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DCI Evan Warlow #21
Reckless Deceit
A murder of crows was never so well named.
In an ancient woodland above Brechfa, a man preparing a running trail discovers a body wrapped in black plastic.
The victim is unremarkable, a local minibus driver with no criminal record, no obvious enemies and no apparent reason for anyone to want him dead.
But the violence inflicted upon him suggests this was no random encounter.
As DCI Evan Warlow and his team retrace the victim's final hours, they face a baffling what could an ordinary man have done to provoke such calculated brutality?
The answer lies in a deception as reckless as the killing itself.
Another dark and compelling mystery from the bestselling DCI Evan Warlow series,
Reckless Deceit is the twenty-first fiendishly plotted, with a smidgen of dark humour, and rooted in the landscape of west Wales.
Recommended for readers of JD Kirk, TG Reid, Peter May and Peter Robinson.
In an ancient woodland above Brechfa, a man preparing a running trail discovers a body wrapped in black plastic.
The victim is unremarkable, a local minibus driver with no criminal record, no obvious enemies and no apparent reason for anyone to want him dead.
But the violence inflicted upon him suggests this was no random encounter.
As DCI Evan Warlow and his team retrace the victim's final hours, they face a baffling what could an ordinary man have done to provoke such calculated brutality?
The answer lies in a deception as reckless as the killing itself.
Another dark and compelling mystery from the bestselling DCI Evan Warlow series,
Reckless Deceit is the twenty-first fiendishly plotted, with a smidgen of dark humour, and rooted in the landscape of west Wales.
Recommended for readers of JD Kirk, TG Reid, Peter May and Peter Robinson.
308 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 6, 2026
About the author
Rhys Dylan
44 books678 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 62 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
The quality of this series shows no sign of abating even though we're on the twenty first book already. Jess is on her way back from Milan, Rhys and Gina are on a spa break when the call comes in about the discovery of the body of a bus driver. They soon discover links to past events but there seems to be no real reason for the killing, never mind the violent way it was carried out.
I liked how the investigation gradually progresses and there is plenty of humour throughout as usual from Gil and Rhys. The gradual reveal of events from the past and how things are connected was well done. It's a riveting read and as usual, once I finished reading it I was wishing the next book was already there beside me ready to start.
I liked how the investigation gradually progresses and there is plenty of humour throughout as usual from Gil and Rhys. The gradual reveal of events from the past and how things are connected was well done. It's a riveting read and as usual, once I finished reading it I was wishing the next book was already there beside me ready to start.
October 29, 2026
Another good one in this fine series.
I have to admit, I am a huge fan of Rhys Dylan and his DCI Evan Warlow series. This is the twenty first book and there are no signs of the format getting stale or predictable. What is not to like? There are strong characters throughout the team, clever stories with fiendish plots, alla against a background of stunning scenery descriptions and of course the brilliant humour and banter, complete with Gil and young Rhys with their punfest.
This time there are some very distasteful people who feel they have a special entitlement, which doesn't go down well with Warlow.
I have to admit, I am a huge fan of Rhys Dylan and his DCI Evan Warlow series. This is the twenty first book and there are no signs of the format getting stale or predictable. What is not to like? There are strong characters throughout the team, clever stories with fiendish plots, alla against a background of stunning scenery descriptions and of course the brilliant humour and banter, complete with Gil and young Rhys with their punfest.
This time there are some very distasteful people who feel they have a special entitlement, which doesn't go down well with Warlow.
October 13, 2026
switching things up
This book’s tone and style feels different and a bit of a departure from the series. More anecdotal references, scene descriptions, snippets of various team members lives take the focus Warlow. In some ways it feels like the writing shifted to more of a tv episode style. Solid story and captivating nonetheless.
This book’s tone and style feels different and a bit of a departure from the series. More anecdotal references, scene descriptions, snippets of various team members lives take the focus Warlow. In some ways it feels like the writing shifted to more of a tv episode style. Solid story and captivating nonetheless.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Book 21 in the DCI Evan Warlow series and it’s another cracking read set in West Wales. This time the team are called out when a runner finds a body wrapped in black plastic in Graig-Dhu woods near Brechfa. As always a well written and easy read book which always gets my little grey cells working.
Briefly, the dead man is identified as Scott Croft who worked for a local taxi minibus firm and was currently living with his brother. His abandoned car is later found and that leads the team to two contract killers. Then some strange deaths come to light when the team start to look into the last passengers Scott drove. Meanwhile, DS Jess Allanby, Warlow’s partner, is on her way back from visiting family in Milan and Rhys and Gina are enjoying a spa break.
As always this is a great police procedural and the darker elements are always peppered with splashes of humour, intended and not, and usually thanks to Gil and Rhys. This is quite a twisty story, although I did guess some of the twists this time, with a number of suspects and the investigation moving well outside their usual patch. A satisfying conclusion to what is without doubt one of my favourite series in this genre.
Briefly, the dead man is identified as Scott Croft who worked for a local taxi minibus firm and was currently living with his brother. His abandoned car is later found and that leads the team to two contract killers. Then some strange deaths come to light when the team start to look into the last passengers Scott drove. Meanwhile, DS Jess Allanby, Warlow’s partner, is on her way back from visiting family in Milan and Rhys and Gina are enjoying a spa break.
As always this is a great police procedural and the darker elements are always peppered with splashes of humour, intended and not, and usually thanks to Gil and Rhys. This is quite a twisty story, although I did guess some of the twists this time, with a number of suspects and the investigation moving well outside their usual patch. A satisfying conclusion to what is without doubt one of my favourite series in this genre.
Review of advance copy
It’s difficult to believe that this is the 21st book in this awesome series as the writing is as fresh as book one.
In Reckless Deceit, when the body of a man is discovered in the woods, DCI Evan Warlow and the team really have their work cut out to find the killer as they can’t find any reason to explain why he would be so brutally murdered. As ever, I felt like I had returned home and once again become part of this close knit police family. Each character has their own important part to play and they do it so well as they bounce perfectly off each other. It also wonderful to see how they’ve developed both in their professional and private lives, and the secret two members of the team are hiding kept me hooked. There are a few shocking moments throughout the pages, and although this is a dark story, as ever, there is some fabulous humour.
I raced through the pages of Reckless Deceit, loving every minute I spent with the team, and I’m now twiddling my thumbs waiting for the next book to be released. Thankfully I’ll only have a few months to wait.
In Reckless Deceit, when the body of a man is discovered in the woods, DCI Evan Warlow and the team really have their work cut out to find the killer as they can’t find any reason to explain why he would be so brutally murdered. As ever, I felt like I had returned home and once again become part of this close knit police family. Each character has their own important part to play and they do it so well as they bounce perfectly off each other. It also wonderful to see how they’ve developed both in their professional and private lives, and the secret two members of the team are hiding kept me hooked. There are a few shocking moments throughout the pages, and although this is a dark story, as ever, there is some fabulous humour.
I raced through the pages of Reckless Deceit, loving every minute I spent with the team, and I’m now twiddling my thumbs waiting for the next book to be released. Thankfully I’ll only have a few months to wait.
October 22, 2026
This is my favorite of the many British crime series I read and Reckless Deceit is as good as the rest. I love getting updates on the lives of the Welsh detectives. This series has a good balance of police procedurals, complex plots and insights into the personal lives of the well-developed police characters. The characters are flawed and very real. This book has a very complicated and evil plot with lots of characters so you need to keep up with it. There is a good mix of old-fashioned shoe-leather investigation and forensic science. The plot felt very realistic and plausible and the ending was satisfying. At times Mr. Dylan is a bit cryptic and makes me think, but that is not all bad. Very good book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Reckless Deceit by Rhys Dylan is book 21 in the DCI Evan Warlow series. If you haven’t read this series yet, do yourself a favour. It is one of my favourites, and I was hooked from book 1, and the following books haven’t disappointed. They are set in Wales. This book involves a murder which has the team perplexed. I love the sense of empathy and compassion that is very evident throughout the story. There is plenty of humour throughout particularly involving Gil and Rhys. You can’t help laughing along. You can notice the change of pace too as the investigation heats up. There is a terrific cast of characters and the story, for me, is very much about them. Loved it.
October 24, 2026
Another fantastic read with DCI Warlow and his team. This series just gets better and better and I think this is one of the best. A body is found by a walker in the woods and Warlow has to discover what seems to be the senseless killing of a mini-bus driver. The investigation progresses with further clues as it gathers momentum. These stories are like finding old friends again with an added murder or two! Evan Warlow is joined by Rhys, Gil, Jess, Catrin and Gina and each contribute to searching out the clues. I don't want to delve too closely into this story as it would spoil everything but if you love police procedurals with added warmth in a team then this series is for you.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received this book as part of Rhys Dylan's ARC team. Couldn't put this one down. The call comes in about a body found on the side of an out-of-the-way trail in the woods above Brechfa. Why is the body here but the man's car is found not far from his home, which is where he was headed after work was done that night? What did he do to become the victim? What is the truth surrounding this event? As always there are great exchanges between Rhys and Gil that made me smile, and I was certainly glad to see Evan back and in charge. And what's going on with Rhys and Gina? And Catrin?
October 20, 2026
This is book 21 in the DCI Evan Warlow series. He and his team , everyone a gem, have a really difficult murder case to solve.
This takes them North, to the Canary Islands 14 years earlier but starts in Brechfa forest in Wales.
2 unsolved deaths, and a brutal murder with seemingly no connection but coincidences to keep you wondering.
Another blistering book , with the team working like a well oiled machine. Gil & Rhys as always supply the belly laughs . Cadi? Cadi is as ever featured in this book . Roll on The Rake number 22 due out on my birthday next January, I know what I am getting.
This takes them North, to the Canary Islands 14 years earlier but starts in Brechfa forest in Wales.
2 unsolved deaths, and a brutal murder with seemingly no connection but coincidences to keep you wondering.
Another blistering book , with the team working like a well oiled machine. Gil & Rhys as always supply the belly laughs . Cadi? Cadi is as ever featured in this book . Roll on The Rake number 22 due out on my birthday next January, I know what I am getting.
November 2, 2026
Excellent as always
This series is amazing, it has everything any reader of crime novels could want. Reckless Deceit has lots of twists and turns and I found it a real page turner wanton to find out the how's why and who of the crime. As ever the book has some wonderful humour . This author also includes a lot of bits of information, come general, some historical, I often have to go to the internet to find out more. Also he includes lots of current topics that really make you think. A 5* plus book as ever, a wonderful, thoughtful and exceptional read.
This series is amazing, it has everything any reader of crime novels could want. Reckless Deceit has lots of twists and turns and I found it a real page turner wanton to find out the how's why and who of the crime. As ever the book has some wonderful humour . This author also includes a lot of bits of information, come general, some historical, I often have to go to the internet to find out more. Also he includes lots of current topics that really make you think. A 5* plus book as ever, a wonderful, thoughtful and exceptional read.
November 3, 2026
Great read.
As with most police/detective stories, they always get their man. However, there is something about this setting in Wales and this team that has some humor mixed in with personal life that makes me want to keep reading well into the night and the next morning. I feel I can picture them and ride along with them whether at a scene, in the car or at the makeshift incident room. I recommend this series for anyone who likes police dramas but what an entirely different setting.
As with most police/detective stories, they always get their man. However, there is something about this setting in Wales and this team that has some humor mixed in with personal life that makes me want to keep reading well into the night and the next morning. I feel I can picture them and ride along with them whether at a scene, in the car or at the makeshift incident room. I recommend this series for anyone who likes police dramas but what an entirely different setting.
October 8, 2026
There were so many moving parts and paths, making this book hard to put down because you needed to know where the plot was going next. All the regular characters were there, tying the storyline and their personal lives together. The ending was surprising as multiple mysteries were solved. More into the personal lives of the characters and I can't wait for the next book to see where this all goes next. Only complaint, need more Cadi.
October 15, 2026
another successful adventure!
The team working for Evan Warlow are beautifully developed characters whose different personalities are truly enjoyable. The stories and the steps the team take to get the answers is always well- thought and a joy to follow. I enjoy the intricacies of the chain of command and bringing in higher superiors as well as other units adds great depth to their world and possibly future connections.
The team working for Evan Warlow are beautifully developed characters whose different personalities are truly enjoyable. The stories and the steps the team take to get the answers is always well- thought and a joy to follow. I enjoy the intricacies of the chain of command and bringing in higher superiors as well as other units adds great depth to their world and possibly future connections.
October 22, 2026
21 books in and still such a fun fresh series....a bus driver is found dead on a trail wrapped in tarp. Evan has a devil of a time figuring out why, the man was so nice. Through twisty turns the case becomes wrapped up in a similar death 14 years earlier in the Canary Islands. Reese and Gil still bring the levity needed in this detective series. Don't start with this book because you will be missing out on one of the best long running crime series.
October 24, 2026
the people make it real
Reading this like being with family. Yes there’s a crime and in this case it’s a mistaken murder. However, the value to these books with me is that the characters have become like family. I care about Gil, Rhys, Gina Catrin, Warlow, Jessica, Molly and Cadi. Each new book reveals more about each of these people. And they become part of your world. The crime is interesting but the people the people are important..
Reading this like being with family. Yes there’s a crime and in this case it’s a mistaken murder. However, the value to these books with me is that the characters have become like family. I care about Gil, Rhys, Gina Catrin, Warlow, Jessica, Molly and Cadi. Each new book reveals more about each of these people. And they become part of your world. The crime is interesting but the people the people are important..
October 27, 2026
Another excellent story
I always look forward to the new books in this series because I can’t wait to hear what the characters are up to. I also look forward to reading the last couple of chapters because that’s where the unexpected twist in the story is revealed. I’m usually surprised to read it because I didn’t see it coming. I highly recommend reading the series from the first book because it’s like a continuous story.
I always look forward to the new books in this series because I can’t wait to hear what the characters are up to. I also look forward to reading the last couple of chapters because that’s where the unexpected twist in the story is revealed. I’m usually surprised to read it because I didn’t see it coming. I highly recommend reading the series from the first book because it’s like a continuous story.
October 27, 2026
I have read all in the series and the is another success that I found hard to put down. Excellent storyline with lots of twists and turns to keep the reader guessing. The characters are superb. As a retired police officer the camaderie between the team and the sarcasm, stupidity, humour and off the planet discussions all remind me of my own shift. Plus, I will never look at a corn on the cob in quite the same way🤣. Looking forward the the next one
October 7, 2026
Wrong Person
Brilliant story from an author at the top of his game with a terrible travesty of justice when the wrong person is taken and murdered.
Evan and the team were able through exact diligence to finally apprehend the people responsible.
Congrats to Catrin on her new bairn.
Easy to recommend but start at the beginning always helps.
Brilliant story from an author at the top of his game with a terrible travesty of justice when the wrong person is taken and murdered.
Evan and the team were able through exact diligence to finally apprehend the people responsible.
Congrats to Catrin on her new bairn.
Easy to recommend but start at the beginning always helps.
October 8, 2026
Cracking read!
The wolf is very firmly back in the driving seat in this outing of the team. Liked the clear picture given of how police procedures progress and roles each officer plays. Was able to see where this was leading fairly early on but it did not detract from my enjoyment at all. Can't wait for the next one and hope this series continues.
The wolf is very firmly back in the driving seat in this outing of the team. Liked the clear picture given of how police procedures progress and roles each officer plays. Was able to see where this was leading fairly early on but it did not detract from my enjoyment at all. Can't wait for the next one and hope this series continues.
October 20, 2026
ALWAYS A GREAT READ
Every installment in this series is better than the last. Rhys Dylan has a winner with the Evan Warlow series. It is my favorite police procedural. I love all the characters, none of them are too quirky or over the top. I like a bit of humor but not silliness and this fits the bill. I always look forward to another chapter in this series.
Every installment in this series is better than the last. Rhys Dylan has a winner with the Evan Warlow series. It is my favorite police procedural. I love all the characters, none of them are too quirky or over the top. I like a bit of humor but not silliness and this fits the bill. I always look forward to another chapter in this series.
October 21, 2026
I really enjoyed this book- I’ve really enjoyed EVERY book in this series! I relish following all the characters and Gil particularly, was well written in this one. The plot kept me thinking, the author adding depth and layers to the story with each subsequent chapter. I can’t wait until the next one!
October 22, 2026
Another great read from Rhys. Lots of paths to follow and mysteries to solve. All my favourite characters are there weaving the story together. In this book we learn a bit more about the personal life of the characters. I love the relationship between Rhys and Gil. Looking forward to the next book.
October 25, 2026
Convoluted story!
I absolutely love the recurring characters in this series - you feel.like they are old friends. I love their individual developing storylines.
This particular story follows a winding road (and it's a sad road). I had an inking early on but it didn't spoil things at all. A thoroughly engrossing book.
I absolutely love the recurring characters in this series - you feel.like they are old friends. I love their individual developing storylines.
This particular story follows a winding road (and it's a sad road). I had an inking early on but it didn't spoil things at all. A thoroughly engrossing book.
October 27, 2026
Worth the wait
I had been waiting awhile for Warlow and his team to return. the storylines were intriguing and moved along nicely. The author seems to know perfectly how to weave the right amount of mystery, humor, and police procedural. Well done and I can hardly wait for the next book.
I had been waiting awhile for Warlow and his team to return. the storylines were intriguing and moved along nicely. The author seems to know perfectly how to weave the right amount of mystery, humor, and police procedural. Well done and I can hardly wait for the next book.
October 28, 2026
Murder, Past and present.
This was a great read and even though you have people being murdered you see that people want to try to make things right for others. I think now we think how can I get out this mess rather than how disturbed we are over happenings we need to help others.
This was a great read and even though you have people being murdered you see that people want to try to make things right for others. I think now we think how can I get out this mess rather than how disturbed we are over happenings we need to help others.
October 28, 2026
This is so satisfying
No loose ends, completely believable storyline. As usual, a top-notch tale about my favorite group of characters, kind and competent and people I wish I really knew in real life. What happened was very sad, but a satisfying resolution to the killer of three people.
No loose ends, completely believable storyline. As usual, a top-notch tale about my favorite group of characters, kind and competent and people I wish I really knew in real life. What happened was very sad, but a satisfying resolution to the killer of three people.
October 10, 2026
Brilliant and griping
Rhys is my all time favourite author. His DCI Evan Warlow books, are griping and never fail to disappoint. Hard core crime alongside humour with great characters. Thank you for another fab story.
Rhys is my all time favourite author. His DCI Evan Warlow books, are griping and never fail to disappoint. Hard core crime alongside humour with great characters. Thank you for another fab story.
October 12, 2026
Best one yet!
Great premise, great characters and a couple of tweaks in the use of reports. I think the author should produce a map of Wales and pin where his books are located!
Loving his attitude on the senior police too.
Great premise, great characters and a couple of tweaks in the use of reports. I think the author should produce a map of Wales and pin where his books are located!
Loving his attitude on the senior police too.
October 13, 2026
Well what can I say, another fantastic read from the author. A series well established that just keeps getting better and better, great storylines, great characters, great books.
Warlow and the team doing what they do best, I won’t re-hash the storyline for my review but will just say what a read.
Warlow and the team doing what they do best, I won’t re-hash the storyline for my review but will just say what a read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews