my case, bring me back to a future novel just to get reacquainted with the crew. Looking forward to the next installment. Highly recommend these novels.
February 4, 2026
Heartfelt Murder Mystery
The gang of great officers are back doing what they do best...solving crimes and cracking jokes with dedication and affection. Love this series and can't wait for the next one. My husband is Welsh, now living with what he calls his American cariad in a little town on the west coast of the USA, so I get a kick out of bugging him with little tidbits from the books(places and sayings etc.). It is a great series, you'll really enjoy it so get reading!
The gang of great officers are back doing what they do best...solving crimes and cracking jokes with dedication and affection. Love this series and can't wait for the next one. My husband is Welsh, now living with what he calls his American cariad in a little town on the west coast of the USA, so I get a kick out of bugging him with little tidbits from the books(places and sayings etc.). It is a great series, you'll really enjoy it so get reading!
January 31, 2026
gets better and better
Great plot and more philosophical than usual. The whole gang is maturing and growing, the historical details as interesting as ever. My only complaint, which I almost lead with, is NEVER EVER start your author’s note like you did this one! Not kidding, I was really ticked off at you, Mr Dylan. Do not do that again.
Great plot and more philosophical than usual. The whole gang is maturing and growing, the historical details as interesting as ever. My only complaint, which I almost lead with, is NEVER EVER start your author’s note like you did this one! Not kidding, I was really ticked off at you, Mr Dylan. Do not do that again.
February 1, 2026
Out of all the police procedural series I read Evan Warlow is my favorite. Always a great read! I love all the characters and I think this series is my favorite BECAUSE of the characters. They are the kind of people you’d like to be your friends. Nobody is over the top crazy or weird. They have relatable problems and issues.
February 5, 2026
Evan War low series
I really have enjoyed this series. The characters are extremely well written; very full and developed. The storylines are interesting and compelling.
I have recommended the series to several people, two of whom have already begun reading them.
Excellent books! Thank you, Mr. Dylan!
I really have enjoyed this series. The characters are extremely well written; very full and developed. The storylines are interesting and compelling.
I have recommended the series to several people, two of whom have already begun reading them.
Excellent books! Thank you, Mr. Dylan!
February 5, 2026
This one is excellent
A satisfying read, with a surprising resolution I didn't see coming though it makes perfect sense. The only bad thing is having to wait for months to read the next one. I really like Warlow and his team and some times wish I were back just starting the series so I would have the pleasure of meeting them all over again.
A satisfying read, with a surprising resolution I didn't see coming though it makes perfect sense. The only bad thing is having to wait for months to read the next one. I really like Warlow and his team and some times wish I were back just starting the series so I would have the pleasure of meeting them all over again.
January 28, 2026
another great Warlow book
Absolutely enjoy this series. The humour between the team is always funny. More importantly the story is so good I can’t put it down, then I am cross when it is finished. I would highly recommend the whole series
Absolutely enjoy this series. The humour between the team is always funny. More importantly the story is so good I can’t put it down, then I am cross when it is finished. I would highly recommend the whole series
January 29, 2026
Cross Cut
I’ve enjoyed every one of Rhys Dylan’s books and I especially like this one. Good thing I don’t have to take Welsh at University. I would have flunked big time. I’m trying to learn now. Looking forward to more DCI Warlow and gang. Not every one is a murderer, right!
I’ve enjoyed every one of Rhys Dylan’s books and I especially like this one. Good thing I don’t have to take Welsh at University. I would have flunked big time. I’m trying to learn now. Looking forward to more DCI Warlow and gang. Not every one is a murderer, right!
January 31, 2026
Warlow is back
A really next episode. Not enough Cadi!
A twist I didn't see coming. Totally caught me out.
Looking forward to the next one, although I'm worried about the possible final scenes.
A really next episode. Not enough Cadi!
A twist I didn't see coming. Totally caught me out.
Looking forward to the next one, although I'm worried about the possible final scenes.
February 1, 2026
fabulous!
As always, another excellent Evan Warlow thriller! Truly enjoy the team and the cases. I'm glad Evan finally had his surgery- I was getting anxious myself with his symptoms! Thank you for another great read- truly a pleasure!
As always, another excellent Evan Warlow thriller! Truly enjoy the team and the cases. I'm glad Evan finally had his surgery- I was getting anxious myself with his symptoms! Thank you for another great read- truly a pleasure!
February 1, 2026
excellent
Warlow and Team investigate the murder of a teenager with unexpected results, and a sad ending to the investigation. Warlow undergoes heart surgery. Very well written, with excellent characters!
Warlow and Team investigate the murder of a teenager with unexpected results, and a sad ending to the investigation. Warlow undergoes heart surgery. Very well written, with excellent characters!
February 2, 2026
Another twisty thriller
Warlow continues to make us think. This was a heart wrencher, dealing with a homeless mentally ill person. Was he a suspect or a victim himself? I didn't see the outcome until very near the end. Well written and thought provoking as usual.
Warlow continues to make us think. This was a heart wrencher, dealing with a homeless mentally ill person. Was he a suspect or a victim himself? I didn't see the outcome until very near the end. Well written and thought provoking as usual.
February 3, 2026
Did Not See That Coming!
I don't know what to say. Usually I have a clue, HA HA! Not this time. Best Warlow book yet. I missed so many little things & was very surprised at the ending.
I don't know what to say. Usually I have a clue, HA HA! Not this time. Best Warlow book yet. I missed so many little things & was very surprised at the ending.
February 3, 2026
Good series of books
I have enjoyed this series of books very much. The author has done an excellent job of developing his characters. You actually look forward to the next book. The writing is crisp, plots interesting, and a nice helping of humor makes it a pleasure to red.
I have enjoyed this series of books very much. The author has done an excellent job of developing his characters. You actually look forward to the next book. The writing is crisp, plots interesting, and a nice helping of humor makes it a pleasure to red.
February 3, 2026
Superb novel.
Great book with usual unseen twists. Great Welsh native immersive dialogue and scenery described.
Always imagine Evan played by Anthony Hopkins.
Roll on the next instalment.
Great book with usual unseen twists. Great Welsh native immersive dialogue and scenery described.
Always imagine Evan played by Anthony Hopkins.
Roll on the next instalment.
February 5, 2026
Brilliant as usual!
Another great DCI Warlow book by Rhys Dylan. Great plot and very good side stories as well. I am so glad that this isn’t going to be the last in this series as we definitely need more!
Another great DCI Warlow book by Rhys Dylan. Great plot and very good side stories as well. I am so glad that this isn’t going to be the last in this series as we definitely need more!
February 6, 2026
Noooooo!!
You first proposed ending for the story would have had me on a plane to Wales to have a discussion!! That aside your treatment of mental health issues was spot on. It is one of the major problems in our society today. As always, well done sir!
You first proposed ending for the story would have had me on a plane to Wales to have a discussion!! That aside your treatment of mental health issues was spot on. It is one of the major problems in our society today. As always, well done sir!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews